Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Ford Explorer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Around 4:45 , was unable to access cruise control the message rapidly flashed., loss of headlights and all lighting for a few seconds. Was going 70 mph. I exited the interstate to turn around and go to my work on southbound the wrench light came on and I lost power steering, power, acceleration in my turn on the on ramp and proceeded off the road onto the incline somehow avoiding a rollover and teetering sideways. Meanwhile no power to open my window etc. at an angle where I couldn't open the door, took a minute to get out of the seatbelt. Suddenly got my window able to open and crawled out. The cops, and tow truck couldn't believe I didn't roll. The car was at a dealership the previous week for loss of power and terai. System problems/ no power steering and they replaced the throttle body 3 days before this happened. I've had multiple electrical/exhaust/power failures. …
I own a Ford Explorer 2018 bought as second hand in July 2020. For the last three years, the investment in it has been exponential. Finally working with a proper car mechanic, I understood that all the fixes I have made, have been known for a while. I have received several recalls and searching for more, I found one that **I did not receiveD*** and I'm having an issue with it. It can be seen in the attached document. Research shows that "the 2018 Ford Explorer has significant, well-documented complaints, primarily regarding catastrophic water pump failure, transmission issues, and multiple recalls. The 3.5L engine's internal water pump often fails around 125,000 miles, causing engine destruction. Other common issues include rear suspension toe link fractures, exhaust smells, and electrical problems." My water pump failed way before 125K miles, as the previous statement states.. …
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact stated another driver with a tow truck assisted and towed the vehicle off the highway to a safe location. The contact stated after the vehicle sat for three hours, the vehicle was restarted, and driven to the contact's residence. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice within one week. The contact stated that after the vehicle sat for a while, the vehicle independently reset and the vehicle could be driven for a while; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. …
I was pulling into my apartment division I heard a loud pop and the vehicle then died. I tried starting it back up and it then caught on fire. My door locks were stuck in the locked position and I could not get them to unlock. Within a few seconds (which felt like several minutes) the doors did unlock and I was able to get out. There were no warning lights or messages prior to this. Fire department did arrive and put out the fire. The car was a total loss. Report has been filed with insurance company. I purchased this car from BX Fort Myers LLC. I just purchased this vehicle from them and had for a total of 32 days. I did purchase the 12 month/12,000 mile extended warranty. I also purchased Gap insurance and informed them of what had happened. The one GM gave me a loaner for a week, got in trouble for giving me one and got demoted. …
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle jerked forward and backward. The contact stated that the vehicle was driven back onto the driveway. The contact turned off the vehicle and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with throttle body failure that was seized closed. The contact was informed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the purge valve had been replaced 26 days prior to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,200.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a strong, gas odor would emit through the vehicle without warning. Due to the fuel odor, he began to suffer from blurred vision, nausea, and headaches. The contact had sought medical attention for his symptoms. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on two occasions and each time the dealer could not detect a failure. The contact also mentioned that once he began to drive a rental vehicle, his symptoms began to go away. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
The gas gauge isn't reading correctly. I'm a mother of a one year old son and I didn't noticed that my car was reading wrong until I put in gas and it didn't give me the correct reading. I have spoken to many people who owns a Ford Explorer and they have said the same thing. I don't even know where to start on why it wouldn't work. The problem has been reported and I didn't get a warning. It just stopped reading correctly. There's nothing on my dashboard, no sign or anything. I am confused.
My car produces a sulfer/burning smell at hard acceleration. When I am merging into traffic at 3500-4000 and over RMP, an awful smell enters the cabin. I am very concerned that this is unsafe for my family and children in the vehicle, as well as the environment. I have had this vehicle looked by Ford and they claim everything looks normal. It is not normal to have this smell while accelerating.
I Drove Explorer directly to Mayo Clinic in MN shorty after the purchase. It would smell like sulpher at times, gasoline, exhaust and I was getting very poor fuel economy. Averaging 17-2. I got extremely sick and confused and had severe headaches and nausea, vertigo, congnitive impairments, burning eyes and all I wanted to do was sleep. I felt fluish and I got confused while going to Mayo for testing. Well, I didn't make it to my appointment, I couldn't even figure out how to book a hotel or get cash. I ended up lifeless and chose to stay in the Explorer overnight due to the severe fatigue and confusion. I slept in an open air parking garage and had an electric throw and would start the vehicle occasionally to get warm. Well I ended up so sick and mentally confused and cognitively exhausted my sister called the police to let them know something was wrong with me. …
Tl* the contact leased a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact detected an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle that was so strong, she could taste fuel. Towne auto group (3535 southwestern blvd, orchard park, ny 14127, [phone]) was notified of the failure, but was unable to replicate, diagnose, and provide a remedy after several visits. The dealer later replaced the door seals, but the failure continued. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 18V807000 (fuel system, gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that a passenger inside the vehicle experienced nausea and headaches while the vehicle was in operation. Medical attention was not received. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA action number: ea17002 (structure, engine and engine cooling). …
Related recalls
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.
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.
Fuel System complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2018 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2018 Ford Explorer, 3% of the model year's 734 complaints. The component named most often is fuel injection system › throttlebody/manifold (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2018 Ford Explorer fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 18V-807 (fuel system, gasoline, Nov 14, 2018). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2018 Ford Explorer fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 25,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 3 injuries to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.