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Buying a used 2018 Ford Explorer? Check these 7 recalls first

7 NHTSA recalls · 727 owner complaints on file

The 2018 Explorer has 7 recalls in this group. Fuel sensor leakage and block heater fire risks stand out, while rear suspension toe links, front seat recliners, roof rail covers, and roof pillar trim also require attention. The 727 NHTSA owner complaints are unverified reports. Structure leads the listed categories with 287, followed by unknown or other issues at 167, engine at 94, and electrical systems at 57, making exterior attachment condition a particular inspection focus.

Before you buy

1. Get the 17-character VIN from the seller and run it at nhtsa.gov/recalls. It shows which recalls are still unrepaired on that exact car.
2. Verify fuel sensor and block heater recall repairs.
3. Request rear toe link and seat recliner repair records.
4. Inspect roof rail covers and pillar trim attachment.
5. Open recalls are repaired free at any Ford dealer, whoever owns the car — an open recall is a to-do item, not a bill.

Recalls covering the 2018 Ford Explorer

What owners have reported to NHTSA

727 complaints filed for this model year, including 15 mentioning a crash, 7 a fire and 12 injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, and popular models collect more of them simply because more are on the road.

When the complaints were filed

Complaints by the year they reached NHTSA. The current year is incomplete, and counts usually fall as fewer of these cars stay on the road.

Other model years

• 2019
• 2020
• 2021
• 2022
• 2023
• 2024
• 2025
• All Explorer recalls