163 of the
878 complaints about the 2018 Ford Explorer are about the
other systems — 19% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
3,400 miles.
C
163
Complaints
2
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Unknown OR Other
163100.0%
Other & Unspecified across every Ford Explorer year
I purchased this 2018 Ford Explorer from Speedway Motors in Murfreesboro, TN back in July 2026. Within a month I notice that the windshield was whistling. I took it back and they told me that it was a recall on the "A pillar exterior trim." I contacted the Murfreesboro Ford dealership and was told that the Ford dealership in Franklin had done a recall "check" in 2024 and it "passed" the recall. They did NOT replace seal the parts. Now two years later, the recall is supposedly not considered "open" by Ford Manufacturing. When I contacted their customer service to ask how a recall can be closed or ignored, they simply will not answer the question. My understanding is that a recall technically can not be "closed" if it a safety issue. In this case, the trim pieces come loose and become a road hazard. The pieces are not attached correctly or completely and the adhesive comes apart. This allows the trim and even the windshield to come off while driving down the road. There are hundreds of complaints and threats of class action lawsuits on line where people had to wait two years for the dealership to get the parts and replace them. Some people ended up ordering the trim pieces from Amazon and doing the work themselves. I do not feel it is my responsibility to have to fix this issue when clearly it is a safety recall by Ford. They should be held responsible for the repairs. If the windshield or trim were to come off and damage another car or injure someone, I would be held responsible. I am able to provide photos or bring the vehicle to any office for inspection if requested. I am happy to help in any way. Especially if I am able to get a resolution with this situation. I do not have money to fix this and do not want to report it to my insurance. Date of recall was January 2024 as far as I can tell. It was checked by Franklin Ford also in 2024.
NHTSA complaint #11758521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Round Rock, TXCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
July 12, 2026 I returned home and parked about 10 ft from my garage. I put my car in park, turned off the motor, and went to get out, when my husband started yelling at me that the car was moving. I pumped the brake, and heard a clicking sound. The car wouldn't stop, it ran into my house. Cracking my left headlight and denting my bumper. The car was in park, and I was unable to move the steering wheel. I had no control of the car. Thank goodness no one was standing in front of me. If it had happened just a short time before when I was at a splash pad full of children, it could have killed people. I contacted Ford Motor Company on Monday and the Customer Service representative did not offer any comfort, but simply stated that "she spoke for Ford Motor Co., and there was no financial compensation programs at this time." I never asked for money. I just want to know if my car is going to act possessed again, if there is a recall, if Ford would stand by their product (my 3-4th Ford car). She was rude, and not helpful at all. I took it to my dealership, and they said that they ran multiple tests on it, and it showed nothing. However, when my husband took it into the shop, he ran the black box, 2 days before and after, and it showed several erratic messages. None of which were mentioned today, when they announced that my car was available for pick up. Mind you, my headlight is cracked and bumper is dented. It looks like there might be a similar recall: NHTSA campaign number: 23V675. Ford’s own number for this recall is 23S55 - I don't know what to do about this. The dealership seemed interested in getting to the bottom of it, but may be dropping the ball. Is it possible that this recall would be on my car?? Please advise. I wanted Ford to take care of it, however it looks like I will need to file a report with my insurance company. I would say that there was a problem with the parking system, the brake system?
NHTSA complaint #11751929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This vehicle was inspected by a certified Ford dealership (Premier Ford, Service Advisor: Harry). Ford Motor Company’s Consumer Affairs Department subsequently reviewed the case under Complaint ID: XXX. In their official written response, Ford explicitly admitted the root cause, stating: "the vehicle experienced a failure to the harness for the alternator which melted due to heat from the exhaust." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11750708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Memphis, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dealership is not honoring active recalls due to body damage causing car to be deemed total loss by dealership and is in process of being rebuilt
NHTSA complaint #11750214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Felton, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I had 2 recalls on my 2018 Ford Explorer and when I was finally notified parts were available for both I took to dealer to have them both fixed. Ford fixed the recall (rear suspension toe link - 26S08/26V101) but could not completely repair the other A Pillar Trim recall (24S08/26V101) because they said parts were not available. My letter clearly states they were. Ford ripped off my A pillar trim exposing both sticky and jagged plastic edges not only making an unsightly appearance but safety hazard. I have grabbed this area several times getting in and out, scraping my hands, staining my skin and clothes with the adhesive left on and get foreign objects stuck in this area.
NHTSA complaint #11738829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St. Petersburg, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On March 26, 2026, my vehicle received the rear suspension toe link replacement under Ford/NHTSA Recall 26S08 (26V101000). Within approximately 5 weeks, all four rear tires were completely destroyed by misalignment caused by Ford’s non-adjustable replacement parts. On approximately May 2, 2026 — during the first rain after the recall service — my vehicle hydroplaned and skidded uncontrollably, creating a serious risk of collision and injury. On May 4, 2026, Mavis Tire & Brake [XXX] ) confirmed the cause: Ford’s non-adjustable recall toe link replacement had left my rear wheels severely out of alignment (rear total toe measured 2.09° — over 4x outside the acceptable range of 0.10°–0.50°). The Mavis Service Manager documented in writing on Invoice #21381: “REPLACED REAR ARMS WITH ADJUSTABLE ARMS TO CORRECT ALIGNMENT.” The Mavis technician noted I was the second Ford Explorer customer within the same few weeks to present with this identical defect. I paid $1,507.93 out of pocket for four replacement tires, two new adjustable control arms to replace Ford’s defective recall parts, and alignment service. KEY EVIDENCE IN MY POSSESSION: • Mavis Invoice #XXX ($1,507.93) with Service Manager’s written admission • Pre- and post-repair alignment reports showing extreme misalignment and full correction • Photographs of destroyed Bridgestone Alenza 255/50R20 tires (severe inner-edge wear) • Ford dealership video from March 26, 2026 showing tires in good condition before recall service • VIN door sticker confirming vehicle specs • Complete case overview document prepared for submission INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11736518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Laurel, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
A-Pillar Trim flew off on the highway and almost caused a accident. The second one is also coming off. There was a recall for certain VINs but somehow mine wasn't included in the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11735068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nancy, KY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I received a Recall for 2018 Ford Explorer for the rear suspension toe links NHTSA Recall 26V101. I've tried to schedule an appointment to have this fixed, however, the dealer cannot fix this recall as they have no parts and said they do not know when any parts will be available to fix this issue. I've called the Ford Recall Assistance Center AND the Ford Customer Service group and neither one of these groups have any information pertaining to this recall. If this is a safety recall, how can Ford send a Recall notice and not be able fix it. Any additional information would be greatly appreciate. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11731163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
a, DC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle is equipped with operational red and blue lights that are prohibited under the color of law, and facilitates criminal activity upon a purchase agreement. Seller has actual knowledge and can be liable under the color of law. Vehicle has open recalls.
NHTSA complaint #11728815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stuart, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
In 2025 the dashboard leather on our 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum began to come unglued and rolled apart creating a very distracting white strip. This is very distracting and reflects into our line of sight. We have taken to the Ford dealership for repair. And the only answer from them is Go to an upholstery shop or replace the full dashboard… Very expensive!! We have researched and discovered that this is a regularly reported problem on Reddit and other sites for Ford Explorers and Expeditions from 2018-2020. These SUVs are not cheap! We paid a lot of money for a luxury SUV and this is not acceptable. But Ford isn’t interested because they don't see it as the safety danger it really is. The exposure of the white matting underneath the leather creates a vision safety problem looking out the windshield. Pictures attached. We are asking for assistance in getting Ford to address and repair this problem. At the very least it is a quality control problem on their luxury SUVs that Ford should be fixing.
NHTSA complaint #11727412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Collins, MS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Horn stopped working. Airbag indicator will not reset. Took to local dealership but their service department doesn’t seem to find an active recall for this, even though I can see them listed, just not for my particular VIN number
NHTSA complaint #11723952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Middlesboro, KY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2018 Ford Explorer continues to have issues with the rear back up camera. It makes it difficult to see while backing, especially at night. I have noticed recalls concerning this very problem on Ford Explorers with a recall on this very issue beginning with 2020 models. My vehicle is experiencing the sale malfunction. We called Ford a couple of times about the issue, and their response was, summarized, “Sorry, it is not under the recall and there is nothing for us (Ford) to do.” I feel sure that I am not the only pre-2020 ford explorer owner to have this wide spread problem. It should be included in the recall. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11722590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The manufacturer has not remedied the repair of a recall within a timely manner. I am scheduled to ship my vehicle overseas, which requires all recalls to be addressed. Manufacturer Recall Number24S02 (NHTSA Recall Number24V031)
NHTSA complaint #11711086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port ST Lucie, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The displayed view by the back up camera flickers, or shows a blue screen when the car is placed in reverse. This places the safety of pedestrians at risk of being hit by the vehicle when backing up. This places the safety of other drivers and myself at risk of collision when backing up. The component (back up camera) was inspected by a Ford dealer (Sunrise Ford in Fort Pierce Fl.). I was charged $199 to run diagnostics on the camera. They found that the camera had an internal fault, vision blurry and suggest replacing camera at a charge of $1145. I was told that the existing recalls do not cover my VIN. I contacted Ford customer care to see if my VIN was covered under the announced 15 year warranty for backup camera replacement. Although 2016 - 2025 Ford explorers was listed as being eligible for replacement, I was told my VIN was not included. Ford customer care opened up case number CXH-06550938-R6D9Q3 to investigate the problem. The problem started about 6 months ago and only happened once in a while then the camera would work as intended. Now the problem occurs 90% of the time the car is placed in reverse.
NHTSA complaint #11707271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrah, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2018 Ford Explorer sport had a recall on the luggage rack. The railing on top it was repaired. In twenty one, but the repairer didn't hold the relling, flew off on the passenger side and driver's side is about to fly off.And my local four dealer has changed hands.So they're refusing to repair it again.So recall clips felled, so what do I do
NHTSA complaint #11707124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burlington, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2018 Leather on dashboard shrinks pulled away from the glue. Causes a safety hazard while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11706901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orange, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
It has been 1.5 years since this recall and Ford has not remedied the problem in a timely manner.
NHTSA complaint #11704037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raleigh, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I do not no at this time
NHTSA complaint #11698324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bethany, OK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I believe the APIM has malfunctioned. I have a black screen. No backup camera, no controls for the functions on the screen, no radio and no hands free telephone. The safety of being able to see what is behind me while backing up is gone. The screen started malfunctioning about 8 months ago. It would work sporadically, now it doesn't work at all. I did the soft reset and the hard reset, plus Ford walked me through the update but it never worked.
NHTSA complaint #11697566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MO, MO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
These parts are still unavailable. This should be a class action lawsuit.
NHTSA complaint #11697425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Batesburg, SC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
None of the parts listed above are the problem. But we can hear a weird noise coming from the sides of the windshield and can definitely tell that it's getting worse as the noise has increased significantly as time goes by. I just called a glass company and they told me that the parts needed to get this fixed are pretty expensive. That's why I am reaching out since it looks like there is a recall specifically for this issue. Can Ford take care of this issue?
NHTSA complaint #11695846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shawnee, OK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11695058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Selbyville, DE
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nothing has happened yet, but I want to make dure nothing does happen as a result of not taking care of this potential problem.
NHTSA complaint #11693744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ashland, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The plastic covers on the roof rails are both loose and constantly pop out. I'm nervous that they are going to fly off when driving, causing an issue for other drivers.
NHTSA complaint #11692613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lockhart, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The dash on my 2018 Ford Explorer platinum is rolling up from the front of the dash. It is made out of some sort of leather or vinyl. But with it rolling up towards the driver, it causes a glare onto the windshield which causes visibility issues. I know I'm not the only one experiencing these problems with the platinum trim on the 2018 ford explorer. But this really needs to be looked into and recalled. You can also look up the explorer platinum on a vehicle search website and visibly see that every platinum edition explorer has this issue. It's unsafe and should be addressed immediately.
NHTSA complaint #11691529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntingdon, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rear view camera not functioning since March 2025
NHTSA complaint #11687464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Margate, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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)
NHTSA complaint #11686995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Millsboro, DE
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Ford sent me a recall notice for my 2018 Explorer A-Pillar replacement February 2024. I made an appointment and they attempted to install the new A-Pillars. However they broke the new replacement part (drivers side) during the install. They gave me my Explorer back without an A-Pillar and said they would expedite getting an new one. It's now been over a year, the dealership is not responsive, only saying it's a manufacture problem. I called Ford and get the same message. Meanwhile I have a very unsightly SUV, it is also very noisy to drive. Additionally, I would like to replace this vehicle, but its now worth much less. Is their anything that the NHTSB can do to hold Ford accountable for this repair? Thank you in advance, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11685354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crawford, WV
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The dash cover came unglued and is rolling up exposing a white cloth that reflects on the windshield makingit hard to see
NHTSA complaint #11681453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Louis, MO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I previously reported a battery 'explosion' in this 2018 Ford Explorer with ODI 11678705 due to my concern for a potentially highly dangerous situation for my grandchildren who were riding with me. And myself. An unpleasant smell intermittently followed this car that morning July 10 Upon opening the hood it was evident that battery acid had leaked out of the battery and 'exploded' covering most visible engine parts. Entire time of drive there was no 'alert' showing up on my dashboard July 11 car would not start to take to Ford dealership. AAA towed car with AAA driver remarking 'looks like your battery exploded!' Engine compartment cleaned by service, battery replaced July 12 July 18 engine light came on. Ford dealership contacted, no service appointment available until Aug 20. Advised by Ford service to take short trips only, and stop driving if engine light started flashing. I restricted my driving. July 27 started car for trip to church. Loud banging coming from under hood. Stopped driving. Car towed July 28 to Ford dealership repair. Car was not into service dept until Aug. 5. Aug 6, Ford service decided to get input from a more experienced technician to diagnose the problem with 2018 Ford explorer Aug 7, Ford service escalated case to Ford corporate for engineering help with identifying 'electrical' problem with my car. Ford service rep stated 'you car is throwing a code not typically seen with explorers) How can be safe if these my car had a battery issues mechanics freely admit they have not seen before. And now trained Ford mechanics cannot even find or fix the broken link that truly may be responsible for back to back engine failures? Dealer has finally been able to provide a rental. This car has been maintained according to factory recommendations at Sunset Ford and Bommarito Ford St. Loui
NHTSA complaint #11679329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.