The 2018 Ford Explorer is associated with 720 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 7 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Structure & Body, accounting for 252 reports (35% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 7 certified vehicle configurations spanning 2.3l 4-cyl and 3.5l 6-cyl configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 18 to 22 MPG combined.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 720 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 7 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Structure & Body (252 / 35%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 15 crash / 7 fire / 12 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 18–22 MPG (7 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Explorer FWD | 2.3L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 19 MPG | 27 MPG | 22 MPG | — | $2,800 / yr |
| Explorer 2WD FFV | 3.5L 6-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 17 MPG | 24 MPG | 20 MPG | — | $3,100 / yr |
| Explorer FWD | 3.5L 6-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 17 MPG | 24 MPG | 20 MPG | — | $3,100 / yr |
| Explorer AWD | 2.3L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 18 MPG | 25 MPG | 21 MPG | — | $2,950 / yr |
| Explorer AWD | 3.5L 6-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 16 MPG | 22 MPG | 19 MPG | — | $3,250 / yr |
| Explorer AWD FFV | 3.5L 6-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 16 MPG | 22 MPG | 18 MPG | — | $3,400 / yr |
| Explorer AWD | 3.5L 6-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 16 MPG | 22 MPG | 18 MPG | — | $3,400 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| 4 DR SUV FWD | | | | | 16.400000000000002% |
| 4 DR SUV AWD | | | | | 17.4% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Optional and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Optional in official NHTSA records for tested 2018 Ford Explorer models.
View complete 2018 Ford Explorer crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2018 Ford Explorer problems & component breakdown (99 categories) →
Affected Component: STRUCTURE:BODY
Defect Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed August 24, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S54. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Affected Component: SUSPENSION:REAR
Defect Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will replace the toe links, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S08. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 21V537. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 25, 2026.
Affected Component: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
View all 2018 Ford Explorer recalls & campaign history (7 campaigns) →