Problems · NHTSA complaints

2018 Ford Explorer problems

Owners filed 733 complaints about the 2018 Ford Explorer with NHTSA between Feb 2018 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is structure (288).

Complaints
733
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
15
Reported by owners
Fires
7
Reported by owners
Injuries
12
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  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
  10. Visibility/wiper16
  11. Air bags11
  12. Visibility11
  13. Vehicle speed control10
  14. Tires10

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

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
201840
201941
202037
202138
202241
2023123
2024134
2025190
202689

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Structure

288 reports4 crashes3 related recalls
“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

Power train

50 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle jerked. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed torque converter. The contact was informed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under Customer Satisfaction Program: 20N07. The failure mileage was approximately 107,300.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 22, 2026Power trainODI 11766098

Engine and engine cooling

29 reports1 fire
“The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence and then to an independent mechanic shop, where a full diagnostic inspection was not performed; however, the mechanic suspected that coolant bubbled internally and the contact was informed that the head gasket might need to be replaced. The mechanic was unable to disassemble the engine for further inspection. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, who diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 9, 2026Engine and engine coolingODI 11749329

Back over prevention

26 reports
“The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim was beginning to detach from the windshield, allowing outside air to enter the vehicle. While in reverse, the back over prevention camera displayed a distorted image, or a solid blue screen without an image. The failure occurred several times while shifting into reverse. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not available yet available for the recall. The VIN was not under recall for the back-over prevention camera. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,896.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 9, 2026Structure, Back over preventionODI 11722988
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

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