Is the 2018 Ford Explorer reliable?

Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2018 Ford Explorer 1.3/10 — Approach with caution. It has 7 NHTSA recalls on record and about 710 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Explorer?

The most frequently reported area is Exhaust System. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.

How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Explorer have?

The 2018 Ford Explorer has 7 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

What is a fair price for a used 2018 Ford Explorer?

A used 2018 Ford Explorer typically sells for $15,000–$22,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.

Is the 2018 Ford Explorer expensive to maintain?

Ford maintenance costs are typically moderate, with widely available, affordable parts.

How many miles is too many for a 2018 Ford Explorer?

A well-maintained Ford Explorer can reach ~180,000–200,000 miles. Above ~130k, prioritize service history and an inspection.

Known issues

High recall count or documented complaint patterns. Inspect carefully.

2018 Ford Explorer

Police interceptor roots add structural confidence — check third row condition.

Typical price: $15,000–$22,000
Recalls: 7
Owner complaints: 710

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NHTSA Recalls

7 recalls

Safety-critical recall on record. Verify recall completion at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner#19V633000
A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fuel System#18V807000
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Structure:Body#21V316000
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars#24V031000
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Equipment:Electrical:Engine Block Heater#25V685000
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Suspension:Rear#26V101000
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Structure:Body#26V448000
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Owner Complaints

(710 total)

Structure250
Unknown Or Other114
Engine57
Transmission & Drivetrain27
Engine & Cooling21
Electrical System18
Suspension15
Back Over Prevention12

Known Issues

Known issues contribute -1.50 pts to the score (capped at −3.0 total).

EXHAUST SYSTEMCritical
-1.50 pts
Carbon monoxide intrusion into the passenger cabin via exhaust leaks near the rear liftgate seals — over 2,700 NHTSA complaints and multiple reported injuries. Ford issued a recall (18V-138) and software-controlled pressure relief fix, but many owners report incomplete resolution. Also affected by 6-speed automatic harsh shifts and hesitation (~800 additional complaints). VERIFY CO recall completion by VIN at nhtsa.gov before purchase — safety-critical defect with documented injuries.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Ford Explorer reliable?: Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2018 Ford Explorer 1.3/10 — Approach with caution. It has 7 NHTSA recalls on record and about 710 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Explorer?: The most frequently reported area is Exhaust System. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.
How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Explorer have?: The 2018 Ford Explorer has 7 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.
What is a fair price for a used 2018 Ford Explorer?: A used 2018 Ford Explorer typically sells for $15,000–$22,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.
Is the 2018 Ford Explorer expensive to maintain?: Ford maintenance costs are typically moderate, with widely available, affordable parts.
How many miles is too many for a 2018 Ford Explorer?: A well-maintained Ford Explorer can reach ~180,000–200,000 miles. Above ~130k, prioritize service history and an inspection.

Find a 2018 Ford Explorer for sale

Use your CarScorer analysis to negotiate with confidence. Open each listing site in a new tab to compare active inventory.

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Accessories & exterior protection

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2019 Buick Encore

$11,000–$16,000

2017 Jeep Cherokee

$10,000–$16,000

2017 Ford Escape

$9,000–$14,000

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Known issues

High recall count or documented complaint patterns. Inspect carefully.

2018 Ford Explorer

Police interceptor roots add structural confidence — check third row condition.

Typical price: $15,000–$22,000
Recalls: 7
Owner complaints: 710

ShareX f

Have a specific 2018 Ford Explorer to check?

Get a free instant score for this model — recalls, known issues, and a fair-price estimate — then add your VIN, mileage, and price for a listing-specific result. No account needed.

Score this vehicle free

NHTSA Recalls

7 recalls

Safety-critical recall on record. Verify recall completion at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner#19V633000
A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fuel System#18V807000
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Structure:Body#21V316000
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars#24V031000
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Equipment:Electrical:Engine Block Heater#25V685000
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Suspension:Rear#26V101000
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Structure:Body#26V448000
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Owner Complaints

(710 total)

Structure250
Unknown Or Other114
Engine57
Transmission & Drivetrain27
Engine & Cooling21
Electrical System18
Suspension15
Back Over Prevention12

Known Issues

Known issues contribute -1.50 pts to the score (capped at −3.0 total).

EXHAUST SYSTEMCritical
-1.50 pts
Carbon monoxide intrusion into the passenger cabin via exhaust leaks near the rear liftgate seals — over 2,700 NHTSA complaints and multiple reported injuries. Ford issued a recall (18V-138) and software-controlled pressure relief fix, but many owners report incomplete resolution. Also affected by 6-speed automatic harsh shifts and hesitation (~800 additional complaints). VERIFY CO recall completion by VIN at nhtsa.gov before purchase — safety-critical defect with documented injuries.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Ford Explorer reliable?: Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2018 Ford Explorer 1.3/10 — Approach with caution. It has 7 NHTSA recalls on record and about 710 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Explorer?: The most frequently reported area is Exhaust System. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.
How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Explorer have?: The 2018 Ford Explorer has 7 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.
What is a fair price for a used 2018 Ford Explorer?: A used 2018 Ford Explorer typically sells for $15,000–$22,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.
Is the 2018 Ford Explorer expensive to maintain?: Ford maintenance costs are typically moderate, with widely available, affordable parts.
How many miles is too many for a 2018 Ford Explorer?: A well-maintained Ford Explorer can reach ~180,000–200,000 miles. Above ~130k, prioritize service history and an inspection.

Find a 2018 Ford Explorer for sale

Use your CarScorer analysis to negotiate with confidence. Open each listing site in a new tab to compare active inventory.

CarGurus AutoTrader Cars.com Edmunds

Financing

Compare auto loan offers before you buy

One application, up to 4 loan offers in minutes

Accessories & exterior protection

Shop accessories & exterior protection

Floor mats, running boards, fender flares, tonneau covers & more

Suspension & performance

Wheel spacers, leveling & lift kits, suspension

KSP Performance — 5% off site-wide with code KSPAF

Need a rental while you shop?

Browse rental cars from $9/day

CarScorer may earn a commission from these links, at no cost to you.

Compare the 2018 Ford Explorer

Featured in

Also consider

2019 Buick Encore

$11,000–$16,000

2017 Jeep Cherokee

$10,000–$16,000

2017 Ford Escape

$9,000–$14,000

Score any used car listing in 2 minutes

CarScorer pulls NHTSA data, checks known issues, and compares the asking price against market value — all in one score. Free, no account required for a basic check.

Try CarScorer free