What 710 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Ford Explorer Gas

Failed water pump and coolant leak. Numerous vehicles are failed for the same reason at each local shop and Ford dealer we’ve contacted for a quote. Repair costs are expected between $5,000 and $6,000.

NHTSA ODI 11632750

Unknown Multiple owners of 2018 Ford Explorers are reporting oil leaks from bad seals. The oil leaks can cause fires, so we are in the process of having our Ford repaired at a mechanic and will know more at a later date.

NHTSA ODI 11631532

My car has 105k miles on it. And the check engine light came on. Code was 3rd cyl. Misfire. Changed spark plug and coil pack. Light cane back on the next day. Then the overheat warning comes on. Shut vehicle off to cool. The coolant is now completely empty. Vehicle will not start. Have towed and the dealership gets it yo start but smoking. Dealership basically doesn't even notice that the fluid is low after we had filled it again. They say there's nothing wrong even though it wouldn't start and then was smoking when it did. Take to another mechanic to discover coolant in the 3rd Cylinder and need a whole new motor. This issue has been common in these ecoboosts! But Ford has still failed to recall or do anything about it. Can cause overheating and fire from what I've read. And also cracked head and or block! $8000 repair on a vehicle just out of the extended warranty for an issue they know they had!

NHTSA ODI 11626384

Took the vehicle to a Ford Dealership to fix the roof railings (recalled). While doing their inspection they said the vehicle was out of coolant and that the water pump needed to be replaced and it would cost $4400.82. There were no warning lights or anything indicating that anything was wrong with the vehicle. This is a safety issue because the vehicle could overheat and shut down in the middle of the interstate without any warnings. This is a problem with the Explorer and should be remedied. Ford said there is a possibility that the coolant leaked into the engine and if so, a new engine would be required.

NHTSA ODI 11624555

Doesn’t want to run right

NHTSA ODI 11622195

Driving home from work when all of a sudden my car started jerking, not shifting correctly and could hear a noticeable noise coming from the engine. Low oil pressure light came on and pulled over. Car would not restart. Had it towed to mechanic and was determined that the engine was hydrolocked due to coolant getting into the pistons and oil. New engine needed on a 6 year old car with 91,000 miles. Upon researching it seems this is a common problem with eco boost engines and I don’t believe I should be responsible for this apparent COMMON issue.

NHTSA ODI 11622120

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and coolant warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the water pump had leaked into the engine and advised the contact to maintain the anti-freeze level at full. The vehicle was taken to another local independent mechanic for a second opinion where it was diagnosed with the same failures and advised the contact to reach out to the local dealer for assistance. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ODI 11621264

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact's wife stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 125,787.

NHTSA ODI 11619878

My check engine light came on took the SUV to Ford Dealership for service. They informed me that my engine had coolant intrusion and that I would need a new engine. In reviewing this information online I noticed that there have been multiple recalls on the EcoBoost engine with the same problem.

NHTSA ODI 11616880

My 2.7L eco boost ford explorer had a crack in the intake manifold allowing water to leak into the piston heads. This resulted in engine misfire and ultimately led to a full engine replacement. The service technicians at the dealership noted that the 2.7 L eco boost are notorious for cracked engine components due to a mismatch in metal alloy. In reference to NHTSA# EA23002.

NHTSA ODI 11613472

I purchased this vehicle Nov. 2021 with 46,000 miles and still having warranty on it. After driving less than 3000 miles began to see large/heavy amounts of blue smoke coming from the exhaust when starting the vehicle along with random loud noise at certain times when starting. Checked the oil and it was almost 2 quarts low and oil life said only 33% left. Complained that I thought it was burning oil at the dealership and their fix was to give me a free oil change and a new air filter saying there was no problem. I continued to have these same issues over the next 2 years with no documentation by the dealership of my complaints and no solution to the continued problems. At 1 point it was over 3 qrt. low on oil with none on the ground. Then on 3- 31-24 while headed for vacation and over 3 hrs from home driving 70+ MPH lost all power to the vehicle and thankfully close to an exit on highway. Had expense of a rental to continue on vacation. Had to reach out to a friend to tow the vehicle back 3+ hrs to home. Had an independent mechanic diagnose the car finding out it was a catastrophic misfire and loss of compression in 2 cylinders. Complained to dealership who then did their own diagnostics getting same answer. The vehicle by this time out of warranty and dealership doesn't want to help with paying for a new motor. Made 2 complaints to Ford directly with zero help. All of this should've been documented at the time of complaints so when the misfire actually occurred I might've gotten some help. I can't afford a new motor so had to borrow a car from a neighbor while figuring out what to do. The dealership solution was to trade me out of it into a newer vehicle which I'm not fond of and have a significantly higher payment which I didn't want either do to having now negative equity in the trade. Now finding out there is a recall on the same issue but for different year. I would hope that they would recall all Ecoboost and there would be some compensation

NHTSA ODI 11613072

Check engine light showing. Diagnostic testing shows misfire in cylinder #3. Ford dealership ran diagnostic testing ($169.95) and verified concern and found coolant intrusion cylinder #3. Advised, due to mileage (75,976 miles), replacement of long block. Replacement cost estimated at $11k. No repairs have been performed at this point due to excessive cost. Second Diagnostic test ($89.95) with independent mechanic - confirmed original verification and found evidence of wear on long block. Mechanic stated that he currently had a Ford Edge in the shop with the same issues. There is currently a class action law suit against Ford for same the issue..

NHTSA ODI 11612635

Our 2018 Ecoboost Ford Explorer started releasing smoke from the tailpipe when starting in April 2023. I took it in to the Ford of Kirkland dealership in early May 2023. They kept my car for 9 weeks, and then said there is nothing wrong with it and gave it back in July 2023. The car kept having the same issue. This was while it was still under warranty about 96,000 miles. Fast forward to February 2024, the car has continued to smoke this entire time since the dealership gave it back in July. In February, I was driving home on the freeway going up hill when the car suddenly decelerated rapidly. I was able to get off the freeway and have my husband come and he got it home. We contacted the dealership (Ford of Kirkland) the same one that did nothing in 2023. They trailered it in for a look. The response we got from the service manager was that "The engine needs replaced due to scoring in the cylinder and low compression". We could not afford to pay for an engine replacement, so we wrote a letter to Ford, who responded "thank you for letting us know, but there are no recalls and it is out of warranty, so save your receipts and if a recall comes up you could potentially be reimbursed". I received this response from Ford in June 2024, so basically they were unwilling to help. Imagine my surprise that a recall was just announced today for the exact issue we have with our car in other model years, but not our model year. I would like to know my rights. I am still paying on a car that has a failed engine, with Ford basically having told me they will do nothing. As noted, this issue is confirmed by the Ford of Kirkland dealership, which I have in writing from the service manager. The car has not been inspected by the manufacturer directly, but IS available for inspection if you would like. The car has been sitting for several months now, while we try to figure out what to do. We don't have $10,000 to replace a motor that we should not need to replace.

NHTSA ODI 11611950

Failed water pump/coolant leak. Vehicle will suddenly overheat and engine can seize. Vehicle will stop unexpectedly and endanger the lives of the driver, passenger and other motorists. Temperature warning and check engine light comes on only when vehicle is overheated at which point there is no coolant left. Issue has been confirmed by an independent service center. I was told that they would not touch this repair and to take it to a dealership due to the location of the water pump, it's relationship to the timing chains and the labor intensive job. The part is inexpensive. A simple Google search indicates that this is a known design problem since approximately 2011 and affects many makes and models. There are several class action law suits and a recall was issued in Canada for the same issue. Ford will acknowledge "off the books" that it is a problem but offer no financial assistance or support for their design flaw. It is an extremely costly repair for a very pricey vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11606901

Ford EcoBoost 2.0 engine failure at 66,000 miles as coolant has leaked into the engine compartment and oil pan. Known issue by Ford as design defect on the EcoBoost engines. Current class action lawsuit over this [XXX] et al., v. Ford Motor Company, Case No. [XXX], filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. Plaintiffs have experienced the exact same failures on the EcoBoost engines. Ford issued multiple technical service bulletins (TSBs) and other service messages for vehicles equipped with EcoBoost engines. Luckily, the failure occurred at home and not while driving at highway speeds as there have been reports of fires occurring if vehicle is moving during failure. Vehicle began rough idling 7-10 days ago and check engine light showed a code for misfire of cylinder. Had plugs changed but check engine light returned and then as of today, after overheating light came on dash upon startup with clouds of white smoke coming from exhaust, checked coolant levels and it was empty and drained down into the oil pan showing milky colored oil. Again... Ford knows about this issue with EcoBoost and has since 2017 and has failed to issue recall for customer safety due to cost factors and continues to address on case by case basis with most common offer to cover partial cost of engine replacement. Most consumers don't have the financial resources to sue Ford, so they continue to take advantage of their size and financial power to abuse customers. Please take action about this known issue and review the above class action case before Ford's negligence results in consumer death or serious injury. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11600912

Water pump failed. Coolant is leaking

NHTSA ODI 11581197

Three times within the last 4 years I have had a Map Sensor failure. I was told the first time, this is rare. I was told the second time, this never happens twice. This time I'm told that they just don't know what is causing it. Must be 3 bad sensors in a row somehow. The engine failure on [XXX] was nearly catastrophic and I nearly died. I was going 70mph on a [XXX] at [XXX]. [XXX] can be dangerous under the best conditions, this was during dangerous storms along with being at rush hour. The engine completely stalls and I lose all power to drive. The first time it happened in a parking lot in August of 2020. The second time was Sept of 2022 and I was in my neighborhood. Sunset Ford has no explanation and have repaired it and sent me on my way once again. There are no signs this will happen - it just suddenly happens and I have no ability to react due to the complete engine stall. I have also had 2 oil system failures with this vehicle. It has only 42k miles on it. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle. I don't understand how this is acceptable at all honestly. How can I feel safe driving my children in this vehicle? 5 major repairs in just over 4 years. Have the repairs been done correctly? I question why more has not been done to ensure that another catastrophic event doesn't happen that could result in death of myself or family. Even my numerous requests for information and service reports were met with resistance and what seems like attempts at hiding information from Sunset Ford. Not only could I have been seriously injured or killed, but this could have caused a large scale accident affecting many others on that hwy. This feels negligent by either Sunset Ford or by Ford Mo Co. This should not happen in a safe and reliable vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11580326

On February 9, 2024 I was headed to work as a ICU Charge Nurse. I was driving about 65 mph on the highway and suddenly my engine failed. My engine completely turned off. I wasn’t able to press the gas to accelerate. My steering wheel also locked so I had no control over my vehicle anymore. Eventually, smoke started to come from my engine. I nearly lost my life with no control over my vehicle. Someone could have hit me from the spontaneous failure of the engine. This was extremely traumatic for me. I bought this car from a Ford dealership and get all my services done through Ford. On January 24, 2024 I took my car to Ford for a multi-point inspection, oil change, and tire rotation. I also got a fuel system change. I had no warning lamps, messages, or any symptoms that the vehicle would fail prior to the incident. I got my vehicle towed to the dealership of purchase. They reported that it was an internal failure of the engine from a broken water pump. This is an ongoing issue that Ford is aware of. How does a water pump fail with no indication? Why hasn’t there been a recall on Ford’s water pump and engine failure. How many people have to lose their lives before a safety recall is issued. I was lucky to survive that but others may not be. Please help!

NHTSA ODI 11573579

Torque converter issues as outlined here: [XXX] Almost was in accident due to loss of power and slow take off from issue with transmission torque converter. Engine shaking bad when in drive or reverse while stopped. Caused two motor mounts to be damaged. One split open and leaked fluid. Those have already been replaced. Less than 60k miles this should not be an issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11557810

I purchased this used vehicle from Carmax 1/2022. Prior to my purchase it was a fleet vehicle. On 09/18/2023 I experienced EcoBoost engine failure.Mileage is currently roughly 49k. Incident occured 2 months outside of Powertrain warranty. The engine light would come on intermittently when driving. Took the car for a diagnostic to diagnose issue and had #3 ignition coil replaced due to misfire message. Few days later, light would come back on. After 3rd time of me going back and forth to the repair shop because of the light coming back on and vehicle drive not being as smooth as it usually is, I took the car to Ford dealer service center, where I was advised that this is a known issue, but no recall has been issued at this time. In addition, I was told that this engine is on back order and will not ship out until March 2024. A loaner car has not been provided and my extended warranty covers 5 days at $35/day, that is it. I will be without a vehicle for 6 months. Prior to this incident in 2022 I had a transmission issue. Powertrain warranty was still in effect so Ford covered it. I was without a vehicle for about 3 weeks for that repair. This has been a very dissapointing experience for a vehicle that is 5 years old and under 50k miles.

NHTSA ODI 11557748

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 80 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that she was able to coast the vehicle off the roadway safely. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where the failure could not be duplicated; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that a message then flashed on the instrument panel “Full Accessory Active”. The contact stated that the following day, she attempted to start the vehicle, but the engine failed turnover. The contact stated that she waited approximately 30 minutes to an hour and was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, but the failure could not be duplicated. The failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number and advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 79,008.

NHTSA ODI 11550885

As I was driving on to the grocery store on a stop light I heard a rattle sound deflecting to another vehicle, the other vehicles driver heard the noise and noticed a puddle of water,and notified me. Emediatly i pulled over. Indeed, there was leak, unfortunately couldn't tell where it was coming from .I Called my mechanic, and a tow truck.My mechanic called me today October 11,2023 to notify me that the water pump had failed.He asked me if there had been any warning sings or temperature change,I responded no.He told me that if the incident had happened on the highway, I might have caused damage to the engine and potentially the vehicle might have shut off do to over heating.Keep in mind that my 2018 ford explorer only has 70,000 miles.Now I'm stuck with a bill of 1,400 dollars.Im gonna get an update tomorrow October 12,2023 on my vehicle status, if there was anything else damaged do to the water pump failure.No lights or warning sings were lid on my dashboard.

NHTSA ODI 11549520

The car had catastrophic engine failure. It had zero mechanical issues and all routine maintenance. It started rough a few times. Which I now know was a misfire. It then overheated while driving. Brought to a mechanic who said it was a blown head gasket. The coolant leaked into the oil. Engine had to be replaced at 102,000 miles.

NHTSA ODI 11548523

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who performed a software update; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11547347

EXHAUST SAFTEY ISSUE / MY CEL CAME ON LEAVING WORK ON 9/25 , SCANED CODE AND GOT A CODE OF P0430 (CATALYTIC CONVERTER BANK 2) I FOUND A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM ISSUED ON 06/13/19 -(PROGRAM #19M01) ON THIS TO REPLACE UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE ISSUE IS WARRANTY COVERAGE IS 11 YEARS OR 120,000 MILES. THE CODE CAME UP AT 120,325 JUST OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY EXTENSION , FORD IS UNWILLING TO EXTEND THIS COVERAGE PAST THE 120 MILE MARK , tHIS CAR ALSO FALLS UNDER ANOTHER PROGRAM THAT WAS ISSUED 01/26/23 (PROGRAM# 22M06) STILL FORD REFUSES TO COVER UNDER WARRANTY FOR THIS SAFTY ISSUE

NHTSA ODI 11546795