2018 Ford Explorer Problems

What owners report

Owners of the 2018 Explorer most often report exterior trim coming loose at highway speed — mainly the A-pillar trim around the windshield and the roof rail covers, many tied to open recall campaigns. A second frequent theme is coolant loss with overheating traced to the water pump, plus a smaller group of transmission shudder/hesitation and in-cabin exhaust odor complaints.

1. 1
   Body and structure

   A-pillar and windshield trim detaching

   Mentioned in 26 of 60 sampled complaints

   Complaints describe the exterior trim along the windshield A-pillar loosening, flapping or separating while driving at highway speeds, sometimes with a whistling or whooshing sound. In some cases the sealant or rubber gasket around the trim is described as dried, deteriorated or missing, and water is reported entering the cabin. Several owners say the dealer confirmed the trim needed replacement but that parts were not yet available for recall 24V031000, and some were told the condition was cosmetic. Reported from under 30,000 miles up to about 137,000 miles, most often at highway speeds or in windy conditions.

   Recall 24V031000

   What to check: Ask whether recall 24V031000 was completed and whether the A-pillar trim and windshield seals were actually replaced. Inspect both sides of the windshield for loose trim, gaps, dried sealant or water stains inside.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim on the passenger’s side was loosened at the top of the trim. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11640923, filed 2025-02, 20,000 miles

   “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.”

   NHTSA complaint #11504871, filed 2023-02, 80,000 miles
2. 2
   Body and structure

   Roof rail covers and roof rack trim coming loose

   Mentioned in 8 of 60 sampled complaints

   Owners describe the plastic covers on the roof rails popping out of place, cracking or flying off while driving, sometimes repeatedly after being refitted. Complaints mention the covers not seating properly at the rear of the rail, and a few owners report noise from the roof or water entry at a car wash before finding the rail detached. Some were told their vehicle was not covered by the roof rail recall campaigns. Reported anywhere from roughly 10,000 to over 130,000 miles, often noticed after highway driving.

   Recall 21V316000Recall 26V448000

   What to check: Check that both roof rail covers sit flush and clip down firmly along their full length, and ask whether recall 21V316000 or 26V448000 work was performed.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “The rail cover on top of the car just came off with no one messing with or being damaged. I researched to see if other has a problem like this and I found numerous of people saying the rail cover just detached form the actual rail. While driving down the highway.”

   NHTSA complaint #11366399, filed 2020-10, 53,000 miles

   “2018 Ford Explorer has a roof rail issue where the top part the the roof rail that comes factory on the vehicle will pop out of place and not clamp down properly the for part number is fb5z 78551a47 aa and also fb5z 78551a46 aa one belongs to the left and the other the right. I was driving down the high way with them not fully seated in the back end of the railing and noticed when I got home that they must have flown off while driving down the highway. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11319955, filed 2020-04, 11,500 miles
3. 3
   Engine

   Coolant loss and overheating (water pump)

   • 58 complaints (8%)
   • median 85,000 mi at 5.8 yrs old (19 state mileage)
   • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $3,000 (median of 11 quotes)
   • filed 2019–2026

   Complaints describe the engine overheating with a high temperature gauge reading, a burning or sweet smell, and coolant found on the ground or the reservoir empty. In several cases an independent mechanic traced the loss to the water pump, and one owner reported fluid leaking while driving at highway speed. Some owners say repair costs were significant because of where the pump is mounted. Most reports fall between roughly 40,000 and 130,000 miles.

   Recall 25V6850001 related service bulletin

   What to check: Check the coolant level and look for dried coolant residue or staining near the front of the engine and under the vehicle; ask whether the water pump has been replaced.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “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.”

   NHTSA complaint #11506685, filed 2023-02, 131,000 miles

   “The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle overheated. The temperature gauge increased to the high engine temperature level. There was an abnormal beeping sound detected. The contact noticed that the coolant reservoir was empty and added coolant. The contact stated that the next day there was coolant on the garage floor. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11544782, filed 2023-09, 71,699 miles

Buying note. Prioritize verifying that the A-pillar trim and roof rail recalls were completed with parts actually replaced, since many owners report waiting on parts. Also check coolant level and water pump history, and test drive for transmission shudder and cabin exhaust odor before buying.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.