NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The rear suspension toe links may fracture, which can affect vehicle handling and stability.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the toe links at no cost to you.
This page covers 7 recalls, 690 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Ford Explorer.
18–22 mpg combined
10.7–13.1 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Structural complaints dominate the 2018 Explorer owner reports by a wide margin, with body and trim issues accounting for more than a third of all complaints filed. The most commonly described problem is exterior trim and body components separating from the vehicle, owners report roof rails detaching, A-pillar trim pieces flying off at highway speeds, and similar fit and finish failures. Rear tire wear is another recurring structural complaint, with multiple owners describing rapid and uneven tire destruction they attribute to rear suspension geometry and non-adjustable alignment components. Engine complaints are the second-most reported named system, centered on coolant-related failures: owners describe coolant disappearing without visible pooling, rough starts, misfires, and eventual engine damage, typically tracing back to coolant or oil migrating into the spark plug wells. These engine issues appear across multiple reports on both the 2.3L and other available engines, often surfacing between 80,000 and 100,000 miles.
690
Total Complaints
13
Crash-Related
7
Fire-Related
13
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Ford Explorer has 7 recalls, with the most serious being three separate fire risks: a fuel pressure sensor that can leak fuel near ignition sources, an engine block heater that can crack and short circuit when plugged in, and, on MXV wheelchair-accessible models, seat switch wiring that can overheat and melt.
The rear suspension also has a significant concern: the rear toe links can fracture, causing sudden loss of steering control. On the occupant safety side, front seat recliner mechanisms on some vehicles may have been improperly assembled, leaving the seat back without enough strength to hold an occupant in a crash. Two structural recalls round out the list: the A-pillar interior trim clips may not be fully engaged, allowing the trim to fall away from the vehicle, and the roof rail covers can shed their retention pins and detach while driving, both creating road hazards for other vehicles.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear suspension toe links may fracture, which can affect vehicle handling and stability.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the toe links at no cost to you.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine block heater can crack and leak coolant. When plugged in, the leaked coolant may cause an electrical short circuit.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the block heater at no cost, or install a blanking plug and remove the heater cord.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The clips holding the A-pillar trim in place may not be properly engaged, which can allow the trim to come loose and detach from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the A-pillar trim and replace it if necessary at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Retention pins on the roof rail covers can loosen, causing the covers to detach from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will install push-pins and replace damaged rail clips and roof rail covers at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front or rear seat recliner mechanism may be missing a critical locking pawl, causing the seat back to be loose and weak.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your seat structure and replace it if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
On some wheelchair accessible vehicles, holding the tilt and go front seat switch in the on position too long can cause the wires to overheat and melt, potentially creating a short circuit.
What the fix does
A dealer will modify the circuit by adding a solenoid timer to prevent the wires from overheating.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A fuel pressure sensor may leak fuel due to an assembly error in 2018 Ford Explorer vehicles with 2.3L or 3.5L GTDI engines.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel line assembly at no cost. Recall began December 7, 2018. Contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332, reference 18S35.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
