2019 Ford Explorer
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 298 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 18th highest complaint count among 26 Explorer model years with reports.
Of the 2019 reports, 2 involved a crash. 6 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Structure, bodyJul 14, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S54. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Campaign 26V448000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearFeb 20, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 26V101000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterJan 15, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
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 February 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 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 January 16, 2026. This recall expands previous recall number 25V685.
Campaign 26V012000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, roof and pillarsJan 19, 2024
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.
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
Campaign 24V031000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, bodyMay 5, 2021
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.
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 21V316000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, reclinerAug 28, 2019
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."
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.
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.
Campaign 19V633000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
35 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Aug 13, 2026
In November 2025 vehicle began experiencing intermittent instances of rough shifting when the engine was under strain due to mountain driving. Since we do not live in the mountains, we returned home and waited to see if it would replicate. Vehicle began intermittently, replicating, hard shifting when coming out of Park. At that time an appointment was made with a local transmission shop in June 2026 to have an evaluation done. No error codes have been thrown at any point in time but the shop was able to highlight that there are metal flakes in the transmission fluid indicating the beginnings of mechanical malfunction of the transmission prior to 150,000 miles. At the time this started the vehicle was at approximately 137,000 miles. It is now at approximately 154,000 approximately one year later. It is my daily driver and only motive transportation. Shop has recommend a transmission rebuild due to metal flakes in the engine. It is a well-known fact, two Ford that they installed faulty, transmissions that prematurely go out however, they have not completed a recall to this date still. This puts unnecessary financial hardship on the consumer when the vehicle starts to fail prematurely.
Power train, May 15, 2026
I had my transmission replaced in California on Feb 2025. Had failure issues and took it to ford, they found an issue with the torque converter and replaced 7 months after the new transmission, it was cleaned out for debris and contamination. Early this May took it in again for the vehicle violently shaking, the ford Mechanic before inspecting immediately knew what transmission I had and knew what issue was, said all the 6F35 transmissions are failing. Took it to my local ford dealership who confirmed that the whole transmissions needs to be replaced again. Less than 20k miles on it. Of course this transmission had a law suit filed which was dismissed. Frustrating because it is clearly a known issue. I am currently #10 on the national waitlist for a new transmission. I am expected to be without a vehicle for months.
Power train, Apr 13, 2026
I brought my vehicle to Ford Motor Place in Webster Massachusetts to do two recalls, my car was driving normally before the recall service. Immediately after recall work, it does not run properly. The dealer claims transmission failure without prior symptoms. The vehicle only has 70,000 miles.
Power train, Mar 20, 2026
Torque converter failed and had to be replaced within 60000 miles. Know issue to ford but they continue to charge $4,000 to have it repaired. Rear main seal leaks oil within 80,000 miles. Know issue to ford and they continue to charge $3,800 to have it repaired.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Aug 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle suddenly started sputtering and decelerated unintendedly. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 52,000.
Power train, Jun 23, 2025
[XXX] � [XXX] [XXX] ⸻ To Whom It May Concern, My name [XXX], and I am writing to file a formal complaint against Ford Motor Company and multiple associated dealerships for gross negligence, financial harm, and discriminatory practices related to a recall repair that began in 2023 and has yet to be properly resolved. I own a 2019 Ford Explorer, VIN [XXX]. In 2023, I brought my vehicle to Wayne Akers Ford in West Palm Beach due to a torque converter recall. Before the issue was fixed, their transmission technician was fired, and I was redirected to Mullinax Ford. That began a two-year ordeal of being passed around between dealerships, misdiagnosed, and ignored while the original issue persisted. Alpaca Ford on 10th Avenue witnessed the malfunction twice but refused to repair it. I was told by Lenny, the Service Manager, and the Advisor Manager to “monitor the mileage” and report back — a delay tactic that eventually allowed them to deny my repair once the issue persisted at under 30 miles. When I returned with proof, they claimed the warranty had expired. This was caused entirely by their inaction and misguidance. To make matters worse: •I was forced to pay $1,300 for motor mounts that didn’t resolve the issue, despite telling them repeatedly it was unrelated. Ford covered a portion, but I was left to pay $897 out of pocket. •Tim Olsen at Wayne Akers Ford has refused to provide my refund and is now ignoring all calls and communication. •Ford’s corporate customer service has been involved from the beginning and failed to intervene effectively — despite acknowledging the situation. •I recently left a Google review describing my experience at Mullinax Ford, including my repeated denial of loaner vehicles while white customers were offered them freely. After posting the review, I was retaliated against — they refused to continue working on my car and told me to “come pick it up” without completing r INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Mar 18, 2025
The transmission was violently jerking when accelerating to get on the interstate. Our Explorer is available for inspection upon request. It was dangerous in that we couldn't have a consistent speed when joining oncoming traffic on the road. The local Ford dealer did confirm the transmission needed replacement. Ford did an inspection on the original transmission and confirmed it was damaged. It was a sudden failure of the transmission and it included a wrench light on the dashboard. We had a rebuilt transmission installed by the local Ford dealer which cost us over $9,400. This is known issue by Ford, especially for the Explorers, but they are not standing behind their powertrains. I contacted Corporate Ford to see about any goodwill, but they were not interested in providing any assistance.
Power train, Mar 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after shifting to the drive position the vehicle would shake and vibrate. The failure continued while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the torque convert and reprogrammed the PCM but approximately one year later the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the torque converter needed to be replaced a second time. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 83,000.
Power train, Mar 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, while depressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle failed to respond as needed. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was shielded by a bystander so that the contact would not be rear-ended. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The vehicle was taken not to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact stated that cylinder #2 had been replaced three times and the spark plugs were replaced; however, the vehicle was not fixed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Power train, Feb 6, 2025
When i go to drive my car in the mornings when it first starts up I have to let it sit or it won't accelerate and if I just try to drive it the powertrane warning light comes on but it will be gone when I let it sit off for a bit. The ford dealership stated it was the torque converter and have replaced it twice in less than two years.
Power train, Jan 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. While the contact's husband was driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping. The contact stated that the failure mostly occurred while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal with the transmission shifting between second and third gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle was then taken to Pioneer Transmission Services, where the transmission was replaced. The contact stated that the transmission warning light illuminated while driving at an undisclosed speed. The vehicle was taken back to Pioneer Transmission Services, where the torque converter was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in an unstated related recall. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Power train, Jan 8, 2025
Vehicle shutters during acceleration due to torque converter failure. Vehicle shutters while traveling due to torque converter failure. Vehicle jerks when transmission is shifting due to torque converter failure. The vehicle was brought to the Ford dealer without the check engine light or mechanical light on. The Ford dealer was able to verify the above listed issues and deemed the torque converter failed. The ford dealer quoted me $4,000.00 for repairs. The torque converter failures in these vehicles is a common issue that Ford has failed to fix that can cause accidents and harm to persons involved due to bad design of the torque converter and transmission.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 8, 2024
Code P0301 can’t pin point issue
Power train, Nov 22, 2024
2019 Ford Explorer XLT with FWD Transaxle transmission and 46,107 miles on odometer, purchased in November 2018 and now 5 years old this month. Way too early for a transmission failure to occur. Normally drive the posted speed limit unless changes in the traffic patterns slower or a little faster.8 Heard a noise from left front wheel area when accelerating and slowing/re-accelerating in traffic. Extended service plan expired (5 year, 60,000 miles, Nov 2018-Nov 2023). Took car to local garage, did a test drive and checked by mechanic. It was determined that problem came from transmission. There have been NO warning lamps, messages, etc. prior to me noticing the problem and nothing since mechanic checked the vehicle. Sounded like the right front wheel area made a noise when turning around in a parking lot this morning. Mechanic estimated cost to repair with parts, labor, etc., will be $6,245.90 out of pocket.
Power train, Oct 14, 2024
For months, almost a year, my transmission could not properly accelorate. The car would not allow for the pick up in speed to happen. Each time I took it to the shop that cares for my car, Mike's More Miles, the problem would not duplicate. My special needs son, his service dog and I were all of the expressway traveling, the car slowed down on its own, I had not applied the brakes, the speed dropped from 65 to less than 35 in seconds. I pulled over and tried to regain speed after putting the car into park. No luck. the car would not go faster then 20-30 miles an hour, with me putting into neutral when coasting downhill, then back into drive manually to get it to the repair shop. This almost caused a terrible accident. This scared my son, who has brain disease. Our 85 lb. service dog was jolted from the back of the car slamming into the seat. I was also very scared and shaken. My son began to yell and scream what is happening, it was a scary and tense, literally jaw dropping experience. I drove to Enterprise Rental, called Austin the owner of the shop that has tried to duplicate the problem on a dozen tried and told him what occurred. I left my car at Enterprise, where Austin picked it up. The problem did duplicate. FINALLY a code came up to diagnose the problem. The transmission fluid was also black, with metal shavings in it as well. Please refer to all technical service bulletins that note this is a known problem by Ford. I have paid $7582.70 for a new transmission. The shop owner, Austin, told me the torque converter overheated, the transmission had failed. I also paid for the rental car an estimate of $490.00.
Power train, Sep 13, 2024
Vehicle lost acceleration while driving down highway and shuttered severally when depressing gas pedal. I had to cut across lanes of highway traffic with no power and nearly caused an accident. Engine revs up be vehicle wont accelerate, just shakes badly. I am waiting on a mechanic to verify the problem but appears to be a transmission failure. The vehicle has had hard shifting in recent months leading up to this failure. A 2019 model year with 105000 miles.
Power train, Aug 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle shuddered and failed to properly accelerate. The contact stated that the failure also occurred on several occasions while driving up an incline. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed and it was determined that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 84,000.
Power train, Aug 6, 2024
Vehicle suddenly began vibrating while in drive or reverse, and developed decreased acceleration, and overall sluggish performance. Mechanic checked and said it was the torque converter. This exact problem is addressed by a Customer Satisfaction Program 20N07, which seems like it should include my vehicle because it was manufactured in the covered location and dates. However, my VIN number does not appear to be covered.
Power train, Jul 22, 2024
The vehicle vibrates excessively when shifting into Drive or Reverse (rough idle). Additionally, the vehicle lacks acceleration/power when driving in slightly uphill roads, creating a hazard for nearby drivers. There were no check engine lights and the issue first appeared at approx. 84,000 miles. The vehicle was diagnosed at a Ford dealership and the issue was determined to be the torque converter. The Ford Service Dept cited TSB 22-2287 and recommended replacing the full transmission to fix the issue.
Power train, Jul 22, 2024
Rough idle in drive and reverse, hard shifting or not shifting In to gear
Power train, Jun 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was an orange wrench warning light was illuminated when the vehicle was shifted into reverse. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the failure was with the torque converter. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the same information was provided. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised to contact NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
Power train, Apr 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle began making abnormal noises from under the floorboards. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing forward momentum. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle only revved and was not gaining forward momentum. The contact stated numerous warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that he was able to reach his destination, but was not able to exceed 30 MPH. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the transmission had been replaced a year prior and felt that the failure was related to the transmission. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
Power train, Feb 21, 2024
My wrench light came on in my 2019 Ford Explorer with 2.3L engine last week. It caused my vehicle to have lack of acceleration during launch and shudder while driving. When my son and I took off from a stop, it was very slow when crossing traffic. Made appointment with Ford dealership to have it looked at the next morning. After car was parked and restarted, wrench light went off. Kept appointment and told them a mechanic friend said it sounded like the torque converter (which my mother who has a 2019 Ford Edge just had replaced the week before!). Explained this to the dealership, they said it didn't sound like that was it. 4 wheel drive module was corrupt so they updated it and told me I may need a new transmission in the near future. Today, my light came on again while taking my son to school and caused lack of acceleration while pulling onto the highway and I took it to the dealership while it was lit up. Codes P0767 and P2704 showed and they told me it was I needed a new transmission due to my torque converter failing. I checked into it and Customer Satisfaction Program 20N07 does not include my car even though it is doing the exact same thing and was assembled in Chicago in January 2019 (timeframe of the program and location). I just don't understand how my car doesn't fall under that program when it is DOING THE EXACT SAME THING with only 67,200 miles on it. This is a serious safety concern. So thankful that there was not heavy traffic when I pulled onto the highway.
Power train, Feb 1, 2024
Needs a full transmission replacement and only have 80,000 miles on it. Bought new from dealership in 2019.
Power train, Jan 8, 2024
VEHICLE SHIFTS ROUGH. I WAS TOLD BY FORD THAT I NEED TO REPLACE MY BATTERY EXCEPT I DO NOT HAVE ANY BATTERY ISSUES AT ALL. ALSO WHEN I PUT MY VEHICLE IN PARK IT ROLLS FORWARD A LITTLE.