2018 Ford Explorer electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 26, 2026PACrashTowedAirbagsElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise Control

   The contact owned a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a message displayed on several occasions instructing the driver to pull over and shut off the vehicle because the battery would shut off. Upon pulling over and turning off the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart and required towing on several occasions. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where a wiring failure was determined. The dealer attempted to repair the vehicle, but…

   NHTSA complaint #11759713 · source
2. Filed Jun 3, 2026FLCrashBody & StructureElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   The driver side Keyless door entry pillar has come off on the highway and hit something. The keyless door entry panel came off in 2023 and Koons Ford of Annapolis charged me $ 523.00 to fix the panel. The panel has a small clip and double stick tape. Sorry, double stick tape is not going to hold up to weather variations throughout the year, wind speed and age. Terrible and dangerous design. You gave 2017 a Recall 25S53 for ford but NOT 2018

   NHTSA complaint #11741782 · source
3. Filed Jun 2, 2026NJElectrical SystemSteering

   The horn on my vehicle activates (blows) when I turn the steering wheel to certain positions. I believe this to be a road hazard. Especially since I had to remove the horn relay to prevent the horn from blowing in traffic until I can get it repaired. Several other Ford vehicles have been recalled for this exact problem. Just to diagnose this problem at the Ford dealer is $170.00. Help!

   NHTSA complaint #11741587 · source
4. Filed Feb 22, 2026IDElectrical System

   Entertainment system control. Power draws down and kills battery. Display locks into reverse camera, and I can't access any controls for extended periods of time. Display just locks, and I can't adjust anything in it. This seems to be a known issue for all Sync 3 based backends.

   NHTSA complaint #11719757 · source
5. Filed Dec 30, 2025WABody & StructureElectrical SystemVisibility & Wipers

   I am filing a safety complaint regarding unresolved recalls on my 2018 Ford Explorer (VIN: [XXX] ). FIRST RECALL: Over two years ago, I was notified to repair the exterior A-pillar trim/window shields. The dealer in Yakima, WA, placed me on a waiting list and said the part was unavailable. I have been waiting over two years with no resolution. Recently, while driving on the highway, this part fell off and struck the windshield of another vehicle behind me, creating a…

   NHTSA complaint #11707887 · source
6. Filed Dec 30, 2025NVBody & StructureElectrical SystemVisibility & Wipers

   During a storm, our SUV had water leaking in through the top, middle of the windshield. The water soaked the dashboard controls and our heating/air system was stuck on high heat and would not turn off. It was 70° and it was extremely hot in the SUV and the windows kept fogging up making it hard to see. Our temperature controls no longer work properly.

   NHTSA complaint #11707788 · source
7. Filed Nov 21, 2025MOBrakesElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   Purchased 5 years ago aprox 100k miles.kept oil changed regularly. Of course parts kept coming off, monk safety clips etc. It's a dime store matcbox wannabe. Then the abs and engine light came on. The computer was acting up and it would do crazy things. Lock and unlock, go into that slow drive as i was pulling into a road. Etc. These would self correct, all but the abs in a matter of minutes. Oh i did have it checked. All that came up was right wheel speed sensor. I paid to…

   NHTSA complaint #11700742 · source
8. Filed Nov 5, 2025MNElectrical System

   Both driver and passenger low beam headlights started strobe, than completely stopped working while driving at night. This was extremely stressful and dangerous as I was no longer able to see the roads very well, my options were get a tow truck to pick up and bring my vehicle from Michigan back to Minnesota or sit on the side of the road until the morning also a safety risk. Upon inspection the following day, it was only the low beam that was not working and all other LED's…

   NHTSA complaint #11697618 · source
9. Filed Oct 27, 2025MNElectrical System

   Fault code B14E7:08-0A Right Front Enhanced Exterior Lighting System, passenger headlamp will not turn off until BCM disconnects after 20 minutes. Dealer diagnosis determined a possible headlamp control module FB5Z13C788D fault (replaced left module with right module and same headlamp stayed on so both headlamp control modules are correctly functioning) this indicates a broken wire in right front enhanced exterior lighting system wiring harness. Problem remains unresolved.

   NHTSA complaint #11695845 · source
10. Filed Oct 8, 2025MOElectrical System

    Traveling 50mph, noticed smoke rolling from under the dash. Got to the side of the road. The entire dash was engulfed in fire. I had to fight my way out of the car after the doors locked. After I got out of the vehicle I called 911. Fire department came. It has been ruled as electrical. I am not sure whom I need to reach out to yet in regards to this matter and a total loss.

    NHTSA complaint #11692229 · source
11. Filed Aug 18, 2025155,000 miTXElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine overheated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the serpentine belt had failed. The contact replaced the serpentine belt, and the vehicle was repaired. Later, while operating the vehicle, several electrical warning lights were displayed. The battery was replaced, but the failure persisted. The contact replaced the alternator;…

    NHTSA complaint #11681305 · source
12. Filed Aug 8, 2025MOElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

    I previously reported a battery 'explosion' in this 2018 Ford Explorer with ODI 11678705 due to my concern for a potentially highly dangerous situation for my grandchildren who were riding with me. And myself. An unpleasant smell intermittently followed this car that morning July 10 Upon opening the hood it was evident that battery acid had leaked out of the battery and 'exploded' covering most visible engine parts. Entire time of drive there was no 'alert' showing up on my…

    NHTSA complaint #11679329 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology