For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford has evaluated turbochargers replaced for oil leak symptoms and although oil may collect on the external surface of a turbocharger, it is extremely rare for a turbocharger assembly to be the root cause of the oil leak. Careful inspection of the turbocharger oil feed and drain tubes should be performed along with the recommended WSM procedures as needed. Warranty claims for turbocharger replacement going forward will be assessed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Ford Explorer engine problems
severe Owners of the 2018 Ford Explorer have filed 88 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 73,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
88
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Explorer | 187 |
| 2015 Explorer | 204 |
| 2016 Explorer | 336 |
| 2017 Explorer | 216 |
| 2018 Explorer (this page) | 88 |
| 2019 Explorer | 16 |
| 2020 Explorer | 68 |
| 2021 Explorer | 31 |
| 2022 Explorer | 13 |
2crashes
2fires
3injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 88 engine 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 engine 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.
Certain 2015-2019 MKC and 2016-2019 Explorer Vehicles Equipped With the 2.3L Engine and 6F35 Transmission Powertrain Control Module Reprogram Submitting Owner Letters
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This program provides a no-cost, one-time repair (if needed) to the high-speed cooling fan relay and respective electrical terminals, if affected, to ten (10) years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle, whichever occurs first.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. Before attempting any component diagnosis or replacement of the VCT solenoid, refer to Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) pinpoint test HK11 to cycle the affected VCT solenoid 10 times to attempt to clear the debris. For claiming, use causal part 6M280 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2019 MKC and 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine may exhibit a vibration/rough idle when the vehicle is in DRIVE or REVERSE. The vehicle may also exhibit a lack of engine revolutions per minute (RPM), lack of acceleration on take off and/or shudder while driving. This may be due to the torque converter overheating causing damage to the torque converter as well as possible internal damage to the transmission. To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the torque converter and specified internal transmission components that may have been damaged.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report two dominant failure patterns in 2018 Ford Explorer engines: coolant intrusion and ignition coil/spark plug misfire. Coolant-intrusion failures appear most frequently—coolant leaks internally into cylinders or the oil pan, causing rough idle, overheating, loss of compression, and ultimately engine seizure or catastrophic failure. Water pump failure is cited repeatedly; the pump sits inside the engine and when it fails, coolant flows into the oil undetected until the engine overheats without warning, sometimes with no prior symptoms. Repair estimates for water pump replacement range from $1,400 to $4,400, and many owners report the failure recurs within two years. Several narratives reference internal coolant leaks discovered only after the vehicle stalls or loses power on the highway.
Ignition and fuel-system issues cluster separately: spark plugs stick in cylinders, ignition coils fail intermittently triggering check-engine lights and misfires, and owners report replacing plugs and coils multiple times without resolution before coolant intrusion is discovered. Exhaust odors—ranging from fuel smell to sulfur to carbon monoxide—enter the cabin during acceleration or idle, causing nausea and headaches in occupants. Some narratives link stalling events to MAP sensor failures and timing-chain slip. A few owners mention engine stalling without warning at highway speeds, creating immediate danger. Multiple complaints reference known class-action lawsuits, TSBs, and recalls issued for other model years but not the 2018, leaving owners out of pocket.
Same Ford Explorer engine reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Coolant intrusion into cylinders and oil
Coolant leaks internally from the water pump or cooling system into cylinders and the oil pan, causing loss of compression, rough idle, overheating, and engine seizure. Owners detect milky oil, coolant in cylinders, and overheating warnings with empty coolant reservoirs.
When: 40,000 to 125,000 miles; typically 70,000–100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light, misfire codes (P0303, P0430); Engine overheating, temperature gauge high; Coolant reservoir empty, coolant pooling in oil pan; Rough idle, loss of power, vehicle stalling; White or blue smoke from exhaust; No warning until overheating occurs or engine fails
Codes mentioned: P0303 (Cylinder #3 misfire), P0430 (Catalyst system efficiency Bank 2), Low compression in multiple cylinders, Coolant detected in oil
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replacement quoted $1,400–$4,400 by dealerships; some owners paid $1,000–$2,000 at independent shops. Engine replacement quoted $8,000–$12,000 when coolant intrusion causes total failure. Multiple owners report the water pump failure recurs within 2 years.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers confirm diagnosis but inform owners vehicle is out of warranty (typically after 60,000–100,000 miles). Ford refused to cover repairs in most narratives. Class-action lawsuits mentioned; recalls issued in Canada and for other model years but not 2018 Explorer. TSBs and Customer Satisfaction Programs referenced but not applied to complainants' VINs.
Ignition coil and spark plug misfire
Spark plugs stick in cylinders and ignition coils fail intermittently, triggering check-engine lights and misfires. Owners report replacing plugs and coils multiple times without resolving the issue, and some find coolant intrusion only after repeated repair attempts.
When: 25,000 to 119,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light, steady or flashing; Misfire in one or more cylinders (P0303 common); Rough idle, vehicle shaking while idling; Hesitation during acceleration; Spark plug stuck in cylinder (discovered on removal or upon diagnosis); Issue recurs days or weeks after repair
Codes mentioned: P0303 (Cylinder #3 misfire), P0301, P0302, P0304 (misfire other cylinders), General misfire codes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships and independents replace spark plugs and ignition coils; parts cost is low, but labor varies. Owners report repairs failing within days and requiring multiple visits. One owner paid for three ignition coil replacements. No resolution until engine diagnosed with coolant intrusion.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers perform repairs under warranty when applicable but often fail to identify underlying coolant intrusion. TSB 10184634 and CSP 10181988 mentioned in one narrative; manufacturer opened a case but referred owner to NHTSA Hotline.
Engine stalling and loss of power
Engine stalls suddenly without warning while driving at various speeds, with no opportunity for driver reaction. Vehicle loses all power, forcing the driver to coast to safety. Restarts may be impossible immediately or after waiting 30 minutes to an hour.
When: 79,000 miles and other mileages unreported
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine stall, no warning lights beforehand in some cases; Total loss of engine power while driving; Message 'Full Accessory Active' displayed on some vehicles; Vehicle unable to restart immediately; restart possible after delay; Failure not reproducible at dealership (but recurs for owner)
Codes mentioned: No diagnostic codes stored in some failures
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in reported narratives; failure not duplicated at dealership or independent mechanic during diagnostic visits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; case number provided. Owner referred to NHTSA Hotline. No recall or known remedy identified.
MAP sensor failure (multiple occurrences)
MAP (manifold absolute pressure) sensor fails repeatedly, causing catastrophic engine stall at highway speeds. Owner reported three failures in four years at only 42,000 miles, with no identifiable root cause and high risk of accident.
When: 42,000 miles total over four years; failures at 40,000, 42,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls suddenly at highway speed (70 mph reported); Complete loss of engine power, no warning; Failure occurs without pattern or prior indication
Codes mentioned: MAP sensor fault codes (specific codes not cited)
Repairs/costs cited: MAP sensor replaced three times in four years. No permanent fix identified. Dealership unable to determine root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership has no explanation; told owner 'this never happens twice' then 'we don't know what's causing it.' No recall or comprehensive solution offered.
Exhaust odors in cabin (fuel, sulfur, carbon monoxide)
Strong exhaust, fuel, or sulfur odors enter the cabin during acceleration, idle, or remote start, causing nausea, headaches, vomiting, and fatigue in occupants. Some narratives indicate potential carbon monoxide intrusion. Dealers diagnose but often cannot remedy or deny the issue.
When: Low mileage (under 10,000 miles in some cases) and throughout ownership; persists intermittently
Symptoms owners cite: Strong exhaust, fuel, or sulfur smell in cabin during acceleration or idle; Smell dissipates when windows opened; Occupant nausea, headaches, vomiting, dizziness, extreme fatigue; Smell particularly strong during remote start or merging; No warning lights
Codes mentioned: No engine codes; HVAC or emissions system diagnostics inconclusive
Repairs/costs cited: Door seals replaced in one case without resolution. HVAC update performed in another case; failure recurred. Dealers state coating on exhaust system or say 'normal operation' and refuse repair. Exhaust system crack repaired in one narrative; smell persisted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to replicate in many cases or state issue cannot be fixed. One dealership acknowledged 'leaking exhaust fumes' and worked up quote. Ford Corporate stated smell is 'normal when accelerating.' No consistent remedy offered. One narrative references unspecified recalls for other model years; 2018 stated as not included.
Water pump internal failure with no prior warning
Water pump located inside the engine fails without warning lights or temperature gauge changes, causing sudden coolant loss and engine overheating. No symptoms appear until the engine overheats dramatically or fails, creating safety hazard on highways.
When: 63,880 to 101,345 miles; one failure at 125,000 miles after previous repair
Symptoms owners cite: No warning lights or dashboard indicators before failure; Sudden overheating when driving (temperature gauge may spike only after failure); Coolant reservoir empty or drained rapidly; Coolant pooling under vehicle or leaking onto ground; Coolant leak into oil (milky oil appearance); Engine stalling or deceleration on highway
Codes mentioned: No codes until overheating occurs; then P0430 or overtemp warning
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replacement cost $1,400–$4,400 depending on labor and dealership. One owner reported pump failed again within two years, requiring second $4,400 repair. Mechanics state pump location inside engine makes replacement labor-intensive; engine timing chain and other components must be accessed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers confirm diagnosis and quote repair but deny warranty coverage for out-of-warranty vehicles. Ford refused to provide financial assistance or recall in most narratives. Recalls issued in Canada for the same issue; U.S. 2018 Explorer not recalled. Class-action lawsuits referenced; owners cite Ford's knowledge of design flaw since 2011.
Transmission failure with engine symptoms
Transmission failure diagnosed alongside or misattributed to engine issues. One narrative indicates transmission failed due to failed spark plugs and filters with significant engine rust; vehicle jerked and hesitated during shifting, sputtered, and produced grinding noise.
When: 65,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Jerking and hesitation during shift (reverse and drive); RPM revving without acceleration; Vehicle sputtering and grinding noise at 20+ mph; Violent shaking at idle; Check engine light and WRENCH light illuminated
Codes mentioned: P0303 (misfire in cylinder #3), TSB 10184634 and CSP 10181988 linked by owner
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; owner linked symptoms to TSBs after manufacturer investigation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer confirmed VIN not included in recall, CSP 10181988, or TSB 10184634. Opened a case and referred owner to NHTSA Hotline.
Timing chain slip and internal engine damage
Timing chain apparently slips, causing pistons to collide with valves. Engine stalls without warning at highway speed. Mechanic heard ticking noise at prior service but issue was ignored because computer produced no error codes.
When: 101,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Timing chain slip; Engine stalls suddenly without warning at highway speed (80 mph); Piston-valve collision (internal damage); Ticking noise from engine (audible at prior service)
Codes mentioned: No error codes produced despite mechanical failure
Repairs/costs cited: Engine failure; repair cost unknown but total replacement implied.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Owner notes mechanics ignored obvious ticking during prior service.
Catalytic converter efficiency failure
Check engine light triggered by catalytic converter efficiency code (P0430 Bank 2). Repair cost exceeds $1,800 at independent shop; warranty denied because repair performed outside dealership.
When: Under 75,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; P0430 code (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 2)
Codes mentioned: P0430
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost $1,800+ at independent shop. Owner later discovered issue is warranty-covered but Ford denied reimbursement because repair not performed at dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford warranty guide specifies coverage for P0430; Ford denied claim due to non-dealership repair. No alternative support offered.
Cooling fan relay and high-speed fan motor issues
Cooling fan operates unexpectedly, running loudly and continuously even when vehicle is off or not overheated. Related to high-speed cooling fan motor relay recall. Dealership replaced fan motor instead of relay, then replaced relay; fan continues to run abnormally after both repairs.
When: Unknown; customer was attempting to address recall 24V031
Symptoms owners cite: Fan runs at high volume unexpectedly; Fan operates when vehicle is off or cold; Fan runs continuously despite no overheating; Excessive noise from engine bay
Codes mentioned: Recall 24V031 (not fully repairable at time of complaint due to parts shortage), High-speed cooling fan motor relay recall
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced fan motor, then later replaced relay switch per recall. Cost and parts history unclear. Customer reports both repairs failed to resolve loud fan operation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 24V031 unresolved due to parts shortage. Dealership performed relay and fan replacement per other recalls but claimed issue is resolved and stated customer is welcome to take vehicle to another dealership.
Synthesized from 88 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Failed water pump and coolant leak. Numerous vehicles are failed for the same reason at each local shop and Ford dealer we’ve contacted for a quote. Repair costs are expected between $5,000 and $6,000.
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2018 Ford Explorer?
It's a meaningful issue. 88 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 37 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 22,000 and 108,000 miles, with the median around 73,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 22,000; a quarter make it past 108,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.