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2018 Ford Explorer

Structure complaints lead the 2018 Ford Explorer, with engine fumes a safety concern

Structural complaints dominate owner reports, with windshield trim and molding separating from the vehicle at highway speeds being the most commonly described issue. Engine exhaust odor entering the cabin during acceleration is the next most-cited problem, with owners noting the smell persists even after dealer attempts to address it. Electrical and powertrain faults round out the pattern, covering cold-start warning cascades and transmission irregularities during gear changes.

Most reported areas

Structure safety 40%
Owners report windshield molding and trim separating from the vehicle while driving at highway speeds, with pieces striking the glass or flying over the car. · 4 crash
Engine safety 13%
Owners report a persistent exhaust smell entering the cabin when accelerating, which some note was present from the time of purchase and continued after dealer service attempts. · 2 fire · 2 crash · 4 injured
Electrical System safety 8%
Owners report that on cold mornings the vehicle can display multiple simultaneous warning messages and lose power steering, turn signals, and windshield wipers. · 2 fire · 2 crash · 2 injured
Power Train safety 6%
Owners report the RPM needle sticking and the transmission dropping to neutral during upshifts, with the fluid level found to be correct. · 1 crash
Engine And Engine Cooling safety 4%
28 reports (4%), with 1 fire and 1 injury reported. The smallest of the top issues, but worth a check alongside the engine complaints above.

Source: NHTSA owner complaints · 699 complaints

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General information compiled from public NHTSA complaint data, for reference only — not professional advice and not reviewed by automotive experts. Verify before acting; Team AM is not responsible for decisions made from it.