2018 Ford Explorer: common problems and reliability

The 2018 Ford Explorer has 706 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are structure and engine. Owners most often flag transmission reliability problems — includes rough shifting, laggy response, complete failure, and concerns about longevity. noted as a weak point across the model line, with failures occurring at both low and high mileage. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2018 model year

706
Owner complaints
6
Recalls
13
Crash reports
7
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Ford Explorer vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

structure
286
engine
91
electrical system
56
power train
45
engine and engine cooling
28

Recalls affecting the 2018 Explorer

seats:front assembly:recliner

Campaign 19V633000

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 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped w…

fuel system, gasoline

Campaign 18V807000

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 pressure sensor may leak fuel.

structure:body

Campaign 21V316000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.

structure:body:roof and pillars

Campaign 24V031000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.

What owners say across generations

Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The current-generation Explorer (2020+) is frequently praised for its spacious interior, particularly the generous cargo and third-row space, comfortable ride, and strong performance in ST and Platinum trims. T

  • Transmission reliability problems — Includes rough shifting, laggy response, complete failure, and concerns about longevity. Noted as a weak point across the model line, with failures occurring at both low and high mileage. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Engine and cooling system problems — Reports of engines overheating, internal flooding, and repeated catalytic converter failures requiring multiple replacements. Frequency: recurrent.
  • General reliability concerns — Broad statements about Ford reliability being "average to below average," with specific mentions of expensive repairs and the need for significant maintenance budgets. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Electrical issues — Isolated reports of intermittent electrical problems, particularly in older models (e.g., 1994, 2013). Frequency: isolated.
  • Exhaust/Power Transfer Unit (PTU) odor — Mention of a technical service bulletin for exhaust smell entering the cabin during hard driving, and potential PTU vent odor in all-wheel-drive models. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Explorer.

Typical used price

Used Explorer listings typically run $29,360–$51,264 across 2015 to 2026 model years.

Other Explorer model years

2024 Explorer2019 Explorer2016 Explorer2011 Explorer2006 Explorer2003 Explorer2002 Explorer1999 Explorer1996 Explorer
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