2018 FORD Explorer Recalls

Recalls Found

All Recalls

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."

NHTSA 19V633000

Report Date

28/08/2019

Component

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

Manufacturer

Ford Motor Company

Consequence: 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.

Remedy / Corrective Action

Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.

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.

NHTSA 18V807000

Report Date

14/11/2018

Component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Manufacturer

Ford Motor Company

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy / Corrective Action

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line assembly, free of charge. The recall began December 7, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S35.

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.

NHTSA 21V316000

Report Date

05/05/2021

Component

STRUCTURE:BODY

Manufacturer

Ford Motor Company

Consequence: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy / Corrective Action

Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. The interim owner notification letter was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.

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.

NHTSA 24V031000

Report Date

19/01/2024

Component

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Manufacturer

Ford Motor Company

Consequence: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy / Corrective Action

Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 18, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.

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.

NHTSA 25V685000

Report Date

10/10/2025

Component

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

Manufacturer

Ford Motor Company

Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy / Corrective Action

Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated February 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many recalls does the 2018 FORD Explorer have?

The 2018 FORD Explorer currently has 5 recalls according to NHTSA records. All recall information is sourced directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration database.

Are 2018 FORD Explorer recalls free to fix?

Yes! All safety recalls for 2018 FORD Explorer vehicles must be repaired free of charge by authorized dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. Contact your local FORD dealer to schedule a recall repair.

How do I check if my 2018 FORD Explorer has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by entering your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) in our VIN decoder tool. The 17-character VIN can be found on your vehicle registration, insurance card, or on the driver's side dashboard visible through the windshield.