2018 Ford Explorer: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Late fifth-gen Explorer after the exhaust-fix campaign; comfortable and roomy, though reliability is only average and the trim-detachment recall applies. 2 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2018 Ford Explorer ranged from $32,140 to $53,940 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Late fifth-gen Explorer after the exhaust-fix campaign; comfortable and roomy, though reliability is only average and the trim-detachment recall applies.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=ford&model=explorer…
- autosafety.orghttps://www.autosafety.org/ford-explorer-carbon-monoxide-problems/
- cars.comhttps://www.cars.com/articles/recall-alert-2011-2013-ford-explorer-1420663014…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/ford/explorer
Known issues
-
Six-speed automatic can shift harshly or develop torque-converter shudder.
occasional · 60 NHTSA complaints · transmission
-
Windshield A-pillar molding/trim can loosen and detach at highway speed; covered by a later recall with long parts backorders.
commonly reported · body
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=ford&model=explorer…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=ford&model=explorer…
- autosafety.orghttps://www.autosafety.org/ford-explorer-carbon-monoxide-problems/
- cars.comhttps://www.cars.com/articles/recall-alert-2011-2013-ford-explorer-1420663014…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Available EcoBoost engines deliver strong power and respectable towing.
- Roomy, comfortable three-row cabin with a smooth highway ride.
- Lots of available technology and family-friendly features.
Cons
- Cabin exhaust-odor concern on 2011-2017 models is the standout worry.
- Only average reliability and a recall-heavy history.
- Early MyFord Touch infotainment is slow and buggy.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | $32,140 | discontinued | 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 | — |
| XLT | $34,175 | discontinued | 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 | — |
| Limited | $42,090 | discontinued | 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 | — |
| Sport | $45,950 | discontinued | 3.5L EcoBoost V6 twin-turbo | — |
| Platinum | $53,940 | $50,965 | 3.5L EcoBoost V6 twin-turbo | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2018-ford-explorer-price
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/menu/options?year=2019&make=Ford&…
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($32,140). Higher trims started higher (up to $53,940), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/ford-explorer/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $700–750/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,000–2,100/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (3)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/ford/explorer
- moneygeek.comhttps://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/ford-explorer-insurance/
- modernfordofboone.comhttps://www.modernfordofboone.com/ford-explorer-longevity-boone/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2018 Ford Explorer have?
Documented issue patterns include: Six-speed automatic can shift harshly or develop torque-converter shudder; Windshield A-pillar molding/trim can loosen and detach at highway speed; covered by a later recall with long parts backorders. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2018 Ford Explorer reliable?
Late fifth-gen Explorer after the exhaust-fix campaign; comfortable and roomy, though reliability is only average and the trim-detachment recall applies.
How much did the 2018 Ford Explorer cost new?
Between $32,140 and $53,940 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Ford Explorer expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $700–750/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.