2018 Ford Explorer Complaint Log

Passenger side windshield trim pieces detaching from the car's body at highway speeds.

Backup Camera does not work. This has been going on for two years. We have been to the dealer about this situation. There were intermittent messages saying that the camera didn't work, then it completely stopped. This started in 2023. We went to the dealer to find out about what it would cost to have it fixed and found out that all the years around the 2018 had been recalled for this problem. We wanted you to know that the 2018 has the same problem as these other vehicles with the backup camera.

Both of the front window panels/trim on the outside flew off on the highway. Two different incidents. As if they are not properly installed because why are they so loose and flying off. Ford needs to fix this with a recall this is ridiculous

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling at a stop, the vehicle hesitated while responding. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the torque converter had overheated. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic for a second opinion where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was then towed to the residence where it remained. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

The windshield trim is dethatching from the vehicle. The detached item can cause damage to other vehicles or injury to other motorist. The problem has been confirmed by a service center but not inspected. There is no warning lamp, discovered after hearing a noise while driving.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was blue smoke coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the two turbo chargers were leaking and that there was oil in the engine. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. The VIN was not available.

I was driving on Interstate 75 Sunday April 30 , when the Windshield A-Pillar molding trim ,passenger side blew off and flew into the traffic behind me.

Water pump failing, has leak

The windshield trim flew off of my car as we were driving down the highway and behind us into traffic. The whole chunk is missing.

On 2018 ford explorer, the windshield trim on passenger side came off during a road trip. Vehicle was going 70mph and the trim piece flew off.

This complaint is regarding faulty water pumps in certain Ford vehicles. This is a known issue that Ford refuses to acknowledge. There are several class action lawsuits filed against Ford as well. The water pump is positioned in the engine’s center section, coolant leaks straight into the oil bucket. The coolant leak causes the engine to overheat and seize, prompting a new purchase. An overheated engine results in a blown head gasket, which causes the engine to underperform, worsening the heating condition. Engine failure can happen anywhere and cause danger to occupants or other drivers on the road. I had the best Ford warranty on my 2018 Ford Explorer. It expired when I reached 101,000 miles. At 103,0870 miles, I was in our Ford Dealership for an oil change. That is when they found coolant leaking. They said I needed a new water pump. The repair was to cost $3,613.98. I paid for the repair but also called Ford to see if they had a program to help with the cost of this repair. They said no. I filed a complaint and, of course, nobody contacted me. Luckily, this was found before I lost the engine like a lot of people are experiencing.

While traveling at highway speed, the driver's side windshield pillar trim detached itself from the vehicle and flew into the roadway resulting in the following vehicle needing to take evasive maneuvers to avoid collision. In June of 2021 the passenger side piece also detached at highway speed and collided with the following vehicle. Ford does not offer a more robust replacement part, so there is no way for drivers to remedy this hazard.

The trim around my windshield on my driver's side blew off of the car. It is totally missing. Upon research, this appears to be a pretty common problem and it is very dangerous. Parts coming loose while driving could injure other drivers. No warning that the piece was loose. I am not sure who to report the problem to, I am going to call the dealership tomorrow and my warranty company. My concern is that the replacement piece may not stay on the car.

Driving on interstate and driver's side panel trim of windshield come off over the weekend. There were no known symptoms or problems prior to the failure. The passenger side looks like it's loose. Have been by the dealer but they have no recall information.

Passenger side A Pillar outside trim became loose starting at the top. Clips failed to hold it secure. Broke off in rain storm while driving on expressway.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the passenger’s side dashboard. Over time, the sound spread to the middle and driver’s side of the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the weather stripping on the dashboard had started to detach from the panel, and that the cowl panel needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

A-pillar passenger side window trim came loose, would not pop back in, and broke off while driving down the highway.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structurer) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

While driving down the interstate a trim piece fllew off of my vehicle.. It was on the driver's side windshield support.

Windshield trim piece came off while driving on the interstate

The Sync infotainment screen is inoperable and black. My backup camera is no longer operational. 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 98,000.

All 4 Tires Size 255/50R20 Have Cracked, Split and separated around tread. Extremely unsafe. Vehicle has near 40,000 miles. Vehicle was purchased in May 2018 with these tires already installed. There needs to be a recall, as now we will need to purchase 4 new tires at one time when this should not have happened. We can not use our vehicle until we can replace all 4.

Driving on the highway and drivers side windshield trim blew off at highway speeds almost hitting vehicles behind me. I'm not sure if it hit anyone. I pulled over as soon as I could and no one else pulled over. It could have caused serious accidents.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 70 MPH, the exterior rubber molding from the front passenger’s side windshield trim detached from the vehicle and struck a second vehicle. The contact stated that 3 of the 4 windshield trim panels had become loosened and were not properly secured to the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The contact referenced the NHTSA Investigation: PE23001 and stated that the vehicle had experience the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on several occasions while in reverse, the back-over prevention screen displayed a black screen preventing the image from being seen. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the APIM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

The windshield trim will not stay on-I will have to take in for replacement. I have already read this was an ongoing issue and was being investigated so I wanted to get my report in as well. This should be a recall issue.

Around 4:45 , was unable to access cruise control the message rapidly flashed., loss of headlights and all lighting for a few seconds. Was going 70 mph. I exited the interstate to turn around and go to my work on southbound the wrench light came on and I lost power steering, power, acceleration in my turn on the on ramp and proceeded off the road onto the incline somehow avoiding a rollover and teetering sideways. Meanwhile no power to open my window etc. at an angle where I couldn’t open the door, took a minute to get out of the seatbelt. Suddenly got my window able to open and crawled out. The cops, and tow truck couldn’t believe I didn’t roll. The car was at a dealership the previous week for loss of power and terai. System problems/ no power steering and they replaced the throttle body 3 days before this happened. I’ve had multiple electrical/exhaust/power failures. I am terrified to drive this vehicle. It’s been to different dealerships and the ford ones and ford don’t care (only the dealership I purchased it at tries) it is at a fifth one now. We have forscan reports of the failures also. Multiple images at scene also. Car wouldn’t drive correctly and terrain management fault, unloaded itself from trailer too.

The cover to the hitch flew off (never taken off) while going up the interstate

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 unavailable. 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 stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the A-pillar trim on the passenger’s side of the vehicle was raised up by the slipstream and was blown off the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver's side A-pillar trim was also rising up but had not been blown off the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who performed a software update; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Water pump leaking

On a trip from South Carolina to New York, both A-pillar trims blew off on the highway. I am attributing this to both the fluctuations in temperature in the prior 12 hours (over 30 degrees) and a known issue with this vehicle. It was also very windy out.

I have had three incidents of total brake failure on this vehicle. First, about 3 months ago I could not stop while parking in my garage and hit a work bench. I chalked it up to just a weird low speed incident as the brakes worked fine the next time I drove it. Second, I was traveling on wet roads and 27 degree weather and could not stop for a yellow light. At the time I attributed it to an icey skid because, again, the brakes worked fine the next time I needed them. But in retrospect, I do not recall any feeling that the brakes were working. Lastly, today I rear ended a car in front of me when the brakes and the supposed forward collision system both failed dramatically. I was probably going 25 MPH coming to a red light and started to apply my brakes several hundred feet before the intersection. Nothing happened and I, panicked, began pumping the pedal relentlessly. Finally the dashboard crash warning light started flashing and still no drop in speed. I tried to get into low gear, but by that time it was too late and I crashed into a van in front of me. It totaled my car and pretty well wiped out the rear doors and windows of the van. Fortunately, no one was injured. I was not cited because an EMT nurse was in the lane beside me and witnessed my brake pumping, steering wheel grabbing actions and could tell what was going on. The police are going to investigate the brake problem as well as my insurance company, USAA. There have been no brake recalls issued for my vehicle and any other recalls are up to date. There are approximately 50000 miles on it and it has had meticulous care and regular maintenance and brake shoes are still listed as good condition on my last visit for an oil change.

My 2018 Ford Explorer Limited has been having issues with the back up camera for longer than 18 months. My local Ford in Margate Florida is aware of the problem. My camera goes blank when I’m backing up it stops working my mirrors on the driver side will not fold out my passenger side door if I touch it when it’s locked will alarm I believe all of this is related to an electrical problem in the camera. This is dangerous and I’m very frustrated. I want my car looked at free of charge by Ford because something‘s going on with the camera and it’s extremely dangerous while I’m backing up to have the camera stop and then for me to reset it I can’t do it while backing up. I have a neck injury that prevents me from looking over my shoulder currently Can somebody please call me my name is [XXX] my phone number is [XXX] or you may email me at [XXX] thank you very 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 that the rear backup camera would display a blue image on the infotainment screen. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and was given the same information as the dealer. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

The passenger side front windshield A pillar outer trim flew off the car when we were driving on CA freeway 15 on Saturday, February 25, 2023. The entire molding flew off and we don’t know if it hit any cars behind us since we were going at least 70 mph.

roof rail cover flew off on interstate

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 unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part 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. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim was ejected from the vehicle on both the passenger’s and driver’s side of the vehicle. The failure mileage was unknown.

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 contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the contact stated that the passenger’s side A-pillar trim detached and flew off into traffic. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the A-pillar trim was replaced. On another occasion,n while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the driver’s side A-pillar trim detached and flew off into traffic. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer where it was diagnosed that the A-pillar trim needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 73,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started overheating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a faulty water pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.

The windshield trim molding on both sides of my vehicle, at different times, became unattached, broke and flew off while traveling at 70 mph, causing damage to my vehicle, while jeopardizing the safety and well-being of other vehicles behind or around me on the road. The safety of others are at risk if this piece hit them, especially on a Motocycle. The Ford Motor Company does not offer a recall and the cost for the dealership to replace and reattach is $800-900. I have tried using cement glue to reattach, and it has also broken loose and flew off from that. These pieces are projectiles and could fatally harm someone and do damage to another vehicle. These pieces need to be recalled and replaced at no charge to the consumer.

Parts of the front windshield trim/seals on the passenger and driver's side have come off on their own. Just noticed that I am missing substantial parts of the driver's side seal and the passenger side is cracked and missing in some areas.

While driving at highway speed, both windshield trim covers flew off and away from our vehicle. Fortunately there were no cars behind us at the time but had there been that piece would have surely hit and potentially impacted their vehicle. I understand this is happening to many of the ford explorers on the road and it is extremely unsafe.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the driver’s side roof rail suddenly detached from the roof of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 81,000.

2018 Ford Explorer Water Pump failed with little to no warning causing catastrophic damage to the engine. Flashing check engine light came on for less than 30 second and then turned off I conducted a visual inspection everything seemed fine. Next morning as I was driving to the dealership to have the vehicle serviced, check engine light came on and moments later the vehicle stalled unexpectedly in a busy intersection.

The contact called on behalf of her daughter who owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after her daughter had placed her 8-month-old grandchild in a car seat in the second-row rear driver’s side seat, she heard a loud banging sound coming from the vehicle. The contact's daughter, was outside of the vehicle at the time the failure occurred and noticed that the center of the rear windshield had exploded, projecting shattered pieces of glass that reached her grandchild’s car seat. There was no injury sustained. The contact' daughter was able to drive the vehicle to her residence while her grandchild was transported by a family member. The dealer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated the rearview camera screen was blue and inoperable. The contact stated the “Camera not Available” warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the rearview camera to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

I’ve recently heard from a-couple ford owners and ford technicians them selves that our vehicles come with faulty APIM modules and I just recently found out there was a recall on the 2017 model . I do not understand why there is not a recall on the 2018 model also as mine and several other peoples screen went completely black out of nowhere which is a part called the APIM module has failed which is a safety hazard that I cannot call 911 in an event or even use the back up camera for the safety of my vehicle . APIM modules are not cheap and they are not covered by a lot of warranty companies but it includes so many vital parts or pieces that’s supposed to be included . Please seek to look into this APIM module recall for 2018 models also as it’s been a headache for many people .

The contact’s wife owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the dashboard had started to peel. The contact also noticed that bubbles had started to form on the passenger’s side dashboard to the driver’s side dashboard above the air bag housing. The contact also stated that he noticed that the leather had started to peel. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he was concerned that the failure could cause the air bag to deploy erroneously. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage approximately 50,000.

My 2018 Ford Explorer's water pump is leaking and has caused my car to overheat and then shut down on the highway. Having my car immediately begin to overheat and slow down on a fast-moving highway is very dangerous. I have discovered that this is an issue that Ford is aware of for my year's vehicle but does not want to do a recall to fix the part and if I fix it, they will only be able to install a similar faulty pump again.