Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2018 Ford Explorer
The 2018 Ford Explorer has a moderate number of recalls and complaints, with issues predominantly in the body structure and engine. Recalls highlight serious problems such as loose roof rail covers and faulty fuel pressure sensors. However, the complaints and recalls do not cover a broad range of major systems extensively. Buyers should carefully inspect for these specific issues and exercise general caution, as some problems may not have been fully captured in available data.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2018 Ford Explorer has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 733 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V448000 Roof Rail Covers May Detach NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #26V101000 Rear Suspension Toe Link Fracture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V685000 Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V031000 Exterior A-Pillar Trim May Detach NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V316000 Roof Rail Covers May Detach NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V633000 Reduced Seat Back Strength/FMVSS 202 & 207 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V807000 Fuel Pressure Sensor may Leak Fuel NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Structure 288 complaints
- Unknown or Other 168 complaints
- Engine 95 complaints
- Electrical System 57 complaints
- Power Train 50 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 29 complaints
Of the 733 complaints on file, 15 report a crash and 7 a fire; across all 733 complaints, owners report 12 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Roof rail covers detach
How to check: Inspect roof rails for secure attachment
Rear suspension toe link fracture
How to check: Check rear suspension for damage or wear
Fuel pressure sensor leak
How to check: Observe for fuel odors under the hood
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for any engine knocking sounds
Red flag: Persistent knocking noise
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights
Red flag: Check engine light is on
- 03
City driving
What to check: Note any unusual suspension noises
Red flag: Clunking or squeaking sounds
- 04
Braking test
What to check: Evaluate brake responsiveness and noises
Red flag: Spongy brakes or grinding sound
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Feel for smooth acceleration without hesitation
Red flag: Lag or stuttering during acceleration
- 06
Steering response
What to check: Ensure steering is responsive and smooth
Red flag: Loose or unsteady steering
- 07
Return to idle
What to check: Listen for consistent engine idle
Red flag: Rough idle or stalling
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have the roof rail recalls been addressed?
- Any issues with suspension or toe links?
- Has the fuel pressure sensor been replaced?
- Are there any engine performance problems?
- History of electrical system repairs?
- Any structural repairs needed recently?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service records and receipts
- Recall repair documentation
- Vehicle history report
- Title and registration
- Warranty information
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2018 Ford Explorer at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2018 Ford Explorer? Check the actual car
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