VehicleVerdict

2018 Ford Explorer body & structure problems

The 2018 Ford Explorer has 284 body & structure complaints filed with NHTSA — 33% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

284

Body & Structure complaints

33%

Share of year

4

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Body & Structure complaints by year

Related recalls

24V031000Body & StructureJanuary 19, 2024 · 1,889,110 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed Feburary 16, 2024. 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.

21V316000Body & StructureMay 5, 2021 · 616,967 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

What owners report

WHILE PARKING VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHEN MOVING FORWARD SO MUCH THAT HAD TO TURN WHEEL TO RIGHT SIDE TO TRY TO AVOID CAR PARKED IN FRONT TO NO AVAIL HIT CAR PARKED IN FRONT WITH DRIVER SIDE BUMPER AND FENDER.THANK GOD THERE WAS LIGHT POLE IN SIDEWALK WHICH SLOWED DOWN CAR ENOUGH TO BE SHUT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 26, 2019 · crash

Common questions

How many body & structure complaints does the 2018 Ford Explorer have?

NHTSA has 284 complaints about the 2018 Ford Explorer body & structure — 33% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2018 Ford Explorer body & structure?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the body & structure: 21V316000, 24V031000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.