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2018 Ford Explorer: common problems and reliability
· 5th generationAn average Explorer year.
734 owner complaints, most about structure. 7 recalls.
Should I buy a 2018 Explorer?The 2018 Ford Explorer has 734 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are structure and engine. Owners most often flag water pump failure on 3.5l engine: multiple owners identify the internal water pump as a known failure point that can destroy the engine, with one noting it is timing-chain driven and expensive to repair.
Safety record for the 2018 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Ford Explorer vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Explorer years only. How we score it
Is 2018 a good year for the Explorer?
Across the 31 Explorer model years we track, complaint volume runs from 33 (2009) to 7,244 (2002). With 734 complaints, the 2018 Explorer sits about the same as the model's median of 829.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2018 Explorer
seats:front assembly:recliner
Campaign 19V633000Ford 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 with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
fuel system, gasoline
Campaign 18V807000Ford 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 21V316000Ford 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 24V031000Ford 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.
Show 3 more recalls
equipment:electrical:engine block heater
Campaign 25V685000Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
suspension:rear
Campaign 26V101000Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
structure:body
Campaign 26V448000Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
What owners report on the 5th generation Explorer
Owner discussions about the 2011-2019 Explorer are mixed, with many owners describing the vehicles as generally reliable when properly maintained, while others report specific recurring problems.
- RecurrentWater pump failure on 3.5L engine
Multiple owners identify the internal water pump as a known failure point that can destroy the engine, with one noting it is timing-chain driven and expensive to repair.
- RecurrentTorque converter shudder on 6F55 transmission
Owners report jerking or stuttering between 25-40 mph, with one diagnosing torque converter pressure issues via scanner. One owner suggests draining and refilling transmission fluid with Lucas stop slip as a temporary measure.
- RecurrentHeated seat element failure
Multiple owners report driver-side heated seats failing, with one noting the element is built into the seat cushion requiring full seat replacement at approximately $650 CAD. One owner reports the failure recurring after replacement.
- RecurrentUSB port / Apple CarPlay connectivity issues
Owners report USB ports charging but not connecting to Apple CarPlay, with one noting the front port is flaky while the armrest port works. Suggested fixes include new cables, cleaning dust, and hard resets.
- RecurrentPTU (Power Transfer Unit) issues on AWD models
Owners mention PTUs going out and recommend fluid changes every 40,000-50,000 miles despite Ford's lifetime fluid claim.
Owner insights for the 5th generation Explorer. Read the full 5th generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Explorer listings typically run $15,520–$26,999.
Other Explorer model years
Compare every Explorer year side by side to see how 2018 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Explorer against its rivals
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