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Buying a used 2018 Ford Explorer? Check these 7 recalls first
The 2018 Explorer carries three critical recalls — a fuel pressure sensor that may leak gasoline, engine block heaters that can catch fire, and a rear suspension toe link that may break — plus seat backs that may be dangerously weak, roof rail covers listed under two separate campaigns, and windshield pillar trim that can fall off. Complaint volume stands out: 727 unverified NHTSA reports, 287 filed under structure, with 7 fires and 15 crashes alleged by owners.
Before you buy
- 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.
- Run the VIN to confirm the toe link and fuel pressure sensor recalls were completed.
- Ask whether the block heater was ever used and inspect its cord and connector.
- Check that both roof rail covers and the windshield pillar trim are firmly attached.
- 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
| Recall | Area | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Explorer fuel pressure sensor may leak gasoline | Fuel System, Gasoline | critical |
| Ford and Lincoln engine block heaters can catch fire | Equipment | critical |
| Ford Explorer rear suspension toe link may break | Suspension | critical |
| Ford and Lincoln seat backs may be dangerously weak | Seats | high |
| Ford Explorer roof rail covers can come off | Structure | medium |
| Ford Explorer Roof Rail Covers Can Come Off | Structure | medium |
| Ford Explorer windshield pillar trim can fall off | Structure | low |
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.
| Problem area | Complaints | Recall in this area? |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 287 | Yes |
| Engine | 123 | Yes |
| Electrical System | 57 | None found |
| Power Train | 49 | None found |
| Rear Camera | 26 | None found |
| Suspension | 23 | Yes |