Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Structure — runs 6.5× the fleet median for that category across the 1175 model-years tracked on this site.
710Complaints
6Recalls
15Crashes
7Fires
13Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Structure (24.5% of complaints) — is covered by 2 NHTSA recall campaigns.
Structure complaints here are 6.5× the median for that category across the 1175 model-years tracked on this site.
3 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 3 rest on owner reports alone.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Structure
174 · 24.5%
Recalled
Recall 21V316000 · Recall 24V031000
Structure:body
99 · 13.9%
Recalled
Recall 21V316000 · Recall 24V031000
Engine
93 · 13.1%
No official action
—
Electrical System
53 · 7.5%
No official action
—
Power Train
43 · 6.1%
No official action
—
Suspension
20 · 2.8%
Recalled
Recall 26V101000
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 710 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“UNDER ACCELERATION WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING SET TO RECIRCULATE THE CABIN FILLS WITH EXHAUST FUMES.”NHTSA complaint 11404263 — filed 03/22/2021 · UNKNOWN OR OTHER
“UNDER ACCELERATION WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING SET TO RECIRCULATE THE CABIN FILLS WITH EXHAUST FUMES.”NHTSA complaint 11404263 — filed 03/22/2021 · ENGINE
“POWER STEERING WENT OUT TWICE. DEALERSHIP SAID NO PROBLEMS. NOW MAKE NOISE. DEALERSHIP STILL SAYS NO PROBLEM. BLAMED IT ON AGE. IT IS A 2018…”NHTSA complaint 11400343 — filed 03/11/2021 · STEERING
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Explorer?
Structure issues are the most-reported category, cited in 174 of 710 NHTSA complaints (24.5%), followed by unspecified/other issues (160), structure:body (99), engine (93). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2018 Ford Explorer have?
710 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 15 involved a crash, 7 involved a fire, and 13 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2018 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Yes — 6 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 19V633000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2018 Ford Explorer's reported problems?
3 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.
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