Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2018 Ford ExplorerRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls and 733 owner complaints for the 2018 Ford Explorer. Most complaints involve structure (288) and engine (95). The EPA rates it 18–22 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
18–22mpg
EPA · 7 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
7campaigns
Latest Jul 2026
Owner complaints
733
Top: structure
Fuel cost / yr
$2,900est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

7 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Structure: body

Remedy pending

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.

StructureReported Jul 14, 2026NHTSA 26V448000

Suspension: rear

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.

SuspensionReported Feb 20, 2026NHTSA 26V101000

Equipment: engine block heater

Remedy pending

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.

EquipmentReported Oct 10, 2025NHTSA 25V685000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

733 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2018 – Oct 2026
  1. Structure288
  2. Engine95
  3. Electrical system57
  4. Power train50
  5. Engine and engine cooling29
  6. Back over prevention26
  7. Suspension23
  8. Steering21
  9. Fuel/propulsion system19

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Explorer model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
19961,468
19971,789
19982,099
19991,465
20001,078
2001730
20023,613
20031,313
20041,408
2005568
2006635
2007208
2008148
200933
2010115
20111,197
2012830
20132,237
20141,684
20151,814
20162,464
20171,713
2018733
2019302
20201,247
2021452
2022271
2023113
202421
2025107
202644
Crashes reported
15
Fires reported
7
Injuries reported
12
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Structure

288 reports4 crashes
“Exterior B-Pillar Applique / Door Trim Panel with keypad: The exterior B-pillar trim piece on the driver side front door frame has experienced catastrophic adhesive failure and clip breakage, detaching at the top portion while driving. This plastic trim is flapping at highway speeds and is at imminent risk of completely flying off the vehicle. I'm sure this will be issue with other 3 doors at some point soon. This creates an immediate road hazard for trailing vehicles, motorcyclists, and pedestrians who could be struck by flying debris. It also distracts the driver due to severe wind noise and vibration. This identical structural failure is currently under active safety recall for 2016–2017 Ford Explorers under NHTSA Campaign Number 25S53 / Ford Recall 25S53. My 2018 model utilizes the exact same door frame and exterior trim engineering design, and is suffering from the identical defect. The manufacturing window for this known defect needs to be expanded by Ford to encompass 2018 model years, as the original adhesive/retention clip specifications clearly fail under normal vehicle aging. Thank you in advance.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 22, 2026StructureODI 11766068

Engine

95 reports2 crashes2 fires
“MY VEHHICLE HAS BEEN TESTED BY FORD SERVICE CENTER AND FOUND TO BE AFFECTED BY THE FACTORY DEFECT THAT ALLOWS COOLANT TO LEAK CAUSING A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE WHERE THE ONLY REMEDY IS A NEW ENGINE BLOCK. MY VEHICLE HAS 69919 MILES. THE PROBLEM WAS RECOGNIZED WHEN THE VEHICLE BAGAN TO MISFIRE CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON RESULTING IN EXPENSIVE DIAGNOSTICS. FORD HAS PUT MY SAFETY AS WELL AS THE SAFETY OF MY PASSENGERS IN JEOPARDY BY KNOWING BUT NOT DISCLOSING THIS FACTORY DEFECT THAT CAN BECOME CATASTROPHIC AT ANY GIVEN TIME. SERVICE ADVISORIES WERE SENT OUT TO EMPLOYEES BUT NO NOTIFICATION TO CUSTOMERS.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 5, 2026EngineODI 11768940

Electrical system

57 reports3 crashes2 fires
“The contact owned a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a message displayed on several occasions instructing the driver to pull over and shut off the vehicle because the battery would shut off. Upon pulling over and turning off the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart and required towing on several occasions. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where a wiring failure was determined. The dealer attempted to repair the vehicle, but the failure persisted. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the infotainment screen turned blank, and a large wrench warning light illuminated. The vehicle independently accelerated, became uncontrollable, and drifted out of the intended lane. The contact regained partial control as the vehicle continued accelerating toward an embankment. The front driver's side wheel was caught in the gutter of the embankment, causing the driver's side of the vehicle to crash into the embankment. The contact's head struck the driver's side window, which was fractured, allowing branches to enter the cabin. The driver's side curtain air bags deployed for the second and third rows but failed to deploy properly…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 26, 2026Electrical system, Air bags, Vehicle speed controlCrash reportedODI 11759713
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

7 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.3L 4-cyl turbo · 3.5L 6-cyl · 3.5L 6-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Explorer FWD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
192722$2,900409
Explorer AWD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
182521$3,050429
Explorer 2WD FFV
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
172420$3,200455
Explorer FWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
172420$3,200453
Explorer AWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive
162219$3,400480
Explorer AWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
162218$3,550486
Explorer AWD FFV
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive
162218$3,550483
  • Explorer FWD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo
    19 city · 27 hwy · $2,900/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Explorer AWD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo
    18 city · 25 hwy · $3,050/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Explorer 2WD FFV
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    17 city · 24 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Explorer FWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    17 city · 24 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Explorer AWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    16 city · 22 hwy · $3,400/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • Explorer AWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Turbo
    16 city · 22 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Explorer AWD FFV
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    16 city · 22 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
17.4%
Overall
5 / 5
Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV FWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
16.4%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 12118Vehicle 12117
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2018 Explorer questions

How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Explorer have?

7 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2018 Ford Explorer problems?

Owners filed 733 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (288), engine (95), electrical system (57). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2018 Ford Explorer get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Ford Explorer at 18–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (7 versions rated).

How safe is the 2018 Ford Explorer?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 Ford Explorer 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026