Makes›Ford›Explorer›2018

2018 Ford Explorer

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

Ford Explorer
Pictured: Ford Explorer (sixth generation) IMG 6063. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
Engines
2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo
Horsepower
290–365 hp
Transmission
6-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Seats
7
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, FFV
MPG (best)
22 combined · 19 city / 27 hwy
Length
198.4 in
Curb weight
4,557–4,731 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
7 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints737 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 233 for similar models — most often about the structure.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2018 Ford Explorer is a standard SUV offered with 3 engines (2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 198 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,731 lb (4dr SUV AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 27 highway), 13% better than the 2018 standard SUV average of 19.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 737 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the structure.

What changed for 2018

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 Explorer — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Explorer →

Trims, performance & features

Engine290 hp3.5L 6-cyl
Engine365 hp3.5L turbo 6-cyl
Transmission6-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD · FWD
Seating7 seats · 3 rows

Trims

XLTSportLimited

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingOptional
Forward collision warningOptional
Blind-spot monitoringOptional
Lane departure warningOptional
Lane keeping assistOptional
Adaptive cruise controlOptional
Parking assistOptional
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamOptional
Keyless startStandard

Built in: Chicago, Illinois

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 Explorer configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD198.4 in78.7 in69.7 in113 in66.9 / 66.9 in4,731 lb54/46
4dr SUV FWD198.4 in78.7 in69.7 in113 in66.9 / 66.9 in4,557 lb54/46

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Explorer FWD2.3L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive19 / 27 / 22+13%$3,050409
Explorer AWD2.3L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 21+12%$3,200429
Explorer 2WD FFV FFV3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20+3%$3,350455
Explorer FWD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20+3%$3,350453
Explorer AWD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 19+2%$3,550480
Explorer AWD FFV FFV3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18-4%$3,700483
Explorer AWD3.5L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18-4%$3,700486
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.5 MPG2018 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2018 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.4%
2018 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.4%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2018 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD
Frontal crash test — 2018 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2018 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD
Side crash test — 2018 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2018 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 Ford Explorer (this car)22 MPG★★★★★7
2018 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated2
2018 Toyota 4Runner18 MPG★★★★★5
2018 Toyota Highlander29 MPG★★★★★4
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee25 MPG★★★★★10
2018 GMC Yukon19 MPG★★★★★5
2018 Chevrolet Tahoe19 MPG★★★★★3

Recalls (7)

Structure › Body · Jul 14, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V448000 · 288,314 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Risk
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S54. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Suspension › Rear · Feb 20, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V101000 · 412,774 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater · Oct 10, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V685000 · 59,006 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Risk
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars · Jan 19, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V031000 · 1,889,110 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
Risk
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
Structure › Body · May 5, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V316000 · 616,967 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
Risk
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. The interim owner notification letter was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.
Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly · Aug 28, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V633000 · 639,137 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Risk
A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 14, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V807000 · 144 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Ford Explorer is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

737Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
16Involved a crash
7Involved a fire
13Injuries reported
50,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Structure177
Unknown Or Other169
Structure › Body102
Engine96
Electrical System54
Power Train48
Suspension23
Fuel/Propulsion System19
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 1124/12: 1625/01: 1925/02: 2325/03: 1125/04: 1625/05: 625/06: 1725/07: 2025/08: 1425/09: 1425/10: 1625/11: 1225/12: 2226/01: 726/02: 726/03: 1626/04: 1326/05: 626/06: 1026/07: 1226/08: 826/09: 826/10: 324/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 23

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Ford Explorer buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Structure — 177 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  3. Structure › Body — 102 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  4. Engine — 96 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 50,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Ford Explorer. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Explorer years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Explorer23–Not rated20
2026 Explorer24198.8 inNot rated1542
2025 Explorer24198.8 in★★★★★22109
2024 Explorer24198.8 in★★★★★1021
2023 Explorer27198.8 in★★★★★15113
2022 Explorer27198.8 inNot rated25273
2021 Explorer27198.8 in★★★★★27456
2020 Explorer28198.8 in★★★★★351,249
2019 Explorer22198.4 in★★★★★6300
2017 Explorer22198.4 in★★★★★141,713
2016 Explorer22198.4 inNot rated142,484
2015 Explorer23197.2 inNot rated81,815

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →