What 710 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Ford Explorer Gas

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the dealer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11747664

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the front Driver-side A-pillar trim detached and struck a nearby vehicle. The contact pulled over to check on the vehicle that was struck by the front driver’s side A-pillar trim and retrieved the trim piece. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA ODI 11744994

Attempted to make an appointment on XXX with [XXX], 2121 W Bell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85023 phone 602-375-7400 to have the two open safety recalls completed( 26V101 & 24v031). Could not make a service appointment because the service writer said that parts were not available and had no idea of when they would be available to fix the safety recalls. Service writer indicated they COULD NOT notify me when parts were available. I was to continuously call them for follow up as to when the car could be fixed. I continue to use the vehicle in spite of the safety defects as I can not afford another transportation method. Please help me get my Explorer fixed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11743026

The driver side Keyless door entry pillar has come off on the highway and hit something. The keyless door entry panel came off in 2023 and Koons Ford of Annapolis charged me $ 523.00 to fix the panel. The panel has a small clip and double stick tape. Sorry, double stick tape is not going to hold up to weather variations throughout the year, wind speed and age. Terrible and dangerous design. You gave 2017 a Recall 25S53 for ford but NOT 2018

NHTSA ODI 11741782

The exterior A-pillar applique trim piece began detaching from the vehicle while driving. The part became loose and was hanging from the vehicle whilst in motion, at which point I safely pulled over and removed it to prevent it becoming a road hazard. The trim is now fully detached and available for inspection upon request. Upon checking Ford's official recall portal, the recall is confirmed as incomplete against this vehicle with the status "remedy not yet available." Ford's own recall notice stated parts were anticipated in the latter half of 2024 — it is now June 2026 and parts remain unavailable, representing an 18-month overrun on Ford's own published commitment. No warning was given prior to the trim becoming loose. No crash, fire or injury occurred. I am requesting this be logged as an active safety incident rather than a routine pending recall, and that NHTSA apply pressure on Ford to prioritize parts availability for owners whose trim has already physically detached while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11741239

The driver’s side B-pillar popped off while driving on the highway at appx. 65mph. It snapped in half. The top portion is gone but the wired portion with the keypad is remaining still. The passenger side looks like it may come off as well.

NHTSA ODI 11738645

Subject: BBB Auto Line Claim – Water Intrusion and Sunroof/Moonroof Motor Damage Related to Recall To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this written statement as supporting explanation to claim # XXX) with regarding my 2018 Ford Explorer Sport (VIN: [XXX] ) and issues related to a known exterior trim defect that allows water intrusion into the vehicle. Ford has issued recalls and service campaigns related to exterior trim components on the 2018 Ford Explorer, including A-pillar and roof rail trim that may become loose or improperly sealed. These components can allow water to enter the vehicle structure. As a result of this defect, my vehicle has experienced water intrusion that has affected the sunroof/moonroof system, including the motors and associated components. The presence of water in this area has caused malfunction of the sunroof/moonroof and track operation and has created the potential for further electrical damage. The condition appears to be directly related to the trim defect that Ford has acknowledged through safety recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Ford Explorer. Despite this known issue, the damage to the sunroof/moonroof components has not been fully addressed. I am requesting that Ford Motor Company: 1.Acknowledge that the trim defect allowing water intrusion contributed to the damage of the sunroof/moonroof and tracking system. 2.Cover the cost of diagnosing and repairing any damaged sunroof/moonroof motors and related components. 3.Ensure that all recall-related trim repairs are properly completed to prevent further water intrusion. This claim is being filed because the defect originates from a manufacturing issue that has been the subject of recalls affecting this model. As a consumer, I should not be responsible for repairs caused by a defect acknowledged by the manufacturer. Vehicle Information Year/Model: 2018 Ford Explorer Sport VIN: [XXX] Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company I respectfully request that INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11734101

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a popping sound coming from the roof. While at a car wash, the contact became aware that the roof rail had detached. The contact stated that the roof rail had detached several times after being reinstalled. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (STRUCTURE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.

NHTSA ODI 11733350

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the car wash, the passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim detached. The contact manually reinstalled the trim; however, the trim flew off while driving. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that that the part was not yet available, and there was no anticipated date for parts availability. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

NHTSA ODI 11731472

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the roof rail detached while the vehicle was being blow-dried at an automated car wash. The roof rail was manually pressed back into place, but was no longer secure and was easily detached. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (STRUCTURE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

NHTSA ODI 11730779

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim detached and blew off the vehicle. The vehicle was previously repaired for a similar failure; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 168,706.

NHTSA ODI 11729981

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the front passenger’s side A-pillar trim detached. Despite the failure, the contact was able to put the part back in place. The local dealer was contacted about the failure, and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

NHTSA ODI 11729365

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at highway speeds, the front passenger’s side A-pillar trim detached. The local dealer was contacted about the failure, and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could be repaired out of pocket; however, the contact declined to pay out-of-pocket for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11727904

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the front passenger’s side A-pillar trims detached. Several local dealers were contacted on several occasions. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11726297

While driving at an undisclosed speed, I noticed an abnormal buzzing sound coming from the windshield. I have noticed that there have been several complaints regarding that issue. Also, there was a strange smell coming inside the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11726011

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 26V101000 (Suspension); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issues. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11725752

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her son was driving over a bridge, the A-pillar trim detached and fell off the vehicle, causing another vehicle to swerve to avoid the trim and sideswipe another vehicle. Additionally, the front windshield started to leak shortly after the A-pillar trim detached and fell off. The contact related the leaking to the missing A-pillar trim. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was associated with the recall; however, the failure did not occur because of the loss of the A-pillar trim. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11724763

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE) and 26V101000 (SUSPENSION); however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the passenger's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the recall repairs were not available. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the driver’s side A-pillar trim became loose. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired after the most recent failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure with the suspension. The dealer advised the contact that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 11723886

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim was beginning to detach from the windshield, allowing outside air to enter the vehicle. While in reverse, the back over prevention camera displayed a distorted image, or a solid blue screen without an image. The failure occurred several times while shifting into reverse. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not available yet available for the recall. The VIN was not under recall for the back-over prevention camera. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,896.

NHTSA ODI 11722988

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact became aware in 2025 that the driver’s and passenger’s sides A-pillar trims were loose. The contact called several dealers to set up a recall appointment, but was informed that the part was not available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

NHTSA ODI 11722573

The trim on my 2018 Ford explorer is almost completely detached now if this causes an accident and somebody were to possibly die due to this faulty, trim clip coming off on the road then that’s a big problem. It needs to be fixed immediately when you buy a beautiful vehicle like this there’s no reason the trim on the vehicle should be falling apart my guess it’s a very easy part to have manufactured and it’s been years so let’s start getting up and doing something about it.

NHTSA ODI 11722349

See attached document for complaint. I am in receipt of your multiple Important Safety Recall notices/letter and am very upset with your company. I keep receiving these recall notices/letters and I call the Ford Dealer to set up an appointment and they tell me the part is not available. This has been going on for over a year!!!! If this is a safety recall then why is it not important enough to service my vehicle?!!!

NHTSA ODI 11718763

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim was ejected from the vehicle on both the passenger’s and driver’s side of the vehicle. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11718842

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was air entering the vehicle through the front driver’s side A-pillar trim. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted on several occasions; however, parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

NHTSA ODI 11713840

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a whistling sound coming from the front windshield. The contact stated that the trim had detached and flown off the vehicle, and there was a constant rattling sound coming from the windshield. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed about an open recall on the VIN. The contact was informed that parts were not yet available. An alternate dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the parts were not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA ODI 11712659