MyCarTSB

2018 Ford Explorer Lights Problems

4 owner-reported lights complaints from NHTSA data

4
Complaints
Mar 2019Dec 2025
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (4)

mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Apr 2026

Vehicle is equipped with operational red and blue lights that are prohibited under the color of law, and facilitates criminal activity upon a purchase agreement. Seller has actual knowledge and can be liable under the color of law. Vehicle has open recalls.

NHTSA #: 11728815
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Dec 2025

Intermittent failures of both front turn signals and parking lamps due to wiring failure. The turn signals and parking lights on both sides of the front end of the vehicle sometimes failed to illuminate correctly. Upon investigation, failed wiring was found on the jumpers between the main engine bay harness and the lamp sockets. The wire insulation had become brittle and was flaking away, causing electrical shorts. The same failures were present on both sides. Only that short jumper segment experienced the issue, all other wiring in the engine bay was fine. The faulty wiring jumpers are available for inspection upon request. Safety was put at risk because the turn signals would not reliably signal driver intent. I am an independent mechanic, and discovered the issue while performing other work in May 2025. No one else has investigated the vehicle or component. There were no warnings or symptoms prior to the failure.

NHTSA #: 11706170
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Nov 2020

DRIVING IN THE DARK AND PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT WENT OUT. GOT DIAGNOSED THAT IT WAS A BAD LIGHT HOUSING.GOT VARIOUS PRICES FROM 700 TO 1200 DOLLARS. NOW THE LIGHT WORKS .WAS OUT FOR 3 WEEKS DECIDED TO COME BACK ON.WELL I WOULD ASSUME ITS NOT THE HEADLIGHT OR JUST FAULTY ELECTRONICS. NOT SURE ANY HEKP?

NHTSA #: 11373866
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Mar 2019

I BELIEVE THE HEADLIGHTS ON FORD EXPLORERS ARE DEFECTIVE. WHEN ENCOUNTERING ONE IN THE ONCOMING LANE OF A 2 LANE ROAD, THE HEADLIGHT ARE OVERLY BRIGHT AND ANNOYING IN THE DAYLIGHT. AT NIGHT THEY ARE BLINDING PAINFUL AND DANGEROUS. IT DOESN'T HELP THAT THE MANUFACTURERS OF TRUCKS, INCLUDING SUVS, POSITION THE HEADLIGHTS AT THE SAME DISTANCE ABOVE THE ROAD AS THE WINDSHIELD OF A SEDAN.

NHTSA #: 11192568

Other 2018 Ford Explorer Issues