2018 Ford Explorer Engine Problems
Owners filed 129 engine complaints for the 2018 Ford Explorer, 18% of its 731 total complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 40,000. NHTSA lists no related recall for this engine issue. Exhaust odor entering the cabin and sudden power loss are the most common reports.
- Engine complaints
- 129
- 18% of 731
- Crashes reported
- 5
- Fires reported
- 3
- Injuries reported
- 7
- Median mileage
- 40,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 0
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report exhaust or burning odor entering the cabin through the vents, especially during acceleration or with the AC running.
- Some drivers describe acceleration gradually fading until the vehicle comes to a stop, with no warning lights.
- Several report the engine failing to start on multiple occasions, sometimes requiring a tow and repeated dealer visits.
- One owner reported a fire that started in the engine compartment and spread through the vehicle, resulting in a total loss.
- A case involved carbon monoxide odor complaints that were followed by a reported carbon monoxide poisoning diagnosis and a crash.
When 2018 Ford Explorer engine complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 29, 2018, latest Sep 5, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2018 Ford Explorer
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
Engine complaints by Explorer model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many engine complaints does the 2018 Ford Explorer have?
- NHTSA lists 129 engine complaints for the 2018 Ford Explorer, which makes up 18% of the 731 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2018 Ford Explorer engine?
- No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this engine issue on the 2018 Ford Explorer.
- At what mileage do 2018 Ford Explorer engine problems occur?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on the 2018 Ford Explorer is 40,000 miles.
- Are the engine complaints on the 2018 Ford Explorer serious?
- NHTSA data tied to this engine issue includes 5 crashes, 3 fires, and 7 injuries reported by owners.
- What is the most common engine complaint on the 2018 Ford Explorer?
- The most frequently described problem is exhaust odor entering the cabin, along with reports of sudden loss of acceleration and failure to start.