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
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Ford Explorer electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2018 Ford Explorer have filed 45 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 43,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
45
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Explorer | 68 |
| 2015 Explorer | 71 |
| 2016 Explorer | 93 |
| 2017 Explorer | 81 |
| 2018 Explorer (this page) | 45 |
| 2019 Explorer | 17 |
| 2020 Explorer | 136 |
| 2021 Explorer | 34 |
| 2022 Explorer | 28 |
2fires
2injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 45 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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.
This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone connection issues Dropped phone connections Applink related performance Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic Slow system response NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of softwar
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗In various 2017-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, customers may receive a message in the FordPass or LincolnWay App stating Feature Unavailable. Since this is a fleet vehicle, it cannot access the (SYNC Connect) FordPass or LincolnWay app through the TCU Embedded Modem. If this message appears, the vehicle may be equipped with a fleet telematics module. Replacement of the TCU or TCU related repairs will not prevent this message from appearing. Refer the customer to in app FordPass Guides or LincolnWay Concierge Teams to aid with fleet telematics removal. Open app, select Account > Help > CHAT or CALL option.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2018-2023 F-150, Expedition, Navigator, Transit, Aviator and Explorer vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0627, P025A, P025B, P00C6, P008A and/or U0109 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to an intermittent or partial disconnect of the harness to the fuel pump control module (FPCM) connector, connector pin push-outs, damaged pins/terminals, or loose/corroded grounds. Inspect FPCM connector, applicable grounds (F-150 - G401, Expedition/Navigator - G403, Transit - G401, 2018-2019 Explorer G302, 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator - G407) and confirm FPCM connector (F-150 - C4336, Expedition/Navigator - C433, Transit - C433, 201
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2018 Explorer electrical cluster reveals systemic failures across multiple systems. The APIM infotainment module fails regularly, leaving owners with black screens and loss of backup camera, climate controls, and radio — often leaving parts on backorder for months. Battery drain is pervasive: vehicles fail to start after days of parking despite recent replacement, with some owners replacing batteries multiple times without resolving the underlying drain. Battery explosions occur with no dashboard warning, spraying acid through engine compartments and into cabins.
Exhaust fumes entering the cabin are reported frequently, causing headaches, nausea, burning eyes, and cognitive symptoms; one owner documented carbon monoxide poisoning. Some dealers claim rotten-egg smells are normal by design and refuse to address the issue. Water intrusion through windshield seals damages instrument panels and disables climate controls. Cooling fan relay failures cause engine overheating and undrivable conditions. Cold-start mornings sometimes trigger cascading failures across power steering, ABS, airbags, and windshield wipers simultaneously. Additional issues include headlight strobe failures unresolved after three replacement attempts, door-lock malfunctions during emergencies, and even electrical fires resulting in total losses. Liftgate, window, horn, and radio systems show persistent electrical faults. Dealers frequently cannot diagnose intermittent failures that owners experience regularly.
Same Ford Explorer electrical reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2019 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
APIM (Infotainment/Sync Module) Failure
The APIM module controlling the touchscreen display, backup camera, climate controls, radio, and vehicle sensors fails, rendering the screen black or unresponsive. Owners report intermittent operation that worsens over time before complete failure.
When: Various mileages from early ownership to 98,000 miles; appears temperature-dependent (worse in cold)
Symptoms owners cite: Touchscreen goes black or completely unresponsive; Backup camera inoperative; Climate controls inaccessible via screen; Radio not functional; Intermittent operation in cold weather or on hot days; Radio turns on at max volume unexpectedly and cannot be turned off or down; Gradual decline in functionality before total failure
Codes mentioned: APIM module failure confirmed by dealer diagnosis
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers recommend replacement; part frequently on backorder; cost cited as approximately $1100
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall pending for 2017 model year; owners report 2018 model not included in recall despite similar failures; Ford IT department acknowledged ongoing update issues unable to be fixed
Battery Drain / No-Start Condition
Battery drains rapidly even when vehicle is parked. Vehicle fails to start after sitting unused for days or even longer idle periods. Multiple battery replacements fail to resolve the issue. Unknown electrical component causing persistent drain.
When: Various mileages; typically appears after 50,000 miles but can occur earlier; recurs after battery replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start after several days of parking; Security system activates on its own without disturbance; Abnormal clicking sound from doors locking/unlocking continuously while attempting to start; Battery requires frequent replacement; Starts intermittently like a dead battery; Vehicle eventually becomes completely unable to start; Keyless entry keypad malfunctions and drains battery
Codes mentioned: Battery drain confirmed by dealer testing, Keyless entry keypad failure diagnosed
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replace battery multiple times without resolving root cause; keyless entry keypad reprogramming attempted; root cause drain remains unidentified
Battery Explosion / Acid Leak
Battery explodes or leaks acid into the engine compartment, releasing sulfur/rotten-egg odor. Occurs even on recently serviced batteries with no warning indicators on dashboard.
When: At various mileages; one case at 43,000 miles with 2-year-old battery; another at 5,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Strong sulfur/rotten-egg smell from engine compartment; Battery explodes, spraying acid over engine, undercarriage, tailgate, and tires; Acidic odor fills cabin; Battery unsecured or improperly installed; No warning lights prior to explosion
Repairs/costs cited: Engine compartment cleaned and battery replaced; owners pay for insurance claims due to acid damage to body and mechanical components
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford refuses to accept responsibility, treating as owner issue; does not cover acid damage under warranty
Exhaust Fumes / Odors in Cabin
Strong sulfur, rotten-egg, or burnt-hair odors entering cabin during acceleration, remote start, or idle. Owners report health symptoms including headaches, nausea, burning eyes, cognitive impairment, and sickness. Ford service claims sulfur/rotten-egg smell is normal due to catalytic converter design.
When: From early ownership (5,000 miles); persists across multiple service visits
Symptoms owners cite: Strong sulfur/rotten-egg smell in cabin during acceleration or remote start; Burnt-hair or exhaust-fume smell during acceleration and AC operation; Family members experience nausea, headaches, and burning eyes; Owner reports carbon monoxide poisoning diagnosis with MRI evidence; Cognitive impairment and TBI documented in one case; Severe fatigue and confusion experienced by owner; Multiple family members become sick simultaneously on same trip
Repairs/costs cited: Emission system recalled/serviced per protocol; problem worsens after recall work; Ford service report states sulfur/rotten-egg smell is normal by design; no catalytic converter code present; owners report $500 charge for 'poorly installed' emissions setup
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Refuses to replace catalytic converter; states smell is normal by design; denies lemon-law repurchase claim; refuses reacquisition despite multiple visits and documented health impacts
Engine Overheating / Cooling Fan Relay Failure
Engine overheats repeatedly due to high-speed cooling fan motor relay malfunction. Engine temperature warning light comes on repeatedly. Vehicle becomes undrivable.
When: Around 75,000-100,000 miles or later; symptoms first appear in February 2024 for one owner
Symptoms owners cite: Engine temperature warning light comes on repeatedly; Engine overheats repeatedly; Vehicle becomes completely undrivable; Battery requires constant recharging
Codes mentioned: Recall 21N01: High-Speed Cooling Fan Motor Relay
Repairs/costs cited: AAA roadside technician confirmed cooling fan relay defect via diagnostic scan; vehicle later surrendered to bank due to inability to afford repairs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 21N01 issued but not applied in timely manner; owner was never notified of recall while owning vehicle
Electrical Fire
Vehicle catches fire unexpectedly during normal driving or startup, likely due to electrical malfunction. No warning indicators before fire.
When: One case at 32 days of ownership; another while pulling into apartment after normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Loud pop sound from vehicle, followed by engine dying; Vehicle catches fire immediately upon restart attempt; Smoke rolling from under dash; Entire dash engulfed in fire; Doors locked and would not unlock during fire event
Codes mentioned: Ruled as electrical fire by fire department
Repairs/costs cited: Total loss; vehicle destroyed by fire
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented; gap insurance and extended warranty involved
A-Pillar Exterior Trim / Window Shield Detachment
Exterior A-pillar trim or window shield detaches from vehicle, creating road hazard. Part strikes windshield of following vehicle or causes excessive wind noise and water leakage into cabin.
When: Varies; one case attempted recall repair years prior to actual detachment; another at 75,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: A-pillar trim detaches during highway driving; Trim strikes windshield of vehicle behind, causing damage; Excessive wind noise after detachment; Water leaks into cabin; Visibly apparent trim failure
Codes mentioned: Recall 24V031000: Exterior A-Pillar Apical Molding, Recall 24V031: Exterior A-Pillar Apical Molding
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer placed owner on waiting list for unavailable part for over 2 years; refused to repair under recall; owner paid out of pocket or pursued legal action
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued (24V031/24V031000) but parts unavailable for extended periods; dealer refuses to honor recall and demands payment; Ford denies reacquisition
Multiple Electrical System Failures (Cold-Start Cascade)
On cold mornings, multiple vehicle systems fail simultaneously: power steering, turn signals, windshield wipers, 4WD, ABS, airbags, and parking aid warnings all fail together. Climate control retains prior temperature setting instead of adjusting.
When: Cold mornings; occurred at 749 miles (March 2018) and 1440 miles (April 2018)
Symptoms owners cite: No power steering; No turn signals; No windshield wipers; 4WD OFF warning; CHECK PARKING AID warning; SERVICE ADVANCETRAC warning; STEERING ASSIST FAULT warning; ABS light illuminated; Airbag light illuminated; Parking brake light on even though brake not engaged; Climate control blowing wrong temperature
Codes mentioned: Multiple warning codes during cold-start events
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to locate problem despite having vehicle for over one week
Headlight Failures / Strobe Effect
Low-beam headlights fail during night driving, strobe, or turn off unexpectedly. High-beam and LED lighting elsewhere still function. Multiple replacement attempts do not resolve issue.
When: At various mileages and driving times, particularly at night
Symptoms owners cite: Low-beam headlights strobe and then completely stop working; Vehicle unable to see road at night; Replacement of headlight modules does not fix issue; Purchase of new complete headlights does not fix issue after three sets; Passenger headlamp will not turn off until BCM disconnects after 20 minutes
Codes mentioned: B14E7:08-0A Right Front Enhanced Exterior Lighting System, Suspected broken wire in right front enhanced exterior lighting system wiring harness
Repairs/costs cited: Headlight modules and complete headlight units replaced multiple times without resolving issue; suspected wiring harness problem remains unresolved
Water Intrusion / Windshield Leaks
Rainwater leaks through windshield seals, particularly at top center and sides, soaking dashboard and electrical components. Creates inoperable instrument panel and electrical malfunctions. Climate control gets stuck on high heat.
When: During rain/storms; one case at 138,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Water leaking on both sides of windshield during rain; Water leaks onto instrument panel; Instrument panel becomes inoperable; Airbag warning light illuminated; Climate control stuck on high heat, unable to adjust; Windows fog up from moisture
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not included in NHTSA Campaign 24V031000 despite water intrusion complaints; vehicle not diagnosed or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred owner to NHTSA Hotline; no recall applied; vehicle not included in Structure recall despite similar defects
Backup Camera / Rear Camera Failure
Backup camera image distorted, unviewable, or completely inoperative. Rear camera wire connector fails due to water damage or other electrical fault. Multiple failures/reconnections.
When: Around 20,000 miles in one case; intermittent in others
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera image distorted and unviewable; Backup camera completely inoperative; Water damage causing failure; Rear camera wire connector failure; Nearly hit pedestrian due to inoperable camera
Repairs/costs cited: Rear camera wire connector replaced; failure reoccurred later despite repair
Door Lock / Keyless Entry Keypad Malfunctions
Driver-side exterior keypad malfunctions, blinks uncontrollably, or stops working. Doors lock/unlock continuously during startup attempts. Passenger door handle sensor fails to unlock. Door locks become stuck during emergency fire situation.
When: Various mileages; keypad failure at varying ages; lock failure during fire at 32 days of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Keypad on driver-side exterior door blinks uncontrollably then dies; Doors lock and unlock continuously without user input; Abnormal clicking sound from locking/unlocking cycle; Passenger door handle sensor fails to unlock doors; Doors stuck in locked position during emergency fire, delaying exit
Codes mentioned: Keyless entry keypad failure diagnosed
Repairs/costs cited: Keypad reprogramming attempted; doors stuck during fire event required emergency override
Liftgate / Rear Hatch Failures
Liftgate fails to open via button, key fob, or dashboard switch. Liftgate fuse requires replacement but failure persists. Liftgate opens independently while driving.
When: Around 25,000 miles in one case; recurring after fuse replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Liftgate will not open via button on liftgate; Liftgate will not open via key fob; Liftgate will not open via dashboard switch; Liftgate opens independently while driving; Liftgate fuse failure message displayed; Driver-side door keypad detached from pillar
Codes mentioned: Liftgate fuse failure
Repairs/costs cited: Liftgate fuse replaced twice in one year; failure persists; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred to NHTSA Hotline but provided no assistance
Climate Control / HVAC System Failures
Climate control system malfunctions, remaining stuck on previous temperature setting or turning on/off randomly. Air conditioning turns off or won't turn on randomly.
When: Various; water intrusion case at later mileage; random failures throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Climate control unable to change from previous temperature setting; A/C randomly turns off or won't turn on; A/C blows cold air when outside temperature is cold; Climate control system not accessible via screen (APIM failure related); Heating stuck on high and unable to turn off
Repairs/costs cited: Related to APIM failure in some cases; water intrusion case shows climate control stuck on high
Window Control / Power Window Failures
Power windows malfunction, failing to roll up or down. Side mirrors fold in during driving and won't fold back out until vehicle is stopped, turned off, and restarted.
When: Early in ownership; 4,200 miles in one reported case
Symptoms owners cite: Windows won't roll up or down; Side mirrors fold in while driving; Side mirrors remain folded until vehicle is restarted; Random timing of mirror failures
Horn Failures
Horn fails to sound or malfunctions. Horns located in area prone to water intrusion and shorting out in rainy weather. Horn changes tones over time before failing.
When: Multiple occurrences during ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Horn will not sound when steering wheel center pressed; Horn changes tones over period of time; Horn gets progressively quieter; Horn stops working completely; Fuses and relays in good condition
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaces horn; repeated failures; horn location prone to rain water entry
Radio / Audio System Failures
Radio flickers on and off during startup. Loud buzzing sound from radio. Radio stops working. Sound system malfunctions.
When: Various; flickering occurs for about 10 minutes after startup in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Radio flickers on and off for approximately 10 minutes after startup; Very distracting behavior; Loud buzzing sound from radio speaker area; Radio and backup screen stop working; Radio turns on at max volume unexpectedly; Cannot turn radio down or power off
Repairs/costs cited: Radio system replaced or serviced in some cases; failures related to APIM in others
Unintended Vehicle Shutdown While Driving
Vehicle shuts off unexpectedly during driving at various speeds. Occurs without warning. Sometimes accompanied by electrical system cascading failures.
When: Various mileages and driving scenarios
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shuts off unintendedly while driving; No warning prior to shutdown; Lights go crazy then shut off during shutdown; Loss of power steering and brakes immediately; Vehicle requires towing after shutdown
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator diagnosed as faulty in one case but not repaired; dealers unable to reproduce issue
Synthesized from 45 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
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 up making it hard to see. Our temperature controls no longer work properly.
I am filing a safety complaint regarding unresolved recalls on my 2018 Ford Explorer (VIN: [XXX] ). FIRST RECALL: Over two years ago, I was notified to repair the exterior A-pillar trim/window shields. The dealer in Yakima, WA, placed me on a waiting list and said the part was unavailable. I have been waiting over two years with no resolution. Recently, while driving on the highway, this part…
Had electrical 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 electrical problem on the 2018 Ford Explorer?
It's a meaningful issue. 45 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 12,000 and 73,000 miles, with the median around 43,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 12,000; a quarter make it past 73,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
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.