Owners have reported 13 crashes, 6 fires and 12 injuries to NHTSA for the 2018 Ford Explorer. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints249
STRUCTURE
Owners of the 2018 Ford Explorer frequently report issues with the A-pillar trim detaching, often while driving at highway speeds, which can result in abnormal sounds like whistling or rattling. Complaints often mention that this detachment occurs around 45,000 to 90,000 miles, with some owners noting that parts to address this issue are not readily available. Some reports describe the A-pillar trim flying off into traffic, though only two complaints involve crashes. Buyers should be aware of potential delays in obtaining repairs due to parts availability, as many owners express frustration over extended wait times for recall remedies.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints128
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2018 Ford Explorer frequently report issues with the backup camera, which often displays a flickering or blue screen, or fails to function entirely, especially during reverse maneuvers. Many complaints also mention problems with dashboard leather detaching and shrinking, causing visibility issues due to glare on the windshield. Additionally, roof rail covers are reported as loose, posing a potential hazard if they detach while driving. The backup camera issues seem to develop over time, with owners noting problems occurring intermittently before becoming constant, typically after several years of use. Safety implications include the risk of accidents due to impaired rear visibility and the potential for parts to detach while driving.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 1 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints57
ENGINE
Owners of the 2018 Ford Explorer frequently report issues with the internal water pump and timing chain, leading to significant engine problems. Complaints commonly describe symptoms such as engine overheating, sudden stalling, and illuminated check engine lights. These issues often occur around 100,000 to 160,000 miles, with repair costs ranging from $2,000 to over $6,000 due to the complexity of the engine design. Safety implications include the risk of engine failure while driving, with one reported crash and potential fire hazards due to oil leaks. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential high-cost repairs and the associated safety risks.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 1 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints43
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report several electrical issues with the 2018 Ford Explorer, with common problems including failures of the APIM module and battery-related issues. Complaints frequently mention the APIM module causing the backup camera, radio, and climate controls to malfunction, with some reports indicating these issues worsen in colder weather. Battery failures often involve acid leaks or explosions, with some incidents resulting in engine compartment fires. Multiple owners describe water leaks affecting electrical components, leading to dashboard and air system malfunctions. These issues typically emerge at various mileages, with some reports around the 70,000 to 138,000-mile range. Safety implications are significant, with reports of fires and locked doors during such events, posing potential risks to occupants.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 2 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints37
POWER TRAIN
Owners report frequent transmission issues with the 2018 Ford Explorer, including transmission failure, torque converter problems, and rough shifting. Symptoms commonly described are excessive vibration, loss of power, and the vehicle getting stuck in gear, often occurring around 60,000 to 120,000 miles. Some complaints mention safety implications, such as sudden power loss on highways and difficulty controlling the vehicle, which could lead to dangerous situations. Additionally, some reports indicate recurring issues even after repairs, suggesting potential ongoing reliability concerns for prospective buyers.
Owner complaints24
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Owners report frequent issues with the 2018 Ford Explorer's engine and cooling systems, particularly involving water pump failures and coolant leaks, often leading to engine overheating. These problems are typically noted around 40,000 to 131,000 miles. Symptoms include illuminated check engine lights, overheating warnings, and visible coolant leaks. Several owners also describe strong exhaust or sulfur odors inside the vehicle, which can cause nausea or dizziness, with one case reporting an injury. Additionally, there is one report of black smoke and potential engine fires, indicating possible safety risks.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints17
STEERING
Owners report frequent issues with the steering system of the 2018 Ford Explorer, with symptoms often including a sudden loss of power steering, making the vehicle difficult to maneuver. Complaints frequently mention warning lights such as the "Power Steering Assist Fault" and steering wheel seizures, typically occurring around 20,000 to 74,000 miles. Two incidents involve crashes, highlighting significant safety implications, including loss of vehicle control at high speeds. Additionally, some owners note issues with steering rack and column failures, with repairs often involving costly replacements. These patterns suggest potential concerns for used car buyers regarding the vehicle's steering reliability and associated safety risks.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints11
SUSPENSION
Owners report frequent issues with the suspension system of the 2018 Ford Explorer, particularly involving the rear toe link and control arm failures. Common symptoms include sudden loss of steering control, swaying, and abnormal noises from the rear, often leading to loss of vehicle control. These issues are reported at various mileages, with some instances occurring as early as 2,000 miles and others around 137,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as multiple complaints involve crashes resulting from these failures, including two incidents where the vehicle veered off the road. Used car buyers should be aware of these patterns and consider inspection for these specific suspension components.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints6
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2018 Ford Explorer frequently report issues with the braking system, including brake failure and loss of braking power. Common symptoms include extended stopping distances, brakes locking up, and brake fluid leaks, with some owners noting missing components in the brake assembly. These problems often occur at various mileages, with reports as early as 982 miles and others around 50,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as two complaints involve crashes—one resulting in injury—and another describes a fire linked to brake line failure. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential issues and consider having the braking system thoroughly inspected prior to purchase.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 1 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints5
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2018 Ford Explorer report several issues related to the airbag system. A common pattern involves the front passenger airbag indicator inconsistently indicating status, especially with lighter passengers, leading to uncertainty about airbag deployment during a crash. Another significant issue is the non-deployment of airbags during collisions, as described in a crash where the vehicle's airbags did not activate upon impact with another car. Additionally, one owner expresses concern about the dashboard vinyl potentially affecting airbag deployment due to its separation. These complaints, which sometimes involve vehicles with varying mileage, highlight potential safety risks, including crashes and injuries.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
