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2018 Ford Explorer complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2018 record →

Power Train
Filed Aug 18, 202367,000 milesFL

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 recurring failure. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 20N07 Torque Converter Shudder (Power Train). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 14, 202340,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was a message indicating that the engine was overheating. Additionally, the contact became aware of a burning odor. The contact was able to drive to the residence and parked the vehicle in the garage. The contact then noticed that coolant was leaking onto the ground. The contact stated that coolant was added to the vehicle; however, half of the coolant leaked from the vehicle. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence. The vehicle was diagnosed with water pump failure. The contact was referred to the dealer for the repair. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that he would be charged a repair fee because the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 4, 2023FL

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 videos of people with the same car having an issue with it, I’m not sure and I would like to know if is safe to drive like that.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 4, 2023FL

I was driving on the highway at about 70 mph when the passenger side window trim flew off of the vehicle, causing a loud noise that startled me as I drove. I do not believe the trim piece hit another vehicle as it was nighttime and the road was not crowded, but it easily could have in other circumstances.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 24, 2023VA

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

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 24, 2023WV

The cover to the hitch flew off (never taken off) while going up the interstate

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 24, 2023WV

APIM Module is bad

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 22, 2023VA

Both side pieces on the windshield have flow off while traveling down the high way. The first time it happened was about 2 months ago on the passengers side and last night 7/21 on the drivers side

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 18, 2023OR

Windshield panel pillar and moldings are missing and flying off vehicle.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Jul 17, 202318,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while accelerating there was an abnormal exhaust odor inside the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact then had a headache, but medical attention was not provided. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 15, 2023MI

A-pillar passenger side window trim came loose, would not pop back in, and broke off while driving down the highway.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 14, 2023FL

The windshield trim molding on both sides of my vehicle, at different times, became unattached, broke and flew off while traveling at 70 mph, causing damage to my vehicle, while jeopardizing the safety and well-being of other vehicles behind or around me on the road. The safety of others are at risk if this piece hit them, especially on a Motocycle. The Ford Motor Company does not offer a recall and the cost for the dealership to replace and reattach is $800-900. I have tried using cement glue to reattach, and it has also broken loose and flew off from that. These pieces are projectiles and could fatally harm someone and do damage to another vehicle. These pieces need to be recalled and replaced at no charge to the consumer.

Fuel/Propulsion System1 injured
Filed Jul 12, 2023CO

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, vertigo, congnitive impairments, burning eyes and all I wanted to do was sleep. I felt fluish and I got confused while going to Mayo for testing. Well, I didn’t make it to my appointment, I couldn’t even figure out how to book a hotel or get cash. I ended up lifeless and chose to stay in the Explorer overnight due to the severe fatigue and confusion. I slept in an open air parking garage and had an electric throw and would start the vehicle occasionally to get warm. Well I ended up so sick and mentally confused and cognitively exhausted my sister called the police to let them know something was wrong with me. I ended up in the hospital for a week. I felt like normal during my days in the hospital, I actually thought that I had been sick from the off gassing of the Explorer, but I couldn’t get away from the smells. I have MCS. After I was released I continued to drive down to Jacksonville Florida for my 3 week outpatient appointment. I was getting terrible fuel economy but I didn’t realize it until I was getting 12 miles a gallon and eventually it went as low as 5 miles per gallon. I was so sick from the odors I didn’t realize how much gas I was going through since I left CO. The Ford at that time in April 2019 had 5,000 m

Electrical System
Filed Jul 10, 202325,000 milesKS

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 failure persisted. The Ford dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 4, 2023TX

The passenger side windshield panel flew off while driving 70 mph on the highway. There is now a rattling sound when I drive over 30 mph. There were no warning signs, only a loud crack. This could have been very dangerous if someone had been next to or behind the vehicle.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 3, 202381,135 milesCA

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that coolant was leaking from the engine and the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the water pump was replaced; however, the contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the water pump had failed again. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The failure mileage was 81,135.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 29, 2023CA

Leaking exhuast fumes into the cab.

Power Train
Filed Jun 29, 2023MD

The vehicle had a premature water pump failure that leaked antifreeze into the engine compartment and caused the engine to seize up while traveling at a higher rate of speed.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 28, 2023TX

Windshield allows wind noise to come through. components loose scare it might fly off

Electrical System
Filed Jun 28, 2023LA

Dealer refuses to repair vehicle without issues being present. States They will only fix it once the problem has arisen.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 28, 2023CA

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.

Power Train
Filed Jun 27, 2023CA

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.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 21, 202373,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while her husband was driving approximately 45 MPH, the check engine warning light started flashing. The contact stated that after blinking twice, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The driver coasted to the side of the roadway and had the vehicle towed to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The certified mechanic explained that coolant had leaked into the engine oil causing the engine to fail. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed the diagnostic result and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 17, 2023MI

A Piller trim came flying off on the highway.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 15, 202367,707 milesPA

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while pulling into a parking lot, the high engine temperature message was displayed. Additionally, the “Low Coolant – Pull Over and Check Coolant” message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 67,707.

Structure
Filed Jun 14, 202372,000 milesMA

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side windshield trim detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the windshield trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but did not provide any assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 72,000. The VIN was not available.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 7, 2023IL

Paint bubbling on hood near grill

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 2, 202360,000 milesTX

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 and the contact was informed that the weather stripping on the dashboard had started to detach from the panel, and that the cowl panel needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Structure › Interior Panels › Dashboard
Filed May 30, 202315,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the leather on the dashboard was peeling, and the contact was concerned that the passenger's side air bag might deploy. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.

Structure › Body
Filed May 30, 2023OK

While driving on the highway the right windshield trim piece on the pillar completely ripped off.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 25, 2023IL

The driver side trim piece near the windshield blew off while driving down the highway.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 18, 2023TX

WINDSHIELD TRIM CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS DIRECTLY BEHIND ME , BUT ANOTHER DRIVER ON THE RIGHT OF ME SAW THE PIECE FLAGGED ME DOWN TO LET ME KNOW. AND INFORMED THAT THERE IS AN INVESTIGATION ABOUT THIS PIECE

Structure › Body
Filed May 14, 2023UT

While driving 75 mph on I-80 in Nebraska, the passenger side windshield trim flew off my 2018 Ford Explorer with no warning. This is the second time it has happened, although we heard something hitting the car before it flew off the first time. This was in 2020.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 13, 2023MI

On 2018 ford explorer, the windshield trim on passenger side came off during a road trip. Vehicle was going 70mph and the trim piece flew off.

Structure › Body
Filed May 9, 2023SC

I was driving on the interstate, traveling about 70 MPH, when my windshield trim piece of my car just detached and flew off the car. There was no initial impact or causing factor when this occurred. I was confused and looked back when it happened not knowing that a piece of my car had flown off in the moment. I do not know if it struck another car or caused any damage to other vehicles. The car behind me was still behind me and did not crash at least. There was no warning lights or prior accidents or damage to the car when this occurred. The vehicle other than this is still in good shape and has not had any other problems. I called my dealership about getting the piece to be replaced and the dealership said that this was a very common occurrence on Ford Explorers.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 6, 2023WA

Both of the front window panels/trim on the outside flew off on the highway. Two different incidents. As if they are not properly installed because why are they so loose and flying off. Ford needs to fix this with a recall this is ridiculous

Unknown or Other
Filed May 4, 2023FL

I was driving on Interstate 75 Sunday April 30 , when the Windshield A-Pillar molding trim ,passenger side blew off and flew into the traffic behind me.

Structure › Body
Filed May 3, 2023VA

The windshield trim is dethatching from the vehicle. The detached item can cause damage to other vehicles or injury to other motorist. The problem has been confirmed by a service center but not inspected. There is no warning lamp, discovered after hearing a noise while driving.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 27, 2023CA

Water pump failing, has leak

Structure › Interior Panels › Dashboard
Filed Apr 25, 202350,000 milesLA

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 contact also stated that he noticed that the leather had started to peel. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he was concerned that the failure could cause the air bag to deploy erroneously. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage approximately 50,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 15, 2023OK

The windshield trim flew off of my car as we were driving down the highway and behind us into traffic. The whole chunk is missing.

Engine
Filed Apr 14, 2023PA

This complaint is regarding faulty water pumps in certain Ford vehicles. This is a known issue that Ford refuses to acknowledge. There are several class action lawsuits filed against Ford as well. The water pump is positioned in the engine’s center section, coolant leaks straight into the oil bucket. The coolant leak causes the engine to overheat and seize, prompting a new purchase. An overheated engine results in a blown head gasket, which causes the engine to underperform, worsening the heating condition. Engine failure can happen anywhere and cause danger to occupants or other drivers on the road. I had the best Ford warranty on my 2018 Ford Explorer. It expired when I reached 101,000 miles. At 103,0870 miles, I was in our Ford Dealership for an oil change. That is when they found coolant leaking. They said I needed a new water pump. The repair was to cost $3,613.98. I paid for the repair but also called Ford to see if they had a program to help with the cost of this repair. They said no. I filed a complaint and, of course, nobody contacted me. Luckily, this was found before I lost the engine like a lot of people are experiencing.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 11, 2023PA

The trim around my windshield on my driver's side blew off of the car. It is totally missing. Upon research, this appears to be a pretty common problem and it is very dangerous. Parts coming loose while driving could injure other drivers. No warning that the piece was loose. I am not sure who to report the problem to, I am going to call the dealership tomorrow and my warranty company. My concern is that the replacement piece may not stay on the car.

Engine
Filed Apr 7, 2023ME

Water pump is inside engine and apparently known to be faulty. After being stranded in traffic behind an accident in winter in Maine It was well below zero and I could not move from the backed up traffic. Had to shut off car and weather was dangerously cold. I brought to dealership I bought it at. Note there was no warning before the car was fully overheated and coolant was empty. They said water pump and told me to go to specifically ford dealership as I bought used from same family of dealerships but not specifically ford. After a month of adding fluid daily ford dealership tells me that water pump is inside engine and costs nearly as much as new engine to repair. They cannot get in for a month quoted two days and 2800 dollars. The delays from both dealerships could result in new engine needed. This is known issue that can destroy the engine as well and should be a recall. Class action lawsuit filed and I believe canada is forcing the repairs to be covered. It is available for inspection and I have to date paid 600 dollars so far for two dealerships to inspect it and not fix the issue.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 5, 2023MI

Passenger side A Pillar outside trim became loose starting at the top. Clips failed to hold it secure. Broke off in rain storm while driving on expressway.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 5, 2023ME

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.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 4, 2023AZ

While traveling at highway speed, the driver's side windshield pillar trim detached itself from the vehicle and flew into the roadway resulting in the following vehicle needing to take evasive maneuvers to avoid collision. In June of 2021 the passenger side piece also detached at highway speed and collided with the following vehicle. Ford does not offer a more robust replacement part, so there is no way for drivers to remedy this hazard.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 3, 2023FL

Driving on interstate and driver's side panel trim of windshield come off over the weekend. There were no known symptoms or problems prior to the failure. The passenger side looks like it's loose. Have been by the dealer but they have no recall information.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 2, 2023WI

While driving down the interstate a trim piece fllew off of my vehicle.. It was on the driver's side windshield support.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 1, 2023IN

Windshield trim piece came off while driving on the interstate

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

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