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severe Owners of the 2018 Ford Explorer have filed 4 NHTSA complaints about the fuel system at roughly $1,200 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See fuel system across all vehicles →
| Model year | fuel system complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Explorer | 7 |
| 2015 Explorer | 6 |
| 2016 Explorer | 5 |
| 2017 Explorer | 5 |
| 2018 Explorer (this page) | 4 |
| 2021 Explorer | 8 |
| 2022 Explorer | 12 |
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering fuel system 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.
SSM 47926 - 2018-2019 F-150/Expedition/Navigator/Transit/Explorer - Illuminated MalfunctionIndicator Lamp (MIL) With Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P025A Some 2018-2019 F-150, Expedition, Navigator, Transit and Explorer vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with DTC P025A stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to an intermittent or partial disconnect of the harnessto the fuel pump driver module (FPDM) connector. Confirm FPDM connector (F-150 C4336, Expedition/Navigator C433, Transit C433, Explorer C3239) is fully seated prior to performing PC/ED diagnostics or replacing any components. APPLICABLE VEHICLES
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
It's a meaningful issue. 4 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,200.
Based on the 4 complaints filed, fuel system issues most often appear around 60,067 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
Independent shops typically charge around $1,200 for fuel system 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.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover fuel system 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.