2018 Ford Explorer Complaint Log

I have owned this vehicle for a year and have gone through three batteries. It shows multiple coded for circuit shorts - Passenger mirror motor, tailgate/liftgate/trunk motor as well as the cinch striker motor, instrument panel which has lost communication with cruise control module, power steering module, battery voltage circuit below threshold, driver side curtain deployment control 1 circuit short to ground, switch illumination. When the vehicle is stopped or parked it constanly idles up to 1000 to 1500 rpms. These are all the codes that are showing on my vehicle. There has to be some sort of issue causing these problems. What happens if my airbag deploys without warning causing me to cause a major accident which can harm myself, my spouse, children and the people around me.

The windshield trim has come loose & come off on the left side while going down the road. The right side is beginning to do the same thing. I noticed pieces missing on 10/10/23 & on 10/11/23 a big piece flew off the car as I was driving down the highway.

As I was driving on to the grocery store on a stop light I heard a rattle sound deflecting to another vehicle, the other vehicles driver heard the noise and noticed a puddle of water,and notified me. Emediatly i pulled over. Indeed, there was leak, unfortunately couldn't tell where it was coming from .I Called my mechanic, and a tow truck.My mechanic called me today October 11,2023 to notify me that the water pump had failed.He asked me if there had been any warning sings or temperature change,I responded no.He told me that if the incident had happened on the highway, I might have caused damage to the engine and potentially the vehicle might have shut off do to over heating.Keep in mind that my 2018 ford explorer only has 70,000 miles.Now I'm stuck with a bill of 1,400 dollars.Im gonna get an update tomorrow October 12,2023 on my vehicle status, if there was anything else damaged do to the water pump failure.No lights or warning sings were lid on my dashboard.

Right side windshield trim panel detached from the car while moving. Had to purchase two different pieces at a cost of approximately $139.00 each. Plus the cost of installation.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the bottom section of the front windshield rubber trim seal had deteriorated and became unsecured. While driving at various speeds, the unsecured trim was blown into the field of view of the driver, creating a visibility hazard. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 40,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH on the interstate, the exterior A-pillar trim detached from around the front windshield. There were no warning lights illuminated. 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 made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The car had catastrophic engine failure. It had zero mechanical issues and all routine maintenance. It started rough a few times. Which I now know was a misfire. It then overheated while driving. Brought to a mechanic who said it was a blown head gasket. The coolant leaked into the oil. Engine had to be replaced at 102,000 miles.

Windshield noise above 35mph. Seals are rotting. Couldn't upload photos.

EXHAUST SAFTEY ISSUE / MY CEL CAME ON LEAVING WORK ON 9/25 , SCANED CODE AND GOT A CODE OF P0430 (CATALYTIC CONVERTER BANK 2) I FOUND A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM ISSUED ON 06/13/19 -(PROGRAM #19M01) ON THIS TO REPLACE UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE ISSUE IS WARRANTY COVERAGE IS 11 YEARS OR 120,000 MILES. THE CODE CAME UP AT 120,325 JUST OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY EXTENSION , FORD IS UNWILLING TO EXTEND THIS COVERAGE PAST THE 120 MILE MARK , tHIS CAR ALSO FALLS UNDER ANOTHER PROGRAM THAT WAS ISSUED 01/26/23 (PROGRAM# 22M06) STILL FORD REFUSES TO COVER UNDER WARRANTY FOR THIS SAFTY ISSUE

Windshield trim detached during highway travel. It flapped hitting the windshield and flew off almost causing collision.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while self-inspecting the vehicle, he noticed the paint on the front of the hood was corroded and peeling. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer informed the contact that his VIN was not included in an unknown recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file the complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.

I purchased this used vehicle from Carmax 1/2022. Prior to my purchase it was a fleet vehicle. On 09/18/2023 I experienced EcoBoost engine failure.Mileage is currently roughly 49k. Incident occured 2 months outside of Powertrain warranty. The engine light would come on intermittently when driving. Took the car for a diagnostic to diagnose issue and had #3 ignition coil replaced due to misfire message. Few days later, light would come back on. After 3rd time of me going back and forth to the repair shop because of the light coming back on and vehicle drive not being as smooth as it usually is, I took the car to Ford dealer service center, where I was advised that this is a known issue, but no recall has been issued at this time. In addition, I was told that this engine is on back order and will not ship out until March 2024. A loaner car has not been provided and my extended warranty covers 5 days at $35/day, that is it. I will be without a vehicle for 6 months. Prior to this incident in 2022 I had a transmission issue. Powertrain warranty was still in effect so Ford covered it. I was without a vehicle for about 3 weeks for that repair. This has been a very dissapointing experience for a vehicle that is 5 years old and under 50k miles.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle shuddered and hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while driving with Adaptive Cruise Control mode engaged. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the transmission fluid was flushed. The contact stated that the failure recurred increasingly after 4,000 miles. The contact stated while at a complete stop and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle shuddered significantly as if the vehicle was attempting to drive forward. The contact stated that he applied more pressure on the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 115,631.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle overheated. The temperature gauge increased to the high engine temperature level. There was an abnormal beeping sound detected. The contact noticed that the coolant reservoir was empty and added coolant. The contact stated that the next day there was coolant on the garage floor. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 71,699.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized and failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring for over a year. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

The windshield bottom rubber trim is Descente grating and falling apart.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that two years ago, he had received an unstated NHTSA Campaign for the roof rail. The contact stated that the recall repair was completed. The contact stated that the roof rail failure had occurred after the recall repair was completed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with roof rail assembly failure. The contact was informed that the roof rail needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that if the repair was performed, a two-year warranty on the repair would be authorized. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the crank and camshaft valve position sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

The gas gauge isn’t reading correctly. I’m a mother of a one year old son and I didn’t noticed that my car was reading wrong until I put in gas and it didn’t give me the correct reading. I have spoken to many people who owns a Ford Explorer and they have said the same thing. I don’t even know where to start on why it wouldn’t work. The problem has been reported and I didn’t get a warning. It just stopped reading correctly. There’s nothing on my dashboard, no sign or anything. I am confused.

Windshield cowl (trim) had deteriorated, possibly due to common heat and sun damage. 1. We do not know whether or not the deteriorated cowl will affect windshield stability or water leaks. If windshield stability is affected, it would affect safety. 2. Other complaints have noted that pieces of deteriorated cowl/trim have impacted safety of nearby vehicles. 3. The vibration, humming, and buzzing are irritating to drivers and passengers. // This observed deterioration occurred when the vehicle was 5 years old, however, we know of the same problem occurring in a 2019 Explorer at about 3 years. // The local Ford dealer stated it would cost over $650 to replace the cowl.

My car started to make a buzzy kind of noise when I go over 30mph, with the heat I notice the cowl panel started to have some wear and tear, I google it and it seems to be an issue for this type of vehicles of Ford when it’s hot. I have read and watch many videos of people with the same car having an issue with it, I’m not sure and I would like to know if is safe to drive like that.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was a message indicating that the engine was overheating. Additionally, the contact became aware of a burning odor. The contact was able to drive to the residence and parked the vehicle in the garage. The contact then noticed that coolant was leaking onto the ground. The contact stated that coolant was added to the vehicle; however, half of the coolant leaked from the vehicle. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence. The vehicle was diagnosed with water pump failure. The contact was referred to the dealer for the repair. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that he would be charged a repair fee because the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic signal, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had become a recurring failure. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 20N07 Torque Converter Shudder (Power Train). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

APIM Module is bad

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front windshield was disintegrating. There were no warning lights illuminated. While driving, the contact detected that there was an abnormal chirping noise and wind entering the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had gradually progressed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the cowl screen panel needed to be replaced. The sealant around the windshield had disintegrated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the repair was not covered under the warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000. The VIN was not available.

Both side pieces on the windshield have flow off while traveling down the high way. The first time it happened was about 2 months ago on the passengers side and last night 7/21 on the drivers side

When the radio is on, a loud buzzing sound from the radio, do not believe it’s in the speakers

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while accelerating there was an abnormal exhaust odor inside the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact then had a headache, but medical attention was not provided. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

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 the driver's side and the passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trims had detached. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or 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 failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

I was driving on the highway at about 70 mph when the passenger side window trim flew off of the vehicle, causing a loud noise that startled me as I drove. I do not believe the trim piece hit another vehicle as it was nighttime and the road was not crowded, but it easily could have in other circumstances.

Frame around windshield is loose on the right. Rattles when driving at higher speeds.

Windshield panel pillar and moldings are missing and flying off vehicle.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by a dealer and confirmed that the failure was with the power take off unit internal failure and was leaking fluid. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

The passenger side windshield panel flew off while driving 70 mph on the highway. There is now a rattling sound when I drive over 30 mph. There were no warning signs, only a loud crack. This could have been very dangerous if someone had been next to or behind the vehicle.

Dealer refuses to repair vehicle without issues being present. States They will only fix it once the problem has arisen.

Windshield allows wind noise to come through. components loose scare it might fly off

I’ve taken my vehicle multiple times to the Ford dealership due to continuing issues. Every time I’m told nothing is wrong and now I can’t even drive my car 5 feet.

Recently my screen has not been working in the car. When I took it to the car dealership they said it was the APIM and it is 1400. They said they have had to order about 35 of them in the past month with cars having the same issue. If this is the case then a recall should be considered due to the price that is associated with this part

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side windshield trim detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the windshield trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but did not provide any assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 72,000. The VIN was not available.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while pulling into a parking lot, the high engine temperature message was displayed. Additionally, the “Low Coolant – Pull Over and Check Coolant” message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 67,707.

Paint bubbling on hood near grill

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while her husband was driving approximately 45 MPH, the check engine warning light started flashing. The contact stated that after blinking twice, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The driver coasted to the side of the roadway and had the vehicle towed to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The certified mechanic explained that coolant had leaked into the engine oil causing the engine to fail. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed the diagnostic result and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.

While driving on the highway the right windshield trim piece on the pillar completely ripped off.

Have had the vehicle for less than a year have had nothing but lil problems but recently have gotten a cranking noise, transmission / coolant leaking under the vehicle. Also have water leaking from the exhaust line when car is in park. Driving back from work early in the morning a sounded like a big pop not sure what it have may been took it to the mechanic ass well twice an got it diagnosed an they’re response was they couldn’t find the problem. The area I’ve seen an heard the clunking the most would be under the vehicle at the center by the catalyst converter. Transmission jerks as well I’ve had this vehicle for 8 months a don’t seem to be what a vehicle should be doing.

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 the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the cruise control failed to operate as needed. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The driver side trim piece near the windshield blew off while driving down the highway.

WINDSHIELD TRIM CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS DIRECTLY BEHIND ME , BUT ANOTHER DRIVER ON THE RIGHT OF ME SAW THE PIECE FLAGGED ME DOWN TO LET ME KNOW. AND INFORMED THAT THERE IS AN INVESTIGATION ABOUT THIS PIECE

While driving 75 mph on I-80 in Nebraska, the passenger side windshield trim flew off my 2018 Ford Explorer with no warning. This is the second time it has happened, although we heard something hitting the car before it flew off the first time. This was in 2020.

About two years ago, I had the windshield replaced because I had a crack in it. A certified tech approved by my insurance replaced it. Once that happened, I noticed the right A-pillar was loose. Thinking it was something they did incorrectly, I called and they came to fix it; however, a day later, it did the same thing. The clips would not fit correctly. While going down the road, it flew off and scraped the side of my car. Now there isn't an A-pillar and I'm afraid water is getting into my car. Since that happened, my electrical system has been acting strange. I called the AutoNation and I was told the saw the recall, but they didn't have any fixes for it yet. That was in 2024.

Leaking exhuast fumes into the cab.