Drivify

2018 Affordable Aluminum Explorer

The 2018 Affordable Aluminum Explorer is a midsize SUV, rated at 22 MPG combined by the EPA, with a 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for this model year.

Combined MPG
22
NHTSA safety
Starting price
$40,000
Recalls
6

Watch: Explorer reviews

Video reviews will appear here once available.

Full specifications

Identity

SRC · NHTSA vPIC
MakeAffordable Aluminum
ModelExplorer
Model year2018
Vehicle classMidsize SUV

Engine & drivetrain

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
Displacement2.3 L
Cylinders4
TransmissionAutomatic (S6)
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
FuelRegular Gasoline

Fuel economy

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
City MPG19
Highway MPG27
Combined MPG22
CO₂ tailpipe409 g/mi
EPA annual fuel cost$2850

Available configurations

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
Explorer 2WD FFV20 MPG combined
Explorer AWD21 MPG combined
Explorer AWD19 MPG combined
Explorer AWD18 MPG combined
Explorer AWD FFV18 MPG combined
Explorer FWD22 MPG combined
Explorer FWD20 MPG combined

Fuel economy

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
City19 MPG
Highway27 MPG
Combined22 MPG

Efficiency vs class average

Explorer22 MPG
Class average25.6 MPG

About 14% below the class average.

Est. monthly payment
$704/mo
Amount financed
$36,000
Total interest
$6,263
Check real rates for this car

Partner offers · may earn us a commission

5-year fuel cost
$9,136

$1,827/yr · 12,000 mi/yr · $3.35/gal

Combined MPG22
Open full fuel calculator →
Extended warranty & insurance

Protect against surprise repair bills and compare coverage from top-rated providers.

Get quotes

Partner offers · may earn us a commission

Cost to own

Estimate monthly payments and 5-year fuel cost using the tools in the sidebar. Figures use EPA fuel economy and current U.S. energy prices from EIA.

Safety ratings & recalls

SRC · NHTSA vPIC
Overall
Frontal crash
Side crash
Rollover

Recalls (6)

  • SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER19V633000 · 2019-08-28

    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 mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."

    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 began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.

  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE18V807000 · 2018-11-14

    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.

    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 Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S35.

  • STRUCTURE:BODY21V316000 · 2021-05-05

    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.

    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 was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.

  • STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS24V031000 · 2024-01-19

    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.

    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 in different phases based on model years. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed Feburary 16, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 18, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.

  • EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER25V685000 · 2025-10-10

    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 it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

    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. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

  • SUSPENSION:REAR26V101000 · 2026-02-20

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.

    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 at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S08. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 21V537. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 25, 2026.

Compare with rivals

All model years

Frequently asked questions

What is the MPG of the 2018 Affordable Aluminum Explorer?

The 2018 Affordable Aluminum Explorer is EPA-rated at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 27 highway).

Is the 2018 Affordable Aluminum Explorer reliable?

NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2018 Affordable Aluminum Explorer. Recalls are repaired free of charge by the manufacturer — verify any open recalls by VIN before purchase.

How safe is the 2018 Affordable Aluminum Explorer?

The 2018 Affordable Aluminum Explorer earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 5 stars in the frontal crash test.

How much does it cost to fuel the 2018 Affordable Aluminum Explorer?

At 12,000 miles per year, the 2018 Affordable Aluminum Explorer costs roughly $1,827 per year to fuel, or about $9,136 over 5 years at current U.S. energy prices.

What type of vehicle is the 2018 Affordable Aluminum Explorer?

The 2018 Affordable Aluminum Explorer is classified as a midsize suv. Common rivals in this class are worth comparing on price, MPG, and safety.

Sources: NHTSA vPIC · EPA FuelEconomy · NHTSA vPIC