Is the fuel system a common problem on the 2018 Ford Explorer?

NHTSA recorded 23 Fuel System complaints for the 2018 Explorer, which is 3% of the 731 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a fuel system recall for the 2018 Ford Explorer?

Yes. Recall 18V807000, reported November 14, 2018, covers 2018 Explorers with 2.3L or 3.5L GTDI engines where an assembly error can cause the fuel pressure sensor to leak fuel; Ford dealers replace the fuel line assembly for free.

At what mileage do fuel system problems appear on the 2018 Explorer?

The median mileage at failure for Fuel System complaints on the 2018 Explorer is 22,500 miles.

Did the fuel system issue cause any fires or crashes?

NHTSA data tied to this problem area lists 2 fires, 1 crash, and 3 injuries for the 2018 Explorer.

How does the 2018 Explorer compare to other years for fuel system complaints?

The 2018 model's 23 complaints (3% share) are lower than 2013's 153 complaints (7% share) and 2016's 112 complaints (5% share), but higher in share than 2023's 3 complaints (3% share).

2018 Ford Explorer Fuel System Problems

NHTSA logged 23 Fuel System complaints for the 2018 Ford Explorer, 3% of its 731 total complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 22,500. A related recall (18V807000) covers a fuel pressure sensor leak on 2.3L and 3.5L GTDI engines.

Fuel System complaints: 23; 3% of 731
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 2
Injuries reported: 3
Median mileage: 22,500 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical fuel system symptoms owners report

Owners report a strong gas or exhaust odor entering the cabin during acceleration or at highway speeds, sometimes described as a rotten-egg smell.
Several drivers say the fuel smell caused headaches, nausea, dizziness, or blurred vision, with at least one seeking medical attention.
Multiple owners took the vehicle to dealers repeatedly for the odor without a lasting fix, with one case involving door seal replacement instead of a fuel-system repair.
Some complaints describe the fuel odor appearing specifically during hard acceleration or when merging at higher RPM.
One owner reported the gas gauge giving an incorrect fuel level reading.
A separate complaint tied a fuel-related issue to a vehicle fire.

When 2018 Ford Explorer fuel system complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 7, 2018, latest Apr 10, 2026.

23 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2018 to Apr 2026; peak Sep 2023 (2).

Fuel System recalls for the 2018 Ford Explorer

NHTSA 18V807000Nov 14, 2018Fuel System144 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline
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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.

Fuel System complaints by Explorer model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20109 (8%)
201140 (3%)
201234 (4%)
2013153 (7%)
201471 (4%)
201594 (5%)
2016112 (5%)
201749 (3%)
201823 (3%)
201917 (6%)
202042 (3%)
202126 (6%)
202236 (13%)
20233 (3%)
20240 (0%)
20253 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

Is the fuel system a common problem on the 2018 Ford Explorer?: NHTSA recorded 23 Fuel System complaints for the 2018 Explorer, which is 3% of the 731 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a fuel system recall for the 2018 Ford Explorer?: Yes. Recall 18V807000, reported November 14, 2018, covers 2018 Explorers with 2.3L or 3.5L GTDI engines where an assembly error can cause the fuel pressure sensor to leak fuel; Ford dealers replace the fuel line assembly for free.
At what mileage do fuel system problems appear on the 2018 Explorer?: The median mileage at failure for Fuel System complaints on the 2018 Explorer is 22,500 miles.
Did the fuel system issue cause any fires or crashes?: NHTSA data tied to this problem area lists 2 fires, 1 crash, and 3 injuries for the 2018 Explorer.
How does the 2018 Explorer compare to other years for fuel system complaints?: The 2018 model's 23 complaints (3% share) are lower than 2013's 153 complaints (7% share) and 2016's 112 complaints (5% share), but higher in share than 2023's 3 complaints (3% share).