Is the 2018 Ford Explorer a good car?
An honest AI verdict — reliability, common problems, and real cost to own.
A solid choice if spaciousness and tech are priorities, but be prepared for potential transmission niggles.
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Pros
- Spacious interior
- Advanced tech features
- Strong engine performance
Cons
- Mediocre fuel economy
- Transmission reliability concerns
- Dated interior materials
Ownership at a glance
Common problems to watch for
- Transmission problems
- Exhaust odor entering cabin
- Sensor glitches
CarsJudge exclusive data
Active recalls (6)
The 2018 Ford Explorer has 6 NHTSA recalls on record. Most recent: Suspension — Rear (campaign 26V101000). All recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
- Structure — Body — 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.…
- Structure — Body — Roof And Pillars — 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.…
- Equipment — Electrical — Engine Block Heater — Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehi…
- Suspension — Rear — Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.…
Real owner data from the CarsJudge fleet
3 2018 Ford Explorer owners track this exact car in CarsJudge. Their real maintenance spend over the last 12 months averaged $0/year — logged from actual service records, not estimates.
Recall data: NHTSA. Owner costs & MPG: anonymized aggregates from CarsJudge users who track this vehicle. Updated 2026-07-05.
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This AI-generated assessment is general guidance only, not a substitute for a professional inspection. Always inspect a used vehicle before purchase.