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    Ford Explorer

    EPA MPG: 19 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2018 Explorer is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2018 Ford Explorer has been recalled 5 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 Ford Explorer owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Loose exterior trim or moldings

    ""These roof rack are under a recall,but they don't have the parts to do the recall""

    Anonymous A., MO (2018 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

    "Roof rail recall. Possibility of them becoming loose and flying off while driving. To have the repairs done you must leave the car. While the repairs are free it is an inconvenience. Their mistake."

    Anonymous, MO (2018 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

    "The exterior trim piece on the right of the windshield has broken away twice now while driving on highway."

    Anonymous, WA (2018 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5-L V6 turbo)

    "A-pillar blew off and Ford has no parts to fix it."

    Anonymous A., AZ (2018 Ford Explorer Sport 3.5-L V6)

    "The front cowling under the windshield has deteriorated! The rubber on it has rotted away. Causing a humming sound!"

    Anonymous, NC (2018 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)
    Loose interior trim or moldings

    "These parts are on a recall list but there are no parts to fix this recall"

    Anonymous A., MO (2018 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)
    Rust

    "In several places on the front of the hood rust is forming underneath the paint. The rust has not yet broken through the paint but you can see it grow very slowly."

    Anonymous, WA (2018 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5-L V6 turbo)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Other electrical system problem

    "The alternator died."

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "Body control unit. Trouble getting it fixed, diagnosed, getting Astro Lincoln to contact the Ford company. No heat or AC, side mirrors stay closed, front windows dont roll down, seat will not go forward or back, back hatch will not open, tire pressure monitor doesnt work. First occurred in January 2023 and no problem found. Mechanic thought it was fretting. Occurred Again in December 2023. Call the Ford company to see about coverage ASTRO LINCOLN wouldnt call the Ford company to see about coverage. Ordered a part and said Id have to pay for diagnosis, which Crestview Ford said I didnt have to pay for. Crestview Ford fixed it in May 2024. Weird Things is that the Ford dealers play display of vehicle Wi-Fi shows a lot more detail/problems than the vehicle Wi-Fi shows. This is without hooking it up to any diagnostic system. Suggest taking photos of the Ford dealers display of the vehicle Wi-Fi."

    Anonymous A., FL (2018 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "Alternator froze up and threw belt. Had to be towed to dealer for (covered) repair. We do have extended Ford warentee so it was covered."

    Anonymous, VT (2018 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

    "Drove to camp site sat for 2day, entering vehicle twice, car would not start when leaving needed jump, good so far"

    Anonymous, PA (2018 Ford Explorer Sport 3.5-L V6 turbo)
    USB port

    "Doesnt charge my phone"

    Anonymous, NY (2018 Ford Explorer Base 3.5-L V6)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Apple CarPlay

    "Went from iphone 13 to 16 Pro Max. No coat no connection to the Sync3 system. Only bluetooth worked. Ford pass technical support said to update the Sync3 software, so I bought a 3.0 USB thumb drive and updated the software, with Ford pass technical support instructions. Then, CarPlay and Sync3 still didnt work, and Ford pass technical support suggested an original data cable (which would not work because my Ford only has USB-A ports, and the Apple cable had a USB-C to USB-C connections. But I bought a quality (Belkin) data cable USB-A to USB-C cable @ Wally World, and it worked. Belkin cables are all I buy now. Occasionally, the vehicles USB ports spaz out, CarPlay still messes up, Waze will have a blank screen and freeze. Then it starts working again. Husband bought an smart dongle electronic gizmo for CarPlay to connect wirelessly through the phone. This may circumvent some of those problems, but of course it spazzes out also."

    Anonymous A., FL (2018 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Display screen freezes up

    "Frequent issues w/ screen & iPhone syncing properly. Display screen will freeze...."

    Anonymous, NV (2018 Ford Explorer Limited 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Display screen goes blank

    ""No rhyme or reason, display goes blank. Typically at start-up of the vehicle. Unless you disconnect the battery and let it sit 10-15 minutes, the display does not come back on.""

    Anonymous, KY (2018 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)
    Hardware replacement

    ""The entire display computer failed. None of the options were available. GPS, Entertainment, cameras, sync, all failed. Ford slow walked replacing the computer system for four months. We have other vehicles, but not having your car for four months is unacceptable.""

    Anonymous, VT (2018 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5-L V6)
    In-dash navigation system (GPS)

    "Delayed directions"

    Anonymous, NY (2018 Ford Explorer Base 3.5-L V6)

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    What Owners Say

    Antifreeze leaks

    "water pump seal"

    Anonymous, (2018 Ford Explorer Base 3.5-L V6)

    "water pump"

    Anonymous, (2018 Ford Explorer Base 3.5-L V6)

    "Antifreeze was leaking from a failed water pump."

    Anonymous, CO (2018 Ford Explorer Platinum 3.5-L V6 turbo)
    Water pump

    "Water pump started leaking with only 52000 miles on the car, water pump is an internal pump, very expensive repair."

    Anonymous, (2018 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "Vehicle was leaking antifreeze on the front right side. Water pump failed and had to be replaced."

    Anonymous, CO (2018 Ford Explorer Platinum 3.5-L V6 turbo)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Premature brake wear

    "Rotors have had to be replaced multiple times due to excessive wear from normal driving. The brakes have locked up once resulting in replacement and rotors have been replaced two other times."

    Anonymous, PA (2018 Ford Explorer Sport 3.5-L V6 turbo)

    ""Brake pads, rear rotors, and one caliber all worn out at 80,000 miles""

    Anonymous, NC (2018 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

    "I have had to replace my rear brakes two times in only 55000 miles of driving, but front brakes still have pleanty of wear left."

    Anonymous, (2018 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Rotors

    "It appears the brakes had normally worn out. My experience is that when brakes go the rotors have generally worn to a point they cannot be resurfaced and must be replaced. My memory of many years ago was the rotors were thick enough to resurface making replacement unnecessary."

    Anonymous A., MA (2018 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)
    Squeaking

    ""Brake squeaking after having full brake repair. The worst, had the vehicle back to the dealer 3x and "nothing wrong".""

    Anonymous, KY (2018 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Muffler

    ""I have just identified the exhaust leak in the muffler. This hole is on the top of the right muffler, very hard to find. Of course, exhaust is NOT covered in Ford extended warrantee.Left muffler does not have hole, but I can feel where it is rusting in the same place.""

    Anonymous, VT (2018 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)
    Other/unsure

    "Leak in window washer container. Not repaired as yet even though been 6 months +. Cost and down time is a factor as I and my wife are disabled"

    Anonymous, FL (2018 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

    "Oxygen sensor failure indication. Turned up to be a connector issue...not a sensor issue"

    Anonymous A., AL (2018 Ford Explorer Limited 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "Alternator fail"

    Anonymous A., WI (2018 Ford Explorer Sport 3.5-L V6 turbo)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    "The water pump started leaking and leaked on the ac compressor and caused it to blow hot air."

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Automatic climate control

    "Driver heated seats doesn't work but passenger side does. Driver side heating system works but passenger side doesn't."

    Anonymous, LA (2018 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)
    Other climate system problem

    "I was getting battery issues and services were being shut down over two days. Yesterday, while on a long ride the AC started to blow hot air. This morning I purchased a new battery. All services returned to normal except the climate control. As I am filling in this survey Im taking a break from researching the AC problem. I will most likely be making an appointment with Ford I cant determine the problem and correct with resetting features. We are have very hot days this week and it is very uncomfortable to drive with the AC not working at all."

    Anonymous A., FL (2018 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Refrigerant leaks

    "The AC system failed during the summer months due to leaks. The system was recharged but failed again immediately. It was finally repaired taking a month."

    Anonymous, VT (2018 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    What Owners Say

    Fuel injection system

    "Two injectors were leaking. Replaced both"

    Anonymous, NM (2018 Ford Explorer Platinum 3.5-L V6 turbo)
    Fuel pump

    "Fuel pump control module inside fuel tank caused vehicle to shut off while driving."

    Anonymous, OH (2018 Ford Explorer Base 3.5-L V6)
    Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

    "Check engine light came on after an afternoon of driving. Ran a scan on teh car and came back with a P0137 code. Stating the 02 sensor needed to be replaced. Took it to my local mechanic and got it replaced."

    Anonymous A., PA (2018 Ford Explorer Sport 3.5-L V6 turbo)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    What Owners Say

    Heated or cooled seats

    "Passenger seat did not cool\heat work after working on it twice, finally fixed, once fix seat controls didn't work properly finally fixed"

    Anonymous, PA (2018 Ford Explorer Sport 3.5-L V6 turbo)

    "Driver side heated seat stopped working"

    Anonymous, NJ (2018 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Springs or torsion bars

    "Needed to be replaced"

    Anonymous, MS (2018 Ford Explorer Base 3.5-L V6)
    Tie rods

    "Needed to be replaced"

    Anonymous, MS (2018 Ford Explorer Base 3.5-L V6)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Transmission rebuild or replacement

    "Transmission had to be replaced. Despite having vehicle serviced by dealership and following ALL service requirements."

    Anonymous, NV (2018 Ford Explorer Limited 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "Car started to have a rough idle and RPMs were increased. Found out had a bad torque converter and replaced transmission - under extended warranty"

    Anonymous, PA (2018 Ford Explorer Limited 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    Differential

    "Had a leak no biggie"

    Anonymous A., MI (2018 Ford Explorer Platinum 3.5-L V6 turbo)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Slipping transmission

    "About a year ago transmission started making grinding noises occasionally. Has gotten worse recently"

    Anonymous, NJ (2018 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    2018 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Ford vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
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    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
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    Engine Major
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    Engine Minor
    NA
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    Engine Cooling
    NA
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    Engine Electrical
    NA
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    Transmission Major
    NA
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    Transmission Minor
    NA
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    Drive System
    NA
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    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
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    NA
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    Exhaust
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
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    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
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    Electrical Accessories
    NA
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    NA
    NA
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    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
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    NA
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    NA
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    NA
    NA
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    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    EQUIPMENT
    Oct 10, 2025
    An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. 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 February 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
    For more information:
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 25V685000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 59006
    STRUCTURE
    Jan 19, 2024
    A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 18, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V031000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1889110
    STRUCTURE
    May 05, 2021
    A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V316000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 616967
    SEATS
    Aug 28, 2019
    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.
    Summary:
    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 Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V633000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 639137
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Nov 14, 2018
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V807000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 144
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