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2018 Ford Explorer fuel system problems
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 September 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.See fuel system across all vehicles →
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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
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.
Service BulletinSSM 47926Apr 2019
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
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting
0 most recent
Had fuel system 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 fuel system problem on the 2018 Ford Explorer?
It's a meaningful issue. 4 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,200.
At what mileage does the fuel system 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 $1,200 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.
Are there any recalls related to fuel system?
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.
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.