This score reflects NHTSA safety data only — recalls, complaints, and crash ratings. It does not include title status, accident history, or odometer records. Verify hidden history with VIN Pro Plus →
Composite rating based on recalls, complaints, crash ratings, and vehicle age.
VIN 1FM5K7DH1JGB86970 identifies a sport utility vehicle — the 2018 Ford Explorer XLT. This specific unit was assembled at the CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES (USA) facility, one of Ford's North American production plants. It is equipped with FWD/Front-Wheel Drive and a 2.3L 4 Cyl engine producing 280 hp.
This vehicle carries a significant 7 open NHTSA recalls. Affected systems include seats:front assembly:recliner, fuel system, gasoline, structure:body. All recalls must be repaired by a Ford dealer at no charge to the owner. Contact a dealer with this VIN before finalizing any purchase. Verify current recall status at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The EPA rates this vehicle at 40 MPG combined (42 city / 38 highway), which represents above-average fuel economy. Annual fuel cost is estimated at $1550 at national average gas prices. It scores 9/10 on the EPA greenhouse gas scale, emitting 222 g CO₂/mile.
Based on vehicle class, trim, and U.S. market data, this 2018 Ford Explorer XLT falls in an estimated used-market range of $14,300–$20,600. The high recall count may suppress resale value — factor this into price negotiation. Verify actual market value with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds using specific mileage and condition.
Important limitation: This free VIN report does not include odometer/mileage history, accident records, flood or fire damage, number of previous owners, or title/lien status. Get the full history with VIN Pro Plus for $4.99 — scroll down to unlock it. Use this report alongside a full history check, an independent pre-purchase inspection, and a NICB stolen vehicle check for the most complete picture before buying.
About the 2018 FORD Explorer
The Ford Explorer is one of America's best-selling midsize SUVs, in production since 1990. Known for its spacious three-row cabin, available 4WD, and up to 5,600 lbs towing capacity, it competes with the Chevrolet Traverse, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Hyundai Palisade.
📊 View all 2018 Ford known problems & year comparisons →
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VIN Decoded
VIN Verified
Official VIN decode record located
Type: MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Body: Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Plant: CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES (USA)
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NHTSA Recalls
7 Open Recalls
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150...
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford...
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer...
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Owner Complaints
714 filed with NHTSA
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact...
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact...
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Fuel Economy
40 MPG Combined
City: 42 MPG
Hwy: 38 MPG
Combined: 40 MPG
Fuel: Gasoline
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Estimated Market Value
Based on vehicle age, class, trim & U.S. market conditions
Market estimate
$14,300–$20,600
Based on vehicle class, age, trim, and U.S. market trends. Verify with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for mileage-adjusted value.
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...
Risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing...
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...
18V80700014/11/2018
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
Risk: 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...
21V31600005/05/2021
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
Risk: 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...
24V03100019/01/2024
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
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.
Risk: 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...
25V68500010/10/2025
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
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...
Risk: 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....
26V10100020/02/2026
SUSPENSION:REAR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
Risk: 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...
26V44800014/07/2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Risk: 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....
TSBs are manufacturer repair instructions issued to dealerships. They are not safety recalls. If you're experiencing an issue, ask your dealer if a TSB applies.
NoneNHTSA
No bulletins found
No technical service bulletin records returned for this vehicle.
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OBD-II Check Engine Code Lookup
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Owner Complaints
STRUCTURE07/23/2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact...
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 26V448000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs...
STRUCTURE07/22/2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact...
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...
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES07/21/2026
July 12, 2026 I returned home and parked about...
July 12, 2026 I returned home and parked about 10 ft from my garage. I put my car in park, turned off the motor, and went to get...
SEAT BELTS07/16/2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact...
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver's side front seat belt failed to click securely into the buckle. The seat belt warning...
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE07/15/2026
This vehicle was inspected by a certified Ford dealership...
This vehicle was inspected by a certified Ford dealership (Premier Ford, Service Advisor: Harry). Ford Motor Company’s Consumer Affairs Department subsequently reviewed the case under Complaint ID: XXX....
UNKNOWN OR OTHER07/14/2026
Dealership is not honoring active recalls due to body...
Dealership is not honoring active recalls due to body damage causing car to be deemed total loss by dealership and is in process of being rebuilt
VISIBILITY/WIPER07/13/2026
The windshield wiper motor failed, causing the windshield wipers...
The windshield wiper motor failed, causing the windshield wipers to stop operating properly. At the same time, the windshield washer system is unable to spray washer fluid onto...
ENGINE07/10/2026
While driving at highway speed on a 2-lane highway...
While driving at highway speed on a 2-lane highway with three children under the age of [XXX] in the vehicle, my 2018 Ford Explorer experienced sudden complete engine...
Negotiation tip:
This vehicle has 7 open recall(s). Use this as leverage — ask the seller to confirm all recalls are resolved or reduce the price accordingly. Unresolved recalls cost dealers time and money to fix.
Automated checks against common VIN fraud indicators. Always verify with a paid history report and independent inspection.
✓Check digit (position 9) validates
✓VIN is exactly 17 characters
✓No invalid characters (I, O, Q not present)
✓Year position (pos 10) matches decoded model year
✓Manufacturer decodes to a known brand
✓Not a repeated-character test/placeholder VIN
Manual checks to do in person: Compare the VIN on the dashboard (visible through windshield), driver door jamb sticker, engine block, and title — all must match exactly. A cloned or re-VINed vehicle will show inconsistencies.
No model-specific issue notes in our database for this year. The 714 NHTSA complaints filed provide the best available signal — review them in the Owner Complaints section above.
Estimated national average for this vehicle: $1,600/year. Your actual rate depends on your driving record, location, age, and coverage level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does VIN 1FM5K7DH1JGB86970 decode to?+
VIN 1FM5K7DH1JGB86970 decodes to a 2018 FORD Explorer XLT, assembled in CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES (USA).
How many recalls does this 2018 FORD Explorer have?+
This 2018 FORD Explorer has 7 open recalls on record with NHTSA. Recalls are safety-related and should be resolved by a dealership at no charge to the owner.
Is it safe to buy a 2018 FORD Explorer with open recalls?+
Open recalls don't necessarily mean the vehicle is unsafe to drive, but they should be addressed promptly. Contact a FORD dealer with this VIN to confirm which recalls have been completed and schedule any outstanding repairs — they are always free of charge.
What is the estimated value of this 2018 FORD Explorer?+
Based on vehicle age, body type, trim level, and U.S. market data, this 2018 FORD Explorer XLT is estimated at $14,300–$20,600. Verify with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for a precise appraisal based on mileage and condition.
Is this VIN check really free?+
Yes — the core VIN check on VinForFree is free with no signup required. All data is sourced from public records including NHTSA, the EPA, and official government databases.
What fuel economy does a 2018 FORD Explorer get?+
According to EPA data, the 2018 FORD Explorer gets approximately 40 MPG combined (42 city / 38 highway). Estimated annual fuel cost is $1,550.