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2018 Ford Explorer body problems
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Owners of the 2018 Ford Explorer have filed 271 NHTSA complaints about the body at roughly $1,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.See body across all vehicles →
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. The interim owner notification letter was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S54. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering body on this vehicle — documented
repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall
(it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Service BulletinSSM 54601Feb 2026
Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how
For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are followed when diagnosing the condition prior to all module replacements and only order modules using
A new 3M adhesive is now available, allowing a longer working time, along with mixing nozzles and applicator. 3M Universal Adhesive Black Part Number 08223, 3M Static Mixing Nozzles Part Number 08193 This program provides a one-time repair for the roof rail covers and retaining clips to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle, whichever occurs first. This is a one-time repair program. Both roof rail covers should be serviced at time of repair. If a vehicle has already exceeded either the time or mileage limits, this extended warranty coverage will last through June 30, 2021. Coverage is automatically transferred to subsequent owners.
On some of the affected vehicles, the roof rail covers can become loose, which can lead to a visible gap between the cover and roof rail base assembly, rattling, and potential detachment.
This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Water intrusion remains the most persistent complaint. Owners describe soaking wet floors—often confined to the passenger side—even when parked during light rain. Early cases (2018–2021) pinpoint the front A-pillar seam and roof rail trim as culprits. Dealers have run water tests and carwash trials; some applied urethane sealant without lasting results. One owner noted mold growth from standing water hidden under all-weather floor liners. Sunroof motors have failed due to water ingress.
The A-pillar trim detachment issue dominates recent complaints (2024–2025). Owners report the windshield exterior A-pillar applique trim clip separating at highway speeds (40–80 mph), flying into traffic and striking other vehicles. Detachments have triggered swerving and at least one sideswipe. Both driver and passenger sides fail. NHTSA Recall 24V031000 addresses this, but parts remain unavailable after 18+ months. Dealers tell owners to use tape as a temporary fix. One owner's recall repair failed twice; a second trim replacement also came loose.
Roof rack rail covers blow off—documented as early as 2021—launching hard plastic pieces into traffic. Silicone or adhesive applied at the factory or during repair does not hold. Multiple owners describe the same failure on multiple trips; dealers resist full replacement.
Passenger and driver doors exhibit misalignment, warping, and leaking gaskets. One door flew open at 40 mph; Ford inspectors never arrived. Another panel shows air-to-interior gap allowing whistling at highway speed.
Dashboard peeling and bubbling occurs near the airbag housing, raising concern about unintended deployment. Hood latches fail intermittently, popping open at 70 mph with repeated reoccurrence.
B-pillar trim detaches, exposing wiring and causing phantom warning lights. Exterior windshield trim fractures, and dealers deny coverage even when cracks form.
Same Ford Explorer body reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Water intrusion through A-pillar and roof rail trim
Unsealed or deteriorating trim clips and seams allow rainwater to enter the vehicle interior, pooling on floors and damaging electrical components.
When: 2018–2021 early cases; ongoing through 2024
Symptoms owners cite: Soaking wet passenger-side floorboard; Water pooling under seats; Mold growth from trapped moisture; Sunroof/moonroof motor failure; Water entry during carwash; Water leaking from bottom of windshield
Repairs/costs cited: Urethane sealant applied to A-pillar seams (2015 Edge remedy referenced); sealant application has not resolved leaks in multiple cases. Owners cite $438+ for trim replacement. Some dealers offered sealant-only fix with follow-up 3-day drying assessment.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued recalls for A-pillar and roof rail trim on 2018 Explorer (referenced in complaint #1). 2015 Edge owner held for 3-day inspection; buyback threatened if leak persisted after sealant.
A-pillar windshield trim detachment
The exterior A-pillar applique trim clip attachment separates from the windshield frame, detaching mid-drive and becoming airborne hazard.
When: 2024–2025 (Recall 24V031000 issued February 2024); failures recur even after replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Trim detaches and flies into traffic; Detachment at 40–80 mph; Flapping or whistling sound before detachment; Trim clips fracture; Both driver and passenger sides fail on same vehicle; Trim raised by slipstream and blown off; Water leaking through gap after detachment
Repairs/costs cited: Trim replacement attempted under recall; parts unavailable for 18+ months post-recall notice. One owner's recall repair failed; second trim replacement also detached. Dealers advised owners to tape trim as temporary fix. Replacement parts estimated $438 when purchased out-of-pocket.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 24V031000 issued February 2024; manufacturer stated parts would be available 'latter half of 2024.' As of Q1 2025, parts remain on backorder. Manufacturer referred owners to NHTSA Hotline. One owner offered $900/month payment plan; Ford declined to replace vehicle. Manufacturer told one contact vehicle was safe to drive until repair available.
Roof rack rail cover detachment
Plastic covers on roof rack rails separate from push pins or clips, becoming projectiles on roadways.
Symptoms owners cite: Banging sound from roof at ~60 mph; Plastic covers coming loose; Covers blow off at highway speeds (50+ mph); Multiple detachments on same vehicle; Failed roof rank push pins
Repairs/costs cited: Silicone or adhesive applied to clips (factory or during prior service) does not resolve. New clips installed without success. Full rack replacement refused by dealer unless covers detach again. One owner cited online complaints indicating this is widespread unresolved issue.
Door misalignment, warping, and seal failure
Passenger or driver doors hang improperly, warp, or leak due to defective gaskets and frame geometry.
When: At or near new (bought 2018; issue noted shortly after)
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger door flew open at 40 mph; Door twisted and warped; Door leaks water after rain; Door pops open while locked (alarm triggered); Gasket replacement did not stop leak; Panels shifted to the right; Misalignment of door relative to body
Repairs/costs cited: Door received new gasket and technician repair (twisted frame); leak persisted. Ford field inspector requested but never arrived. Dealer refused to replace vehicle despite 12 complaints to Ford hotline.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford refused vehicle replacement. No field inspection completed.
B-pillar trim detachment
Exterior trim on B-pillar (side window post) separates, exposing internal wiring and causing electrical warnings.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: B-pillar trim detaches from vehicle; Exposed electrical wiring; Unknown warning lights illuminate; Tailgate ajar warning with tailgate closed; Driver-side keyless entry trim (B-pillar area) detaches while driving (73 mph)
Codes mentioned:Tailgate ajar (phantom warning)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired. Owner disconnected battery due to exposed wiring and false warnings.
Windshield exterior trim fracture
Front exterior windshield trim cracks or breaks, sometimes due to detachment impact or age-related material failure.
When: 92,500 miles (one case); 25+ miles (another case)
Symptoms owners cite: Fractured exterior front windshield trim; Trim fracture and detachment at highway speed (80 mph); Trim does not fully detach but fractures; Gasket surrounding A-pillar trim deteriorates and detaches
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer informed owner repair not covered under recall because entire trim did not detach. Replacement cost unknown.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer advised repair not covered under 24V031000 because partial detachment/fracture is outside recall scope.
Dashboard peeling and bubbling near airbag
Dashboard surface and leather material peel or bubble, with delamination occurring near airbag housing, raising risk of airbag malfunction.
When: ~50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard peeling; Bubbles forming on passenger-side to driver-side dashboard above airbag; Leather peeling
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed dashboard replacement needed; vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner advised to contact NHTSA Hotline.
Hood latch failure
Hood latch intermittently fails, allowing hood to pop open during highway driving.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Hood opened unexpectedly at 70 mph; Hood latch slightly ajar; Hood ajar message displayed; Failure reoccurred on second occasion at 70 mph
Codes mentioned:Hood Ajar
Repairs/costs cited: Owner manually closed hood roadside; no diagnosis or repair attempted.
Synthesized from 271 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting
9 most recent
body
· filed 12/31/2024
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 completely dislodged and cause further danger on the freeway. I still need to drive this vehicle with a trim piece that is…
body
· filed 12/30/2024
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 local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not…
body
· filed 12/29/2025
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 local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the remedy was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made…
body
· filed 12/29/2025
[XXX] ur complaint I can't figure out where one files a complaint on an outstanding recall. Ford keeps sending notices, but is obviously not serious about fixing the issue, as its been going on approaching 3 years. If you call their hotline, it cuts you off after entering the recall number, saying there's no available fix at the moment. However, by searching some dealers around the nation, the…
body
· filed 12/27/2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURER); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact had not…
body
· filed 12/23/2025
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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
body
· filed 12/23/2025
My VIN was removed for the A Pillar recall. I received no notice as to why and my car was inspected a year ago. At that time the problem was not present. It is present now, but for some reason, my VIN has been removed. I would like to know under what conditions it was removed and by whom.
body
· filed 12/22/2025
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 at 50 MPH, the passenger's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the passenger's…
body
· filed 12/22/2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V301000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH in high winds, the passenger’s side exterior A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on two occasions, where it was diagnosed and determined that the exterior A-pillar trim needed to be replaced.…
Had body trouble with your 2018 Ford Explorer?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the body problem on the 2018 Ford Explorer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 271 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to body?
Yes — 3 active recall(s) cover body issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Ford/Explorer.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.