2018 Ford Explorer
The Verdict
The 2018 Ford Explorer has 687 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (465 complaints) and engine (133 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 15/100, it earns a "Total Klunk" rating. If you're shopping for a Ford Explorer, consider the 2024 model year which has 97% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2024 has 97% fewer complaints
View the 2024 Ford Explorer dashboard →
Klunk Score: Total Klunk
Among the most complained-about vehicle years on record. Strongly consider alternatives.
How is this calculated?
The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.
Recalls 1
Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.5L GTDI engine. Due to an assembly error, the fuel pressure sensor may leak fuel.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line assembly, free of charge. The recall began December 7, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's nu...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
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Under the Hood
Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.
| Year | Body | Brakes | Electrical | Engine | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 591 | 60 | 179 | 136 | 137 |
| 2001 | 414 | 51 | 96 | 95 | 97 |
| 2002 | 1356 | 127 | 286 | 322 | 1518 |
| 2003 | 677 | 48 | 116 | 137 | 332 |
| 2004 | 672 | 39 | 86 | 155 | 450 |
| 2005 | 279 | 14 | 53 | 129 | 93 |
| 2006 | 76 | 28 | 26 | 244 | 261 |
| 2007 | 76 | 10 | 31 | 39 | 51 |
| 2008 | 49 | 6 | 37 | 27 | 28 |
| 2009 | 20 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 2 |
| 2010 | 41 | 11 | 15 | 24 | 23 |
| 2011 | 864 | 21 | 121 | 131 | 54 |
| 2012 | 572 | 19 | 73 | 112 | 39 |
| 2013 | 1512 | 31 | 158 | 397 | 91 |
| 2014 | 1114 | 24 | 139 | 304 | 64 |
| 2015 | 1143 | 26 | 152 | 351 | 57 |
| 2016 | 1496 | 13 | 176 | 554 | 156 |
| 2017 | 1116 | 16 | 100 | 329 | 85 |
| 2018 | 465 | 7 | 48 | 133 | 34 |
| 2019 | 186 | 4 | 19 | 32 | 32 |
| 2020 | 378 | 60 | 154 | 157 | 406 |
| 2021 | 172 | 16 | 40 | 69 | 95 |
| 2022 | 101 | 9 | 32 | 50 | 51 |
| 2023 | 62 | 6 | 11 | 14 | 6 |
| 2024 | 15 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 2025 | 45 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 13 |
By Category
By Severity
Worst Problems
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Complaints
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V101000 (Suspension), and the recall repair was completed. The contact stated that immediately after the recall repair, while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the rear end of the vehicle fishtailed, and the contact lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer on several occasions; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact was advised that the tires needed to be replaced. The contact purchased and replaced the tires and had a four-wheel alignment performed, but the failure persisted, although not as severe. While the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the tread on the rear tires was extremely worn. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the dealer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
While driving out of a turn or curve, the steering does not return to center. Which may cause veering into other lanes or off the road.
Less that 100k miles and my transmission already needs replaced. Last year my engine was sputtering making my car jerk while driving went to shop they did a total transmission fluid changed but said my transmission is likely going bad it helped mostly and I had high hopes the problem was solved it was not fast forward to now my transmission went then caused the torque converter to go my car was shaking so bad while stopped and in drive in order to go i had to put my foot all the way to the floor and quickly move to the break sometimes my car would fly other times it would take so long to go that people would try to fly around me then my car would shoot forward and id have to slam on breaks and the rpm gage was all over the place while maintaining the same speed. My car should not need a new transmission at under 84000 miles. This was so dangerous. When I did a search so many reddit posts about 2018 explorers torque converters and Transmissions going bad. I'm livid. I don't have 8k to replace the transmission in a vehicle i still owe 10k on
Vehicle: 2018 Ford Explorer Mileage at Failure: 62,212 miles On [XXX] while driving my 2018 Ford Explorer, the wrench warning light suddenly illuminated on the dashboard. At the same time, the vehicle experienced a significant loss of power and became extremely sluggish in acceleration. When I pressed the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond normally and did not accelerate as expected. This condition created a serious safety hazard because the vehicle could not maintain or increase speed when needed in traffic. Had this occurred while entering a highway, crossing an intersection, or attempting to avoid another vehicle, it could have resulted in a crash. The vehicle has been inspected by McCarthy Ford. The dealership diagnosed transmission-related problems and provided a repair estimate of $6,384.94. Ford Motor Company previously issued Customer Satisfaction Programs 20B27 and 20N07 for certain Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with the 6F35 transmission. Ford's own documentation acknowledges that transmission torque converter overheating may result in low performance, lack of acceleration during launch, sluggish vehicle operation, vibration, shuddering, and related transmission concerns. These symptoms are consistent with the condition experienced in my vehicle. I reported the issue to Ford Motor Company and sent a certified letter to CEO James D. Farley, Jr. requesting assistance and a policy adjustment due to the known transmission and torque converter concerns. To date, I have not received a satisfactory response. I am submitting this complaint because the sudden loss of acceleration and reduced vehicle power created a significant safety risk while operating the vehicle on public roadways. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the front Driver-side A-pillar trim detached and struck a nearby vehicle. The contact pulled over to check on the vehicle that was struck by the front driver’s side A-pillar trim and retrieved the trim piece. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
My vehicles transmission has been replaced 2 times already (3 years apart)- now it is overheating. Absolutely no warning lights have came on at any time in regards to any of my situations - My vehicle is available for inspection at any time. When the transmission went in my vehicle, I was traveling on an interstate with my child. The dealer has confirmed replaced the transmission as it was still under the 5 year warranty - my vehicle is set to go back into the shop today to be inspected as to why it is overheating.
The airbag light shown in the attached photo came on at an unknown period of time. We did not know when this came on that it was not a normal light. This is a safety issue as there are many causes for this light to come on, and with this light being on the airbag may not deploy properly or at all during a collision. We did take the vehicle to the Ford dealership for warranty work and they did not say anything about the light on the dash. Which adds to the reason why we did not know that the light meant there was a problem. There are other airbag lights that come on in the sinners console for the passenger side airbags that are orange as well.
Attempted to make an appointment on XXX with [XXX], 2121 W Bell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85023 phone 602-375-7400 to have the two open safety recalls completed( 26V101 & 24v031). Could not make a service appointment because the service writer said that parts were not available and had no idea of when they would be available to fix the safety recalls. Service writer indicated they COULD NOT notify me when parts were available. I was to continuously call them for follow up as to when the car could be fixed. I continue to use the vehicle in spite of the safety defects as I can not afford another transportation method. Please help me get my Explorer fixed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The driver side Keyless door entry pillar has come off on the highway and hit something. The keyless door entry panel came off in 2023 and Koons Ford of Annapolis charged me $ 523.00 to fix the panel. The panel has a small clip and double stick tape. Sorry, double stick tape is not going to hold up to weather variations throughout the year, wind speed and age. Terrible and dangerous design. You gave 2017 a Recall 25S53 for ford but NOT 2018
The horn on my vehicle activates (blows) when I turn the steering wheel to certain positions. I believe this to be a road hazard. Especially since I had to remove the horn relay to prevent the horn from blowing in traffic until I can get it repaired. Several other Ford vehicles have been recalled for this exact problem. Just to diagnose this problem at the Ford dealer is $170.00. Help!
The exterior A-pillar applique trim piece began detaching from the vehicle while driving. The part became loose and was hanging from the vehicle whilst in motion, at which point I safely pulled over and removed it to prevent it becoming a road hazard. The trim is now fully detached and available for inspection upon request. Upon checking Ford's official recall portal, the recall is confirmed as incomplete against this vehicle with the status "remedy not yet available." Ford's own recall notice stated parts were anticipated in the latter half of 2024 — it is now June 2026 and parts remain unavailable, representing an 18-month overrun on Ford's own published commitment. No warning was given prior to the trim becoming loose. No crash, fire or injury occurred. I am requesting this be logged as an active safety incident rather than a routine pending recall, and that NHTSA apply pressure on Ford to prioritize parts availability for owners whose trim has already physically detached while driving.
The transmission completely failed without any warning lights or any other audible or visible signs of failure. This left my stranded on the side of the road. The local dealership has told me that I do have to replace the transmission. I have since called Ford Manufacturing's customer service department who told me there are no programs available to help assist with the cost of the transmission repair. There were no lamps, messages, sounds, smells, or visual cues.
Total engine failure in the Ford Explorer XLT 2.3L ecoboost.
I had 2 recalls on my 2018 Ford Explorer and when I was finally notified parts were available for both I took to dealer to have them both fixed. Ford fixed the recall (rear suspension toe link - 26S08/26V101) but could not completely repair the other A Pillar Trim recall (24S08/26V101) because they said parts were not available. My letter clearly states they were. Ford ripped off my A pillar trim exposing both sticky and jagged plastic edges not only making an unsightly appearance but safety hazard. I have grabbed this area several times getting in and out, scraping my hands, staining my skin and clothes with the adhesive left on and get foreign objects stuck in this area.
The driver’s side B-pillar popped off while driving on the highway at appx. 65mph. It snapped in half. The top portion is gone but the wired portion with the keypad is remaining still. The passenger side looks like it may come off as well.
On March 26, 2026, my vehicle received the rear suspension toe link replacement under Ford/NHTSA Recall 26S08 (26V101000). Within approximately 5 weeks, all four rear tires were completely destroyed by misalignment caused by Ford’s non-adjustable replacement parts. On approximately May 2, 2026 — during the first rain after the recall service — my vehicle hydroplaned and skidded uncontrollably, creating a serious risk of collision and injury. On May 4, 2026, Mavis Tire & Brake [XXX] ) confirmed the cause: Ford’s non-adjustable recall toe link replacement had left my rear wheels severely out of alignment (rear total toe measured 2.09° — over 4x outside the acceptable range of 0.10°–0.50°). The Mavis Service Manager documented in writing on Invoice #21381: “REPLACED REAR ARMS WITH ADJUSTABLE ARMS TO CORRECT ALIGNMENT.” The Mavis technician noted I was the second Ford Explorer customer within the same few weeks to present with this identical defect. I paid $1,507.93 out of pocket for four replacement tires, two new adjustable control arms to replace Ford’s defective recall parts, and alignment service. KEY EVIDENCE IN MY POSSESSION: • Mavis Invoice #XXX ($1,507.93) with Service Manager’s written admission • Pre- and post-repair alignment reports showing extreme misalignment and full correction • Photographs of destroyed Bridgestone Alenza 255/50R20 tires (severe inner-edge wear) • Ford dealership video from March 26, 2026 showing tires in good condition before recall service • VIN door sticker confirming vehicle specs • Complete case overview document prepared for submission INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
A-Pillar Trim flew off on the highway and almost caused a accident. The second one is also coming off. There was a recall for certain VINs but somehow mine wasn't included in the recall.
Subject: BBB Auto Line Claim – Water Intrusion and Sunroof/Moonroof Motor Damage Related to Recall To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this written statement as supporting explanation to claim # XXX) with regarding my 2018 Ford Explorer Sport (VIN: [XXX] ) and issues related to a known exterior trim defect that allows water intrusion into the vehicle. Ford has issued recalls and service campaigns related to exterior trim components on the 2018 Ford Explorer, including A-pillar and roof rail trim that may become loose or improperly sealed. These components can allow water to enter the vehicle structure. As a result of this defect, my vehicle has experienced water intrusion that has affected the sunroof/moonroof system, including the motors and associated components. The presence of water in this area has caused malfunction of the sunroof/moonroof and track operation and has created the potential for further electrical damage. The condition appears to be directly related to the trim defect that Ford has acknowledged through safety recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Ford Explorer. Despite this known issue, the damage to the sunroof/moonroof components has not been fully addressed. I am requesting that Ford Motor Company: 1.Acknowledge that the trim defect allowing water intrusion contributed to the damage of the sunroof/moonroof and tracking system. 2.Cover the cost of diagnosing and repairing any damaged sunroof/moonroof motors and related components. 3.Ensure that all recall-related trim repairs are properly completed to prevent further water intrusion. This claim is being filed because the defect originates from a manufacturing issue that has been the subject of recalls affecting this model. As a consumer, I should not be responsible for repairs caused by a defect acknowledged by the manufacturer. Vehicle Information Year/Model: 2018 Ford Explorer Sport VIN: [XXX] Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company I respectfully request that INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a popping sound coming from the roof. While at a car wash, the contact became aware that the roof rail had detached. The contact stated that the roof rail had detached several times after being reinstalled. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (STRUCTURE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.
687 total