33 of the
878 complaints about the 2018 Ford Explorer are about the
driver-assist systems — 4% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
48,400 miles.
B
33
Complaints
2
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Back Over Prevention
1339.4%
Camera
721.2%
Rearview System Braking
412.1%
Blind Spot Detection
26.1%
Warnings
26.1%
Automatic Emergency Braking
26.1%
Warnings
26.1%
Adaptive Cruise Control
13.0%
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance across every Ford Explorer year
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 contact stated that the A-pillar trim was beginning to detach from the windshield, allowing outside air to enter the vehicle. While in reverse, the back over prevention camera displayed a distorted image, or a solid blue screen without an image. The failure occurred several times while shifting into reverse. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not available yet available for the recall. The VIN was not under recall for the back-over prevention camera. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,896.
NHTSA complaint #11722988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Angeles, CA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
The reverse camera does not work, when the car is in reverse.there is no visual on the monitor, which makes it unsafe when the car is in reverse, took the car to the dealer, was told that this car is not in recall
NHTSA complaint #11705561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntingdon, PA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
My rear view camera goes to a dark blue or gray s screen with the words “check surroundings for safety” & “Camera is unavailable” and it does not work. This is the same recall issue that is on 1,900+ plus vehicles from a recall. I have called and filled a complain with Ford and have visited 3 dealers in our area and that is what they tell me. I have photos and I need this repair done ASAP because I travel with an [XXX] I’ve called Ford four different times since July and I keep getting the run around and visit different t dealers that tell me that it is the same problem as the recall but the explorers are not yet part of the recall. I NEED YOUR HELP PLEASE THANK YOU [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11688234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My vehicle has defect in the electronic power brake assist system that lead to extended stopping distances and cause me to hit someone from behind.
NHTSA complaint #11684671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesGreenville, MI
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the display screen became inoperable. During the failure, the back over prevention camera was inoperable, and features including the engine temperature gauge was not available to the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the D-Pin needed to be replaced. No further information was available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11675025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,265 milesBrooklyn, NY
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that occasionally while shifted into reverse(R), the rearview camera failed to properly display the image behind the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure had progressed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,265.
NHTSA complaint #11671611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200 milesComanche, TX
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing, the back-over prevention camera system failed to function as intended. The contact stated the back-over prevention camera seized and displayed a black screen. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed back over prevention camera system. The contact was informed that the back over prevention camera system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer twice due to the persistent failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200. The VIN was unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11667357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saginaw, MI
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Radio and back up screen stop working 1 month after purchase.
NHTSA complaint #11629482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saginaw, MI
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Our radio and back up assistance screen just stop working
NHTSA complaint #11606566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Douglas, MA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
I own a 2018 Ford Explorer there has been an issue when it’s cold out the APIM is not responding and turning on the reverse camera when vehicle is put into reverse. When it is above 70 degrees Fahrenheit the APIM works intermittently. The problem with this is out of the blue when it decides to work at times it turns the radio on with volume at max level This has startled me not knowing it’s going to come on and it won’t let you turn the radio down or power it off. Ford says there is no recall on the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11590792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesThompson's Station, TN
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11578657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesLittle Compton, RI
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11548259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Virginia Beach, VA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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
NHTSA complaint #11533981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Martinsburg, WV
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
APIM Module is bad
NHTSA complaint #11534078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Red Bluff, CA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11529461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Red Bluff, CA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11529461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hiram, ME
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11515668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11510604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesAlbuquerque, NM
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11509819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesHendersonville, NC
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11507352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orange, CA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
I have a 2018 Ford Explorer. My SYNC 3 is showing a black screen due to a failed APIM. I do not have my rear camera, GPS, or hands-free capability which impedes driving safely. Ford has recalled multiple other years of my vehicle for this same reason, but not the 2018. Ford has also extended it's warranty up to 7 years/100,000 miles on some years of my vehicle, for the same reason, but not the 2018. I am reading that there are numerous other owners who a have the same problem with only an expensive resolution. The Ford dealer confirmed the need to replace the APIM today at a cost of $1,417. This is unacceptable due to the safety factor and that they know this is a problem in their vehicles. I reported it to Ford and their response was my warranty is expired and there is no recall, so I have to pay.
NHTSA complaint #11507492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Trenton, NJ
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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 .
NHTSA complaint #11505735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesStruthers, OH
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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.
NHTSA complaint #11503932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bridgeton, NJ
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the Back Over Prevention camera image froze and intermittently failed to display an image. An unknown warning light was illuminated, and a camera sensor message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rearview camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11500468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Orion, MI
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
The entire main console screen/information center went black one day. It was unable to be manually reset. Occasionally, on very hot days, the screen would work for the first start up. There are major safety issues associated with this: 1- inability to enable calling for help/911. There is a remote on the steering wheel to make phone calls, however, when the carplay is active and the phone is connected, you must only use the screen, the steering wheel feature is automatically disabled 2- The backup camera system is inoperable when the screen is black. This is dangerous as you cannot see hazards behind you including children, other vehicles, etc. When I contacted Ford's IT department to first report it, they said this has been an ongoing issue with updates that they were aware of, but unable to fix. Skalnek Ford in Lake Orion attempted to diagnose the safety issue for weeks and ultimately the APIM needed replacement.
NHTSA complaint #11487248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sebastopol, CA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
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
NHTSA complaint #11468370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sebastopol, CA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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
NHTSA complaint #11468370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesNewbury, OH
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11452194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,800 milesAlbertville, MN
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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.
NHTSA complaint #11449289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lewis Center, OH
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11438310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.