CarProblemIndexSource: NHTSAData retrieved 2026-07-01

2018 Ford EXPLORER — Recalls, Complaints & Buying Checklist

Quick summary

Recalls: 6 official NHTSA recall(s) on record, e.g. Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner.

Most-reported issue: Structure (267 owner reports of 703 total).

Before you buy: owners reported issues most often with Structure, Unknown Or Other — worth having these checked on a used example.

VIN check: confirm any open recall by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Used-car buying checklist

Based on this model’s reported issues. Tick as you inspect.

Owner-reported complaints by category

Counts are voluntary reports to NHTSA and are not adjusted for how many cars were sold — they are not a failure rate or safety ranking.
Structure267
Unknown Or Other134
Engine61
Electrical System45
Power Train42
Engine And Engine Cooling25
Steering20
Suspension17
Back Over Prevention13
Fuel/Propulsion System9

Official recalls

Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner — campaign 19V633000 (28/08/2019)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 20…

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Fuel System, Gasoline — campaign 18V807000 (14/11/2018)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.5L GTDI engine. Due to an assembly error…

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.5L GTDI engine. Due to an assembly error, the fuel pressure sensor may leak fuel.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Structure:Body — campaign 21V316000 (05/05/2021)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers …

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars — campaign 24V031000 (19/01/2024)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, …

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Equipment:Electrical:Engine Block Heater — campaign 25V685000 (10/10/2025)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Linc…

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Suspension:Rear — campaign 26V101000 (20/02/2026)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Compare related vehicles

Previous year: 2017 Ford EXPLORERNext year: 2019 Ford EXPLORERRival: 2018 Toyota HIGHLANDERRival: 2018 Jeep GRAND CHEROKEESame class: 2018 Chevrolet EQUINOXSame class: 2018 Ford ESCAPESame class: 2018 Honda CR-V
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Source: U.S. NHTSA (api.nhtsa.gov), public domain. Data retrieved 2026-07-01 · data v0.1.
This page is general information, not medical, legal, or safety advice. Complaint data is voluntarily reported to NHTSA and is unverified; a complaint count is not a danger or failure rate. Always confirm open recalls for a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with the manufacturer.