2018 Ford Explorer parts and specs

What changed for the 2018 Ford Explorer

• 2018–2019Minor updates; carryover mechanicals in the final years before the RWD-platform redesign

Known problems with the 2018 Ford Explorer

4 of the 6 issues we track for the 2012–2019 generation are documented against the 2018 model year, and 3 carry a recall or service bulletin.

• 3.5L water pump failure, internal, chain-driven (also 3.5L EcoBoost)

  majorNo recall; Roe v. Ford class action dismissed Jan 2024 after settlement

  The Cyclone 3.5L V6's water pump is inside the engine, driven by the timing chain. When its seal fails, coolant can leak into the crankcase and mix with oil, wrecking bearings before the driver notices; even a caught-early failure requires timing-cover-off surgery. Dealer repairs commonly run $2,000–$4,500, and a pump that dumps coolant into the oil can total the engine ($6,000–$9,500). A class action (Roe v. Ford) covering 2007–2020 Duratec/Cyclone vehicles was dismissed in January 2024 after a confidential settlement. There is no recall. Watch for coolant loss with no visible leak, sweet smell, or a weep hole drip at the front of the engine; failures cluster around 80k–150k miles.

  Typical cost: $2,000–$4,500 (pump, done proactively); $6,000+ if the engine ingests coolant

• Rear suspension toe link fracture (recalls)

  majorNHTSA 21V-537 (Ford 21S32); expanded to 2017–2019 in late 2025 (412,774 vehicles)

  A cross-axis ball joint in the rear suspension can seize, stressing the rear toe link until it fractures, which causes sudden loss of steering control. Ford recalled 2013–2017 Explorers in July 2021 (NHTSA 21V-537, Ford 21S32, ~775k vehicles) to inspect and replace the cross-axis ball joint and toe link, and expanded the campaign to 412,774 2017–2019 Explorers in a follow-up recall announced in late 2025. Clunks or knocking from the rear over bumps are the warning sign. Check your VIN. This is a free fix and a genuine safety issue.

  Typical cost: Free under recall; $400–$900 per side if paying out of pocket

• Power transfer unit (PTU) leaks and failure (AWD models)

  moderate

  The PTU that sends power to the rear axle on AWD Explorers runs less than a quart of fluid next to a hot exhaust, the fluid cooks, seals leak (commonly the rear output shaft seal), and the unit eventually whines, grinds, or seizes. Ford lists no service interval, which owners and independent techs widely blame for the failures. Changing the 75W-140 fluid every 30k–60k dramatically extends life. Replacement PTUs run $800–$1,400 for the part plus $800–$1,500 labor.

  Typical cost: $100–$200 fluid service (preventive); $1,500–$3,000 for PTU replacement

• A-pillar trim can fly off (recall)

  minorNHTSA 24V-031 (Ford 24S02)

  The A-pillar exterior trim pieces flanking the windshield can detach at speed if their retention clips were not fully engaged at assembly, creating a road hazard. Ford recalled 1.89 million 2011–2019 Explorers in January 2024 (NHTSA 24V-031, Ford 24S02). Dealers inspect and replace the trim free. Cosmetic-level severity for the driver, but do the free fix.

  Typical cost: Free under recall

Full detail, costs and sources on the Ford Explorer problems and years to avoid guide.