2018 Ford Explorer
Common Problems
Ranked from 315 federal NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
13 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Exhaust fumes entering cabin during acceleration
98complaintsHigh severityFuel systemExhaust gases enter the cabin causing nausea, dizziness, and other health issues.
Related recall: 18V807000
- 2
A-pillar trim detachment
97complaintsHigh severityOtherThe A-pillar trim on the passenger side detaches while driving, posing a safety hazard.
- 3
Windshield Trim Detachment
66complaintsHigh severityOtherThe passenger side windshield trim detached from the vehicle at high speeds, posing a risk of hitting other vehicles.
- 5
Engine overheating
26complaintsHigh severityOtherThe engine overheats without warning, leading to potential damage and loss of vehicle functionality.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Electrical System Issues
11complaintsMedium severityElectricalVarious electrical system faults including headlight malfunctions and backup camera failures occur.
Related recall: 25V685000
- 7
Dashboard Peeling and Bubbling
9complaintsHigh severityOtherThe dashboard began to peel and bubble, with no warning lights or symptoms prior to the failure.
- 8
Unresolved NHTSA recall
8complaintsMedium severityOtherParts for certain NHTSA recalls are not available, leaving vehicles in an unsafe state.
- 9
Dashboard Issues
6complaintsLow severityOtherThe dashboard material peels and separates, causing glare and reducing visibility.
- 10
Backup camera malfunction
5complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe backup camera stops working, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of accidents.
$250–$800est. backup camera replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V685000
- 11
Windshield wiper system failure
5complaintsMedium severityOtherThe windshield wipers and washer system fail, reducing visibility during wet conditions.
- 12
Dashboard and control panel issues
3complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe dashboard and control panels experience malfunctions, affecting the overall functionality of the vehicle.
Related recall: 25V685000
- 13
Headlight malfunction
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalBoth low beam headlights fail to function properly, reducing visibility during nighttime driving.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V685000
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.