2018 Ford Explorer engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 5, 2026FLEngine

   My vehhicle has been tested by ford service center and found to be affected by the factory defect that allows coolant to leak causing a catastrophic engine failure where the only remedy is a new engine block. My vehicle has 69919 miles. The problem was recognized when the vehicle bagan to misfire causing the check engine light to come on resulting in expensive diagnostics. Ford has put my safety as well as the safety of my passengers in jeopardy by knowing but not disclosing…

   NHTSA complaint #11768940 · source
2. Filed Sep 5, 2026MDEngine

   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 temperature)This failure happened while taking daughter to college on 8/21/26 We had to get towed to independent service center 175 miles away & repaired at the cost of $2900.00.

   NHTSA complaint #11762305 · source
3. Filed Jul 15, 2026NYEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   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 vehicle experienced a failure to the harness for the alternator which melted due to heat from the exhaust." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5…

   NHTSA complaint #11750708 · source
4. Filed Jul 10, 2026MITowedEngine

   While driving at highway speed on a 2-lane highway with three children under the age of [XXX] in the vehicle, my 2018 Ford Explorer experienced sudden complete engine failure with no prior warning. No warning lights, no temperature gauge change, no unusual sounds. The vehicle went from operating normally to catastrophic failure instantaneously, forcing me to sharply cross active traffic to exit the roadway. The vehicle came to rest near a train track. The root cause was…

   NHTSA complaint #11749510 · source
5. Filed Jul 9, 2026112,000 miMAEngine

   The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence and then to an independent mechanic shop, where a full diagnostic inspection was not performed; however, the mechanic suspected that coolant bubbled internally and the contact was informed that the head gasket might need to be replaced. The mechanic was unable to disassemble the engine for…

   NHTSA complaint #11749329 · source
6. Filed Jun 16, 2026CAEngine

   My vehicles transmission has been replaced 2 times already (3 years apart)- now it is overheating. Absolutely no warning lights have came on at any time in regards to any of my situations - My vehicle is available for inspection at any time. When the transmission went in my vehicle, I was traveling on an interstate with my child. The dealer has confirmed replaced the transmission as it was still under the 5 year warranty - my vehicle is set to go back into the shop today to…

   NHTSA complaint #11744514 · source
7. Filed Apr 17, 2026UTEngine

   At 89k miles, my engine has failed, due to coolant intrusion, according to Ken Garff Ford Dealership in St. George, UT. I started having issues with rough start and timing miss and engine light came on. I immediately took it to Dealership and they did two repairs (tune-up) and subsequent gasket change because they said oil was getting into my spark plugs. It did not resolve the issue, took it straight back and now they're telling me I need a new engine. This comes 2 years…

   NHTSA complaint #11731948 · source
8. Filed Apr 17, 2026NYEngine

   I purchased a 2018 ford explorer with the 2.3l 4 cylinder enginge in 2023. Withihn a year of my engine started to have issues hesitating when accelerating. Then it overheated and i realized my coolant was disappearing but wasnt pooling anywhere.. It was evaporating because it was leaking into my spark plugs. When i changed plugs i noticed oil or coolant on two of them i called ford about it because my engine has a pending lawsuit for this problem it kept getting worse . I…

   NHTSA complaint #11731799 · source
9. Filed Feb 25, 2026TXEngine

   Upon startup rough idle and check engine light came on. Mechanic confirmed cylinder head thinning causing fluid leak into first cylinder. A mechanical note verifies but Ford won't issue a recall. Apparently Ford has know this for years with Ecoboost engines. I don't want to become a victim of vehicle dying in the middle of traffic. Have seen several complaints from Ford owners with no fixes by Ford.

   NHTSA complaint #11720454 · source
10. Filed Feb 18, 2026118,000 miFLEngine

    The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Prior to the failure, when the vehicle was started, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. After several minutes, the sound ceased. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a misfire in cylinder #3. The contact was informed that the spark plug was stuck, and the independent…

    NHTSA complaint #11718838 · source
11. Filed Jan 27, 2026162,000 miNJTowedEngine

    The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after the vehicle was idling at a traffic stop, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted; however, the vehicle stalled after driving several minutes. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle…

    NHTSA complaint #11713747 · source
12. Filed Dec 23, 2025CTEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

    - I have experienced a sudden loss of engine power and speed on 5 occasions. Very scary and dangerous to completely lose power on the highway with cars behind you. Had to pull off onto the shoulder(s) in dangerous conditions, with two young kids in the backseat. Hazards, turn off the car, restart the car, etc. - When the power loss happens, the vehicle's dashboard lights turn on, including the engine and wrench icons along with the words "See Manual." - Based on my research,…

    NHTSA complaint #11706887 · 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