2018 Ford Explorer other reported problems

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

A pillar has not been fixed by local Ford dealership. A pillars are cracked and loose

NHTSA complaint #11762772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

At 30 to 40 mph, there is a shuttering or stutter in the transmission during acceleration. This is a problem when trying to enter traffic on the expressway (Interstate or other lanes of traffic). I have taken this to the dealer and they indicate that the transmission needs to be replaced. They indicate that there is metal shavings in the trans fluid. This is in line with similar Ford SUV and transmission problems. At this point in time there is no recall, but this matter should be address as it is in line with similar Ford transmission failures.

NHTSA complaint #11762086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

IN SOME OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE THAT SOME OF THE EXTERIOR A-PILLAR APPLIQUE TRIM CLIP ATTACHMENTS ARE NOT PROPERLY ENGAGED DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OR REPAIR. IF THIS OCCURS, THE A-PILLAR APPLIQUE TRIM, WHICH BORDERS THE RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD, MAY BE LOOSE, MISSING OR BECOME DETACHED. Safety Risk AN EXTERIOR A-PILLAR TRIM PART THAT DETACHES WHILE DRIVING CAN CREATE A ROAD HAZARD FOR OTHER ROAD USERS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

NHTSA complaint #11760676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Failure in the adhesion of the dash cover and is available for inspection. My safety is at risk due to vision impairment from the white padding reflecting on the inside of the car window. I have not taken my vehicle to a dealer yet. No inspection has happened. The first bit of white in my vision I thought was a reflection of the hood of my car because my car is white. And I thought why as of recently is my view through the windshield all of a sudden being impaired every time I drive, I thought maybe it was sun direction or something like that. Then it worsened and the white gap became worse which is making it more difficult to see through my windshield. And recently I noticed the cause was the padding under the dash cover and the sun reflecting off of it is reflecting on the inside glass of the car.

NHTSA complaint #11759512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I do not no at this time

NHTSA complaint #11698324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Rear view camera not functioning since March 2025

NHTSA complaint #11687464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.