Recalls, complaints, and safety data from NHTSA
The 2018 Ford Explorer has 6 recalls, 689 complaints, and a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.
6
Recalls
689
Complaints
★★★★★
Safety Rating
Data source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) · Last updated May 18, 2026
19V633000
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Fo...
18V807000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.5L GTDI engine. Due to an assembly error, the fuel...
21V316000
STRUCTURE:BODY
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach ...
24V031000
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing t...
25V685000
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsai...
26V101000
SUSPENSION:REAR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
Overall
★★★★★
Front Crash
★★★★★
Side Crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rating for: 2018 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD
| Date ↓ | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 23, 2026 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there wa... |
| Apr 16, 2026 | ENGINE | I PURCHASED A 2018 FORD EXPLORER WITH THE 2.3L 4 CYLINDER ENGINGE IN 2023. WITHIHN A YEAR OF MY ENG... |
| Apr 7, 2026 | ENGINE | At 89k miles, my engine has failed, due to coolant intrusion, according to Ken Garff Ford Dealership... |
| Apr 2, 2026 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Vehicle is equipped with operational red and blue lights that are prohibited under the color of law,... |
| Mar 28, 2026 | STEERING,WHEELS | After replacing the newest recall for the rear toe link on my Explorer, I’ve noticed (along with a c... |
| Mar 26, 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | On March 26, 2026, my vehicle received the rear suspension toe link replacement under Ford/NHTSA Rec... |
| Mar 26, 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | A-Pillar Trim flew off on the highway and almost caused a accident. The second one is also coming of... |
| Mar 25, 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I received a Recall for 2018 Ford Explorer for the rear suspension toe links NHTSA Recall 26V101. I... |
| Mar 25, 2026 | SUSPENSION | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 2... |
| Mar 23, 2026 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the roof rail detached while the vehi... |
| Mar 20, 2026 | STRUCTURE | While driving at an undisclosed speed, I noticed an abnormal buzzing sound coming from the windshiel... |
| Mar 20, 2026 | SUSPENSION | Received Safety Recall 26S08 about rear suspension toe link. However, the new toe link design Ford p... |
| Mar 12, 2026 | SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers:... |
| Mar 6, 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | My 2018 Ford Explorer continues to have issues with the rear back up camera. It makes it difficult t... |
| Feb 28, 2026 | AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Horn stopped working. Airbag indicator will not reset. Took to local dealership but their servic... |
| Feb 22, 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Entertainment system control. Power draws down and kills battery. Display locks into reverse came... |
| Feb 15, 2026 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 2... |
| Feb 13, 2026 | ENGINE | Upon startup rough idle and check engine light came on. Mechanic confirmed cylinder head thinning ca... |
| Feb 11, 2026 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I own a Ford Explorer 2018 bought as second hand in July 2020. For the last three years, the investm... |
| Feb 10, 2026 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the VIN was associated with NHTSA Cam... |