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2018 Ford Explorer

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2018 Ford Explorer do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 609.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

288 reports with mileage · 440 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Structure. Review the 287 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 95 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 58 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

16 crash reports7 fire reports13 injury reports

Back Over Prevention complaints

26 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jul 24, 2023
Back Over PreventionUnknown Or Other

Recently my screen has not been working in the car. When I took it to the car dealership they said it was the APIM and it is 1400. They said they have had to order about 35 of them in the past month with cars having the same issue. If this is the case then a recall should be considered due to the price that is associated with th…

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Recently my screen has not been working in the car. When I took it to the car dealership they said it was the APIM and it is 1400. They said they have had to order about 35 of them in the past month with cars having the same issue. If this is the case then a recall should be considered due to the price that is associated with this part

NHTSA ODI #11533981

Mileage unknown · Jun 28, 2023
Back Over PreventionForward Collision AvoidanceUnknown Or Other

Have had the vehicle for less than a year have had nothing but lil problems but recently have gotten a cranking noise, transmission / coolant leaking under the vehicle. Also have water leaking from the exhaust line when car is in park. Driving back from work early in the morning a sounded like a big pop not sure what it have may…

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Have had the vehicle for less than a year have had nothing but lil problems but recently have gotten a cranking noise, transmission / coolant leaking under the vehicle. Also have water leaking from the exhaust line when car is in park. Driving back from work early in the morning a sounded like a big pop not sure what it have may been took it to the mechanic ass well twice an got it diagnosed an they’re response was they couldn’t find the problem. The area I’ve seen an heard the clunking the most would be under the vehicle at the center by the catalyst converter. Transmission jerks as well I’ve had this vehicle for 8 months a don’t seem to be what a vehicle should be doing.

NHTSA ODI #11529461

Mileage unknown · Apr 5, 2023
Back Over PreventionElectrical SystemUnknown Or Other

The Sync infotainment screen is inoperable and black. My backup camera is no longer operational. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the application programming interface module (APIM) needed to be replaced; however, the part for the repair was on backorder. Th…

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The Sync infotainment screen is inoperable and black. My backup camera is no longer operational. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the application programming interface module (APIM) needed to be replaced; however, the part for the repair was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

NHTSA ODI #11515668

89,000 miles · Mar 2, 2023
Back Over PreventionElectrical System

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 application programming interface module (APIM) needed to be replaced; however,…

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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 application programming interface module (APIM) needed to be replaced; however, the part for the repair was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.

NHTSA ODI #11509819

Mileage unknown · Feb 15, 2023
Back Over Prevention

I have a 2018 Ford Explorer. My SYNC 3 is showing a black screen due to a failed APIM. I do not have my rear camera, GPS, or hands-free capability which impedes driving safely. Ford has recalled multiple other years of my vehicle for this same reason, but not the 2018. Ford has also extended it's warranty up to 7 years/100,000 …

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I have a 2018 Ford Explorer. My SYNC 3 is showing a black screen due to a failed APIM. I do not have my rear camera, GPS, or hands-free capability which impedes driving safely. Ford has recalled multiple other years of my vehicle for this same reason, but not the 2018. Ford has also extended it's warranty up to 7 years/100,000 miles on some years of my vehicle, for the same reason, but not the 2018. I am reading that there are numerous other owners who a have the same problem with only an expensive resolution. The Ford dealer confirmed the need to replace the APIM today at a cost of $1,417. This is unacceptable due to the safety factor and that they know this is a problem in their vehicles. I reported it to Ford and their response was my warranty is expired and there is no recall, so I have to pay.

NHTSA ODI #11507492

40,000 miles · Feb 15, 2023
Back Over Prevention

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 with needing the rearview camera to be replaced. The vehicle was not r…

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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 with needing the rearview camera to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ODI #11507352

Mileage unknown · Feb 6, 2023
Back Over PreventionElectrical System

I’ve recently heard from a-couple ford owners and ford technicians them selves that our vehicles come with faulty APIM modules and I just recently found out there was a recall on the 2017 model . I do not understand why there is not a recall on the 2018 model also as mine and several other peoples screen went completely black ou…

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I’ve recently heard from a-couple ford owners and ford technicians them selves that our vehicles come with faulty APIM modules and I just recently found out there was a recall on the 2017 model . I do not understand why there is not a recall on the 2018 model also as mine and several other peoples screen went completely black out of nowhere which is a part called the APIM module has failed which is a safety hazard that I cannot call 911 in an event or even use the back up camera for the safety of my vehicle . APIM modules are not cheap and they are not covered by a lot of warranty companies but it includes so many vital parts or pieces that’s supposed to be included . Please seek to look into this APIM module recall for 2018 models also as it’s been a headache for many people .

NHTSA ODI #11505735

20,000 miles · Jan 27, 2023
Back Over PreventionElectrical System

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 vehicle was off. Additionally, while driving at undisclosed speeds, t…

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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 vehicle was off. Additionally, while driving at undisclosed speeds, the message "Key Not Detected" was displayed. The vehicle also experienced the liftgate opening independently while driving. The contact also had difficulties starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rear camera wire connector had failed due to water damage. The connector was replaced but later the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,000.

NHTSA ODI #11503932

Mileage unknown · Jan 6, 2023
Back Over Prevention

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the Back Over Prevention camera image froze and intermittently failed to display an image. An unknown warning light was illuminated, and a camera sensor message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the r…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the Back Over Prevention camera image froze and intermittently failed to display an image. An unknown warning light was illuminated, and a camera sensor message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rearview camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11500468

Mileage unknown · Sep 30, 2022
Back Over PreventionElectrical System

The entire main console screen/information center went black one day. It was unable to be manually reset. Occasionally, on very hot days, the screen would work for the first start up. There are major safety issues associated with this: 1- inability to enable calling for help/911. There is a remote on the steering wheel to mak…

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The entire main console screen/information center went black one day. It was unable to be manually reset. Occasionally, on very hot days, the screen would work for the first start up. There are major safety issues associated with this: 1- inability to enable calling for help/911. There is a remote on the steering wheel to make phone calls, however, when the carplay is active and the phone is connected, you must only use the screen, the steering wheel feature is automatically disabled 2- The backup camera system is inoperable when the screen is black. This is dangerous as you cannot see hazards behind you including children, other vehicles, etc. When I contacted Ford's IT department to first report it, they said this has been an ongoing issue with updates that they were aware of, but unable to fix. Skalnek Ford in Lake Orion attempted to diagnose the safety issue for weeks and ultimately the APIM needed replacement.

NHTSA ODI #11487248

Official recalls

7

26V448000 · Structure:body

Jul 14, 2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

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, were mailed August 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. 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.

26V101000 · Suspension:rear

Feb 20, 2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

25V685000 · Equipment:electrical:engine Block Heater

Oct 10, 2025

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

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.

24V031000 · Structure:body:roof And Pillars

Jan 19, 2024

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.

21V316000 · Structure:body

May 5, 2021

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. The interim owner notification letter was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.

19V633000 · Seats:front Assembly:recliner; Seats:mid/rear Assembly

Aug 28, 2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seats:mid/rear Assembly

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.

Seats:front Assembly:recliner

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.

18V807000 · Fuel System, Gasoline

Nov 14, 2018

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.5L GTDI engine. Due to an assembly error, the fuel pressure sensor may leak fuel.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line assembly, free of charge. The recall began December 7, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S35.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

PE23001 · Windshield Trim Molding Item Detachment

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Feb 8, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:body:roof And Pillars

On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles. At the time of opening, the office had received 164 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting this failure. ODI has received 671 VOQs regarding this failure, including 1 alleged crash and 2 alleged injuries. Some consumers have reported that the failure occurred while they were driving at highway speeds, with the detached trim panel entering the path of travel of the vehicle behind them, requiring the driver of the following vehicle to take evasive action. It is noteworthy that motorists who experience this type of road hazard are less likely to accurately identify the subject vehicle the item detached from and report the event to the NHTSA. In its April 17, 2023 response to ODI’s information request, Ford provided 175 consumer complaints (including field reports) and 14,162 warranty claims related to A-pillar trim panel detachment. Ford relayed that the subject vehicles utilize a plastic A-pillar bracket, which is bolted to the vehicle structure during assembly. The A-pillar trim panel is attached to the bracket utilizing 7 plastic clips. Contributory factors which have been identified by Ford as leading to the subject defect include incomplete installation at the assembly plant, inadequate part stack up, damage to fasteners during installation, and failure to follow proper repair procedure during windshield replacements or other services. On January 19, 2024, Ford filed safety recall 24V-031 for MY 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles to address the subject defect. In the Part 573 Safety Recall Report, Ford identified that a detached A-pillar trim panel can create a road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall remedy includes an inspection of the existing A-pillar trim panel and, if necessary, the replacement of the component. The remedy A-pillar trim panels will be installed with an additional adhesive for robustness and utilize an inspection procedure to ensure full engagement of all the retention clips during installation. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

AQ22003 · Hertz/vehicles Rented With Open Recalls

Opened Dec 16, 2022 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

NHTSA is opening this audit query to investigate whether The Hertz Corporation (Hertz) has complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Safety Act). The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a rental company shall not rent a vehicle subject to a safety recall unless the recall remedy has been performed. 49 U.S.C. § 30120(i).NHTSA is in receipt of information that indicates Hertz rented vehicles to customers without having performed required recall repairs. Accordingly, we are opening this audit query to seek additional information concerning this issue.

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