The Lemon Index2018 Ford Explorer.
The 2018 Ford Explorer is better than average by owner complaints: 156 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 67, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about body structure, it has 7 recalls, and it gets 18 to 22 mpg combined. The best Ford Explorer year is 2008.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 100 YouTube videos about the 2011–2019 Ford Explorer, 25.8M views. The 2018 is the same generation.
- Cooling system1.2M views
How to change a water pump in Ford V6 3.5 & 3.7-liter engines 2012-19 Explorer, Taurus, Edge & moreC.L.S. ALL-IN-ONE · 1.2M views - Windows, doors & mirrors669K views
2011 - 2019 Ford Explorer Water In The Floors and Here is Why - Sunroof Drain CleaningFord Boss Me - Auto / Politics / Family · 148K views · 6 videos - Intake, EGR & engine sensors668K views
2019 ford explorer tire pressure sensor reset procedureGearhead slick · 277K views · 5 videos - Steering & suspension485K views
How to Replace Front Lower Control Arm Bushing 2011-2019 Ford ExplorerTRQ · 168K views · 4 videos
Show 4 more
- Infotainment, battery & electrical416K views
Ford Explorer - A/C COMPRESSOR FUSE & RELAY LOCATION (2011 - 2015)QuiteAlright · 131K views · 4 videos - Heat, A/C & blend door390K views
2011 - 2019 Ford Explorer Cabin Air filter - How To Change Remove Replace - A/C AC Filter LocationPYR Automotive · 390K views - Death wobble & steering371K views
2013-2015 Ford Explorer. Hard electronic power steering/Electronic failure module/motorKilmar Grease Monkey · 259K views · 2 videos - Gauges, lights & wiring361K views
2011-2015 Ford Explorer Headlight Bulb Replacement & How to Replace Head Light Bulbs XLT XLS LimitedWorkingWithWimberley · 240K views · 2 videos
Before you buy, watch
Top 5 Problems Ford Explorer SUV 5th Generation 2011-20191A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 1.3M views
Common problems with the Ford Explorer from 2011 to 2015.El papá de los autos · 304K views
Top 5 Problems with the FORD EXPLORER | 5th Generation 2011 - 2019Alex The Car Doctor · 288K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
How serious. Out of 734 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Ford Explorer year. 2018 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 16K to 82K miles on the car (289 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- body structure complaints mostly came at 40K–87K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 8K–83K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 7K–73K miles
Recalls 7
- body structure 2026
The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
- suspension 2026
The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
- equipment 2025
The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Show all 7 recalls
- body structure 2024
The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
- body structure 2021
The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
- seats 2019
Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms.
- fuel system, gasoline 2018
Due to an assembly error, the fuel pressure sensor may leak fuel.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 191 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Illuminated MIL with DTC
- Inoperative remote features via Ford
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenHertz/vehicles rented with open recalls2022
- ClosedWindshield trim molding item detachment2023–2024
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2900–3550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
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
2018 Ford Explorer owner · NHTSA complaint 11337437
More owner reports
Crack on windshield by body at top, no scratch above on paint, stratch started small and is growing
NHTSA complaint 11078974
Warning sign says check engine oil pressure, the warning sign only appears when the car is stopped.
NHTSA complaint 11297270
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Ford Explorer reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.5× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 67; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Ford Explorer year by this measure since 2010 is 2024.
What are the most common 2018 Ford Explorer problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are body structure (16%), engine (15%) and electrical (7%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Explorer have?
7 safety recalls (latest: body structure). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Ford Explorer get?
18 to 22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 Ford Explorer safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2018 Ford Explorer problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 16,200 and 82,800 miles. The middle report was at 50,000 miles, from 289 complaints.
Does the 2018 Ford Explorer have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2018 Ford Explorer cost in fuel a year?
About $2900 to $3550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Ford Explorer have?
2.3L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
What Ford Explorer year is better than the 2018?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2019, 2018 and 2010.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works