⌘K
Find a vehicle
RecallsCompareNewsPricing
Your vehicle
VIN decoderWindow stickerProblems by systemTitle brands
Federal filings
Service bulletinsOwner complaintsInvestigationsEarly Warning reportsWarranty extensionsDriver-assist crashesTrouble codes
Browse the record
GuidesRankingsAll makesQuarterly reportsWhat is in the data
Paperwork
Repair Claim KitCar CheckFor attorneysFor expert witnessesFor repair shopsRecall disclosure formRecall fix sheets
Tools and data
Recall WatchFleet VIN checkCost calculatorsCar crosswordAPI & data
Sign inGarage
Your vehicleHome›Ford›Explorer› 2018
Ford · Large SUV

2018 Ford Explorer

Gas
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
7 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
F
Safety Signal
57 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Counts recalls, not crash safety — this vehicle earned 5 of 5 stars from NHTSA. A much-recalled best-seller scores low here; see the methodology.
Recalls1 critical 7
Complaints16 crash · 7 fire · 13 injured reported 737
Crash ratingNHTSA overall 5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 22 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2018 Ford Explorer is sold in the U.S. as a gas 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, 1 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 737 complaints, most often about the structure. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Ford Explorer — photograph via Wikimedia Commons
Ford Explorer · Photo: Kevauto · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
Explorer FWDGasFWD2.3L 4-cyl turbo192722$3,050
Explorer AWDGasAWD2.3L 4-cyl turbo182521$3,200
Explorer 2WD FFVGasFWD3.5L 6-cyl172420$3,350
Explorer FWDGasFWD3.5L 6-cyl172420$3,350
Explorer AWDGasAWD3.5L 6-cyl162219$3,550
Explorer AWDGasAWD3.5L 6-cyl turbo162218$3,700
Explorer AWD FFVGasAWD3.5L 6-cyl162218$3,700

*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.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
Explorer AWD, Explorer FWD3 / 10California LEV-II ULEV / Federal Tier 3 Bin 125All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
Explorer 2WD FFV, Explorer AWD FFV3 / 10Federal Tier 3 Bin 125All 50 states (federal, all altitudes)—
Explorer AWD3 / 10Federal Tier 3 Bin 125 / California LEV-II ULEVAll 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

Specifications filed with NHTSA

Source: NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions Exterior

Body styleSport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Doors4
GVWR classClass 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)

Engine Basics

Cylinders6
Displacement3.5 L
Engine configurationV-Shaped

Engine Output

Horsepower290 hp

Fuel Economy

FuelGasoline

Seating

Seat rows3
Seating capacity7 seats

Transmission

DrivetrainFWD/Front-Wheel Drive
TransmissionAutomatic
Transmission speeds6

Driver assistance

Standard: Adaptive cruise control, Anti-lock brakes, Automatic emergency braking, Backup camera, Blind-spot monitoring, Electronic stability control, Forward collision warning, Lane departure warning, Lane keeping assist, Parking assist

Filed by the manufacturer with NHTSA under the federal vehicle-identification rule and decoded from the VIN pattern — not a manufacturer press kit, so it describes the configurations we could identify rather than every trim (seen: Base, Limited, Platinum, Police). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada
Length198.4 in
Width (body, without mirrors)78.7 in
Height69.7 in
Wheelbase113.0 in
Track, front66.9 in
Track, rear66.9 in
Curb weight4,557–4,731 lb
Weight distribution, front/rear54/46

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 2 configurations: 4-door SUV AWD, 4-door SUV FWD. Where a range is shown, those versions differ. Width is the body without mirrors, which is why it can read narrower than a brochure figure. Before we used it we checked it against the US manufacturer press kits we hold (27 Sep 2026): wheelbase agreed within 1% on every vehicle we could compare, length on 98%, and the curb weight fell inside the manufacturer's range on 96%. Source dataset. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Licence.

Also on file Beside the 2018 Explorer
Other years The 2027 Explorer Recalls Ford recalls
Advertisement

Factory warranty running out?

The 2018 Ford Explorer is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. What an extended plan does and does not cover is worth reading before a dealer quotes you one.

What to check before you buy →

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
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle. Risk A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers 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
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFInterim owner letter PDFDealer notice PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V448000 reported Jul 14, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Suspension

26S08
412,774 vehicles 29% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture. Risk A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V101000 reported Feb 20, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Equipment

25SA4
59,006 vehicles
Problem Ford 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. Risk An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. Fix Owners 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 December 2026. Owners may contact Ford
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFInterim owner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V685000 reported Oct 10, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Structure

24S02
1,889,110 vehicles 21% reported repaired
Problem 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. Risk A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 24V031000 reported Jan 19, 2024 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Structure

21S22
616,967 vehicles 75% reported repaired
Problem 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. Risk A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V316000 reported May 5, 2021 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seats

19C07
639,137 vehicles 78% reported repaired built Sep 9, 2018 – Mar 3, 2019
Problem 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 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 Restr Risk A 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. Fix Ford 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 19V633000 reported Aug 28, 2019 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Fuel System, Gasoline

18S35
144 vehicles 78% reported repaired built Jul 29, 2018 – Jul 31, 2018
Problem 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. Risk A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. Fix Ford 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 18V807000 reported Nov 14, 2018 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

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 · the investigation’s page →

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 · the investigation’s page →

Whether any of this applies to one specific Explorer

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2018 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Ford publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

NHTSA VIN check →Ford’s own VIN lookup →

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2018 Ford Explorer, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

Advertisement

Parts & accessories for the 2018 Ford Explorer

Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.

Find parts for this Explorer →

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
737complaints filed

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

29 per 10,000 built · Ford reported 254,842 Explorer built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

Filed per year: 2018: 40 · 2019: 43 · 2020: 37 · 2021: 38 · 2022: 41 · 2023: 123 · 2024: 135 · 2025: 190 · 2026: 90

Most-cited components

Structure → 291
Unspecified 169
Engine → 125
Electrical System → 60
Power Train → 50
Visibility/Wiper 27

In depth: body and structure problems → · engine problems → · electrical problems → · transmission and drivetrain problems →

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

When turning leaving a shopping center on a main road at ~30 MPH, heard loud pop sound and car immediately stopped moving. Car would not move and needed to be towed. Upon inspection the lower control arm broke next to ball joint. Car currently has little over 2000 miles.
Suspension at 2,000 miles Nov 9, 2018 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11150447
Exhaust fumes entering the vehicle. Ford engineer inspected and found 3ppm entering cabin in less than an hour. Ford states this is normal. Over 3 hours in the car causes physical illness, Ford denying any responsibility. Vehicle in motion on highway over 40mph. Ford engineering report will be available to me within the next 48 hours.
Engine at 9,000 miles Oct 25, 2018 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11142733
I recently purchased a 2018 Ford Explorer on august 30 from hammonasset Ford in madison, ct. I paid several thousand dollars extra for a safety package which includes rear seat belt airbags.
Air Bags at 200 miles Oct 11, 2018 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11139860
My 2016 Explorer has 74,000 miles and the RPM needle is sticking. Had it evaluated and found transmission neutral out on a 2/3 shift and a 4/5 shift. Fluid level is correct, this is due to excessive clearance in the direct clutch. The Ford dealership recommend overhaul or replacement.
Power Train Sep 6, 2018 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11127949
Front sound screen windshield seems very soft and weak. Slightest strike from road debris causes chip or crack. Debris strikes regardless of amount of impact has caused chipping, cracks, and visible scrapes of material.
Visibility/Wiper at 15,000 miles Aug 18, 2018 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11120795
Purchased 2018 Ford Explorer xlt w/ auto nation Ford corpus christi, texas may 29, 2018. June 20, 2018 I noticed the passenger side floor board was completely drenched w/ h2o. This was during the time we had heavy rainfall. My vehicle was parked at work, no flooding in the area, no windows left down.
Structure at 300 miles Jul 11, 2018 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11110676

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.

Reported by Ford itself: 66 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 89 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 26 per 100,000 built. Every Explorer model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

When owners reported it

Reported at 50k

miles, typically

Half the 280 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 20,000 and 84,000 miles. That is when problems get reported, which is not the same as when they start — and not a failure rate, because nobody knows how many of these cars never had a problem at all.

under 10k 46
10k–20k 23
20k–30k 26
30k–40k 18
40k–50k 21
50k–60k 23
60k–70k 20
70k–80k 24
80k–90k 15
90k–100k 18
100k–150k 41
150k + 5

Median mileage by component

ComponentReportsMedian milesVs same age
Structure12660,6983.37×
Engine5068,0001.36×
Unspecified356,000—
Power Train1986,0002.49×
Electrical System1843,0001.91×

Vs same age is this model year’s median for the system divided by the median of every 2018-model-year complaint about the same system, all makes: under 1× means owners of this car reported it at lower mileage. Here, owners reported later: structure (3.37×), power train (2.49×), electrical system (1.91×). Which systems go early across the whole fleet: the component study.

Across 2018–2022 model years the Ford Explorer ranks 66 of 79 nameplates in the odometer-at-first-complaint study: owners reported problems at 1.82× the mileage of vehicles the same age (median 41,000 miles against a fleet 23,512).

Odometer readings as filed by owners with NHTSA. Readings under 100 or over 400,000 miles are dropped as data entry rather than history, and a component needs at least 12 readings before a median is shown for it.

Crash ratings

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

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 245
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-09-30
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 241 service bulletins, 3 others, 1 emissions

Most often about: Electrical System, Equipment, Power Train, Engine, Seats.

  • 25E10-S1 Other
    2026-09-30 · Power Train
  • 25E10-S1 Owner letter
  • 25E10-S1 Emissions
    2026-07-02 · Electrical System
  • NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 25E10 - Supplement #1 Certain 2018-2020 Model Year F-150 Vehicles With 3.3L Engines and 2016-2019 Model Year Explorer, Taurus, and Flex Vehicles With 3.5L Engines Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming
  • 25B51 Other
    2026-05-09 · Engine
  • Certain 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco, 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco Sport, 2020-2022 Model Year Corsair and Escape, 2016-2024 Model Year Explorer, 2019-2020 Model Year Fusion, 2016-2018 Model Year Focus RS, 2022-2024 Model Year Maverick, 2016-2019 Model Year MKC and 2019-2024 Model Year Ranger Vehicles Equipped with a 2.0L or 2.3L Engine and Engine Block Heater System Block Heater Replacement
  • 25N17 Other
    2026-03-25 · Back Over Prevention — Rearview System Braking
  • Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation
  • SSM 54601 Service bulletin
    2026-02-24 · Electrical System
  • Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). Th
  • TSB 25-2570 Service bulletin
    2025-11-26 · Electrical System
  • This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to:  Display operation concerns  Navigation inoperative  Voice recognition concerns  Phone connection issues  Dropped phone connections  Applink related performance  Travel Link not present
  • SSM 54366 Service bulletin
    2025-11-12 · Power Train
  • Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
  • TSB 25-2005 Service bulletin
    2025-01-24 · Unknown Or Other
  • "Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: • Customer concern of a vibration or rough idle in D or R • Shudder while driving • Lack of engine RPM • Low performance, lack of acceleration on take off"

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

CodeWhat it meansMost often filed underWhere it appears
P025A
P025A on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →11 bulletins
C3239
C3239 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →10 bulletins
U0109
U0109 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →9 bulletins
P0011
P0011 on Ford →		Camshaft timing on bank 1 is more advanced than commanded.Power Train7 bulletins
P0012
P0012 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train7 bulletins
P0014
P0014 on Ford →		The second camshaft on bank 1 is timed further advanced than commanded.Power Train7 bulletins
P0015
P0015 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train7 bulletins
P0016
P0016 on Ford →		The crankshaft and camshaft are not where they should be relative to each other — timing, chain or phaser.Power Train7 bulletins
P0017
P0017 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train7 bulletins
P0018
P0018 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train7 bulletins
P0019
P0019 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train7 bulletins
P0021
P0021 on Ford →		Camshaft timing on bank 2 is more advanced than commanded.Power Train7 bulletins

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

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.

At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2018 Ford Explorer failed the emissions check on 2.4% of first inspections — close to the 3.0% for every 2018 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 2.0% (every 2018 vehicle: 1.9%).

New York inspections 2.4%

failed emissions

6,421 initial inspections of 6,282 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2018 ExplorerEvery 2018 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check2.4%3.0%6,385
Failed the safety inspection2.0%1.9%6,421
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.22%0.22%6,421
Miles driven a year10,81810,002odometer at inspection
Average odometer89,61782,833odometer at inspection

New York’s emissions test on these model years is an on-board diagnostics check: it fails a car whose check-engine light is on or whose self-tests have not finished. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2018 vehicle” is every 2018 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

Explorer by model year

all years, side by side →
Year Safety Recalls Complaints
2027 B 2 0 23 mpg2026 F 15 42 24 mpg2025 F 22 109 24 mpg2024 F 10 21 24 mpg2023 F 15 113 27 mpg2022 F 25 273 27 mpg2021 F 27 455 27 mpg2020 F 35 1,247 28 mpg2019 D 6 299 22 mpg2018 this page F 7 737 22 mpg2017 F 14 1,712 22 mpg2016 F 14 2,484 22 mpg

Common questions about the 2018 Explorer

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2018 Ford Explorer have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 7 recall campaigns for the 2018 Ford Explorer, 1 of them rated critical. The most serious on file is 25V685000, covering Equipment. 3 of them were filed with no repair available at the time — NHTSA's file records what the manufacturer had in hand on the filing date, not what exists today. The manufacturer's own estimate for when a fix would be ready: December 2026, January 2027. 1 campaign is phased, so the repair reached some model years before others. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2018 Ford Explorer?

NHTSA gave the 2018 Ford Explorer 5 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 5-star frontal crash, 5-star side crash, 4-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it F (57/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Ford Explorer?

Across the 7 EPA-rated configurations of the 2018 Ford Explorer, the best EPA combined figure is 22 mpg. Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What are the dimensions of the 2018 Ford Explorer?

Transport Canada measured it at 198.4 in long, 78.7 in wide (body, without mirrors), 69.7 in tall, on a 113.0 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 4,557–4,731 lb depending on configuration. Those are its measurements of the North American versions; every figure is in the table above.

What do owners complain about on the 2018 Ford Explorer?

Owners have filed 737 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Ford Explorer, most often about structure, unspecified, engine. Of those, 16 involved a crash, 7 a fire, 13 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2018 Ford Explorer?

The EPA smog rating for the 2018 Ford Explorer is 3 out of 10. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — California LEV-II ULEV, Federal Tier 3 Bin 125 — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2018 Ford Explorer?

The manufacturer has filed 245 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2018 Ford Explorer, most often covering electrical system, equipment, power train. The most recent is dated 2026-09-30. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2018 Ford Explorer do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2018 Ford Explorer failed the emissions check on 2.4% of first inspections — close to the 3.0% for every 2018 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 2.0% (every 2018 vehicle: 1.9%). The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations7 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates7 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls7NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints737NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings2 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins245NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations2NHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationOpen and closed defect investigations, with the agency's own narrative.
Driver-assist crash reportsnoneNHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01No report has been filed. Only entities named in the order report, and only crashes they hear of — so this is also what an unequipped car, or a manufacturer without telematics, looks like.
Specifications filed with NHTSA13 fieldsNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWhat the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder.
Measured dimensions7 fieldsTransport Canada, Canadian Vehicle SpecificationsLength, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight, measured on the North American versions.
Trims, pricing & equipmentnoneManufacturer press kitWe have not transcribed a press kit for this model year yet. This is our gap, not the manufacturer's — the one row here where an empty cell means we are behind.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Where to go next

pages beside this one
Other years The 2027 Explorer The Explorer model year with the cleanest record on file — grade B, 2 recalls.Recalls Every Ford recall on file All campaigns filed against Ford vehicles, newest first, with the manufacturer's own number.Recall Watch Watch this Explorer by VIN Give it the VIN and you hear the night a campaign is filed — from $29 a month for a lot, free for ten.

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). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

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

JSON for this page · API