2018 Ford EXPLORER Recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year.
🛡️ Your 2018 Ford EXPLORER has 6 recalls on record — compare extended warranty options
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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."
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.
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.
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.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
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.
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
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.
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 18, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
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.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. 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 September 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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Source: NHTSA.gov public recall database
Other Ford EXPLORER Model Years
About 2018 Ford EXPLORER Recalls
The 2018 Ford EXPLORER has 6 NHTSA safety recall campaigns on record. The affected components include SEATS, FUEL SYSTEM GASOLINE, STRUCTURE, EQUIPMENT, SUSPENSION. All recall repairs are provided free of charge at any authorized Ford dealership.
If you own a 2018 Ford EXPLORER, you may have received a recall notice by mail from Ford. If you purchased your vehicle used, the previous owner may have received the notice and you may not be aware of open recalls. Use our free VIN lookup to check your exact vehicle's recall status.
To get your 2018 Ford EXPLORER recall repaired, contact your nearest Ford dealership with your recall campaign number. Federal law requires manufacturers to fix the defect at no cost, regardless of whether you're the original owner, your vehicle's mileage, or its age.
The Ford EXPLORER has a total of 198 recall campaigns across all model years. View all Ford EXPLORER recalls →
2018 Ford EXPLORER Recall FAQs
How many recalls does the 2018 Ford EXPLORER have?
The 2018 Ford EXPLORER has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns on record.
What parts are affected by the 2018 Ford EXPLORER recalls?
The 2018 Ford EXPLORER recalls affect the following components: SEATS, FUEL SYSTEM GASOLINE, STRUCTURE, EQUIPMENT, SUSPENSION.
Are 2018 Ford EXPLORER recall repairs free?
Yes. Federal law requires all manufacturers to repair safety recall defects at no cost to the vehicle owner — regardless of mileage, age, or whether you are the original owner. Contact any authorized Ford dealership with your recall campaign number.
How do I check if my 2018 Ford EXPLORER has an open recall?
Use our free VIN lookup on the RecallDetails.com homepage. Enter your 17-digit VIN and we'll show you every open recall campaign for your exact vehicle, including campaigns that may not appear in model-level data.