⌘K
Home›Ford›Explorer›2018
Ford · Midsize / large SUV

2018 Ford Explorer

Gas
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
7 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-09-11
F
Safety Signal
35 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Recalls2 critical7
Complaintsowner reports to NHTSA731
Crash ratingNHTSA overall5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA22 mpg
20262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2018 Ford Explorer is sold in the U.S. as a gas midsize or large SUV with 7 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Explorer FWD, is EPA-rated at 22 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for this model year, 2 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 731 complaints, most often about the structure. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
Explorer FWDGasFWD2.3L 4-cyl turbo192722$2,850
Explorer AWDGasAWD2.3L 4-cyl turbo182521$2,950
Explorer 2WD FFVGasFWD3.5L 6-cyl172420$3,100
Explorer FWDGasFWD3.5L 6-cyl172420$3,100
Explorer AWDGasAWD3.5L 6-cyl162219$3,300
Explorer AWDGasAWD3.5L 6-cyl turbo162218$3,450
Explorer AWD FFVGasAWD3.5L 6-cyl162218$3,450

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 39694, 39697, 39693, 39695, 39698, 39699, 39696.

Factory warranty running out?

The 2018 Ford Explorer is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. Compare extended-coverage quotes in about two minutes.

Compare coverage →

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you request a quote or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing on this page changes because of it.

Recalls (7)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Structure

26S54
288,314 vehicles
ProblemFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.RiskA detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S54. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numb
NHTSA campaign 26V448000reported Jul 14, 2026Ford Motor Company
▲high

Suspension

26S08
412,774 vehicles
ProblemFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.RiskA rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace the toe links, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S08. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 21V537. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 25, 2026.
NHTSA campaign 26V101000reported Feb 20, 2026Ford Motor Company
!critical

Equipment

25SA4
59,006 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskAn electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.FixOwners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford
NHTSA campaign 25V685000reported Oct 10, 2025Ford Motor Company
▲high

Structure

24S02
1,889,110 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskA detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
NHTSA campaign 24V031000reported Jan 19, 2024Ford Motor Company
▲high

Structure

21S22
616,967 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskA detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. The interim owner notification letter was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.
NHTSA campaign 21V316000reported May 5, 2021Ford Motor Company
▲high

Seats

19C07
639,137 vehicles
ProblemFord 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 RestrRiskA seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.FixFord will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
NHTSA campaign 19V633000reported Aug 28, 2019Ford Motor Company
!critical

Fuel System, Gasoline

18S35
144 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskA fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.FixFord 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.
NHTSA campaign 18V807000reported Nov 14, 2018Ford Motor Company

NHTSA defect investigations

Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars — Windshield trim molding Item detachment closed

On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles. At the time of opening, the office had received 164 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting this failure. ODI has received 671 VOQs regarding this failure, including 1 alleged crash and 2 alleged injuries. Some consumers have reported that the failure occurred while they were driving at highway speeds, with the detached trim panel entering the path of travel of the vehicle behind them, requiring the driver of the following vehicle to take evasive action. It is noteworthy that motorists who experi

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · closed Feb 8, 2024 · action PE23001

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hood:Latch — Hertz/Vehicles Rented with Open Recalls open

NHTSA is opening this audit query to investigate whether The Hertz Corporation (Hertz) has complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Safety Act). The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a rental company shall not rent a vehicle subject to a safety recall unless the recall remedy has been performed. 49 U.S.C. § 30120(i).NHTSA is in receipt of information that indicates Hertz rented vehicles to customers without having performed required recall repairs. Accordingly, we are opening this audit query to seek additional information concerning this issue.

Opened Dec 16, 2022 · action AQ22003

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
731complaints filed

16 involved a crash · 7 a fire · 13 injuries · 0 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2018: 40 · 2019: 43 · 2020: 37 · 2021: 38 · 2022: 41 · 2023: 123 · 2024: 135 · 2025: 190 · 2026: 84

Most-cited components

Structure290
Unspecified168
Engine95
Electrical System60
Power Train49
Engine And Engine Cooling29

What owners describe

“The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was reversing from the garage, the rearview camera was inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the fail…”Jan 28, 2022 · Back Over Prevention · NHTSA owner report
“The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the roof rail cover had detached from the vehicle. The dealer was mad…”Dec 20, 2021 · Structure · NHTSA owner report
“Roof rack rail cover came off on highway, almost caused an accident. The other roof rack rail cover is lose but I have yet to receive the recall for the roof rack rail cover.”Dec 16, 2021 · Structure · NHTSA owner report

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆17%
SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆16%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Other Explorer model years

F

2026 Ford Explorer

14 recalls · 33 complaints

F

2025 Ford Explorer

22 recalls · 97 complaints

F

2024 Ford Explorer

10 recalls · 19 complaints

F

2023 Ford Explorer

15 recalls · 108 complaints

F

2022 Ford Explorer

25 recalls · 263 complaints

F

2021 Ford Explorer

27 recalls · 421 complaints

F

2020 Ford Explorer

35 recalls · 1,209 complaints

F

2019 Ford Explorer

6 recalls · 293 complaints

F

2017 Ford Explorer

14 recalls · 1,693 complaints

F

2016 Ford Explorer

14 recalls · 2,468 complaints

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). Floor 35. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Complaint counts and NHTSA crash ratings are shown separately and are not blended into the grade.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed weekly.

JSON for this page · API