Thinking about getting a 2018 Ford Explorer as my first car. Anyone know if it’s a good choice or if there are any major issues I should look out for?
Here’s some info I shared earlier:
If you’re looking at the 3.5 or 3.7 V6, watch out for the water pump. It’s inside the engine and has a history of failing, which can destroy the engine. There’s a weep hole that lets coolant leak out if the seal fails, but it doesn’t always give a warning. If you notice any leaks under the front passenger side, check under the A/C compressor for green sludge. That’s a sign your water pump is bad. Make sure to check your oil and coolant levels weekly while the engine is cold. Coolant in the oil is another red flag (it will look like a milky brown color). If coolant levels are dropping but there’s no visible leak, it might be mixing with the oil.
I’d steer clear of the turbocharged versions. They’re powerful and fun, but the repair bills can be brutal. The naturally aspirated (NA) V6 is more reliable and still has decent power.
For AWD/4x4 models, change the PTU (power transfer unit) fluid every 30,000 miles, even though Ford says it’s “lifetime fluid.” That’s not true, and ignoring it can lead to failure. Also, flush the transmission fluid. Don’t listen to myths that it will damage the transmission; it won’t.
Other than the water pump issue, these engines are reliable and fun to drive. The 2018 Explorer is a solid car overall.
@Ben
Does this apply to the 2016 3.5 V6 as well?
Micah said:
@Ben
Does this apply to the 2016 3.5 V6 as well?
Yep, it’s the same for any 2011-2019 models. I own a 2016 and had to replace the water pump. I’ve heard they made some changes to the 2018-2019 pumps, but I can’t confirm that.
@Harlan
Nope, I just got hit with the water pump replacement on our 2018. It was expensive and painful!
@Ben
Thanks for the detailed info! I’ll check for these issues before I buy it.
@Ben
How much should I expect to pay for a new water pump installation?
Sterling said:
@Ben
How much should I expect to pay for a new water pump installation?
I spent about $1,000 on parts and tools when I did it myself. If you go to a shop, expect to pay around $3,000–$4,000. It’s a big job and not beginner-friendly.
@Ben
I can confirm the turbo repair bills are no joke. My 2018 Sport is in the shop for both turbos right now. Thinking about crowdfunding the repair! 
Keir said:
@Ben
I can confirm the turbo repair bills are no joke. My 2018 Sport is in the shop for both turbos right now. Thinking about crowdfunding the repair!
How much are we talking? Around $2,000? I’m debating whether to go for the Sport model but this is my main concern.
@Rowan
Parts alone might run you close to $2,000, if you’re lucky. Try test-driving both the NA and turbo models to see if you really need the extra power. Just make sure they’re the same drive type (FWD or AWD).
@Ben
When you say the 3.5 or 3.7 V6, does that include both turbo and NA engines?
Sam said:
@Ben
When you say the 3.5 or 3.7 V6, does that include both turbo and NA engines?
Yes, all 3.5 or 3.7 engines have internal water pumps. Ford didn’t leave enough space for an external pump. The 4-cylinder engines, however, do have external pumps. I just finished replacing mine on a 3.5 NA—what a job!
It’s a solid first car. Just keep an eye on the water pump—it usually fails around 125,000 miles, give or take.
Oakley said:
It’s a solid first car. Just keep an eye on the water pump—it usually fails around 125,000 miles, give or take.
The one I’m looking at has 133,000 miles. Do you think I should replace the pump right away?
@Vale
Definitely. Better to replace it now than risk engine damage.
Something to watch for: the backup camera can get moisture in it and stop working. The dealer quoted me $700 for the part, programming, and labor, but I found the part online for $290 and installed it myself. It works fine without programming—you just won’t get the backup guide lines.
Also, I had moisture in the passenger-side taillight. Got a replacement from a junkyard for $200 and swapped it myself.
Replacing the low beam costs about $900, just FYI.
I’ve got the 3.5L V6, and it’s been great. I drive it hard and even tow with it, and it holds up well.