2018 FORD EXPLORER — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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5/5

★★★★★

Safety Rating

801

Owner Complaints

25 Crashes 8 Fires

6

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

36

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2018 FORD EXPLORER

The 2018 FORD EXPLORER has received a total of 801 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 16 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS, STRUCTURE:BODY. 36 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Structure (160 complaints), Unknown Or Other (151 complaints), and Structurebody (92 complaints).

Recalls for the 2018 FORD EXPLORER

NHTSA has recorded 16 recalls for the 2018 FORD EXPLORER, potentially affecting up to 10,318,967 vehicles.

Recall 24V031000 — STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

| 1,889,110 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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. 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.

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Recall 24V031000 — STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

| 1,889,110 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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. 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.

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Recall 21V316000 — STRUCTURE:BODY

| 616,967 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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 was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1,...

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Recall 21V316000 — STRUCTURE:BODY

| 616,967 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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 was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1,...

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Recall 21V316000 — STRUCTURE:BODY

| 616,967 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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 was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1,...

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Recall 21V316000 — STRUCTURE:BODY

| 616,967 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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 was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1,...

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Recall 21V316000 — STRUCTURE:BODY

| 616,967 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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 was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1,...

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Recall 21V316000 — STRUCTURE:BODY

| 616,967 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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 was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1,...

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Recall 21V316000 — STRUCTURE:BODY

| 616,967 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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 was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1,...

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Recall 19V633000 — SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

| 639,137 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

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...

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Recall 19V633000 — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

| 639,137 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

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...

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Recall 18V807000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

| 144 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

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

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Recall 25V685000 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

| 59,006 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will...

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Recall 25V685000 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

| 59,006 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will...

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Recall 26V101000 — SUSPENSION:REAR

| 412,774 vehicles affected

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

Consequence: 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 are expected to be mailed on March 9, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S08. This recall is an...

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Recall 26V101000 — SUSPENSION:REAR

| 412,774 vehicles affected

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

Consequence: 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 are expected to be mailed on March 9, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S08. This recall is an...

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Owner Complaints for the 2018 FORD EXPLORER

801 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2018 FORD EXPLORER. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Structure
Complaints: 160
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 151 1 Crash 1 Fire 3 Injuries
Structurebody
Complaints: 92 3 Crashes
Engine
Complaints: 87 3 Crashes 2 Fires 5 Injuries
Electrical System
Complaints: 50 2 Crashes 2 Fires 3 Injuries
Power Train
Complaints: 38
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 18 1 Crash 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 15
Steering
Complaints: 15 2 Crashes
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 14
Suspension
Complaints: 13 3 Crashes
Back Over Prevention
Complaints: 12
Air Bags
Complaints: 8 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Service Brakes
Complaints: 8 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 8 1 Crash 1 Injury
Back Over Prevention Sensing System Camera
Complaints: 7
Seats
Complaints: 7 1 Crash 3 Injuries
Structurebodyroof And Pillars
Complaints: 7
Tires
Complaints: 7
Wheels
Complaints: 7
Seat Belts
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 1 Injury
Back Over Prevention Rearview System Braking
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 4 1 Fire 1 Injury
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 3 1 Injury
Structureinterior Panelsdashboard
Complaints: 3
Visibility
Complaints: 3
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 3
Visibilitywindshieldcritical Fasteners
Complaints: 3
Back Over Prevention Warnings
Complaints: 2
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systeminstrument Panelfuel Gauge
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemfan
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 2
Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking
Complaints: 2 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Forward Collision Avoidance Warnings
Complaints: 2
Lane Departure Blind Spot Detection
Complaints: 2
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 2
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 2
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 1
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginecrankcamshaft Position Sensor
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolineturbosupercharger
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingengineoillubrication
Complaints: 1
Equipment
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectricalinfotainment
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectricalinfotainmentvideo Touchscreenmonitorunit
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 1
Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systemthrottlebodymanifold
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagestailgatelatch
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assisthydraulichoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 1
Structurebodytailgate
Complaints: 1
Tiresmarkings
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 1
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 1
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11719757 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles
Entertainment system control. Power draws down and kills battery. Display locks into reverse camera, and I can't access any controls for extended periods of time. Display just locks, and I can't adjust anything in it. This seems to be a known issue for all Sync 3 based backends.
#11719427 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | | N/A miles
Fuel system evap leak just like the Safety Recall 18S35
#11718838 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | | 118,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Prior to the failure, when the vehicle was started, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. After several minutes, the sound ceased. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a misfire in cylinder #3. The contact was informed that the spark plug was stuck, and the independent mechanic was unable to remove the spark plug. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #3, and the spark plug and ignition coil were replaced. The contact was unsure if the stuck spark plug was removed the second time the vehicle was repaired. Most recently, the contact noticed that while the vehicle was in park(P) and left running, the vehicle was idling roughly. The message "Engine Coolant Over Temperature" was intermittently displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, left the vehicle running, exited the vehicle, opened the hood, and there was no smoke or steam present. The contact returned to the vehicle and noticed that the temperature gauge was indicating that the engine was HOT. The contact drove back to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in cylinders #1, #2, and #4. The contact was informed that the coolant reservoir was empty, that the spark plug in cylinder #3 was stuck, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic for a second opinion, who diagnosed coolant intrusion in cylinders #1, #2, and #4, and that the spark plug was stuck in cylinder #3. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The dealer notified the manufacturer of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
#11718763 | STRUCTURE | | N/A miles
See attached document for complaint. I am in receipt of your multiple Important Safety Recall notices/letter and am very upset with your company. I keep receiving these recall notices/letters and I call the Ford Dealer to set up an appointment and they tell me the part is not available. This has been going on for over a year!!!! If this is a safety recall then why is it not important enough to service my vehicle?!!!
#11718842 | STRUCTURE | | N/A miles
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 unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim was ejected from the vehicle on both the passenger’s and driver’s side of the vehicle. The failure mileage was unknown.

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Safety Rating for the 2018 FORD EXPLORER

The 2018 FORD EXPLORER received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Test Category Rating
Overall Rating ★★★★★ (5/5)
Frontal Crash ★★★★★ (5/5)
Side Crash ★★★★★ (5/5)
Rollover ★★★★ (4/5)

Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2018 FORD EXPLORER

Ford Motor Company has issued 36 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2018 FORD EXPLORER. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

20B27 S1 — POWER TRAIN

Certain 2015-2019 MKC and 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles equipped with the 2.3L engine and 6F35 transmission; Powertrain Control Module reprogram. Supplement: Program terms will be in effect through August 31, 2023 This program is now eligible for mobile repairs

21N01 S2 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Certain 2016-2018 Model Year Explorer Vehicles High-Speed Cooling Fan Motor Relay; Reason for supplement: Vehicles Covered by this Program: all open / unrepaired vehicles from 21B05 (Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles) have been added to 21N01 as 21B05 expires August 31, 2022. Owner Notification: Police Interceptor Utility owners who have not...

SSM 50954 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some 2018 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with Police, Base 100A, or XLT 200A package trim levels (Type 1 analog cluster in the Owner's Manual) built on 08-May-2018 and through 05-Aug-2018 may exhibit a parasitic battery drain of approximately 250 milliamps with the instrument panel cluster (IPC) possibly staying awake...

TSB 22-2287 — POWER TRAIN

Some 2015-2019 MKC and 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine may exhibit a vibration/rough idle when the vehicle is in drive (D) or reverse (R). The vehicle may also exhibit a lack of engine revolutions per minute (RPM), lack of acceleration on take off and/or shudder while driving....

20B27 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

In affected vehicles, the transmission torque converter may overheat in certain driving conditions. If the torque converter overheats it can lead to adverse NVH, rough idle, and low performance concerns. Ultimately this will require internal transmission repairs to resolve the concern. Ford Motor Company has developed and update to the...

SSM 48834 — STEERING

Some 2017-2019 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit various noise concerns while turning. Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 211-02 Power Steering > Diagnosis and Testing is in the process of being updated with improved information to aid with accurate noise diagnosis. Replacing the steering gear may not necessarily eliminate the noise...

TSB 19-2244 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

Some 2013-2019 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.5L twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P013A and/or P013C stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to an improperly welded exhaust Y-pipe. To correct...

SSM 47879 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Various 2019 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 and the latest software version 3.2 may exhibit an error message when attempting to update the software to version 3.3. Professional Technician Society (PTS) website may show that software version 3.3 is available for 2019 SYNC 3 vehicles. Do not carry out this...

TSB 18-2358 — EQUIPMENT

Some 2018-2019 Explorer vehicles built on or before 13-Nov-2018 equipped with a 4G telematics control unit (TCU) modem may exhibit an Acquiring Signal message with a loss of satellite radio reception while driving in unobstructed areas. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.

TSB 18-2361 — SEATS

Some 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2019 Escape/Fusion/MKZ, 2015-2018 Focus, 2015-2019 Edge/F150/MKC/Mustang, 2016-2018 MKX, 2016-2019 Explorer, 2017 Super Duty, 2018-2019 EcoSport/Expedition, and 2019 Nautilus vehicles may experience seat pan looseness, lateral movement, or clunk/thump noise on turns. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.

Showing 10 of 36 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2018 FORD EXPLORER

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the FORD EXPLORER

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