2018 Ford Explorer Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2018 Explorer
5
Structure complaints Red flag
Look for water stains, rust, and panel gaps; check door, hood, and trunk seals. (288 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 288 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (94 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 94 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (57 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 57 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (50 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 50 NHTSA complaints
Engine and Engine Cooling complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (29 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 29 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
118 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
7
Seats Red flag
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline Red flag
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Structure Check
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Structure Check
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Suspension Red flag
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Structure Check
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2018 Explorer–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2018 Explorer. The most serious involve Seats (19V633000) and Fuel System, Gasoline (18V807000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2018 Explorer?
The top complaint areas are Structure (288 complaints) and Unknown or Other (167 complaints), out of 730 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2018 Explorer?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Structure, which drew 288 complaints for this model-year.