2018 FORD EXPLORER

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    other

    60 unsafe, 18 annoyance

    78
    incidents
    Typical range: 10,000–73,000 mi

    Median 50,000 mi, based on 27 reports (72% had no usable mileage)

    • "THE ROOF RAILS ON WILL NOT STAY ATTACHED. HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE SINCE JAN 2019. BOUGHT NEW. THE DEALERSHIP HAS TRIED 3 NOW 4 TIME'S TO MAKE REPAIRS. THE DRIVERSIDE WILL NOT STAY SEATED TO BOTTOM MOUNT. HAS COME LOOS ON TURNPIKE AND BEGAN BEATING THE ROOF OF OU…"~1,800 mi, complaint #1587514
    • "THE 2018 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH BLACK PLASTIC ROOF RACKS. I HAVE HAD A RACK BLOW OFF TWICE IN HIGHER SPEED SITUATIONS! THREE TIMES TO DEALERSHIP, REPLACED NOW, TRIED NEW CLIPS, TRIED GLUEING, THEY STILL CANNOT CORRECT, AND ARE UNWILLING TO FULLY REPLACE BOTH…"~17,000 mi, complaint #1592010
    • "THE RAIL COVER ON TOP OF THE CAR JUST CAME OFF WITH NO ONE MESSING WITH OR BEING DAMAGED. I RESEARCHED TO SEE IF OTHER HAS A PROBLEM LIKE THIS AND I FOUND NUMEROUS OF PEOPLE SAYING THE RAIL COVER JUST DETACHED FORM THE ACTUAL RAIL. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHW…"~53,000 mi, complaint #1702242
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); the roof racks started to detach from the vehicle, almost causing the sunroof to fracture. The contact stated that…"~77,000 mi, complaint #2030812
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side roof rank top cover detached and flew off into traffic. The dealer provided a mobile service and the vehicle was diagnosed with failed roof…"~105,000 mi, complaint #2040633
  2. #2

    glass and windshield

    52 unsafe, 13 annoyance

    65
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=21, median 55,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "WE WERE TRAVELING ON I-10 IN OUR RENTAL CAR..GOING ABOUT 75 MILES PER HOUR IN TEXAS WHEN THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT WINDSHIELD MOULDING FLEW OFF THE WINDSHIELD HITTING THE WINDOW AND CONTINUING TO FLY OVER THE CAR. WE SWERVED BECAUSE WE THOUGHT IT WAS A BIRD STRI…"~6,800 mi, complaint #1466334
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the weather stripping around the windshield and the rubber seal around all doors had started to deteriorate on the passenger’s and driver’s side rear doors. The contact had taken the vehicle to the…"~27,632 mi, complaint #1848723
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the rear hatch glass shattered without impact. The vehicle was taken to Safelite Auto Glass and repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1799596
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear windshield trim separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear windshield trim needed t…"~57,000 mi, complaint #1851446
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her son was driving over a bridge, the A-pillar trim detached and fell off the vehicle, causing another vehicle to swerve to avoid the trim and sideswipe another vehicle. Additionally, the fr…"~60,000 mi, complaint #2186989
  3. #3

    exhaust system

    40 unsafe, 5 annoyance

    45
    incidents
    Typical range: 500–24,000 mi

    Median 4,500 mi, based on 40 reports (31% had no usable mileage)

    • "EXHAUST LEAKING INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT CAUSING NAUSEA AND LIGHT HEADEDNESS. SYMPTOMS "SLIGHTLY" IMPROVE WHEN AIR CONDITIONING IS CHANGED FROM RECIRCULATE TO FRESH AIR OR WHEN WINDOWS ARE OPENED. WILL SCHEDULE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT WITH DEALER BUT WANT TO…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1483576
    • "EXHAUST FUMES ENTERING THE CABIN UNDER ANYTHING MORE THAN LIGHT ACCELERATION. LESS THAN 3000MILES ON THE CAR. USED TO HAUL OUR KIDS AROUND. I THOUGHT IT WAS UNUSUAL AND THEN I DISCOVERED THE LONG HISTORY OF THIS PROBLEM WITH NO RECALL. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRE…"~2,000 mi, complaint #1487154
    • "MY 2018 FORD EXPLORER HAS UNDER 9,000 MILES ON IT AND I'VE BEEN EXPERIENCING EXHAUST SMELLS IN THE CABIN WHILE MERGING ON THE INTERSTATE. THIS HAPPENS DURING ACCELERATION. I HAVE BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO FORD SEVERAL TIMES NOW WITH NO REAL ANSWER. THEY SAID THAT…"~8,500 mi, complaint #1578527
    • "EXHAUST IS LEAKING INTO THE CABIN WHILE DRIVING. USUALLY WHILE ACCELERATING"~25,000 mi, complaint #1575835
    • "NUMERUS TIMES--WHILE ON VACATION-- DURING ACCELERATION --WEATHER PASSING OR CLIMBING AN UPHILL GRADE--EXHAUST FUMES CAN BE SMELLED IN THE CAR CABIN--AT TIMES VERY BAD VERY CONCERNED --WHEN CARRYING THE GRANDCHILDREN"~79,000 mi, complaint #1586474
  4. #4

    interior trim

    28 unsafe, 3 broken, 5 annoyance

    36
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "REACHING UNDER DRIVER SEAT AND CONTACTED SEAT FRAME SHARP AND CUT FINGER."~10,000 mi, complaint #1637637
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving [REDACTED ADDRESS], y a piece of Sop A-pillar trim came off on the passenger side. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer, wher…"~38,000 mi, complaint #1794628
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the passenger’s side dashboard. Over time, the sound spread to the middle and driver’s side of the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer an…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1899129
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the passenger’s side trim detached from the vehicle. The trim struck the front windshield of another vehicle, causing the other driver to lose control of the veh…"~99,800 mi, complaint #1954452
  5. #5

    engine cooling

    5 stranded, 24 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    31
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=20, median 83,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated the water pump was leaking. While driving, the vehicle overheated and stalled. The overheating message was displayed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The m…"~79,000 mi, complaint #1811264
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 55 MPH, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. Her husband pulled over and upon inspection, her husband saw fluid leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle wa…"~85,000 mi, complaint #1836953
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon his mother attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the…"~90,000 mi, complaint #2059263
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, there was an abnormal odor outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that…"~131,504 mi, complaint #2072016
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine overheated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the serpentine belt had failed. The contact replaced the serpentin…"~155,000 mi, complaint #2121545
  6. #6

    backup camera

    12 unsafe, 5 annoyance

    17
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=10, median 41,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "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…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1868668
    • "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…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1873494
    • "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 no…"~54,800 mi, complaint #1790813
    • "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 t…"~90,000 mi, complaint #1933184
    • "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 av…"~100,000 mi, complaint #2112319
  7. #7

    engine internal

    1 stranded, 15 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    17
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A 3.5L ECOBOOST V6 ENGINE HAD AN ILLUMINATED MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL), POWERTRAIN MALFUNCTION (WRENCH) LAMP, SERVICE ADVANCETRAC MESSAGE, HILL START ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE MESSAGE, AND LACK OF POWER WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P010…"~6,000 mi, complaint #1688202
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the crank and camshaft valve position sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The ve…"~55,000 mi, complaint #1932432
    • "Our 2018 Ecoboost Ford Explorer started releasing smoke from the tailpipe when starting in April 2023. I took it in to the Ford of Kirkland dealership in early May 2023. They kept my car for 9 weeks, and then said there is nothing wrong with it and gave it ba…"~110,000 mi, complaint #2021092
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved DTC: P0303 (Misfire in cylinde…"~119,000 mi, complaint #2101120
  8. #8

    transmission automatic

    3 stranded, 12 unsafe

    15
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=12, median 71,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE FOR NO KNOWN REASON WITH LESS THAN 3000 MILES AND 4 MONTHS OLD. CANNOT BE FIXED, MUST BE REPLACED."~2,350 mi, complaint #1551702
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the vehicle inadvertently rolled. The contact stated that while shifting to reverse, the vehicle hesitated to respond. Additionally, while driving the ve…"~45,000 mi, complaint #1830662
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while approaching a stop light, the vehicle started to vibrate without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the transmission support needed to be replaced. The vehicle…"~78,000 mi, complaint #1884211
  9. #9

    infotainment head unit

    3 unsafe, 1 broken, 10 annoyance

    14
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "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 faile…"~33,000 mi, complaint #1795077
    • "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 applicati…"~89,000 mi, complaint #1877180
  10. #10

    tire failure

    14 unsafe

    14
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=14, median 23,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "2018 FORD EXPLORER. HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2 TIRES. SIZE 255/50 R20 105H NO CRASH. MILEAGE !2,066 MILES. TIRES ARE CRACKING AND SEPARATING WITH CHUNKS FLYING OFF AS I DRIVE. FORD OFFERED ME $500 TOWARDS REPLACING THE 4 TIRES FOR THE SAME BRAND. THEY WOULD NO…"~12,000 mi, complaint #1614327
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2 TIRES, SIZE: 255/50R20. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TIRE THREAD WERE PREMATURELY WORN. THE CONTACT HAD THE TIRES ROTATED AND ALSO NOTICED THAT THE…"~16,000 mi, complaint #1610254
    • "HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2 TIRES IN 255/50R20 ARE LOOSING CHUNKS OF RUBBER AND HAVE 20,000 MILES ON THEM. ORIGINAL TIRES ON 2018 FORD EXPLORER."~20,000 mi, complaint #1611444
    • "WENT FOR A INSPECTION STICKER ON MY 2018 EXPLORER AND WAS TOLD I NEEDED TIRES. I SAID THAT WAS IMPOSSIBLE SINCE I ONLY HAD 25000 MILES ON THEM. THEY SHOWED ME THE WEAR AND I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT. THE TIRES ARE HANKOOK VENTUS S NOBLE 2. THESE TIRES ARE A MAJOR…"~25,000 mi, complaint #1651365
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for service, the contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V101000 (Suspension). The contact agreed to have the recall repair performed. The contact s…"~102,000 mi, complaint #2236998
  11. #11

    suspension arms and bushings

    1 stranded, 12 unsafe

    13
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "WHEN TURNING LEAVING A SHOPPING CENTER ON A MAIN ROAD AT ~30 MPH, HEARD LOUD POP SOUND AND CAR IMMEDIATELY STOPPED MOVING. CAR WOULD NOT MOVE AND NEEDED TO BE TOWED. UPON INSPECTION THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE NEXT TO BALL JOINT. CAR CURRENTLY HAS LITTLE OVER…"~2,000 mi, complaint #1514228
    • "VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON A SMOOTH STRAIT STRETCH OF ROAD WHEN A LOUD BACK WAS HEARD AND A SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING RESULTING IN STRIKING THE CURB AS IT CAME TO A STOP. UPON INSPECTION IT APPEARS THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED JUST BEFORE…"~31,000 mi, complaint #1623581
    • "The contact called in for a client who owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact works at an independently owned auto body shop. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed into the body shop for inspection. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact became awar…"~59,004 mi, complaint #1855386
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, and at various speeds, the vehicle would vibrate and then would start to sway, and the contact could not maintain lane control. The contact stated no warning light…"~96,000 mi, complaint #1932400
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his daughter was driving approximately 35 MPH over a bump in the roadway, the steering wheel turned to the left while driving straight on the roadway. The contact stated that his daughter had not…"~137,000 mi, complaint #2034420
  12. #12

    control module

    1 stranded, 11 unsafe

    12
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "DURING STARTUP ON COLD MORNINGS (NOT ALWAYS) I HAVE RECEIVED MULTIPLE FAILURE WARNINGS. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE VEHICLE HAS NO POWER STEERING, TURN SIGNALS, OR WINDSHIELD WIPERS. THE WARNINGS ARE: 4WD OFF, CHECK PARKING AID, SEE MANUAL, SERVICE ADVANCETRAC, ST…"~749 mi, complaint #1460534
    • "FOR WEEKS NOW THE CAR HAS BEEN DECIDING WHAT TO DO. THE AIR CONDITIONER RANDOMLY TURNS OFF OR WON'T TURN ON. THE WINDOW WON'T ROLL UP OR DOWN. LIGHTS IN THE DASHBOARD RANDOMLY GO ON AND OFF ALL THE TIME. SOMETIMES THERE IS JUST A LOUD NOISE BUT NO LIGHTS. THEN…"~12,000 mi, complaint #1648094
  13. #13

    engine stall or no start

    1 stranded, 10 unsafe

    11
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=15, median 30,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "MY EXPLORE HAS FAILED TO START ON 4 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT SENT A TOW TO GET THE CAR, AND THE DRIVER GOT IT TO START AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, THEN HE SHUT IF OFF AND IT FAILED TO START AGAIN. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME HE COULDN'T G…"~8,400 mi, complaint #1489419
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MERGING INTO TRAFFIC ON THE FREEWAY AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED INTO LIMP MODE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AUTONATION FORD EAST ([REDACTED AD…"~14,500 mi, complaint #1676469
    • "I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING ACCELERATION/TRANSMISSION CONCERNS, WHERE THE VEHICLE ESSENTIAL STALLS AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 5 SECONDS, THE COMPUTER AND TRANSMISSION APPEAR TO 'SYNC' AND THE VEHICLE WILL ACCELERATE, BUT THE ISSUE WILL CONTINUE…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1692910
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was parked on an incline, the vehicle failed to restart without warning. Once the contact arrived at the scene, the vehicle restarted and resumed normal operation. The failure recurr…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1827419
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact's wife stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engin…"~125,787 mi, complaint #2032534
  14. #14

    battery and charging

    3 stranded, 6 unsafe

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "FULL ACCESSORY POWER ACTIVE, NEXT VEHICLE SHUT OFF TO SAVE ENERGY THIS HAPPEN FIRST TIME ON DECEMBER 23,2017 ON DECEMBER 24, 2017 HAD TO HAVE IT JUMP, ON DECEMBER 25, 2017 WOULD NOT START AT ALL, DECEMBER 26, 2017 TOWED TO CLASSIC FORD THE STATED BATTERY WAS B…"~3,600 mi, complaint #1450692
    • "HAD CAR SERVICED ON 06/13/20 BATTERY 100% DOCUMENTED. ON 07/09/20 WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE A QUARTER OF MILE FROM MY HOUSE WHEN THE BATTERY EXPLODED. THERE WAS A STRONG SULFUR(ROTTEN EGG) SMELL THAT FILLED THE WHOLE CAR AND WAS HARD TO BREATHE. STOPPED THE CA…"~43,000 mi, complaint #1679555
    • "IN MARCH 2018 I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2018 EXPLORER. IN NOVEMBER 2019 MY SECURITY SYSTEM STARTED GOING OFF ON IT'S OWN WITHOUT ANY DISTURBANCE TO THE VEHICLE OR ME TOUCHING MY KEYS. THE NEXT DAY THE BATTERY WAS DEAD AND THE FORD SERVICE CENTER TOLD ME MY BATTERY…"~43,586 mi, complaint #1687263
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal acidic odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. Upon raising the hood and inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the battery cap was u…"~73,000 mi, complaint #2117689
  15. #15

    door latch and hinge

    8 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    9
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 70,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the driver's side of the front window. The contact's wife observed a piece of the molding flapping. No warning light was illuminated…"~42,100 mi, complaint #1978022
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the contact became aware that the driver’s side keypad had detached from the door, causing the trunk to not release or open. The door ajar warning light illuminated; however, all t…"~102,000 mi, complaint #2036323
  16. #16

    torque converter

    9 unsafe

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic signal, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had become a recu…"~67,000 mi, complaint #1920206
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission experienced rough downshifting. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the transmission had previously been replaced twice; how…"~104,000 mi, complaint #2010392
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the transmission became inoperable. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that…"~107,033 mi, complaint #2016925
  17. #17

    wiring harness

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "ELECTRIC SHORTAGES, SMELL BURNING WIRES, STALLS VEHICLE WAS REPURCHASED BY FORD AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE ITS REPORTED AS A LEMON AND NOT RESOLD FOR SAFETY OF OTHERS"~3,200 mi, complaint #1650593
  18. #18

    fuel tank and lines

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2018 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT DETECTED AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE THAT WAS SO STRONG, SHE COULD TASTE FUEL. TOWNE AUTO GROUP ([REDACTED ADDRESS], ORCHARD PARK, NY 14127, [REDACTED PHONE]) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BU…"~4,278 mi, complaint #1530502
    • "THE GAS DOOR DOES NOT SEAL AND PROPS OPEN ALL TIME, THE VEHICLE COMES WITH NO FUEL CAP AND DOOR DOES NOT LOCK ALLOWING ANYONE TO PUT CONTAINMENTS IN THE FUEL"~20,000 mi, complaint #1674253
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a strong, gas odor would emit through the vehicle without warning. Due to the fuel odor, he began to suffer from blurred vision, nausea, and headaches. The contact…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1773309
    • "WHEN STARTING VEHICLE, THE INSIDE OF MY VEHICLE FILLS WITH A STRONG SMELL OF GAS. THIS IS AN ONGOING AND REOCCURRING ISSUE. I BELIEVE IT MAY BE THE CAUSE OF MY 6 YEAR OLDS CHILD'S FREQUENT HEADACHES AND BOUTS WITH NAUSEA THAT BEGAN AT THE SAME TIME I STARTED N…"~25,000 mi, complaint #1624657
  19. #19

    wiper and washer

    4 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "PURCHASED MY EXPLORER ON MAY 28, 2018, VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS LESS THAN 6,000 MILES ON IT AND THIS MORNING, MY DAUGHTER USED THE REMOTE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS AS IT SAT PARKED ON OUR DRIVEWAY, CLIMBED IN AND CLOSED THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR AND THE BACK WINDOW SHAT…"~6,000 mi, complaint #1484844
  20. #20

    airbag system

    4 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "ON 2, 2018 FORD EXPLORER BASIC MODEL VEHICLES, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG INDICATOR HAS COME ON AND THEN GONE OFF AND STAYED OFF WITH MY 14 YEAR OLD 118 LB, 5' 9" CHILD IN THE FRONT SEAT. FIRST INCIDENT: MARCH 23, 2018. IN THE FIRST VEHICLE THE JOURNEY WAS AP…"~1,200 mi, complaint #1459353
    • "BOTH. VEHICLES WERE MOVING. THE EXPLORER FRONT HIT THE RIGHT REAR PANEL OF A 2011 FORD RANGER. BOTH VEHICLES WERE GOING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. NO INJURIES SUSTAINED BY EITHER DRIVER. MY FORD EXPLORER AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS ON A CITY STREET THE OTHER VEH…"~12,000 mi, complaint #1624375
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that water was leaking in on both sides of the windshield. The contact stated that due to the failure, rainwater was leaking onto instrument pa…"~138,000 mi, complaint #2043213
  21. #21

    alignment and pull

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "VEHICLE WHEN ACCELERATING PULLS SHARPLY TO RIGHT . PROBLEM NOT RESOLVED AFTER 30 DAYS AT DEALERSHIP. ALIGNMENT WAS NOT PROBLEM. WAS DOCUMENTED WHILE UNDER WARRANTEE ANT WAS FIRST NOTICED AT 21000 MILES AND DOCUMENTED"~35,000 mi, complaint #1716627
  22. #22

    brake hydraulics

    1 stranded, 4 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, SHE WAS INFORMED BY A PASSING MOTORIST THAT HER VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE SAFELY BEFORE IT BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEP…"~982 mi, complaint #1495646
    • "DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT ABOUT 40MPH COMING OFF A BRIDGE, I HEAR A RATTLE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AS I BRAKE. THE BRAKE FULLY DEPRESSED APPLIES VIRTUALLY NO BRAKING POWER. I WAS ABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP BY PUMPING THE BRAKES AS WELL AS USI…"~10,500 mi, complaint #1577963
  23. #23

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "VEHICLE WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND BY A PICK-UP TRUCK DRIVING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. UPON IMPACT MY VEHICLE'S FRONT SEATS COLLAPSED INTO THE BACK SEATS CAUSING THE SEAT BELTS TO BE INEFFECTIVE. AS A RESULT THE PASSENGER IN MY VEHICLE SUSTAINED BACK AND NECK INJU…"~28,000 mi, complaint #1618234
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver's side front seat belt failed to click securely into the buckle. The seat belt warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Numbe…"~97,000 mi, complaint #2226410
  24. #24

    catalytic converter

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THERE WAS A SULFUR ODOR COMING THROUGH THE AIR VENTS IN THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE CONTACT TO BECOME NAUSEOUS AND DIZZY. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED FOR HER SAFETY. WINNER FOR…"~3,500 mi, complaint #1492174
  25. #25

    engine head gasket

    1 stranded, 3 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The car had catastrophic engine failure. It had zero mechanical issues and all routine maintenance. It started rough a few times. Which I now know was a misfire. It then overheated while driving. Brought to a mechanic who said it was a blown head gasket. The…"complaint #1933541
    • "Driving home from work when all of a sudden my car started jerking, not shifting correctly and could hear a noticeable noise coming from the engine. Low oil pressure light came on and pulled over. Car would not restart. Had it towed to mechanic and was determi…"complaint #2035750
    • "Upon startup rough idle and check engine light came on. Mechanic confirmed cylinder head thinning causing fluid leak into first cylinder. A mechanical note verifies but Ford won't issue a recall. Apparently Ford has know this for years with Ecoboost engines. I…"complaint #2180551
    • "At 89k miles, my engine has failed, due to coolant intrusion, according to Ken Garff Ford Dealership in St. George, UT. I started having issues with rough start and timing miss and engine light came on. I immediately took it to Dealership and they did two repa…"complaint #2197803
  26. #26

    fluid leak unspecified

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "THIS CAR HAS A LEAK ISSUE. MULTIPLE POINTS OF ENTRY FOR WATER LEAVE THE CAR SOAKING WET AFTER RAIN. THIS ISSUE WAS UNKNOWN AS ALL-WEATHER LINERS WERE PLACED INTO THE CAR BLOCKING OCCUPANTS FROM BEING ABLE TO FEEL LARGE AMOUNT OF WATER ACCUMULATED ON THE FLOOR.…"~42,000 mi, complaint #1724406
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by a dealer and confirmed that the failure was with the power take off unit interna…"~108,000 mi, complaint #1921686
  27. #27

    horn

    1 unsafe, 1 broken, 2 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Horn failed to sound after pressing center of steering wheel. The horn started changing tones over a period of time then got quieter and then stopped working all together. Fuses and relays are in good condition. Will take it to a Ford dealer to have it looked…"complaint #1806099
    • "The horn went out for a second time since I’ve owned this vehicle. The horns are in a bad location and in rainy weather they get wet and short out. The dealer will replace the horn again. "complaint #2010823
    • "Horn Failure. Does not work at all. This in now the third time my horn has failed and requires replacement (again). In addition, FORD still does not have replacement parts for the A-FRAME recall. It is unsafe to be driving this vehicle."complaint #2069586
    • "The horn on my vehicle activates (blows) when I turn the steering wheel to certain positions. I believe this to be a road hazard. Especially since I had to remove the horn relay to prevent the horn from blowing in traffic until I can get it repaired. Severa…"complaint #2212238
  28. #28

    steering rack mechanical

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The steering stopped working. This happened a couple times and I stopped the suv and turned it off and when I turned it on it worked. This last time it completely stopped steering. The repair shop said it was a steering rack or something and the part had to co…"complaint #1771710
    • "Warning light appeared and immediately power steering went out while I was driving.Even though I have a bad right arm, I was able to pull off into residential neighborhood and turn off vehicle. Dealer replaced steering gear. My explorer is a 2018. I understan…"complaint #1823975
    • "Power Steering Assist Fault warning flashed briefly on 6/1/2024, everything has been fine until 6/8/2024 I went out and started my car the Power Steering Assist Fault warning came on again so I turned the car off and turned it back on the warning was still the…"complaint #1998327
    • "While driving out of a turn or curve, the steering does not return to center. Which may cause veering into other lanes or off the road. "complaint #2220477
  29. #29

    corrosion and rust

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while self-inspecting the vehicle, he noticed the paint on the front of the hood was corroded and peeling. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer informed the contact that his VIN…"~12,000 mi, complaint #1933770
  30. #30

    engine turbo supercharger

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was black smoke coming from under the hood. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the battery was faulty. The battery was replaced. The…"~40,000 mi, complaint #2083041
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was blue smoke coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the…"~68,000 mi, complaint #1924277
  31. #31

    lighting exterior

    1 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I BELIEVE THE HEADLIGHTS ON FORD EXPLORERS ARE DEFECTIVE. WHEN ENCOUNTERING ONE IN THE ONCOMING LANE OF A [REDACTED ADDRESS], THE HEADLIGHT ARE OVERLY BRIGHT AND ANNOYING IN THE DAYLIGHT. AT NIGHT THEY ARE BLINDING PAINFUL AND DANGEROUS. IT DOESN'T HELP THAT…"~113,000 mi, complaint #1553249
  32. #32

    paint and clearcoat

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The contact’s wife owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the dashboard had started to peel. The contact also noticed that bubbles had started to form on the passenger’s side dashboard to the driver’s side dashboard above the air bag housing. The c…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1890425
  33. #33

    steering electric assist

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING FAILURE TWICE. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AND IT WAS COLD OUTSIDE."~9,339 mi, complaint #1546666
    • "I PURCHASED THE FORD EXPLORER SPORT LAST NOVEMBER 2018, AND THERE'S NO SQUEAKING NOISE UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL. I NOTICED IT LAST MONTH AND I GO STRAIGHT AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME IT'S THE CHARACTERISTIC OF THE CAR. IM SO DISAPPOINTED WITH THE D…"~15,780 mi, complaint #1692137
    • "THE ELECTRONIC STEERING SYSTEM DETECTED A FAULT, TWICE. LOSS POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET. I COULD BARELY TURN THE VEHICLE."~38,000 mi, complaint #1692236
  34. #34

    sunroof

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "WHILE DRIVING THE OTHER NIGHT IN RAIN, NIGHT AND HEAVY TRAFFIC, I HEARD SOME FLAPPING FROM THE ROOF OF THE CAR, BUT COULD NOT STOP BECAUSE WE WERE IN A MOUNTAIN PASS AND WINDING ROADS. I DID SEE SOMETHING LIKE FLY OFF OF MY CAR AND CARS BEHIND ME WERE SWERVI…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1702700
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked when there was heavy rain in the area. The contact stated that after the heavy rain passed when they were placing items in the back seat, they noticed that water was in the c…"~99,000 mi, complaint #1976975
  35. #35

    throttle and pedal

    1 stranded, 2 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle jerked forward and bac…"~100,200 mi, complaint #2037850
  36. #36

    trunk or liftgate

    1 unsafe, 2 broken

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her husband was reversing from the garage, the liftgate malfunctioned and opened. The driver opened the driver's side door and struck the door frame. The door frame was damaged. There were no…"~24,000 mi, complaint #1941334
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the liftgate failed to open. A message indicating a liftgate failure was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a used car dealer, where the liftgate fuse was replaced twice in one year; however, the…"~25,000 mi, complaint #1908531
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the tailgate had failed to open. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the tailgate latch had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manu…"~70,000 mi, complaint #2111181
  37. #37

    abs module

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Purchased 5 years ago aprox 100k miles.kept oil changed regularly. Of course parts kept coming off, monk safety clips etc. It's a dime store matcbox wannabe. Then the abs and engine light came on. The computer was acting up and it would do crazy things. Lock…"complaint #2150731
    • "Right front caliber went out at 47,186 miles in 11/14/2025. No abs sensor went on alerting me to the problem. Had it fixed. Two months later, 1/05/2026, at 47,620 miles later, the control HCU and module ABS went out. Again, no sensor alerting me to a problem.…"complaint #2167705
  38. #38

    ac compressor and refrigerant

    1 unsafe, 1 broken

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW AND FOR ABOUT THE FIRST 2 MONTHS IT WAS GREAT. THEN IT STARTED TO SMELL LIKE ROTTEN EGGS OR SULFUR IN THE CABIN OF THE CAR WHEN I BEGIN TO ACCELERATE. USUALLY BETWEEN 50-75 IT CAN GET PRETTY BAD. DOESN'T DO IT EVERY TIME BUT WHEN IT D…"~3,000 mi, complaint #1488042
  39. #39

    adas adaptive cruise

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "WHILE TRAVELING WITH ADAPTIVE CRUISE ENGAGED WE WERE IN LEFT LANE FOLLOWING A SEMI APPROXIMATELY 1000' AHEAD OF US AND WHEN HE MOVED OVER TO MAKE AN EXIT OUR VEHICLE PASSED BY AND AUTO BRAKED HARD CAUSING VEHICLES BEHIND US TO TAKE EVASIVE ACTION FROM HITTING…"~22,000 mi, complaint #1716268
  40. #40

    engine oil consumption

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WARNING SIGN SAYS CHECK ENGINE OIL PRESSURE, THE WARNING SIGN ONLY APPEARS WHEN THE CAR IS STOPPED."~34,962 mi, complaint #1634641
  41. #41

    noise or vibration unspecified

    2 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "STARTING WHIT A NOISE PROBLEM ON ENGINE WE BRING THE VEHICLE TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT THEM SAID WAS NOT A PROBLEM 2 MONTHS LATER WE ARE HERE ON SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR STEERING WHEEL PROBLEM, BRAKE NOISE, TO MUCH PROBLEMS. WE BUY A NEW CAR TO AVOID THIS PROBLEMS A…"complaint #1614947
    • "My car started to make a buzzy kind of noise when I go over 30mph, with the heat I notice the cowl panel started to have some wear and tear, I google it and it seems to be an issue for this type of vehicles of Ford when it’s hot. I have read and watch many vi…"complaint #1916154
  42. #42

    power windows and locks

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the passenger’s side window frame detached without warning. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was no…"~35,872 mi, complaint #1763551
  43. #43

    steering column

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "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 not yet available. The contact stated that while at a complete stop and attempting to turn le…"~20,261 mi, complaint #1996430
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while parked in a parking lot and attempting to start the vehicle, the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was towed t…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1813637
  44. #44

    timing belt or chain

    1 stranded, 1 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Another timing chain failure on highway with engine stopping on road. This should be a recall!!!!! Only 101,300 miles on engine. No warnings no check engine lights until after failure. "complaint #2142097
    • "I was driving on a freeway when the engine stopped without warning. The timing chain apparently; slipped and the pistons collided with the alves leaving me stranded on the road. This si a dangerous situation that Ford knows of adn is ignoring. THe car had 1…"complaint #2157596
  45. #45

    unintended acceleration

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WHILE PARKING VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHEN MOVING FORWARD SO MUCH THAT HAD TO TURN WHEEL TO RIGHT SIDE TO TRY TO AVOID CAR PARKED IN FRONT TO NO AVAIL HIT CAR PARKED IN FRONT WITH DRIVER SIDE BUMPER AND FENDER.THANK GOD THERE WAS LIGHT POLE IN SIDEWALK W…"~9,500 mi, complaint #1588698
  46. #46

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "- I have experienced a sudden loss of engine power and speed on 5 occasions. Very scary and dangerous to completely lose power on the highway with cars behind you. Had to pull off onto the shoulder(s) in dangerous conditions, with two young kids in the backs…"complaint #2160168
  47. #47

    adas blind spot

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE INTEGRATED BLIND SPOT MIRROR ON BOTH THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE IS MOUNTED AT THE WRONG ANGLE. IT DOES NOT SHOW THE BLIND SPOT OF THE CAR. YOU CAN NOT SEE ANY PORTION OF LOW PROFILE CARS IN THE BLIND SPOT MIRROR AND YOU CAN NOT SEE THE HEADLIGHTS…"complaint #1450654
  48. #48

    driveshaft axle cv

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "AS SOON AS WE DROVE OUR BRAND NEW FORD EXPLORER OFF THE LOT IT HAD A TERRIBLE SHAKE, WE THOUGHT IT WAS FLAT SPOTS FROM THE CAR SITTING AT THE DEALER. HOWEVER THE SHAKE GOT INCREASINGLY WORSE THE CLOSER WE GOT TO HOME TO THE POINT WHERE WE HAD TO REMOVE OUR DRI…"complaint #1461196
  49. #49

    emissions aftertreatment

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I Drove Explorer directly to Mayo Clinic in MN shorty after the purchase. It would smell like sulpher at times, gasoline, exhaust and I was getting very poor fuel economy. Averaging 17-2. I got extremely sick and confused and had severe headaches and nausea,…"complaint #1909175
  50. #50

    evap system

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Fuel system evap leak just like the Safety Recall 18S35"complaint #2179034
  51. #51

    heater core and blower

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "EVERY TIME I START MY CAR AND TURN ON THE AIR CONDITIONER IT SMELLS LIKE SULFUR IN THE CABIN OF THE CAR. IT IS SO SCARY TO THINK THAT CARBON MONOXIDE MIGHT BE SLEEPING IN THE CAR AND BE LIFE THREATENING TO MY SELF AND MY KIDS AND WIFE. THE REASON I BOUGHT THE…"complaint #1455753
  52. #52

    instrument cluster

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The gas gauge isn’t reading correctly. I’m a mother of a one year old son and I didn’t noticed that my car was reading wrong until I put in gas and it didn’t give me the correct reading. I have spoken to many people who owns a Ford Explorer and they have said…"complaint #1924666
  53. #53

    key fob and immobilizer

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the clicking sound was the doors locking…"complaint #2098314
  54. #54

    power steering hydraulic

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "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 SUV. SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING."~35,000 mi, complaint #1732875
  55. #55

    seat mechanism

    1 broken

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Driver's side heated seat coil burnt out. Many complaints about this. "complaint #2047666
  56. #56

    starter

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE CAR SAT FOR 7 DAYS (WE ARE RETIRED) AND THE STARTER BUTTON DID NOT RESPOND ON THE FIRST TWO TRIES TO START ENGINE. IT HAPPENED ON TWO OCCASIONS. IF LEFT AT AN AIRPORT, WE MIGHT HAVE BEEN STRANDED. I BELIEVE THE CAUSE IS THE HIGH CURRENT DRAIN FOR THE WIFI…"~8,300 mi, complaint #1589560
  57. #57

    unknown

    1 stranded

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I’ve taken my vehicle multiple times to the Ford dealership due to continuing issues. Every time I’m told nothing is wrong and now I can’t even drive my car 5 feet. "complaint #1905342

Recall-sized clusters

These are large batches of near-identical complaints (recall notifications, service campaigns), kept separate from the ranking above so they don't drown out individually-reported problems.

Not matched to any cluster below: every campaign NHTSA has on file for this exact make/model/year is 18V807000, 19V633000, 21V316000, 24V031000, 25V685000, 26V101000, 26V448000. This is a vehicle-wide list, not an attribution - see below for which clusters have a real, complainant-cited match.

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for FORD EXPLORER directly.