2018 Ford Explorer Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 3%of 734 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 62,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the suspension of the 2018 Ford Explorer, 3% of the 734 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,500 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle was traveling at approximately 45 MPH on a smooth strait stretch of road when a loud back was heard and a sudden loss of steering resulting in striking the curb as it came to a stop. Upon inspection it appears the lower control arm failed just before the balljoint and had broken in half. This appears it's an issue across a range if explorers that utilize the same control arm.”
NHTSA complaint #11282158, filed 2019-11, 31,000 miles“Vehicle when accelerating pulls sharply to right . Problem not resolved after 30 days at dealership. Alignment was not problem. Was documented while under warrantee ant was first noticed at 21000 miles and documented”
NHTSA complaint #11385739, filed 2020-12, 35,000 miles“When turning leaving a shopping center on a main road at ~30 MPH, heard loud pop sound and car immediately stopped moving. Car would not move and needed to be towed. Upon inspection the lower control arm broke next to ball joint. Car currently has little over 2000 miles.the police did respond to the incident to assist in guiding traffic and securing a tow truck. Currently the vehicle is at the dealer waiting further assessment. It appears the control arm has a weak point in the structure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11150447, filed 2018-11, 2,000 miles“On the highway doing 70 mph when the 2018 explorer started to sway back n forth and skipping across the road, got it stopped on the side of road and found out that my rear drivers toe link has broke. I see FORD has a RECALL on the 2016 - 2017 explorers for this problem... I'm lucky that I didn't kill someone or crash the vehicle. It was not a fun ride with my wife and kids in the SUV.”
NHTSA complaint #11620765, filed 2024-10“After dealer inspection of my 2018 Ford Explorer, I was informed that the rear knuckles needed replacement due to cracked bushing. I was informed that this is a safety issue that needs to be addressed immediately, at a cost of $2400.00. After some cursory research I found that there was a recall for 2011-2017 Ford Explorers with the same issue, but not for 2018. This is obviously a known problem and should be addressed for 2018 vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #11563921, filed 2024-01Related recalls
- 26V101000Feb 20, 2026Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.Covers: Ford Explorer 2017–2019
Related service bulletins
- 10176938Jun 5, 2020For 2013-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles that require rear wheel knuckle and bushing assembly repairs, dealers are advised to follow Workshop Manual (WSM) Procedures and use service…
- 10166446Sep 12, 2019This SKU is a Suspension Lateral Link. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to revise the design similar to the OEM supercession associated with…
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 3% |
| 2024 | 3 | 14% |
| 2023 | 14 | 13% |
| 2022 | 13 | 5% |
| 2021 | 15 | 3% |
| 2020 | 36 | 3% |
| 2019 | 11 | 4% |
| 2018 | 23 | 3% |
| 2017 | 58 | 3% |
| 2016 | 73 | 3% |
| 2015 | 83 | 5% |
| 2014 | 103 | 6% |
| 2013 | 79 | 4% |
| 2012 | 22 | 3% |
| 2011 | 24 | 2% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 3% |
| 2006 | 5 | 1% |
| 2005 | 15 | 3% |
| 2004 | 37 | 3% |
| 2003 | 63 | 6% |
| 2002 | 422 | 13% |
| 2001 | 43 | 11% |
| 2000 | 62 | 7% |
| 1999 | 65 | 5% |
| 1998 | 111 | 6% |
| 1997 | 105 | 6% |
| 1996 | 97 | 7% |
| 1995 | 93 | 11% |
| 1994 | 65 | 5% |
| 1993 | 59 | 6% |
| 1992 | 60 | 9% |
| 1991 | 33 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2018 Ford Explorer
288 complaintsOther or unknown
168 complaintsEngine
96 complaintsElectrical system
58 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
50 complaintsEngine cooling
29 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
27 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
26 complaintsFuel system
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 28, 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