2018 Ford Explorer engine problems
95 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2018 Ford Explorer — 13% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“My 2018 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5L that we bought brand new from Bob Bell Ford/Glen Burnie Maryland had a water pump failure at only 72,344 miles, this was a safety concern when driving down the road that put us & others at risk. The only indication was dashboard warning that said (Engine coolant over…”
filed Sep 5, 2026
“This vehicle was inspected by a certified Ford dealership (Premier Ford, Service Advisor: Harry). Ford Motor Company’s Consumer Affairs Department subsequently reviewed the case under Complaint ID: XXX. In their official written response, Ford explicitly admitted the root cause, stating: "the…”
filed Jul 15, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Certain 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco, 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco Sport, 2020-2022 Model Year Corsair and Escape, 2016-2024 Model Year Explorer, 2019-2020 Model Year Fusion, 2016-2018 Model Year Focus RS, 2022-2024 Model…
25B51 · Other · issued May 9, 2026
Engine problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Explorer | 6 | 18% |
| 2025 Explorer | 7 | 7% |
| 2024 Explorer | 1 | 5% |
| 2023 Explorer | 10 | 9% |
| 2022 Explorer | 30 | 11% |
| 2021 Explorer | 48 | 11% |
| 2020 Explorer | 113 | 9% |
| 2019 Explorer | 19 | 6% |
| 2017 Explorer | 237 | 14% |
| 2016 Explorer | 381 | 16% |
| 2015 Explorer | 226 | 13% |
| 2014 Explorer | 196 | 12% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 Ford Explorer
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.