2018 Ford Explorer Complaint Log

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was black smoke coming from under the hood. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the battery was faulty. The battery was replaced. The contact stated that while driving, there was black smoke coming from under the hood, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The transmission was replaced. Later, while driving again, the black smoke was again present coming from the hood of the vehicle, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine and turbo were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.

I was informed via mail several months ago there was a safety recall related to my 2018 Ford Explorer regarding the roof rail cover. My wife contacted our original dealership (Fairway Ford in Placentia) who stated that the repairs were unnecessary and refused to service the vehicle. In the past week I then received a safety recall reminder from Ford via mail and when I contacted their service representative (Bell; Today around 8:40 AM) she confirmed that the repairs were indeed necessary and she directed me to another dealership (Villa Ford in Orange) due to being informed of the refusal of Fairway Ford to perform the repairs.

Roof rack cover blew off while driving and snapped 3/4 of the cover off. Part was not recovered. Research shows this was an issue on the vehicle and there was a recall. When entering the vin # it shows no recalls?

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon inspection it was discovered that approximately three quarters of the driver’s side roof rail covers had fractured and dislodged from the vehicle. The cause of the failure was unknown. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 31,000.

i SEEN WHERE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE ROOF RACK COVERS ON EXPLORERS. MINE ON MY PASSENGER SIDE BLEW OFF IN THE WIND. SHOULD MY VEHICLE HAVE BEEN IN THIS RECALL. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

THE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR ALARM

All of the components actually failed that were connected to in said computers Dean or data I am noticing that since we have connected our phones to this system and system and the Ford app we have seen constant problems with vehicle with vehicle has actually shut off while driving driving and lights are acting really weird would like to make sure that our identity theft data breach and hacking That has been done to us has not breached our vehicle's security systems within all said computer component Which can cause death dismemberment tdismemberment disharm or more please contact.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the rear hatch glass shattered without impact. The vehicle was taken to Safelite Auto Glass and repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the repair was not covered under the vehicle warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

2018 Ford Explorer Limited with rotten egg like smell/fumes emitted into the cab when increasing in speed. The smell became extremely strong to the point of having to roll down the windows. This has happened on multiple occasions.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-up camera image was distorted and unviewable. The vehicle had also experienced various electrical failures which included the headlights independently turning on while the vehicle was off. Additionally, while driving at undisclosed speeds, the message "Key Not Detected" was displayed. The vehicle also experienced the liftgate opening independently while driving. The contact also had difficulties starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rear camera wire connector had failed due to water damage. The connector was replaced but later the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,000.

A Piller trim came flying off on the highway.

I purchased this SUV October 30, 2021. When I utilize remote start, I notice a smell of exhaust fumes when I get in the car to begin my commute. The smell dissipates when I let the window down before starting the drive. During my two hour commute to and from work, I have feelings of nausea and headaches. Since the time that I purchased this SUV, I've continued to be plagued with head aches, nausea, vomiting, and extreme fatigue. During the commute on Monday, January 31, I became ill again on the commute and was unable to go to work. I decided to take the car to the Green Ford dealership in Greensboro, NC to be inspected. On Wednesday, February 2, I received the following text notification from Green Ford....I just got with the technician and it is definitely leaking exhaust fumes into the vehicle. We are currently working up a quote for the repairs and will then give a call to warranty company. *My SUV is still at the dealership so I do not have the repair invoice to attach.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was reversing from the garage, the rearview camera was inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure might be due to a computer software issue. The dealer also advised the contact to bring the vehicle in for a diagnosis. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnosis. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 54,800.

Within weeks of vehicle being out of warranty apim module failed. Vehicle completely lost all gps, intermitment screen failure that prevents seeing backup camera. Forward collison lights come on for no apparent reason. All lane assist functions intermittently work

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that initially, the infotainment screen would intermittently fail to operate upon the start of the vehicle without warning. Recently, the contact stated that the infotainment screen had completely failed and that the screen had remained blank while the vehicle was in operation. Due to the failure, the back over prevention camera was inoperable. The contact called the manufacturer who then referred him to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.

The battery continues to drain even when parked next to my house. After a few days some systems shut down beginning with the passenger door handle sensor not unlocking the doors when touched. A few days later the car would not start. It has been to several dealers in the nearly three years I have owned it and had numerous batteries replaced. Dealer always states everything checks out fine I have been stranded with a no start several times. The 12 volt accessories socket also stops working.

Currently on 3rd day of owning vehicle. On second day, the presence of strong exhaust odor persisted throughout the day driving close to 90 miles. Heat was on around 72 with both head & floor pulling in fresh air. Had to open sunroof because of how strong odor became when sitting idle while stopping. There are no warning lights or anything that would be causing exhaust to enter car abnormally.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that coolant was leaking from the engine and the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the water pump was replaced; however, the contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the water pump had failed again. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The failure mileage was 81,135.

See attached document for complaint

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 undisclosed speeds on several occasions, there was a whooshing air sound coming from the windshield. The contact stated that the trim around the windshield had dry rotted and detached. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure milage was approximately 30,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH in the rain, the vehicle stalled, and the windshield wipers seized. The contact stated that the message “transmission not in the park” was displayed. The contact restarted the vehicle and drove to his residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 mph on the highway, y a piece of Sop A-pillar trim came off on the passenger side. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the pillar trim to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the trim detached from the windshield. The contact was able to drive to her destination. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

Unable to utilize the technology screen that the backup camera utilizes. Black screen with no power and unable to get visual or audio object warnings. Being informed the APIM is faulty.

Right rear tire outside shoulder wear. alignment has been checked twice. Always within factory specs. Factory specs for camber on that wheel are not right. Vehicle handles poorly in slushy conditions. In many instances that is a sign of wheels out of alignment.

Ford has issued a recall for the cooling mechanism when the car is in idle. Unfortunately I have been told they will not correct it unless there is a problem? Like they know it is faulty and are waiting on a fire. This is a safety issue and I believe they have made the courtesy recall in hopes that it won't be a mandated one, which is pretty scary. We do what we can to prevent these issues and they know there is a problem. This is a safety issue. Please force them to correct this defect. I have attempted to schedule this repair, but while the notice says they will correct it. They have refused. I have spoken with Daniel at Ford and they have closed my case. The letter acknowledges safety feature issues are possible. I will try to attach screenshots of my case no. And the letter. Thank you so much. [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 the water pump was leaking. While driving, the vehicle overheated and stalled. The overheating message was displayed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.

As I was driving the car slowed down and jerked a little. ( no lights came on ) It happened again getting on the freeway, on another day. Still no lights on the dash. It did it another time and the light that indicate it's the power train. All while I was going through this I took it to a shop that said nothing was wrong with my vehicle. I only had my vehicle 5 months before the first slow down. I tried to take it to Pat Millenkin Ford they MEVER looked at the powertrain after me telling them I thought it was the transmission, but I was told it has no issues because it wasn't a light on. Two day's after getting my car back same problem happened, I called then was giving the run around then after my warranty expired they said bring it in which now they want me to pay over $4000 but they never did a diagnostic test on my powertrain. There also was a manufacturer customer satisfaction program from Ford on the transmission #20N07 before I purchased.

Sync screen completely blacked out. Started after Ford replaces my battery. Back up camera does not work; front and rear sensors do not work; along with all sync related activities (climate control, hands free) It has now progressed to instrument panel starting with the compass. Based on other complaints fear it will move on to other instrument panel devices.

The steering stopped working. This happened a couple times and I stopped the suv and turned it off and when I turned it on it worked. This last time it completely stopped steering. The repair shop said it was a steering rack or something and the part had to come from Ford. This part was $1500.00. Now they say my rear suspension bushing need replacing along with a toe part causing excessive wear on my rear left tire. This part will cost me $600.00 plus.

Vehicle emits a mold smell through the cooling system. Entire system was replaced under warranty and problem returned within a year. The presence of mold can cause serious health issues.

Noticed smoke coming from vehicle as started driving vehicle, a short distance from WTS. A short time later flames were coming from behind the glove box. Driver was driving. The vehicle has not been inspected. It is unknown at this time if their were warning lamps.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, she became aware that the front passenger’s side windshield rubber trim and the weather protector plastic piece were flapping back and forth on the windshield and then flew off the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and placed the rubber trim piece back in the molding of the windshield and drove back to her residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the passenger’s side window frame detached without warning. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was 35,872

According to Ford The APIM failed and needs to be replaced. The entire counsel is black and will not come on I can not control the heat in air in the back of my vehicle as well as the rear cameras, radio, navigation, car chargers, car play and other features. Before it went completely black and didn’t work it would disconnect the phone and turn off and on for about a week. This car is less than 3 years old.

When accelerating there is an exhaust smell that seeps into the cabin of the car.

2018 eXPLOERE AND EVERYTIME WE BACK UP THERE IS A LOUD CLUNK NOISE, i SEE THER IS A RECALL ON 2013-2017 BUT 2018 ALS O NEEDS TO BE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL THIS PROBELM NEEDS TO BE FIXED IMMEDIATELY

Strong exhaust smell in the front cabin while driving 40+ mph. Resulting dizziness and nausea symptoms. Vehicle taken to dealer for diagnosis. Odometer reading 10560

Roof Rail cap flew off on Highway. Complained of issue was told its under investigation but no fix is available

The failed component is the Roof Rail Caps. One of mine came off on the car wash. The other Roof Rail Cap keeps coming loose just driving around, I have to check the second Roof Rail Cap so it too does not fly off on the highway or come off in the car wash. I now have just the one Roof Rail Cap and it looks terrible.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that moisture had been entering the vehicle from an unknown place. The moisture had acuminated on the front driver’s side floor and later spread throughout the entire floor of the vehicle. The contact also stated that a strong mold odor was inside the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where they informed her that the failure was not related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure) for which the Vin was included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was 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. Parts distribution disconnect.

On June 18, 2021 while driving we noticed a particular smell inside the vehicle while driving and stationary. When we exited the vehicle the smell was exact same smell as the exhaust coming from the car. All doors were closed to include rear hatch as it was 110 plus outside. We had the A/C on recirculating mode and wife complained of a headache and mentioned she had been getting headaches several times while in the vehicle and I too had a headache. I searched the web and came across the same in issue with this generation Explorer and people had stated the 2018 models had the same complaint but were not recalled. For the remainder of the trip we rolled windows down and used fresh air to clear to vehicle of the exhaust smell. The vehicle has not been inspected by the dealer as we have been driving another vehicle due to the safety risk of CO2 poisoning.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer equipped with Hankook Ventus S1 Noble 2 tires. Size: 255/50R20 105H, dot number: 5mnc 1ah 1218. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the 2 rear tires were prematurely worn out or will get a rejected sticker if not replaced. Owner went to Baystate Ford dealer in Easton MA where the failure was confirmed, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The contact was told by this dealer service that neither they or the manufacturer would offer any assistance for this failure.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer equipped with four Hankook tires, Tire line: Ventus S1 Noble S2, Tire Size 255/50/R20. DOT Number: 5mnb1ah1218. The contact stated while having a routine inspection was informed that the rear driver and passenger tires needed to be replaced due to unusual wear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they were unable to determine the failure cause. The manufacturer was not notified. The tire mileage was 50,000. The failure mileage was 14,000.

Roofrack became detached while driving on freeway. Almost flew off in traffic and had to hold onto it while driving until I was able to pull over and tape it down. Almost flew off road while holding it down.

On at least three separate occasions over last six months vehicle has exhibited significant loss of power while accelerating passing vehicles. In addition to these occasions the vehicle has had significant smoking issues after idling or stopping for extended times. White smoke and odor exit the tailpipes which can be smelled inside of vehicle and observed outside the vehicle. Subsequent dealer inspections located nothing to cause the issues until the third time they inspected it and located the waste gate from the turbo chargers not function due to missing clips/rod. The repair has corrected the issue however i was charged for the repair stating the parts of the turbor charger where not covered under the powertrain warranty even though if gone uncorrected would have caused the turbos to fail under operation causing potential entire engine failure which if occured underway or during acceleration would create a significant safety hazard to the operator, passengers and potential other vehicles on the road. Note: there is a TSB issued for the same problems occuring with the turbo chargers of Ford involving the smaller engines manufactured at the same facility as the ecoboost motors.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the infotainment screen was inoperable. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the application programming interface module (APIM) needed to be replaced; however, the part for the repair was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.

Roof rack rail cover came off on highway, almost caused an accident. The other roof rack rail cover is lose but I have yet to receive the recall for the roof rack rail cover.

air conditioning failed. dealer says its compressor, but they have had it for a month and cannot fix it. last excuse was a bolt fracture. bolt fracture? my previous 2013 explorer had a fire in the ac unit at 9 thousand miles.