What are the most common Ford Explorer problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,679+ owner reports, the 2018-2018 Ford Explorer has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 3.5L Internal Water Pump Failure, PTU (Power Transfer Unit) Failure. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Ford Explorer reliable?

The 2018-2018 Ford Explorer has 2 known issues documented across 1,679+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: 3.5L Internal Water Pump Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Ford Explorer problems?

Repair costs for known Ford Explorer issues range from $400 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 3.5L Internal Water Pump Failure, typically costs $1,500-$8,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

2018 Ford Explorer Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2018 model year · 1,679+ owner reports · Updated April 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 1,679+ owner reports, the 2018 Ford Explorer has 2 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is 3.5L Internal Water Pump Failure ($1,500-$8,000 repair). The most commonly reported issue is 3.5L Internal Water Pump Failure with 890 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $400 to $8,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 2 Known Issues

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Community Reported

890 owners

On the 2011-2019 Ford Explorer, the 3.5L V6 engine (both naturally aspirated and EcoBoost versions) features an internal water pump located under the engine front cover. When this pump fails, it can leak coolant internally into the engine crankcase, contaminating the oil and potentially causing catastrophic engine damage if not caught immediately.

This issue also affects: Volkswagen Eurovan, Audi A4 allroad, Audi A7

Common Symptoms

Coolant level dropping with no visible external leak
Engine overheating
Milky or frothy engine oil on dipstick
Sweet smell from engine compartment
Coolant weeping from front of engine
White smoke from exhaust

How to Fix

Replace internal water pump (requires removing timing cover). If coolant contaminated oil: complete engine oil flush and new oil/filter. If engine damage occurred: engine rebuild or replacement. Monitor coolant levels regularly as preventive measure.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 890+ owners who fixed this issue

TipCheck coolant level every 1,000 miles - internal leaks show no external signs
UpgradeGates water pump — OE-quality replacement with gasket (Gates Water Pump)
View on Amazon
UpgradeGMB water pump — reliable OEM alternative (GMB Water Pump)
View on Amazon

Typical repair cost:$1,500 - $8,000

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890+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence890 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2024Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

789 owners

On the 2011-2019 Ford Explorer, the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) on AWD-equipped Explorers is prone to premature failure due to its proximity to the exhaust pipe and catalytic converter, causing overheating. Fluid leaks from disconnected vent hoses are common, and if fluid level drops too low, the PTU can fail completely, disabling the AWD system.

This issue also affects: BMW 5 Series, BMW 6 Series, BMW 7 Series

Common Symptoms

Fluid leak underneath vehicle near front of transmission
Whining or grinding noise from front of drivetrain
AWD system malfunction warning
Shuddering during acceleration
Burning smell from drivetrain area
Complete loss of AWD functionality

How to Fix

Check and reconnect PTU vent hose if disconnected. Replace PTU seals if leaking. Complete PTU replacement if internal damage has occurred. Install aftermarket PTU cooler to prevent overheating. Regular PTU fluid changes every 30,000 miles.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 789+ owners who fixed this issue

TipPTU fluid is NOT included in Ford's regular maintenance schedule - change it every 30,000 miles anyway
UpgradeQuality automatic transmission fluid for routine service (Valvoline MaxLife ATF Full Synthetic)
View on Amazon
UpgradeTransmission filter kit with pan gasket for complete fluid service (ATP Transmission Filter Kit)
View on Amazon
UpgradeOBD-II scanner with transmission live data for diagnosing shift issues (BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBD2 Scan Tool)
View on Amazon

Typical repair cost:$400 - $2,200

Research This Issue

789+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence789 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2024Reviewed Feb 2026

2018 Ford Explorer Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 2 Known Issues

2011-2019 Ford Explorer: 3.5L Internal Water Pump Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2011-2019 Ford Explorer: PTU (Power Transfer Unit) Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Ford Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Ford Explorer problems?

Is the Ford Explorer reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Ford Explorer problems?

What is the 2011-2019 Ford Explorer 3.5L Internal Water Pump Failure?

What is the 2011-2019 Ford Explorer PTU (Power Transfer Unit) Failure?