NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
728 reports110,000 miles · Feb 25, 2026
Suspension
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH over a bump on a snowy road, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the rear suspension, and the contact lost control of the vehicle. The contact stated that upon decelerating to 5 MPH, the contact was able to regain control of the vehic…
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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH over a bump on a snowy road, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the rear suspension, and the contact lost control of the vehicle. The contact stated that upon decelerating to 5 MPH, the contact was able to regain control of the vehicle and to pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact noticed that the rear driver's side tire was folded inward. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the driver's side rear suspension toe link was fractured and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the part was replaced; however, the rear suspension was making an abnormal squeaking sound while driving. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware that the VIN was recently included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V101000 (Suspension), which the contact associated with the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
NHTSA ODI #11720433
Mileage unknown · Feb 22, 2026
Electrical System
Entertainment system control. Power draws down and kills battery. Display locks into reverse camera, and I can't access any controls for extended periods of time. Display just locks, and I can't adjust anything in it. This seems to be a known issue for all Sync 3 based backends.
NHTSA ODI #11719757
Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2026
Fuel/propulsion System
Fuel system evap leak just like the Safety Recall 18S35
NHTSA ODI #11719427
Mileage unknown · Feb 18, 2026
Structure
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 reasona…
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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
118,000 miles · Feb 18, 2026
Engine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Prior to the failure, when the vehicle was started, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. After several minutes, the sound ceased. The vehicle was taken to an independent…
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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Prior to the failure, when the vehicle was started, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. After several minutes, the sound ceased. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a misfire in cylinder #3. The contact was informed that the spark plug was stuck, and the independent mechanic was unable to remove the spark plug. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #3, and the spark plug and ignition coil were replaced. The contact was unsure if the stuck spark plug was removed the second time the vehicle was repaired. Most recently, the contact noticed that while the vehicle was in park(P) and left running, the vehicle was idling roughly. The message "Engine Coolant Over Temperature" was intermittently displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, left the vehicle running, exited the vehicle, opened the hood, and there was no smoke or steam present. The contact returned to the vehicle and noticed that the temperature gauge was indicating that the engine was HOT. The contact drove back to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in cylinders #1, #2, and #4. The contact was informed that the coolant reservoir was empty, that the spark plug in cylinder #3 was stuck, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic for a second opinion, who diagnosed coolant intrusion in cylinders #1, #2, and #4, and that the spark plug was stuck in cylinder #3. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The dealer notified the manufacturer of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
NHTSA ODI #11718838
Mileage unknown · Feb 18, 2026
Structure
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!!!…
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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
69,000 miles · Jan 28, 2026
Structure
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 warnin…
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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
162,000 miles · Jan 27, 2026
Engine
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after the vehicle was idling at a traffic stop, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle wa…
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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after the vehicle was idling at a traffic stop, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted; however, the vehicle stalled after driving several minutes. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 162,000.
NHTSA ODI #11713747
45,000 miles · Jan 22, 2026
Structure
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 …
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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
Mileage unknown · Jan 20, 2026
Structure
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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The ma…
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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 local dealer was contacted. 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.
NHTSA ODI #11712166
Official recalls
7Jul 14, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S54. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Feb 20, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the toe links, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S08. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 21V537. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 25, 2026.
Oct 10, 2025
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 heater is plugged in.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
Jan 19, 2024
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
May 5, 2021
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. The interim owner notification letter was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.
Aug 28, 2019
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 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seats:mid/rear Assembly
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 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
Seats:front Assembly:recliner
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 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
Nov 14, 2018
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line assembly, free of charge. The recall began December 7, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S35.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2PE23001 · Windshield Trim Molding Item Detachment
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Feb 8, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:body:roof And Pillars
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.
AQ22003 · Hertz/vehicles Rented With Open Recalls
Opened Dec 16, 2022 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch
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.