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: other or unspecified
47 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Sep 2, 2023
Windshield trim falling off and deteriorating - windshield rattling - took to dealer to replace windshield trim - paid 642.00 to replace deteriorated trim - want a recall on this as it is very dangerous/ I also want reimbursement of 642.00 for repair
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Aug 15, 2023
The rear camera failed and it was discovered a corroded connector and cable. This is causing rear camera to fail. Ford helped with the repair cost however, the entire cable was replaced. Waited 5 months. This is a common problem and FORD should cover the refund and recall. The cameras are on a recall but not the cables that are causing the camera to fail. The repair costs like $2000. Ford did help. This is a manufacturer defect and the problem is common. Please see pictures and the video link. https://youtu.be/ewz_OeFO_6M
Other or unspecified, Jul 20, 2023
Passenger's side A pillar trim piece broke and flew off at highway speed. This seems to be a previously identified manufacturer's defect not yet recalled.
Other or unspecified, Jun 23, 2023
Windshield and door trim is coming unglued and flaps while driving normal highway speeds.
Other or unspecified, Mar 23, 2023
I have a 2019 Ford Explorer. I have seen that serval people have reported the front windshield trimming flying off going down the road for no reason. I recently had to replace both of my window trimming because this happened to me. One flew completely off going down the interstate and the other one came off but lucky did not fly off with traffic around. This is very dangerous not only for the owner of the vehicle but other vehicles around when it flys off. I have contacted FORD and they do not want to reimburse me for the amount of money I have spent to get this fixed. This is not a default on the owners end, it is a FORD default. I feel as if Ford needs to reimburse. Again, this could be very dangerous for other drivers on the road when these prices fly off. Safety first.
Other or unspecified, Jan 29, 2023
Roof rack rails coming off car. Recall number 21S22. I took my 2019 Ford explorer to the local Ford dealer on 03/25/2022 and roof rails were repaired. Roof rails coming off again. I called Ford motor company again (CS-40164791). A lady named Fallon told me there is nothing Ford Motor Company can do. All recall attempts have been made. Roof rails did not look like this when car was new, plus the roof rails looked like new when local Ford dealer made first recall repair. Now coming off again. Roof rails may not have been repaired correctly or to recall recommendation. I have checked many Ford Explorer’s, in parking lot, between 2016 and 2019 none have roof rails sticking up 3/4 of an inch in rear of car like mine.
Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2023
I have had the key pad replaced 2 times because it melts at top. It has melted again Should it be recalled
Seats, Other or unspecified, May 31, 2022
There is a recall and no remedy has been done. Still waiting on a call or email.
Other or unspecified, Jan 18, 2022
We continue to smell exhaust fumes in the cabin on the vehicle.
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 7, 2022
1. The vehicle HORN unknowingly and unexpectedly stopped working, became unavailable, and subsequently failed to alert other of hazardous conditions, when approperiately initiated by the driver/operator. Without any indication or prior warning to the driver that the HORN was NOT FUNCTIONAL. This vehicle can be made available for NHTSA inspection upon request. For all intensive purposes, the only unique purpose for having a vehicle HORN is for SAFETY. 2. SAFETY was compromised and reslted in highly eleveted risks for the Driver, Passangers, Pedestrians, Traffic Officers, By Standers, Other Vehicles and Congestion, following a Night Time Egress of an NFL Football Game. 3. The problem is repeatable and the HORN is currently in a FAILED state. The HORN has not been diagnosed or repaired. It has not been confirmed, by the Dealer, nor Independent Service Center. WHY? For them to bill me some ungodly amount, just to tell me, my the HORN DOES NOT WORK.. ON a vehicle I financed/purchased 4 months ago? and that I paid $200 last month for a FAILED BATTERY last month. Good LORD, and on a vehicle with more automated driver assist sensors, than a MARTIAN LAND EXPLORER? and the HORN FAILS? For SAFETY, HORNS are intentionally "enabled" and maintained in fuctional state. Note: AUTO OWNER has reported this SAFETY DEFECT to NHTSA. Owner requests all costs of diagnosis, parts, replacement, labor, repairs, wiring, computer, software, and the transparent identification of flaws in automatic updates via internet and wireless, connectivity, software updates, digital processing of vehicle operating systems, and digital monitoring of driving conditions, location, and environment. 4. No. It has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance reps, or others. Yet. 5. No warning lights, messages, or indicators prior to non-functioning and unexpected HORN failure. I would like to request independent NHTSA inspection Root Cause Analysis. Thank You
Other or unspecified, Aug 26, 2021
The windshield weather stripping has Disintegrated . Half is missing. What’s left crumbles in your hand. I am get a picture, just not at this time. I will have it there is ever a follow up.
Other or unspecified, Dec 27, 2020
LAST 2 TIMES I HAVE DRIVE THE VEHICLE MORE THAN SEVERAL HOURS, A BURNT ODD SMELL HAS COME FROM THE ENGINE HOWEVER THERE HAVE BEEN NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS, ONLY AN ODOR OR CHALKY BURNT SMELL. I HAVE 3 YOUNG KIDS AND THEY SMELLED IT AS WELL. IT HASNT HAPPEND ON SHORT TRIPS I NOTICED AFTER LONGER TRIPS OF DRIVING
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 17, 2020
VERY LOUD NOISE FROM THE ENGINE WAS TOLD IT WAS THE SUPERCHARGER BUT IT SOUNDS LIKE A CONSTANT CLICKING. WE TOOK IT BACK AND DEALERSHIP TOLD US IT WAS FIXED. STILL MAKES A LOUD CLICKING WHEN DRIVING , MORE SO WHEN ACCELERATING. CALLED DEALERSHIP, THEY SAID THEY FIXED IT. TO US ITS STILL DOESNT SOUND LIKE A 2019 VEHICLE SHOULD
Other or unspecified, Aug 12, 2020
CARBON MONOXIDE SMELL IN THE CAR WHEN DRIVING, WE TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE WE BOUGHT THE CAR, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND THEY TELL US THEY CAN NOT FIND A SMELL, OF A PROBLEM, SO WE HAVE JUST HAD TO LIVE WITH THE HORRID SMELL, WITH A NEW BABY AND ANOTHER SMALL CHILD RIDING INSIDE. VERY UNSAFE IN MY OPINION. WE ALSO NOTED THAT THE HORN IS VERY QUIET. ONLY HORN WAS INSTALLED IN THE 2019 FORD EXPLORER, AS OPPOSED TO THE PREVIOUS YEAR VEHICLES, THEY HAD 2 HORNS INSTALLED.
Other or unspecified, May 22, 2020
FOR THIS MODEL YEAR FORD EQUIPPED THE EXPLORER WITH A SINGLE-TONE HORN. THE VOLUME IS VERY LOW AND SOUNDS LIKE A TOY HORN. I DO NOT HAVE ANY CONFIDENCE THAT THIS HORN WILL HELP ME IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR
Other or unspecified, Feb 10, 2020
I HAVE HAD THE CAR IN TO THE DEALER TWICE NOW FOR CARBON MONOXIDE ENTERING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. I HAVE HAD A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR THAT I PURCHASED FROM A RETAILER THAT SHOWS ELEVATED LEVELS ABOVE 60 PARTS PER MILLION WITHIN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT MY FAMILY HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOMS RELATED TO THE CO EXPOSURE
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 31, 2020
NOTICED SEVERE EXHAUST SMELL WHEN DEFROST IS ON WHILE DRIVING, AND MORE MODERATELY WHEN THE RECIRCULATED AIR IS ON. LOOKED UP THE ISSUE ONLINE AND FOUND THAT OUR 2019 FORD EXPLORER IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUES THAT CAUSED A SOFT RECALL FROM FORD FOR THEIR 2011-2017 MODELS. TOOK IT TO LOCAL FORD SERVICE CENTER, BUT THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE ISSUE. HOWEVER, THE TECH AT FORD SERVICE CALLED THEIR HOTLINE, WHO STATED "REAR AIR VENTS WERE LOOSE CAUSING THIS CONCERN". FOLLOWING THIS CALL, FORD SERVICE CENTER DID THE FOLLOWING (ALL QUOTES ARE FROM SERVICE INVOICE): "REMOVED REAR BUMPER COVER AND INSPECT[ED] AIR EXTRACTORS. INSPECTION FOUND BOTH EXTRACTORS WERE NOT CONNECTED ON THE LEFT REAR CORNER OF BOTH SIDES, LIKE THEY ARE BROKEN WILL NOT PROPERLY SEAT. INSPECTION ALSO FOUND LIFTGATE DRAIN VALVE WAS MISSING AND LR TAILLAMP GROMET WAS NOT SEATED TO THE BODY. REPLACED BOTH EXTRACTORS AND DRAIN VALVE, RESEATED LR TAILLAMP BODY PLUG, REINSTALLED REAR BUMPER AND TEST DROVE." WE HAVE NOT NOTICED THE EXHAUST SMELL SINCE THE FIX ONE WEEK AGO. I AM REPORTING THIS SO THAT NHTSA AND ANYONE READING THIS KNOWS THAT THE FORD EXHAUST ISSUES THAT CAUSED SO MANY PROBLEMS ARE STILL ONGOING THROUGH THE 2019 MODEL, AND ALSO SO THAT CONSUMERS WHO HAVE THIS MODEL KNOW EXACTLY WHAT TO TELL THEIR LOCAL FORD SERVICE CENTERS TO DO TO FIX IT.
Other or unspecified, Jan 16, 2020
BACK UP CAMERA DOESN'T WORK ESPECIALLY NOT IN COLD. I CAN JUST START THE VEHICLE AND THE CAMERA WON'T WORK ONCE BUT IT HAS NOW BECOME AN ALL DAY THING
Other or unspecified, Oct 22, 2019
JUST RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2019 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED. WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND ALMOST NEARLY BEING SIDE SWIPED BY A BIG RIG WHO APPARENTLY DID NOT SEE ME OR HEAR MY HORN. I THEN PULLED OVER NEAREST EXIT AND PRESSED MY HORN TO HEAR THAT IT WAS LOW SOUNDING. I THOUGHT MAYBE IT WAS DEFECTIVE OR A RECALL ON HORNS. I SEARCHED ONLINE TO FIND OUT THAT FORD HAS ONLY INSTALLED 1 HORN FOR THIS YEAR MODEL. NOT SURE IF ITS TO BE CHEAP OR BY MISTAKE, BUT I HAVE READ MANY REVIEWS THAT THERE'S ONLY 1 HORN INSTALLED WHEN ALL PREVIOUS YEARS HAVE 2 HORNS INSTALLED. THERE ALSO HAS BEEN VIDEOS MADE ON YOUTUBE REGARDING CONCERNS OF THESE 2019 FORD EXPLORERS. I TRULY BELIEVE THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Sep 24, 2019
REAR HATCH ELECTRIC OPENING/CLOSING MECHANISM FAILED - HATCH CAME DOWN A STRUCK THE HEAD OF A PERSON CAUSING AN INJURY. ALSO BECAUSE THE HATCH WOULDN'T CLOSE PROPERLY EXHAUST ENTERED THE VEHICLE WHEN BEING DRIVEN.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 9, 2019
2019 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO HORN NOT BEING LOUD ENOUGH TO BE HEARD AT ANY SAFE DISTANCE. *LD *JS
Other or unspecified, Jul 18, 2019
THE 2019 FORD EXPLORER IS DELIVERED NEW WITH ONE INADEQUATE HORN. ALL OTHER MODEL YEARS HAVE TWO HORNS AND ARE WHAT YOU EXPECT FROM A HORN. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION, THE HORN IS SO LOW I COULD NOT SCARE A SQUIRREL. FORD MOTOR COMPANY SAID THEY CANNOT UPGRADE. THE FORD DEALER SAID THEY CANNOT UPGRADE WITHOUT EFFECTING THE WARRANTY.