2018 Ford Explorer problems: engine and transmission complaints and recalls
No elevated drivetrain complaint concentration in the available NHTSA records for the 2018 Ford Explorer. Engine, transmission and fuel system account for 24% of relevant complaints.
Better than 81% of the 1,790 model years we track (2010–2023).
Does the 2018 Ford Explorer have engine or transmission problems?
Not as a pattern, going by owner complaints. 171 of 733 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2018 Ford Explorer concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (24%). For comparison, the 2017 scores 25% and the 2019 scores 23%. This describes the model year, not any one car: a well-maintained or already-repaired example can be fine, and a clean model year can still have a bad car in it.
Complaints by component
The years either side
Manufacturers fix things mid-generation. A bad year next to a clean one is common; the fix usually arrived in between.
The rest of the picture on the 2018 Ford Explorer
- The mileage where it happens. When owners of the 2018 Ford Explorer said the problem showed up, and the range most of them fell in.
- Every owner quote, with the ones about your car's own engine first.
- What to ask the seller and what to check on the test drive, for this car.
- Two cars side by side, if you are deciding between them.
What one owner reported
One of 171 drivetrain complaints. The full report shows them, with quotes about the engine in the car you are looking at first.
Are there engine or transmission recalls on the 2018 Ford Explorer?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns on the 2018 Ford Explorer involving the engine, transmission or fuel system, out of 7 in total. A recall is the manufacturer admitting a defect and paying to fix it; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN, which the full report checks. The owner complaints above are a separate record and often point at problems that never became a recall.
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.
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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…
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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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…
5 other recalls on this model year (airbags, lighting, brakes and the rest)
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns filed against this year, make and model; one of NHTSA's listings did not answer when this page was built, so the list may be incomplete. Checked October 17, 2026.
Checking one particular 2018 Ford Explorer? This page is about the model year. Accidents, title brands and odometer records belong to the individual car, and that is what a vehicle history report covers.
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Does the 2018 Ford Explorer have engine or transmission problems?
Not as a pattern, going by owner complaints. 171 of 733 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2018 Ford Explorer concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (24%). It describes the model year, not any one car, so an inspection still matters.
Are there engine or transmission recalls on the 2018 Ford Explorer?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns on the 2018 Ford Explorer involving the engine, transmission or fuel system, out of 7 in total: 25V685000 (equipment: electrical: engine block heater), 18V807000 (fuel system, gasoline). Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
Which Ford Explorer years are better?
Among the Ford Explorer years we track, the 2011 (16%), the 2012 (19%) and the 2023 (19%) have a lower engine and transmission complaint share than the 2018 (24%). Manufacturers fix things mid-generation, so the year before or after can be a different car.
Should I buy a 2018 Ford Explorer?
That depends on the car in front of you, not just the model year. The 2018 Ford Explorer shows no elevated engine or transmission pattern in owner complaints, which is a good starting point. It is still one car with its own history, so get an independent pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you commit.
Have the VIN?Paste it and get the full report for that car. First report free, then a 30-day pass covers a whole car search.
Check a VINExperimental model-level information. This is not a vehicle inspection, vehicle-history report, financial advice or purchase recommendation. It describes patterns across a model year, not the condition of any individual vehicle. Combined across 2 body styles NHTSA files separately.