2018 Ford Explorer Complaint Log

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a popping sound coming from the roof. While at a car wash, the contact became aware that the roof rail had detached. The contact stated that the roof rail had detached several times after being reinstalled. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (STRUCTURE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.

I PURCHASED A 2018 FORD EXPLORER WITH THE 2.3L 4 CYLINDER ENGINGE IN 2023. WITHIHN A YEAR OF MY ENGINE STARTED TO HAVE ISSUES HESITATING WHEN ACCELERATING. THEN IT OVERHEATED AND I REALIZED MY COOLANT WAS DISAPPEARING BUT WASNT POOLING ANYWHERE.. IT WAS EVAPORATING BECAUSE IT WAS LEAKING INTO MY SPARK PLUGS. WHEN I CHANGED PLUGS I NOTICED OIL OR COOLANT ON TWO OF THEM I CALLED FORD ABOUT IT BECAUSE MY ENGINE HAS A PENDING LAWSUIT FOR THIS PROBLEM IT KEPT GETTING WORSE . I DONT HAVE THE MONEY FOR THE REPAIRS AND I ASKED THEM IF THEY COULD DO A GOOD FAITH REPAIR AND I WAS DENIED. AS OF 4/16/2026 MY ENGINE FAILED AND MY COOLANT IS FILLED WITH OIL BECAUSE OF THE DEFECTIVE ENGINE THAT THEY KNEW ABOUT SINCE 2010

At 89k miles, my engine has failed, due to coolant intrusion, according to Ken Garff Ford Dealership in St. George, UT. I started having issues with rough start and timing miss and engine light came on. I immediately took it to Dealership and they did two repairs (tune-up) and subsequent gasket change because they said oil was getting into my spark plugs. It did not resolve the issue, took it straight back and now they're telling me I need a new engine. This comes 2 years after I had to pay $7k for a new transmission at only 60k miles. This is wrong and not OK that I am having to deal with this. I don't have $12k laying around for a new engine on a vehicle that shouldn't be having all these issues!

Vehicle is equipped with operational red and blue lights that are prohibited under the color of law, and facilitates criminal activity upon a purchase agreement. Seller has actual knowledge and can be liable under the color of law. Vehicle has open recalls.

After replacing the newest recall for the rear toe link on my Explorer, I’ve noticed (along with a couple others on some forums) that the alignment does not stay set and will come undone. I finished driving 1000 miles after the swap and had sudden pressure loss in my rear tire. When I looked at it the entire outside of the tire on both driver and passenger side were completely eaten through and I’m not made of enough money to keep replacing tires and keep getting alignments done. I do have a video of my inside cam of when it happened if requested.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V101000 (Suspension); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts for the recall repair were on back order. The contact called other dealers nearby and was provided the same information. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

I received a Recall for 2018 Ford Explorer for the rear suspension toe links NHTSA Recall 26V101. I've tried to schedule an appointment to have this fixed, however, the dealer cannot fix this recall as they have no parts and said they do not know when any parts will be available to fix this issue. I've called the Ford Recall Assistance Center AND the Ford Customer Service group and neither one of these groups have any information pertaining to this recall. If this is a safety recall, how can Ford send a Recall notice and not be able fix it. Any additional information would be greatly appreciate. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the roof rail detached while the vehicle was being blow-dried at an automated car wash. The roof rail was manually pressed back into place, but was no longer secure and was easily detached. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (STRUCTURE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

Received Safety Recall 26S08 about rear suspension toe link. However, the new toe link design Ford provided as a remedy only fixes the breakage issue, but it is known to be "inadjustable" and causing control issues from the recall on previous model years. The new toe link will lose alignment within 6 months, and causing early wore out on rear tires. It looks like Ford's remediation is only fixing one issue to create another one. A lot of owners are switching to aftermarket toe links which helps to stabilize the control.

While driving at an undisclosed speed, I noticed an abnormal buzzing sound coming from the windshield. I have noticed that there have been several complaints regarding that issue. Also, there was a strange smell coming inside the vehicle.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE) and 26V101000 (SUSPENSION); however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the passenger's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the recall repairs were not available. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the driver’s side A-pillar trim became loose. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired after the most recent failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure with the suspension. The dealer advised the contact that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

My 2018 Ford Explorer continues to have issues with the rear back up camera. It makes it difficult to see while backing, especially at night. I have noticed recalls concerning this very problem on Ford Explorers with a recall on this very issue beginning with 2020 models. My vehicle is experiencing the sale malfunction. We called Ford a couple of times about the issue, and their response was, summarized, “Sorry, it is not under the recall and there is nothing for us (Ford) to do.” I feel sure that I am not the only pre-2020 ford explorer owner to have this wide spread problem. It should be included in the recall. Thank you.

Horn stopped working. Airbag indicator will not reset. Took to local dealership but their service department doesn’t seem to find an active recall for this, even though I can see them listed, just not for my particular VIN number

Entertainment system control. Power draws down and kills battery. Display locks into reverse camera, and I can't access any controls for extended periods of time. Display just locks, and I can't adjust anything in it. This seems to be a known issue for all Sync 3 based backends.

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 not yet available. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the car wash, the passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim detached. The contact manually reinstalled the trim; however, the trim flew off while driving. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that that the part was not yet available, and there was no anticipated date for parts availability. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

Upon startup rough idle and check engine light came on. Mechanic confirmed cylinder head thinning causing fluid leak into first cylinder. A mechanical note verifies but Ford won't issue a recall. Apparently Ford has know this for years with Ecoboost engines. I don't want to become a victim of vehicle dying in the middle of traffic. Have seen several complaints from Ford owners with no fixes by Ford.

I own a Ford Explorer 2018 bought as second hand in July 2020. For the last three years, the investment in it has been exponential. Finally working with a proper car mechanic, I understood that all the fixes I have made, have been known for a while. I have received several recalls and searching for more, I found one that **I did not receiveD*** and I'm having an issue with it. It can be seen in the attached document. Research shows that "the 2018 Ford Explorer has significant, well-documented complaints, primarily regarding catastrophic water pump failure, transmission issues, and multiple recalls. The 3.5L engine's internal water pump often fails around 125,000 miles, causing engine destruction. Other common issues include rear suspension toe link fractures, exhaust smells, and electrical problems." My water pump failed way before 125K miles, as the previous statement states.. Mine is 94K. I fixed it last year and now it's broken again. And by the say of the mechanic, it could be because of the issue of the catalyst, of a recall I didn't get and that probably got the previous owner. I have tried to reach Ford through letter and phone and no one answers. I finally spoke to someone on Tuesday from the warranty department and told me he will reach me in 3 hours. Two days have gone by. I also did a complaint on BBB and the refuse to fix and reimbursed the recall I didn't received.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V101000 (SUSPENSION). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the transmission seized. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to move forward or reverse(R) as needed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called a transmission specialty shop. The vehicle was not inspected or diagnosed. The vehicle remained at the residence and had not been driven since. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

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 not yet available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the front passenger’s side A-pillar trims detached. Several local dealers were contacted on several occasions. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after the vehicle was idling at a traffic stop, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted; however, the vehicle stalled after driving several minutes. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 162,000.

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 not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

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 not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Right front caliber went out at 47,186 miles in 11/14/2025. No abs sensor went on alerting me to the problem. Had it fixed. Two months later, 1/05/2026, at 47,620 miles later, the control HCU and module ABS went out. Again, no sensor alerting me to a problem. I could hardly drive it. Had Ford look at it, assess the problem, and had to drive home due to another cost. Could have been on the highway when this occurred. Was in town, but was an awful experience! Brakes locked up on me!

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 not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the remedy was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the remedy was not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

See attached document for complaint. I am in receipt of your multiple Important Safety Recall notices/letter and am very upset with your company. I keep receiving these recall notices/letters and I call the Ford Dealer to set up an appointment and they tell me the part is not available. This has been going on for over a year!!!! If this is a safety recall then why is it not important enough to service my vehicle?!!!

My VIN was removed for the A Pillar recall. I received no notice as to why and my car was inspected a year ago. At that time the problem was not present. It is present now, but for some reason, my VIN has been removed. I would like to know under what conditions it was removed and by whom.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available, and there was a waiting list in place for the repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Leaking water pump that if isn’t repaired will cause catastrophic engine failure. Very expensive repair, $2800 because of internal placement of the pump. Since the water pump is in line with the crankshaft and located over the main body of the engine, it allows coolant to leak from the water pump into the oil pan. Mixed coolant and oil will lead to engine failure.

Fuel system evap leak just like the Safety Recall 18S35

- I have experienced a sudden loss of engine power and speed on 5 occasions. Very scary and dangerous to completely lose power on the highway with cars behind you. Had to pull off onto the shoulder(s) in dangerous conditions, with two young kids in the backseat. Hazards, turn off the car, restart the car, etc. - When the power loss happens, the vehicle's dashboard lights turn on, including the engine and wrench icons along with the words "See Manual." - Based on my research, I believe it may be due to a defective throttle body and/or software, related to the "terrain management system." - Problem was not reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center - No inspections by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others - No warning message is provided prior to the failure, which is another issue

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 not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

My 2018 Ford Explorer sport had a recall on the luggage rack. The railing on top it was repaired. In twenty one, but the repairer didn't hold the relling, flew off on the passenger side and driver's side is about to fly off.And my local four dealer has changed hands.So they're refusing to repair it again.So recall clips felled, so what do I do

The manufacturer has not remedied the repair of a recall within a timely manner. I am scheduled to ship my vehicle overseas, which requires all recalls to be addressed. Manufacturer Recall Number24S02 (NHTSA Recall Number24V031)

It has been 1.5 years since this recall and Ford has not remedied the problem in a timely manner.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her son was driving over a bridge, the A-pillar trim detached and fell off the vehicle, causing another vehicle to swerve to avoid the trim and sideswipe another vehicle. Additionally, the front windshield started to leak shortly after the A-pillar trim detached and fell off. The contact related the leaking to the missing A-pillar trim. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was associated with the recall; however, the failure did not occur because of the loss of the A-pillar trim. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH over a bump on a snowy road, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the rear suspension, and the contact lost control of the vehicle. The contact stated that upon decelerating to 5 MPH, the contact was able to regain control of the vehicle and to pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact noticed that the rear driver's side tire was folded inward. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the driver's side rear suspension toe link was fractured and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the part was replaced; however, the rear suspension was making an abnormal squeaking sound while driving. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware that the VIN was recently included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V101000 (Suspension), which the contact associated with the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

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 not available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was inspected, and the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available for the repair. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

During a storm, our SUV had water leaking in through the top, middle of the windshield. The water soaked the dashboard controls and our heating/air system was stuck on high heat and would not turn off. It was 70° and it was extremely hot in the SUV and the windows kept fogging up making it hard to see. Our temperature controls no longer work properly.

In November 2023, our SUV started to over heat and engine shut off. We noticed the coolant reservoir was bone dry. We added coolant. It was bone dry again within a couple days. We had a mechanic friend diagnose and he told us it is the water pump. We took it to the Ford dealership and we were quoted $3000 to repair it. We could not afford this, so thankfully we met a mechanic that works at dealerships but also repairs on the side. He fixed it for $1000. Flash forward to November 2025 and we notice the heat in our car is not working. Couple weeks later, overheat warning and I'm forced to pull over with my 3 children in the car on a busy highway. Once car cooled down, we went straight home and forfeited our plans. Notice the reservoir is empty again. Refill it. It's empty within a few days. Come to find out, it's the water pump again and Ford dealership wants $4400 this time to fix it and our friend who fixed it last time wants $2000 to fix it. He had another Ford Explorer currently in his shop with the same problem. He said it will continue to fail. We are at a loss. Car overheats almost immediately and loses coolant almost immediately. Ford should HAVE A RECALL ON THE WATER PUMP. Why does the engine have to be pulled out to replace the water pump that is just going to fail every 2 years. I have bought Ford since 2008 and swore I always would buy Ford. I have had 3 Ford vehicles. This experience with this vehicle and the Ford dealerships has changed my opinion. I will never buy Ford again. We are only at 125,000 miles and bought vehicle BRAND NEW in 2018-- so 7 years... just 7 years!

I do not no at this time

These parts are still unavailable. This should be a class action lawsuit.

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 not yet available. The contact stated that upon further inspection, it was noticed that the front passenger side A-pillar trim sealant was deteriorating. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Had a recall at 60K miles for transmission, every since then the transmission has been breaking down at every 20k miles, I am going through my 3rd transmission now and Ford can't make their transmission right. The diagnoses is internal failure every time.

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 not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 99,700.

On Saturday 10/18/2025 the rear drivers side tow link of my 2018 Ford Explorer XLT snapped while driving 70 mph under normal driving conditions on a 4-lane section of i-75 in Detroit, MI. This caused a loss of steering, and my family and almost hit the median concrete wall when it sharply veered to the left completely unexpectedly. There were no warning sounds or symptoms and happened at random on a straight away. We then spun out doing multiple 360 spins on 2 wheels, almost flipping completely, and landing in the middle 2 lanes. We had a semi truck and another vehicle narrowly miss us. I was able to then move fast enough to the side of the road and avoid being hit by more oncoming traffic. We called 911 and AAA for towing to Suburban Ford of Troy who did an inspection and found the drivers side rear tow link has snapped due to a seized knuckle. There is a recall for the exact same known issue in the 2011-2017 Ford Explorers. My wife’s 2017 explorer has the same parts as my 2018 and has the recall for the tow links and ball joint due to this known issue, yet Ford is refusing to acknowledge the issue is still affecting later model years. My Explorer only had 74,000 miles on it and never any accidents or abnormal driving conditions/hard driving. My family and I are extremely lucky to be alive after such a catastrophic failure. This type of issue should never happen on any vehicle and is a totally unacceptable engineering failure. Ford needs to inspect this issue on the later models beyond 2017 as this will cost lives. This will kill people and we are actually in shock that we lived through this. Ford should take responsibility and pay for this repair, as well as the other side the same as they do the years the recalled.

One of my backseat seatbelt buckles is completely broken and the other side has a crack in the plastic casing in the same spot but not as big. And the insides of the buckle where it locks in there is nothing for it to lock onto. One still works as the other one has nothing for it to lock into. Yes it can be inspected. It puts my passengers at risk if they can't buckle up. It has never been inspected or looked at by anyone

Nothing has happened yet, but I want to make dure nothing does happen as a result of not taking care of this potential problem.

Another timing chain failure on highway with engine stopping on road. This should be a recall!!!!! Only 101,300 miles on engine. No warnings no check engine lights until after failure.

I was driving on a freeway when the engine stopped without warning. The timing chain apparently; slipped and the pistons collided with the alves leaving me stranded on the road. This si a dangerous situation that Ford knows of adn is ignoring. THe car had 101000 miles on it. The car was serviced at 98500 miles by Ford but the timing issue was ignored by the mechanics becasue the computer produced no error codes. The obvious ticking of the engine was the only indication that there was a problem that the mechanics ignored. This is a know premature failure and danger to drivers and the engine should be recalled for repair at Ford's expense. Please issue a safety recall on this engine. ( 3.5L V-Shaped 3.5L Ti-VCT) Consumers are at risk for unexpected breakdowns without warning, at speed, in traffic...

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 not yet available. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was air entering the vehicle through the front driver’s side A-pillar trim. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted on several occasions; however, parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.