Does the 2018 Ford Explorer have a suspension recall?

Yes. Recall 26V101000 covers 2017-2019 Explorer models for rear suspension toe links that may fracture; dealers replace the toe links free of charge.

How many suspension, wheels & tire complaints does the 2018 Explorer have?

NHTSA lists 40 complaints in this category for the 2018 Explorer, about 5% of its 731 total complaints for the model year.

At what mileage do suspension problems typically show up on the 2018 Explorer?

The median mileage at failure for suspension, wheels & tires complaints is 28,000 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.

Are the tire issues linked to a specific tire brand?

Multiple sample complaints point to the original-equipment Hankook Ventus S1 Noble 2 tires (255/50R20) wearing or cracking early, though this is owner-reported and not part of the recall.

Have any crashes been reported for this problem area?

NHTSA data shows 2 crashes and 0 fires linked to suspension, wheels & tires complaints for the 2018 Explorer, with 0 injuries reported.

2018 Ford Explorer Suspension, Wheels & Tires Problems

NHTSA lists 40 suspension, wheels & tires complaints for the 2018 Ford Explorer, about 5% of its 731 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 28,000. A related recall (26V101000) covers rear suspension toe links that may fracture.

Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints: 40; 5% of 731
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 28,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical suspension symptoms owners report

Rear toe links reportedly fracture, sometimes causing the driver's side rear wheel to become misaligned or the vehicle to pull hard to one side at highway speed.
Owners describe the lower control arm breaking near the ball joint, producing a loud pop and sudden loss of steering or vehicle movement.
Original-equipment Hankook Ventus S1 Noble 2 tires (255/50R20) are described as wearing out, cracking, and losing chunks of rubber tread well before expected tire life, in some cases as early as 12,000 miles.
Several owners report tread separation and low tread depth discovered during routine service or inspection, sometimes despite regular rotation and alignment.
One report describes a rear tire losing air pressure while driving with no visible puncture, requiring repeated re-inflation.

When 2018 Ford Explorer suspension complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 9, 2018, latest Sep 1, 2026.

40 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2018 to Sep 2026; peak Mar 2026 (5).

Suspension, Wheels & Tires recalls for the 2018 Ford Explorer

NHTSA 26V101000Feb 20, 2026Suspension, Wheels & Tires412,774 vehicles
Suspension:rear
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
Risk: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the toe links, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S08. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 21V537. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 25, 2026.

Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints by Explorer model year

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

200539 (8%)
200615 (2%)
200731 (15%)
200813 (9%)
20095 (15%)
20108 (7%)
201135 (3%)
201227 (3%)
201393 (4%)
2014127 (8%)
201597 (5%)
2016130 (5%)
2017127 (8%)
201840 (5%)
201916 (5%)
202051 (4%)
202120 (5%)
202216 (6%)
202313 (12%)
20243 (14%)
20254 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Ford Explorer have a suspension recall?: Yes. Recall 26V101000 covers 2017-2019 Explorer models for rear suspension toe links that may fracture; dealers replace the toe links free of charge.
How many suspension, wheels & tire complaints does the 2018 Explorer have?: NHTSA lists 40 complaints in this category for the 2018 Explorer, about 5% of its 731 total complaints for the model year.
At what mileage do suspension problems typically show up on the 2018 Explorer?: The median mileage at failure for suspension, wheels & tires complaints is 28,000 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.
Are the tire issues linked to a specific tire brand?: Multiple sample complaints point to the original-equipment Hankook Ventus S1 Noble 2 tires (255/50R20) wearing or cracking early, though this is owner-reported and not part of the recall.
Have any crashes been reported for this problem area?: NHTSA data shows 2 crashes and 0 fires linked to suspension, wheels & tires complaints for the 2018 Explorer, with 0 injuries reported.