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Back-over prevention (rear camera)Part report

2018 Ford Explorer Back-over prevention (rear camera) Problems

Complaints
26about this part
Share
4%of 734 total for the year
Median mileage
54,800miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the back-over prevention of the 2018 Ford Explorer, 4% of the 734 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,800 miles.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“My rear view camera goes to a dark blue or gray s screen with the words “check surroundings for safety” & “Camera is unavailable” and it does not work. This is the same recall issue that is on 1,900+ plus vehicles from a recall. I have called and filled a complain with Ford and have visited 3 dealers in our area and that is what they tell me. …”

NHTSA complaint #11688234, filed 2025-09

“Recently my screen has not been working in the car. When I took it to the car dealership they said it was the APIM and it is 1400. They said they have had to order about 35 of them in the past month with cars having the same issue. If this is the case then a recall should be considered due to the price that is associated with this part”

NHTSA complaint #11533981, filed 2023-07

“According to Ford The APIM failed and needs to be replaced. The entire counsel is black and will not come on I can not control the heat in air in the back of my vehicle as well as the rear cameras, radio, navigation, car chargers, car play and other features. Before it went completely black and didn’t work it would disconnect the phone and turn off and on for about a week. This car is less than 3 years old.”

NHTSA complaint #11428422, filed 2021-08

“I own a 2018 Ford Explorer there has been an issue when it’s cold out the APIM is not responding and turning on the reverse camera when vehicle is put into reverse. When it is above 70 degrees Fahrenheit the APIM works intermittently. The problem with this is out of the blue when it decides to work at times it turns the radio on with volume at max level This has startled me not knowing it’s going to come on and it won’t let you turn the radio down or power it off. Ford says there is no recall on the issue.”

NHTSA complaint #11590792, filed 2024-05

“I’ve recently heard from a-couple ford owners and ford technicians them selves that our vehicles come with faulty APIM modules and I just recently found out there was a recall on the 2017 model . I do not understand why there is not a recall on the 2018 model also as mine and several other peoples screen went completely black out of nowhere which is a part called the APIM module has failed which is a safety hazard that I cannot call 911 in an event or even use the back up camera for the safety of my vehicle . …”

NHTSA complaint #11505735, filed 2023-02

Related service bulletins

Back-over prevention (rear camera): other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202612%
202511%
202415%
202376%
2022238%
2021368%
20201048%
201921%
2018264%
201770%
201660%
20151478%
2014292%
2013382%
2012121%
201120%
200811%
200210%

Other parts of the 2018 Ford Explorer

Body and structure
288 complaints
Other or unknown
168 complaints
Engine
96 complaints
Electrical system
58 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
50 complaints
Engine cooling
29 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
27 complaints
Fuel system
23 complaints
Suspension
23 complaints
Steering
21 complaints
Air bags
11 complaints
Brakes
11 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2018 Ford Explorer

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology