2018 Ford Explorer

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 recall remedy has been performed. 49 U.S.C. § 30120(i).NHTSA is in receipt of information that indicates Hertz rented vehicles to customers without having performed required recall repairs. Accordingly, we are opening this audit query to seek additional information concerning this issue.

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 received 671 VOQs regarding this failure, including 1 alleged crash and 2 alleged injuries. Some consumers have reported that the failure occurred while they were driving at highway speeds, with the detached trim panel entering the path of travel of the vehicle behind them, requiring the driver of the following vehicle to take evasive action. It is noteworthy that motorists who experience this type of road hazard are less likely to accurately identify the subject vehicle the item detached from and report the event to the NHTSA. In its April 17, 2023 response to ODI’s information request, Ford provided 175 consumer complaints (including field reports) and 14,162 warranty claims related to A-pillar trim panel detachment. Ford relayed that the subject vehicles utilize a plastic A-pillar bracket, which is bolted to the vehicle structure during assembly. The A-pillar trim panel is attached to the bracket utilizing 7 plastic clips. Contributory factors which have been identified by Ford as leading to the subject defect include incomplete installation at the assembly plant, inadequate part stack up, damage to fasteners during installation, and failure to follow proper repair procedure during windshield replacements or other services. On January 19, 2024, Ford filed safety recall 24V-031 for MY 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles to address the subject defect. In the Part 573 Safety Recall Report, Ford identified that a detached A-pillar trim panel can create a road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall remedy includes an inspection of the existing A-pillar trim panel and, if necessary, the replacement of the component. The remedy A-pillar trim panels will be installed with an additional adhesive for robustness and utilize an inspection procedure to ensure full engagement of all the retention clips during installation. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

2018 Ford Explorer FWD, approximately 112,000 miles. For over a year, the automatic transmission has intermittently shifted into neutral on its own while in drive. The gas pedal can be pressed but the vehicle does not accelerate, even though it is still in gear. The problem has recently worsened. The transmission now clunks and at times fails to engage a gear, acting as if it is in neutral. COMPONENT: Automatic transmission (6-speed). Exact cause UNKNOWN. My best assessment is a fault in the valve body, solenoids, or internal clutches. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. SAFETY RISK: Loss of power while in gear happens without warning and can occur in traffic, at intersections, when merging, or when crossing lanes. This creates a serious collision risk for me and other drivers. I cannot predict when it will happen. CONFIRMED BY DEALER OR SHOP: UNKNOWN [update if any shop has confirmed it]. INSPECTED BY MANUFACTURER, POLICE, OR INSURANCE: [No, or update]. WARNING SIGNS: No warning lamp or message that I recall [update if different]. First symptoms appeared 1 year ago. I request that NHTSA review 2018 Explorer transmission complaints of neutral-out and power loss. Inspected by manufacturer, Tuttle - Click San Juan Capistrano CA, provided a diagnostic test on the transmission and found nothing to be wrong with the electronics, and I asked for them to reset any software updates, and was told nothing was updated, but we can get the details in writing from Member ID 1212521954 Warning lamps or symptoms: The wrench comes on from time to time, then goes away. The first symptom was the intermittent neutral and loss of throttle response about 12 months. The symptoms have since progressed to clunking and failure to engage a gear. I am requesting that NHTSA review complaints of 2018 Explorer transmissions shifting to neutral and losing power, and that Ford be asked to address this condition.

NHTSA ID

11776589

Incident

Jul 28, 2026

I own a 2018 Ford Explorer XLT with a defective rear passenger seat belt that does not retract properly. The seat belt remains loose instead of retracting back into its housing, creating a serious safety concern. This seating position is used by my young child, and I am concerned that the seat belt cannot properly restrain or protect an occupant in the event of a collision. I have brought this issue to the attention of a Ford dealership multiple times and requested that it be repaired. However, the problem has not been resolved, and the seat belt remains defective. I am concerned about the potential for serious injury in an accident due to the seat belt failing to function as intended. I am requesting that this safety defect be documented and investigated.

NHTSA ID

11775732

Incident

Jan 1, 2025

My steering wheel is turning 360 degrees. My tires are not always turning with the steering wheel. This may become dangerous and would like to know if the 23S63/2023-678 recall is affected with my 2018 Ford Explorer? If it is not affected with the recall above could this be considered a recall? Thank you.

NHTSA ID

11771891

Incident

May 20, 2026

The water pump has failed

NHTSA ID

11770605

Incident

Oct 11, 2026

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 THIS FACTORY DEFECT THAT CAN BECOME CATASTROPHIC AT ANY GIVEN TIME. SERVICE ADVISORIES WERE SENT OUT TO EMPLOYEES BUT NO NOTIFICATION TO CUSTOMERS.

NHTSA ID

11768940

Incident

Sep 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle jerked. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed torque converter. The contact was informed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under Customer Satisfaction Program: 20N07. The failure mileage was approximately 107,300.

NHTSA ID

11766098

Incident

Sep 11, 2026

Mileage

107,300 mi

Exterior B-Pillar Applique / Door Trim Panel with keypad: The exterior B-pillar trim piece on the driver side front door frame has experienced catastrophic adhesive failure and clip breakage, detaching at the top portion while driving. This plastic trim is flapping at highway speeds and is at imminent risk of completely flying off the vehicle. I'm sure this will be issue with other 3 doors at some point soon. This creates an immediate road hazard for trailing vehicles, motorcyclists, and pedestrians who could be struck by flying debris. It also distracts the driver due to severe wind noise and vibration. This identical structural failure is currently under active safety recall for 2016–2017 Ford Explorers under NHTSA Campaign Number 25S53 / Ford Recall 25S53. My 2018 model utilizes the exact same door frame and exterior trim engineering design, and is suffering from the identical defect. The manufacturing window for this known defect needs to be expanded by Ford to encompass 2018 model years, as the original adhesive/retention clip specifications clearly fail under normal vehicle aging. Thank you in advance.

NHTSA ID

11766068

Incident

Sep 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at higher speeds, the front driver’s side seat belt might not prevent him from hitting the steering wheel in the event of a crash or while depressing the brake pedal to come to a sudden stop. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ID

11765220

Incident

Jun 20, 2026

Mileage

50,000 mi

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, and Flex Vehicles With 3.5L Engines Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming

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 Fusion, 2016-2018 Model Year Focus RS, 2022-2024 Model Year Maverick, 2016-2019 Model Year MKC and 2019-2024 Model Year Ranger Vehicles Equipped with a 2.0L or 2.3L Engine and Engine Block Heater System Block Heater Replacement

Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation

Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k

This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to:  Display operation concerns  Navigation inoperative  Voice recognition concerns  Phone connection issues  Dropped phone connections  Applink related performance  Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic  Slow system response NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of software. The SYNC 3 universal thumb drive will be able to update the APIM software without the use of a scan tool and does not require the process to be monitored. Ford will be monitoring APIM replacements to confirm TSB directed software updates have been performed.