2018 Ford Explorer VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2018 Ford Explorer has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 651 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Ford Explorer. Severity signals include 13 crash-related complaints and 6 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Structure (249), Unknown Or Other (128), Engine (57).
Explorer reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Ford Explorer before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Most-reported 2018 Ford Explorer issues
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
- Structure249
- Unknown Or Other128
- Engine57
- Electrical System43
- Power Train37
- Engine And Engine Cooling24
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2018 Ford Explorer
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
- Check for water pump leaks and coolant levels
- Inspect timing chain for wear or unusual noises
- Test transmission for shuddering or rough shifting
- Verify steering functionality and check for warning lights
- Inspect brake system for fluid leaks and component integrity
- Check for exhaust odors inside the cabin during acceleration
- Inspect tires for abnormal wear or cracking
2018 Explorer recalls (5)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2018 Explorer. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 18V807000Nov 14, 2018
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.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
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.
- EQUIPMENTNHTSA 25V685000Oct 10, 2025
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.
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
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.
- STRUCTURENHTSA 24V031000Jan 19, 2024
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.
Consequence: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
- STRUCTURENHTSA 21V316000May 5, 2021
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.
Consequence: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
- SEATSNHTSA 19V633000Aug 28, 2019
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."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy
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.
Used-market value
2018 Ford Explorer resale snapshot
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
2018 Ford Explorer on the road
261,571 2018 Ford Explorer units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2018 Ford Explorer stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
Reliability verdict for the 2018 Ford Explorer
With a 70/100 score against a 75/100 segment average, the 2018 Ford Explorer lands below average for overall reliability. That gap points to a moderate reliability profile rather than a standout one, with higher buyer uncertainty than typical for the segment.
Complaints are not evenly spread. They cluster most heavily in structure-related concerns, while a sizable share falls into unknown or other reports, which makes the pattern less precise. Beyond that, the remaining issues span engine, electrical system, and power train, indicating additional but smaller pockets of dissatisfaction rather than a single isolated weak spot.
Recall activity is elevated, adding to the overall risk picture. Overall risk level: moderate-to-elevated compared with the segment average.
What you get in a 2018 Ford Explorer report
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2018 Ford Explorer — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Ford Explorer reliable?
With a 70/100 score against a 75/100 segment average, the 2018 Ford Explorer lands below average for overall reliability. That gap points to a moderate reliability profile rather than a standout one, with higher buyer uncertainty than typical for the segment.
How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Explorer have?
5 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2018 Ford Explorer. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2018 Ford Explorer problems?
The most-reported 2018 Ford Explorer problem areas are: Structure (249), Unknown Or Other (128), Engine (57).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2018 Ford Explorer?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2018 Ford Explorer, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.