2018 Ford Explorer Limited
VIN: 1FM5K7F8XJGA57221 | 2018 | Ford Motor Company | CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES (USA)
2018 Ford Explorer Limited — 3.5L 6 Cyl, FWD, Automatic. Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV].
D
48/100
Safety & Recall Score: Caution
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.
⚠ 7 open recalls (high)
⚠ 718 owner complaints (high)
⚠ Low GHG score (3/10)
✓ VIN fully verified
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)
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...
Owner Complaints
718 filed with NHTSA- I purchased this 2018 Ford Explorer from Speedway Motors...
- The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact...
Fuel Economy
19 MPG Combined- City: 17 MPG
- Hwy: 23 MPG
- Combined: 19 MPG
- Fuel: Gasoline
Technical Specifications
Vehicle Overview
VIN
1FM5K7F8XJGA57221
Model Year
2018
Make
Ford
Model
Explorer
Trim
Limited
Series
Not available
Body Style
Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Vehicle Type
MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Doors
4
Seats
7
Seat Rows
3
Drive Type
FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Engine
3.5L 6 Cyl
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Plant Location
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES (USA)
Country of Origin
UNITED STATES (USA)
VIN Breakdown
Position 1 — Country
1 → United States
Position 2 — Manufacturer
F → Ford Motor Company
Position 3 — Vehicle Type
M → MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Positions 4–8 — Descriptor
5K7F8 → Explorer Limited
Position 9 — Check Digit
X → ✓ Valid
Position 10 — Model Year
J → 2018
Position 11 — Plant Code
G → CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES (USA)
Positions 12–17 — Serial
A57221 → Production sequence
Engine & Powertrain
Engine Model
3.5L Ti-VCT
Engine Manufacturer
Ford
Cylinders
6 Cyl
Displacement
3.5 L
Displacement CC
3500.0
Displacement CI
213.58310433156
Engine Config
V-Shaped
Engine Cycles
Not available
Horsepower
290 hp
Torque
Not available
Valve Train
Not available
Fuel Injection
Not available
Cooling System
Not available
Engine Brake HP
Not available
Turbocharger
Yes (inferred)
Supercharger
Not available
Transmission Style
Automatic
Transmission Speeds
6
Drive Type
FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Electrification
Not available
Fuel Type Primary
Gasoline
Fuel Type Secondary
Not available
Battery Type
Not available
EV Drive Unit
Not available
Fuel Economy & Environmental Impact
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Secondary Fuel
Not available
Combined MPG
19 MPG
Combined MPGe
Not available
City MPG
17 MPG
Hwy MPG
23 MPG
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,250
5-Yr Fuel Cost
$16,250
GHG Score
3/10
Smog Rating
Not available
CO₂ Emissions
467 g/mi
Barrels/Year
15.66
Safety & Driver Assistance
ABS
Included
ESC
Included
Traction Control
Included
TPMS
Standard (Federal Req.)
Forward Collision Warn
Available
Lane Departure Warning
Available
Lane Keep System
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Blind Spot Intervention
Not available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available
Parking Assist
Not available
Dynamic Brake Support
Included
Pedestrian AEB
Not available
Rear Auto Braking
Not available
Auto Reverse System
Included
Daytime Running Lights
Included
Adaptive Driving Beam
Available
Keyless Ignition
Included
Auto High Beams
Included
Front Airbags
1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Side Airbags
1st and 2nd and 3rd Rows
Curtain Airbags
Unknown
Knee Airbags
Passenger Seat Only
Seat Belt Type
Manual
Pretensioner
Not available
Brake System
Hydraulic
Steering Location
Left-Hand Drive (LHD)
Vehicle Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase
Not available
Ground Clearance
Not available
Vehicle Length
Not available
Vehicle Width
Not available
Vehicle Height
Not available
Curb Weight
Not available
Track Width Front
Not available
Track Width Rear
Not available
GVWR
Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)
Doors
4
Bed Length
Not available
Cab Type
Not available
Fuel Tank
Not available
0–60 mph
Not available
Towing & Utility
GVWR
Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)
Trailer Type
Not Applicable
Axles
2
Axle Config
Not available
Trailer Body
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Wheels & Tires
Front Tire Type
Not available
Rear Tire Type
Not available
Front Wheel Size
Not available
Rear Wheel Size
Not available
Spare Tire Type
Not available
Spare Tire Size
Not available
TPMS
Standard (Federal Req.)
Wheel Material
20
Manufacturing & Identity
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Manufacturer ID
976
Make ID
460
Model ID
1800
Plant Company
Chicago Assembly
Plant City
CHICAGO
Plant State
ILLINOIS
Plant Country
UNITED STATES (USA)
Plant ZIP
Not available
Dest. Market
Not available
Vehicle Descriptor
1FM5K7F8*JG
GVWR
Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)
Recall & Safety Summary
Total Recalls
7
Recall Status
Active recalls found
Overall Risk Level
High Risk
ABS
Included
ESC
Included
Traction Control
Included
✅ Pre-Purchase Checklist
📋
Get a Vehicle History ReportUnlock accident history, title status & odometer records with VIN Pro Plus for $4.99 — scroll down to get it.
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Verify All Recalls Are FixedVisit the Ford dealer with this VIN to confirm all 7 recall(s) are resolved.
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Negotiate Using This ReportUse the 7 open recall(s) as leverage for a lower price.
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Estimated Market Value
Based on vehicle age, class, trim & U.S. market conditions
Market estimate
$15,900–$22,900
Based on vehicle class, age, trim, and U.S. market trends. Verify with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for mileage-adjusted value.
💡 This is a general estimate, not real data for this specific vehicle. Get the real, transaction-based Verified Market Value with VIN Pro Plus — $4.99 →
📚 Helpful Vehicle Resources
Safety Ratings
Overall Rating
5 Stars
Front Crash Rating
5 Stars
Side Crash Rating
5 Stars
Rollover Risk
4 Stars
Safety Recalls
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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.
No bulletins found
No technical service bulletin records returned for this vehicle.
Finance & Cost Estimates
🔧 Service & Parts for this 2018 Ford Explorer
$1,640/yr
Estimated Annual Insurance (national avg — varies by driver, location & coverage)
5-Year Cost of Ownership (estimate)
Insurance (5yr)
$8,200
Maintenance (5yr)
$7,500
5-Yr Fuel Cost (EPA)
$16,250
Depreciation (5yr est.)
$10,305
⛽ Fuel Cost Calculator
🏢 Find Ford Dealers
Get this VIN's recalls resolved, service appointments, and CPO program details from an authorized Ford dealer.
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Run Free NICB Check for 1FM5K7F8XJGA57221 →State Emissions & Lemon Law
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OBD-II Check Engine Code Lookup
🔧 Check Engine Light Code Lookup
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Common:
Owner Complaints
I purchased this 2018 Ford Explorer from Speedway Motors...
I purchased this 2018 Ford Explorer from Speedway Motors in Murfreesboro, TN back in July 2026. Within a month I notice that the windshield was whistling. I took...
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact...
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for service, the contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign...
The transmission is actively slipping and dropping out of...
The transmission is actively slipping and dropping out of gear while driving causing unexpected loss of acceleration on public roads. This represents an extreme road safety hazard. The...
On March 25, 2026, an authorized Ford dealership in...
On March 25, 2026, an authorized Ford dealership in Florida performed a safety recall involving the rear suspension toe links. The recall addressed a condition that Ford states...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Showing 8 of 718 complaints. View all on NHTSA →
Maintenance Schedule
Current
Oil & Filter Change
Every 7,500 mi
Ford recommended interval
Due Now
Air Filter (Engine)
Every 15,000–30,000 mi
Dirty filter reduces fuel economy by up to 10%
Due Now
Cabin Air Filter
Every 15,000–25,000 mi
Affects AC, heat, and air quality
Due Soon
Tire Rotation
Every 5,000–7,500 mi
Extends tire life by 25–40%
Due Soon
Brake Inspection
Every 12 months or 15,000 mi
Brake pads typically last 30,000–70,000 mi depending on driving
Due Now
Spark Plugs
Every 30,000–100,000 mi
Copper plugs every 30k; iridium/platinum every 60–100k
Due Now
Coolant Flush
Every 30,000 mi or 5 years
Old coolant becomes acidic and damages the cooling system
Due Now
Transmission Fluid
Every 30,000–60,000 mi
Neglected fluid leads to expensive transmission repairs
Due Now
Brake Fluid Flush
Every 2 years
Brake fluid absorbs moisture, lowering boiling point
Due Now
Battery Test
Every 3–5 years
12V batteries typically last 3–5 years
Due Now
Drive Belt Inspection
Every 60,000–100,000 mi
Serpentine belt failure leaves you stranded
This schedule is a general reference based on make, model year, and powertrain. Always follow your owner's manual for exact intervals.
Additional Tools & Information
Estimated depreciation for this 2018 FORD Explorer based on vehicle class and age. Verify with KBB or Edmunds for mileage-adjusted value.
2018
$19,400
2019
$17,100
-12%
2020
$15,100
-22%
2021
$13,200
-32%
Estimates based on vehicle class averages. Actual values vary by mileage, condition, and location.
Estimated annual cost to own this vehicle at average U.S. driving conditions.
Insurance
$1,640/yr
19%
Maintenance
$1,500/yr
17%
Fuel/Energy
$3,250/yr
37%
Depreciation
$2,061/yr
24%
Registration
$250/yr
3%
Estimated Total Annual Cost
$8,701/yr
National averages. Registration varies by state. Does not include parking, tolls, or loan interest.
6.8
/ 10
Rank #13 overall
42 issues / 100 vehicles
Ford Reliability
Ford reliability is mixed. Trucks and V8 Mustangs score well; some EcoBoost engines and electronics have higher complaint rates.
Use this checklist to track which recalls have been resolved. All recall repairs are free at authorized dealerships.
28/08/2019
14/11/2018
05/05/2021
19/01/2024
10/10/2025
20/02/2026
14/07/2026
Vehicles in a similar class and price range to the 2018 FORD Explorer:
Private Party
$14,000–$21,100
No warranty · Lower price · Inspect first
Dealer (Used)
$16,700–$25,200
Some warranty · Financing available
CPO / Certified
$17,200–$26,300
Full warranty · Inspected · Best protection
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.
⚠ Always check the tire placard on the driver door jamb for the exact manufacturer-specified PSI for your vehicle.
Front Tires
33 PSI
See door jamb
Rear Tires
33 PSI
See door jamb
Spare Tire
60 PSI
Check monthly
Rotation Pattern Guide
FWD: Front to rear straight, rear cross to front
RWD: Rear to front straight, front cross to rear
AWD/4WD: Full X-pattern every 5,000–7,500 mi
Staggered: Side-to-side only if non-directional tires
Recommended rotation interval: every 5,000–7,500 miles. Rotate with every other oil change for best results.
❄ Winter Prep
✓ Check antifreeze concentration (minimum -34°F protection)
✓ Test battery — cold temps reduce capacity 30–60%
✓ Verify tire tread depth (4/32" minimum for snow traction)
✓ Consider winter tires if driving in snow or ice regions
✓ Replace wiper blades and refill washer fluid (-20°F rated)
✓ Test heater, front/rear defroster, and heated seats if equipped
✓ Inspect fuel lines and check for water in fuel system
☀ Summer Prep
✓ Check coolant level and test radiator cap pressure seal
✓ Inspect serpentine belt for cracking or glazing
✓ Test A/C system output and replace cabin air filter if needed
✓ Check tire pressure — heat increases PSI (recheck cold in a.m.)
✓ Inspect brake pads and rotors before summer road trips
✓ Check transmission fluid color and level
✓ Top off all fluids: brake, power steering, coolant, washer
Original Ford Factory Warranty
Basic / Bumper-to-Bumper
3yr/36k
Powertrain
5yr/60k
Corrosion / Rust
5yr/unlimited
⚠ At 8 years old, factory warranty coverage has likely expired on this vehicle. A third-party extended warranty may be worth considering.
Third-Party Extended Warranty Options
CARCHEX
Get Quote →
A+ BBB-rated. 6 plan tiers, up to 500k miles.
Endurance
Get Quote →
Direct-pay at any ASE-certified mechanic.
AUTOPOM!
Get Quote →
Month-to-month plans, high-mileage coverage.
Estimate total fuel cost and stops for any road trip in this 2018 FORD Explorer.
Steps to get the best price when selling this 2018 FORD Explorer:
📄 Service records
Buyers pay more for documented maintenance history. Even basic oil change receipts add value.
🔍 Resolve all recalls
Unresolved recalls suppress resale value and are easy objections for buyers. Fix them free at any dealership.
🚗 Professional detail
A full detail ($150–$300) typically returns $500–$1,500 in perceived value, especially on dark-colored vehicles.
📷 Photograph in good light
Listings with 20+ high-quality daylight photos get 3x more inquiries than listings with poor photos.
🗂 Vehicle history report link
Proactively share a VIN Pro Plus or Carfax report link to build instant buyer confidence.
🔍 Price using real comps
Search AutoTrader and CarGurus for same year/make/model/trim within 100 miles. Price within 5% of the median.
⚠ Fix open recalls first
This vehicle has 7 open recall(s). Resolving them before listing typically increases sale price by more than the time spent.
No model-specific issue notes in our database for this year. The 718 NHTSA complaints filed provide the best available signal — review them in the Owner Complaints section above.
NHTSA offers free recall alerts by VIN. Sign up to be notified the moment a new recall is issued for this vehicle.
🔔 NHTSA SaferCar Alerts
Official government recall notifications. Free, direct from NHTSA. Covers safety recalls, investigations, and bulletins.
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VIN 1FM5K7F8XJGA57221:
7 open recall(s) currently on file. Sign up to track when they are resolved.
Get competing insurance quotes for this exact vehicle. Rates vary by 30–60% between carriers for the same driver profile — comparing saves real money.
Estimated national average for this vehicle: $1,640/year. Your actual rate depends on your driving record, location, age, and coverage level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does VIN 1FM5K7F8XJGA57221 decode to?
VIN 1FM5K7F8XJGA57221 decodes to a 2018 FORD Explorer Limited, 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 Limited is estimated at $15,900–$22,900. 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 19 MPG combined (17 city / 23 highway). Estimated annual fuel cost is $3,250.
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