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2018 Ford Explorer Recalls

2018 Ford Explorer Recalls
Updated May 30, 2026·Ethan Miller3 Critical Recalls

Recall Summary

The 2018 Ford Explorer has 14 recalls recorded by NHTSA.

3 High Risks Found — View Now

Total Recalls

14
3 High Risks

Source: NHTSA Campaign Data

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How to Handle Recalls

Check your VIN

Locate your 17-character VIN on the dashboard or driver's door jamb.

Verify Status

Visit the NHTSA Recall Website or the manufacturer's official page.

Schedule Repair

Contact a franchised dealership. Recall repairs are always free of charge.

Document It

Keep records of the repair for your vehicle history file to maintain value.

Note: Unrepaired recalls can affect vehicle safety and resale value. We recommend checking for open recalls at least once a year.

Recall Summary

What the recall count means for the 2018 Ford Explorer

The 2018 Ford Explorer has 14 recall campaigns on record. Yes, buyers should pay close attention. The 2018 Ford Explorer has 3 serious recalls touching safety-critical systems, so a VIN-specific remedy check should happen before you buy.

Which systems are affected?

The main systems named in recall filings for the 2018 Ford Explorer include FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY, SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER, STRUCTURE:BODY, STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS, EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER.

What should buyers check before purchase?

Run a VIN recall lookup, confirm dealer remedy completion, and compare the recall themes against the maintenance and complaints reports before committing.

What is the most serious recall on the 2018 Ford Explorer?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.5L GTDI engine. Due to an assembly error, the fuel pressure sensor may leak fuel.

Read the full buyer guideMaintenance costs and intervalsOwner complaints by system2017 Explorer recalls2019 Explorer recalls2020 Explorer recalls
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Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Explorer have?

There are 14 recall campaigns for the 2018 Ford Explorer.

Recall rows are tied to NHTSA campaign-level source references.

Review recall campaigns

Are there safety critical recalls for the 2018 Ford Explorer?

There are 3 which have high risk. Prioritize campaigns affecting brakes, steering, airbags, fuel systems, or fire risk, then confirm remedy availability with VIN lookup.

Recall response workflow is provided next to the data table.

Show high risk recalls
Recall campaigns
14
Primary source
NHTSA recall filings and campaign references
Workflow
Count, campaign details, remedy status, and VIN verification

We may earn a commission via links on this page.

Start here for the 2018 Ford Explorer

Start here

Buyer guide

Full ownership breakdown

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

Tuning guide

Potential + upgrade path

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Subscribe to Recall Alerts

Get notified when a new recall or important ownership update lands for the 2018 Ford Explorer.

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Action Plan
  3. 03Should Buyers Worry?
  4. 04NHTSA Recalls
  5. 05Data and Methodology

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Recalls for 2018 Ford Explorer Buyer's Guide

14 total campaigns, 3 marked high risk

High Riskcritical
ID: 18V807000

Fuel System, Gasoline

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.5L GTDI engine. Due to an assembly error, the fuel pressure sensor may leak fuel.

low
ID: 19V633000

Seats

Mid/Rear Assembly

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."

low
ID: 19V633000

Seats

Front AssemblyRecliner

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."

low
ID: 21V316000

Structure

Body

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.

low
ID: 21V316000

Structure

Body

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.

low
ID: 21V316000

Structure

Body

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.

low
ID: 21V316000

Structure

Body

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.

low
ID: 21V316000

Structure

Body

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.

low
ID: 21V316000

Structure

Body

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.

low
ID: 21V316000

Structure

Body

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.

low
ID: 24V031000

Structure

BodyRoof And Pillars

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.

low
ID: 24V031000

Structure

BodyRoof And Pillars

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.

High Riskcritical
ID: 25V685000

Equipment

ElectricalEngine Block Heater

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

High Riskcritical
ID: 25V685000

Equipment

ElectricalEngine Block Heater

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.