2018 Ford Explorer Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 96about this part
- Share
- 13%of 734 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 96 complaints about the engine of the 2018 Ford Explorer, 13% of the 734 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Constant smells of carbon monoxide in my vehicle almost every time I accelerate above 3500 RPM. I've taken it to two dealerships more than three times for the same problem with no solution. Every time I get in my vehicle I dread smelling this stuff and hope it doesn't affect me or a loved one.”
NHTSA complaint #11298227, filed 2020-01, 38,000 miles“Exhaust fumes are entering the cabin during acceleration and when the AC is on. Several family members have complained about the smell within the cabin. I personally have experienced headaches and burning eyes because of the issue. It smells like burnt hair. This is a family vehicle used to transport my entire family including my 5 month old baby. This smell is making everyone nauseous.”
NHTSA complaint #11111383, filed 2018-07, 45 miles“Our 2018 Ecoboost Ford Explorer started releasing smoke from the tailpipe when starting in April 2023. I took it in to the Ford of Kirkland dealership in early May 2023. They kept my car for 9 weeks, and then said there is nothing wrong with it and gave it back in July 2023. The car kept having the same issue. This was while it was still under warranty about 96,000 miles. Fast forward to February 2024, the car has continued to smoke this entire time since the dealership gave it back in July. In February, I was driving home on the freeway going up hill when the car suddenly decelerated rapidly. …”
NHTSA complaint #11611950, filed 2024-08, 110,000 miles“My explore has failed to start on 4 different occasions. The dealer service department sent a tow to get the car, and the driver got it to start after several attempts, then he shut if off and it failed to start again. The service manager told me he couldn't get the issue to occur so there wasn't anything for him to do even though he had a fault code. My explore only has lest than 9000 miles and is still under warranty but yet they are telling me there isn't anything they can done after keeping my car for 3 weeks. …”
NHTSA complaint #11118467, filed 2018-08, 8,400 miles“For weeks now the car has been deciding what to do. The air conditioner randomly turns off or won't turn on. The window won't roll up or down. Lights in the dashboard randomly go on and off all the time. Sometimes there is just a loud noise but no lights. Then recently when I was driving on the highway going 55 MPH with my 3 children the car shut its self off. The lights went crazy then shut off. There was no gas or brakes as I was going 55 MPH. Once the car came to a rolling stop. It did not turn back on. Once towed to the dealership, they cannot find anything wrong.”
NHTSA complaint #11310401, filed 2020-02, 12,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11033577May 9, 2026Certain 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco, 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco Sport, 2020-2022 Model Year Corsair and Escape, 2016-2024 Model Year Explorer, 2019-2020 Model Year Fusion…
- 10181934Oct 28, 2020Some 2018 EcoSport/Expedition/Explorer vehicles equipped with a telematics control unit (TCU) module may exhibit an inoperative remote start with a Vehicle Failed To Start…
- 10160943May 23, 2019Some 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a squeal noise from the accessory drive belt, illuminated charging system indicator, and/or…
- 10159494Apr 26, 2019SSM 47948 - 2010-2019 Various Vehicles - Turbocharged Engines - Oil Supply Filter Replacement When Replacing The Turbocharger Or The Turbocharger Oil Supply Tube For 2010-2019…
- 10144919Aug 23, 2018Some 2013-2018 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L/1.6L/2.0L EcoBoost, 2013-2018 Fusion vehicles equipped with 2.0L/2.7L EcoBoost, 2013-2018 MKZ vehicles equipped with 2.0L…
- 10143090Jun 12, 2018Some 2013-2018 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.7L twin independent variable camshaft timing (TiVCT) engine may exhibit an engine vibration and/or the engine…
- 10140315Jan 8, 2018Some 2013-2018 Escape/Fusion/MKZ vehicles equipped with 2.5L or 1.5L/2.0L/3.0L Ecoboost engine, 2015-2018 MKC/Edge/Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.0L/2.3L/2.7L EcoBoost engine…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 14% |
| 2025 | 8 | 7% |
| 2024 | 1 | 5% |
| 2023 | 10 | 9% |
| 2022 | 30 | 11% |
| 2021 | 50 | 11% |
| 2020 | 117 | 9% |
| 2019 | 19 | 6% |
| 2018 | 96 | 13% |
| 2017 | 241 | 14% |
| 2016 | 382 | 16% |
| 2015 | 227 | 13% |
| 2014 | 198 | 12% |
| 2013 | 225 | 10% |
| 2012 | 79 | 10% |
| 2011 | 83 | 7% |
| 2010 | 14 | 12% |
| 2009 | 4 | 12% |
| 2008 | 21 | 14% |
| 2007 | 28 | 13% |
| 2006 | 58 | 9% |
| 2005 | 17 | 3% |
| 2004 | 44 | 3% |
| 2003 | 22 | 2% |
| 2002 | 49 | 1% |
| 2001 | 6 | 2% |
| 2000 | 9 | 1% |
| 1999 | 4 | 0% |
| 1998 | 6 | 0% |
| 1997 | 4 | 0% |
| 1996 | 2 | 0% |
| 1995 | 2 | 0% |
| 1993 | 1 | 0% |
| 1992 | 3 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2018 Ford Explorer
288 complaintsOther or unknown
168 complaintsElectrical system
58 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
50 complaintsEngine cooling
29 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
27 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
26 complaintsFuel system
23 complaintsSuspension
23 complaintsSteering
21 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsBrakes
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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