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ProblemsByVin File / 2018-FORD-EXPLORER
2018 · ford

ford Explorer problems

1 safety recall. 686 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.6 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

body
263 reports · avg $1,500
moderate
engine
85 reports · avg $3,100
severe
electrical
44 reports · avg $850
severe
powertrain
38 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
steering
18 reports · avg $700
severe
visibility
17 reports · avg $350
moderate
suspension
16 reports · avg $900
severe
tires
9 reports · avg $150
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2018 Explorer · body
While traveling on [XXX] eastbound in the St. Louis, MO area I heard a pop and noticed my passenger side A-frame trim body piece was free from the top mooring point. This caused me to have to exit the freeway earlier than expected. Fortunately, the trim piece did not come…
12/31/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11633306.0
2018 Explorer · steering
VEHICLE WHEN ACCELERATING PULLS SHARPLY TO RIGHT . PROBLEM NOT RESOLVED AFTER 30 DAYS AT DEALERSHIP. ALIGNMENT WAS NOT PROBLEM. WAS DOCUMENTED WHILE UNDER WARRANTEE ANT WAS FIRST NOTICED AT 21000 MILES AND DOCUMENTED
12/31/2020 · NHTSA ODI #11385739.0
2018 Explorer · other Crash
WE TOOK OUR 2018 FORD EXPLORER INTO THE SHOP LAST WINTER COMPLAINING OF A BAD SMELL. THE SHOP KEPT OUR CAR FOR ABOUT 5 DAYS AND SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. 2 WEEKS AGO MY WIFE WENT TO THE ER AND WAS DIAGNOSED WITH CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. WE BEGAN WORKING WITH FOR TO HELP…
12/31/2020 · NHTSA ODI #11385749.0
2018 Explorer · electrical
During a storm, our SUV had water leaking in through the top, middle of the windshield. The water soaked the dashboard controls and our heating/air system was stuck on high heat and would not turn off. It was 70° and it was extremely hot in the SUV and the windows kept fogging…
12/30/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11707788.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 18V807000 14/11/2018

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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 number for this recall is 18S35.

Common questions

Is the 2018 Ford Explorer reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 686 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 Ford Explorer has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2018 Ford Explorer?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is body, with 263 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $1,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The body is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,500 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Ford Explorer has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2018 Ford Explorer?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 686 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 3 days ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with ford. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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