Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Risk: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Sell your 2018 Ford Explorer for cash
The 2018 Ford Explorer is a SUV that came with a choice of 2.3L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl engines. Even at 8 years old, a damaged or broken-down one still has real value for its parts. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
- Free offer for your 2018 Explorer in about 30 seconds
- Free towing, running or not
- Paid at pickup
FordEXPLORER2018
2018 Ford Explorer at a glance
| Body style | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl (turbocharged versions available) |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S6) |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 16–19 city / 22–27 highway / 18–22 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,050–$3,700 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 409–486 grams per mile |
| EPA fuel economy score | 3–4 out of 10 |
| EPA greenhouse gas score | 3–4 out of 10 |
| Curb weight (NHTSA test vehicle) | 4,633 lb |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 5,980–6,300 lb |
| Versions tested by EPA | 7 configurations: Explorer 2WD FFV, Explorer FWD, Explorer AWD FFV, Explorer AWD |
| Age | 8 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data; weights from NHTSA crash-test records. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
What affects its junk value
- Age: at 8 years old, a 2018 Explorer is newer than most junk cars, so working parts like the engine, transmission and body panels are in demand from rebuilders and parts buyers.
- Weight: NHTSA's crash-test 2018 Explorer weighed 4,633 lb at curb weight. Scrap value is largely priced by weight, so this is a good starting point. See how scrap prices by weight work.
- Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
- Recalls: NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2018 Explorer. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking it.
- Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the structure, typically around 73,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.
2018 Ford Explorer recalls
NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls covering the 2018 Ford Explorer. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
Risk: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block…
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Risk: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Risk: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford…
Risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.5L GTDI engine. Due to an assembly error, the fuel pressure sensor may leak fuel.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Common 2018 Explorer problems
Owners have filed 733 complaints about the 2018 Ford Explorer with NHTSA. 16 reports involved a crash and 7 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 13 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Most-reported components
Typical mileage when problems were reported
- Structure73,000 mi
- Unknown or Other4,000 mi
- Structure22,000 mi
- Engine30,000 mi
- Electrical System25,000 mi
- Power Train92,000 mi
2018 Ford Explorer crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 Ford Explorer, by version tested.
| Version | Overall | Frontal crash | Side crash | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suv, AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | 17.4% |
| Suv, FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | 16.4% |
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP). Ratings from different model years or rating systems aren't directly comparable.
2018 Ford Explorer service bulletins
Manufacturers have filed 191 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2018 Ford Explorer. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Most common bulletin topics
Recent bulletins
25E10-S1 Owner letter
NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 25E10 - Supplement #1 Certain 2018-2020 Model Year F-150 Vehicles With 3.3L Engines and 2016-2019 Model Year Explorer, Taurus
Certain 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco, 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco Sport, 2020-2022 Model Year Corsair and Escape, 2016-2024 Model Year Explorer, 2019-2020 Model Year Fusio
Advance Notice - Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA opened 2 defect investigations covering the 2018 Ford Explorer.
Windshield trim molding Item detachment
On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles. At the time of opening, the office had received 164 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting this failure. ODI has receive
Hertz/Vehicles Rented with Open Recalls
NHTSA is opening this audit query to investigate whether The Hertz Corporation (Hertz) has complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Safety Act). The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a rental company shall not rent a vehicle subject to a safety recall unless the r
Selling a 2018 Explorer: questions
How much is a 2018 Ford Explorer worth for junk?
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. As a heavier vehicle, its scrap weight adds to the offer. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Can I junk a 2018 Explorer that doesn't run?
Yes. We buy 2018 Explorers that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Can I sell a 2018 Explorer with open recalls?
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2018 Ford Explorer; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What paperwork do I need to sell my 2018 Explorer?
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Before you sell
Sources
- EPA fuel economy data (specs and MPG)fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA recallsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA complaints, service bulletins and investigationsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratingsnhtsa.gov
Data retrieved October 2026.
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