2018 Ford Explorer complaints

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structurer) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

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 was repaired but the failure continued. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the transmission might have malfunctioned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that there was no recall for the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 78,000.

Water pump leaking on 2018 Explorer with only 72,365. Dealer said it should be replaced or it could fail destroying the engine. This is the 4th major problem I have had with this vehicle. Not that old to have so many problems. Ford picked up some of the cost but still cost me $850.

All 4 Tires Size 255/50R20 Have Cracked, Split and separated around tread. Extremely unsafe. Vehicle has near 40,000 miles. Vehicle was purchased in May 2018 with these tires already installed. There needs to be a recall, as now we will need to purchase 4 new tires at one time when this should not have happened. We can not use our vehicle until we can replace all 4.

Driving on the highway and drivers side windshield trim blew off at highway speeds almost hitting vehicles behind me. I'm not sure if it hit anyone. I pulled over as soon as I could and no one else pulled over. It could have caused serious accidents.

The windshield trim will not stay on-I will have to take in for replacement. I have already read this was an ongoing issue and was being investigated so I wanted to get my report in as well. This should be a recall issue.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 70 MPH, the exterior rubber molding from the front passenger’s side windshield trim detached from the vehicle and struck a second vehicle. The contact stated that 3 of the 4 windshield trim panels had become loosened and were not properly secured to the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The contact referenced the NHTSA Investigation: PE23001 and stated that the vehicle had experience the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.

Around 4:45 , was unable to access cruise control the message rapidly flashed., loss of headlights and all lighting for a few seconds. Was going 70 mph. I exited the interstate to turn around and go to my work on southbound the wrench light came on and I lost power steering, power, acceleration in my turn on the on ramp and proceeded off the road onto the incline somehow avoiding a rollover and teetering sideways. Meanwhile no power to open my window etc. at an angle where I couldn’t open the door, took a minute to get out of the seatbelt. Suddenly got my window able to open and crawled out. The cops, and tow truck couldn’t believe I didn’t roll. The car was at a dealership the previous week for loss of power and terai. System problems/ no power steering and they replaced the throttle body 3 days before this happened. I’ve had multiple electrical/exhaust/power failures. I am terrified to drive this vehicle. It’s been to different dealerships and the ford ones and ford don’t care (only the dealership I purchased it at tries) it is at a fifth one now. We have forscan reports of the failures also. Multiple images at scene also. Car wouldn’t drive correctly and terrain management fault, unloaded itself from trailer too.

On a trip from South Carolina to New York, both A-pillar trims blew off on the highway. I am attributing this to both the fluctuations in temperature in the prior 12 hours (over 30 degrees) and a known issue with this vehicle. It was also very windy out.

Water pump leaking

I have had three incidents of total brake failure on this vehicle. First, about 3 months ago I could not stop while parking in my garage and hit a work bench. I chalked it up to just a weird low speed incident as the brakes worked fine the next time I drove it. Second, I was traveling on wet roads and 27 degree weather and could not stop for a yellow light. At the time I attributed it to an icey skid because, again, the brakes worked fine the next time I needed them. But in retrospect, I do not recall any feeling that the brakes were working. Lastly, today I rear ended a car in front of me when the brakes and the supposed forward collision system both failed dramatically. I was probably going 25 MPH coming to a red light and started to apply my brakes several hundred feet before the intersection. Nothing happened and I, panicked, began pumping the pedal relentlessly. Finally the dashboard crash warning light started flashing and still no drop in speed. I tried to get into low gear, but by that time it was too late and I crashed into a van in front of me. It totaled my car and pretty well wiped out the rear doors and windows of the van. Fortunately, no one was injured. I was not cited because an EMT nurse was in the lane beside me and witnessed my brake pumping, steering wheel grabbing actions and could tell what was going on. The police are going to investigate the brake problem as well as my insurance company, USAA. There have been no brake recalls issued for my vehicle and

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.

Roof rail cover flew off on interstate

The passenger side front windshield A pillar outer trim flew off the car when we were driving on CA freeway 15 on Saturday, February 25, 2023. The entire molding flew off and we don’t know if it hit any cars behind us since we were going at least 70 mph.

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.

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.

Our 2018 Ford Explorer windshield trim panel is partially detached. The detachment is on the passenger side lower corner of the windshield and continues up for 9 inches. No crash has occurred as of this time. I reported the detachment to our local Ford Dealer and they were unconcerned. We first noticed a litter detachment late Fall of 2022. The detachment had since extended up the windshield.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the driver’s side roof rail suddenly detached from the roof of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 81,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started overheating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a faulty water pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.

Windshield pillar driverside flew off driving up interstate.

The passenger roof "A" pillar (lower half) blew off the vehicle at about 70 MPH. The pillar was not damaged prior to the failure and was not vibrating or making noise prior to suddenly blowing off.

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 .

While driving at highway speed, both windshield trim covers flew off and away from our vehicle. Fortunately there were no cars behind us at the time but had there been that piece would have surely hit and potentially impacted their vehicle. I understand this is happening to many of the ford explorers on the road and it is extremely unsafe.

Parts of the front windshield trim/seals on the passenger and driver's side have come off on their own. Just noticed that I am missing substantial parts of the driver's side seal and the passenger side is cracked and missing in some areas.

The contact called on behalf of her daughter who owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after her daughter had placed her 8-month-old grandchild in a car seat in the second-row rear driver’s side seat, she heard a loud banging sound coming from the vehicle. The contact's daughter, was outside of the vehicle at the time the failure occurred and noticed that the center of the rear windshield had exploded, projecting shattered pieces of glass that reached her grandchild’s car seat. There was no injury sustained. The contact' daughter was able to drive the vehicle to her residence while her grandchild was transported by a family member. The dealer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, WITHOUT WARNING, IN 8/2022 AND AGAIN IN 12/2022, THE VERTICAL WINDSHIELD PANELS FLEW OFF MY 2018 FORD EXPLORER SUV WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED ON US RT. 495 IN HAVERHILL MA., POTENTIALLY POSING A HAZARD TO FOLLOWING VEHICLES.

The passenger side windshield panel dislodged and flew off the car while driving on the highway at highway speeds. It was sudden event and I had no warning or noise before it happened.

2018 Ford Explorer Water Pump failed with little to no warning causing catastrophic damage to the engine. Flashing check engine light came on for less than 30 second and then turned off I conducted a visual inspection everything seemed fine. Next morning as I was driving to the dealership to have the vehicle serviced, check engine light came on and moments later the vehicle stalled unexpectedly in a busy intersection.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70-75 MPH, the exterior driver’s side trim piece along the windshield detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle part was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The VIN was not available.

Windshield trim was coming off while I was driving on interstate 95 at high speed. I was able to secure it before it blew off with some tape and stopped off the highway and got some black duct tape. I have not had it fixed yet but the tape is holding well so far. I just read that this is being investigated. I don't believe that I should have to pay to repair this as it seems to be happening to others. Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

No incident has occurred yet but I heard about the issue with the windshield parts coming loose. I have experienced the sound of air coming through the edges of the windshield when traveling on the highway. The sounds has gotten louder over time and I am always concerned that damage could occur during these travels.

On or about January 4, 2023, while travelling on Hwy 22 in Texas at approximately 65 mph the right (passenger) side window trim unexpectedly flew off, landing in the road behind me. There was no previous indication of the trim being loose. The safety of others is a concern because the trim could have hit, or cause a diversion from, traffic in either direction. When I called the dealer to schedule the repair, the Parts person explained that this was a "routine" occurrence for this Make/Model of vehicle (they knew the part number), but the vehicle was safe to drive until the part was replaced. The part was replaced on Jan 16 at a cost of $438. There has been no subsequent inspection of the replacement trim/parts, but there are no indications of an issue since replacing the trim/parts.

My 2018 Ford Explorer's water pump is leaking and has caused my car to overheat and then shut down on the highway. Having my car immediately begin to overheat and slow down on a fast-moving highway is very dangerous. I have discovered that this is an issue that Ford is aware of for my year's vehicle but does not want to do a recall to fix the part and if I fix it, they will only be able to install a similar faulty pump again.

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.

In wet, or snowy conditions, or when driving over a bump in the road, the rear end of the vehicle jerks sideways. New tires and 4 wheel alignment have not corrected the issue. Vehicle feels like it may lose control. Symptoms feel the same as previous year explorer that had a rear toe link issue.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the power steering suddenly malfunctioned and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who stated that the steering rack and pinion was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000. The VIN was not available.

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.

Driving about 50mph on dry country road, good visibility, when suddenly car pulled hard right. We went onto a grass embankment, I managed to pull left back onto the road, but car fish-tailed uncontrollably, we hit crash barrier, and finally came to a stop. Badly shaken but no injuries. Examining car, besides body damage, most notably rear drivers side wheel was mis-aligned with car by about 15 degrees. Photo of suspension I took shows broken toe-link, subsequently confirmed by body shop and loss adjuster. The car had new rear struts 2 days earlier, but at that time no report of a broken toe-link. I have subsequently learnt there is a recall for broken toe-link for Ford Explorers 2013-2017, but mine is 2018. But I suspect the recall should have been broader - my toe-link looks like one subject to recall.

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 aware that the driver’s rear toe link had fractured. The contact stated that while the owner of the vehicle was driving at an undisclosed speed, he lost control of the vehicle and spun out, and ran off the road causing damage to the vehicle. The contact stated that he was called by the State Police to tow the vehicle. The contact was unaware of any injuries being sustained during the failure. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 59,004.

2018 Ford Explorer developed a shudder and rough idle, sluggish vehicle operation, slow acceleration during launch. No warning lamps. Researched issues online and found a bulletin from Ford Motor Company dated October 9, 2020 that identified the issue as a torque converter defect. My vehicle was manufactured during the identified time period and at the identified assembly plant but I did not receive a notice from Ford for the repair program. My vehicle has exhibited all of the known issues as well as a total loss of power while reversing leaving me sideways in the middle of the road while I had my family on a road trip risking collision and injury. Dealership confirms there was an issue but refuses to repair because my VIN was not listed in their system as affected. Feel the issue may extend to more vehicles than Ford previously figured.

As I was driving the car slowed down and jerked a little. ( no lights came on ) It happened again getting on the freeway, on another day. Still no lights on the dash. It did it another time and the light that indicate it's the power train. All while I was going through this I took it to a shop that said nothing was wrong with my vehicle. I only had my vehicle 5 months before the first slow down. I tried to take it to Pat Millenkin Ford they MEVER looked at the powertrain after me telling them I thought it was the transmission, but I was told it has no issues because it wasn't a light on. Two day's after getting my car back same problem happened, I called then was giving the run around then after my warranty expired they said bring it in which now they want me to pay over $4000 but they never did a diagnostic test on my powertrain. There also was a manufacturer customer satisfaction program from Ford on the transmission #20N07 before I purchased.

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 to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that he needed to pay for the repair because the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

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 dealer who diagnosed that the windshield molding and the rubber stripping on the doors needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 27,632.

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.

My car produces a sulfer/burning smell at hard acceleration. When I am merging into traffic at 3500-4000 and over RMP, an awful smell enters the cabin. I am very concerned that this is unsafe for my family and children in the vehicle, as well as the environment. I have had this vehicle looked by Ford and they claim everything looks normal. It is not normal to have this smell while accelerating.

In mid-July 2022, I attempted to fix the exhaust issue when accelerating in my 2018 Explorer. Ford dealership found there was a crack in the exhaust. Ford Corporate paid for the repairs. The problems persisted but were not as quick to notice, but still faintly smell it. Since July, I feel the dealership never fix the issue, and since the heat has worsened, the exhaust also has. Ford Corp, in a statement, has stated that it's "normal" to smell exhausted when accelerating. The Ford Dealership has also echoed this statement. Our Ford Fusion 2015 has never smelled like exhaust. My Mercedes never, either. From my understanding, 2017 Explorer had this recall, l and it seems they never fixed the issue. I feel it's not safe, as my family, my 1 yr old granddaughter, and myself are being poisoned. Today, I ordered carbon monoxide to record this data and will find out what is legally allowed.

Roof rack rails have detached from my vehicle several times since purchasing my vehicle. The Ford dealership knows of the problem, attempted a brandade approach to solve the problem but has not fixed the problem. They used glue to try an fix a potential but that could result in the rail becoming detached on the freeway, flying off and striking another car and causing an accident. The right rail on my explorer came off on the freeway and luckily did not strike another vehicle. Despite knowing the problem and not accepting blame, my dealership asked me to pay for replacement rails. Ford should be instructed to recall all Ford Explorers with these rails and come up with a permanent fix before a major accident result in the death of someone.

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 was towed to the residence where the dealer was notified and instructed him to tow the vehicle to the dealer for an inspection. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a defective water pump. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the low fuel warning light illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle was overheating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who added oil in the vehicle and stated that the water pump needed to be replaced. The mechanic also mentioned an issue with the coolant however, the contact could not recall what was stated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not under recall and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000.

Since the car was new I experienced occasional situations where the car would not accelerate. I thought it might be the transmission slipping as it seemed to "bottom out" when hitting the gas. The car would not respond and I would coast onto the side of road for fear of getting hit. After a minute or so, the gas pedal would work and I could keep moving. I reported it to the dealer and at that time it was winter and the roads were icy so they were not able to test it. Nothing showed up on diagnostics. It has been happening more frequently (twice since June 2022). Upon further research it seemed to be the throttle body so this week I took it to the Ford dealer where I purchased the car and told them what was happening. They confirmed that it is a bad throttle body. They are now replacing it at a cost of $781. I have found numerous sites on the internet that this is a well-known problem and in some cases it seems that Ford issued an extended warranty on defective throttle body assemblies and sensors for 10 years or 150,000 miles from the original purchase date. So why does this not apply to me? This is very dangerous and I was lucky to not get hit. When the car stops accelerating in the middle of traffic, it would be easy to get rear ended or worse.