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
298 reports, newest first.
Structure, Dec 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal buzzing sound coming from the windshield. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that a technician arrived at the residence and inspected the vehicle, and placed duct tape around the front windshield. In addition, the contact was informed that the vehicle would fail an inspection with duct tape around the front windshield. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, parts were not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 10, 2025
Blown engine due to ecoboost fuel issues. Vehicle quit and shut off on highway. Multiple issues with 2019 ford explorer that does not get resolved.
Structure, Dec 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE), but the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the windshield. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not inspected or diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 5, 2025
The catalytic converters for the Ford Explorer Utility Police Interceptor fail prematurely, degrading the emissions from the vehicle and causing the vehicle to fail emissions testing. Although Ford has implemented a Customer Satisfaction Campaign 22M06, they do not inform owners of the campaign or potential problem. My car was inspected by two Ford dealerships who simply cleared the error code (P0430) and made no mention of Campaign 22M06. The error code persisted as I replaced numerous other components (spark plugs, purge valve, oxygen sensors, Mass air flow sensor) trying to alleviate the problem over the last year. Only if you mention the campaign specifically will they inspect the vehicle for the purpose of replacing the the catalytic converters under warranty. Replacing these failing catalytic converters should be a recall because failure creates substandard emissions for thousands of vehicles.
Structure, Nov 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after a visual inspection of the exterior of the vehicle, the driver’s side roof rack rail had detached. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure). The VIN was included, but the vehicle was repaired in October 2025. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Structure, Nov 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Suspension, Nov 3, 2025
Suspension issue causing premature inside tire wear which can be fatal, if not deadly. Multiple cases have been recorded and found among other owners for this same make and model yr. Even after parts replacement and 4 wheel alignment was completed.
Structure, Oct 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that upon further inspection, the front driver’s and passenger’s side A-pillar trim seals had started to deteriorate. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
Structure, Oct 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the driver’s side exterior A-pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was determined that the part was under recall and that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Structure, Sep 25, 2025
The A pillars are coming off. Other years make and model were recalled . The A pillars on the sides should be recalled just as the front b pillars.
Structure, Sep 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Structure, Sep 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Structure, Sep 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 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 yet 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 had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Electrical system, Sep 9, 2025
Rear camera stopper working.
Structure, Sep 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 had not experienced a failure.
Structure, Sep 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Structure, Aug 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated there was an abnormal sound coming from the windshield while driving. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was not available.
Other or unspecified, Aug 5, 2025
It has been a year and a half since Ford recalled a part and they have yet to replace that part. It’s a year overdue from the timeline they claimed to be ready by.
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.
Electrical system, Aug 3, 2025
I have attempted multiple times to report Sync 3 screen issues with this vehicle. Began as intermittent issues. Screen would go off, get hung in reverse, unable to use touch screen, etc. Now, it is completely useless. Not able to use touch screen, not able to connect phone thru Bluetooth (making phone unusable), basically not unusable. I have no access to maps, any controls on screen. There's recalls on Explorers for this exact issue in 2020, etc models, so I am positive this same issue relates to mine. This is a very costly part to repair (we were quoted over $1200.00 by local Ford Dealership My car was barely out of warranty when this issue occured.
Structure, Jul 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon noticing that the roof rail cover was missing, the vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000(Structure); however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the roof rail cover detached from the vehicle. The driver was able to retrieve the roof rail cover. The contact called the local dealer, but there was no response. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
Structure, Jul 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Jul 27, 2025
Subject: Urgent Complaint – Recall Repair Delayed Due to Unavailable Parts (2019 Explorer) To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a safety-related recall/service campaign for my 2019 Ford Explorer (VIN: [XXX] ), specifically concerning the roof rack trim detachment issue (Customer Satisfaction Program / Recall #20N11 or 21S22). I visited an authorized Ford dealership to schedule the required repair, but was told that the necessary parts are currently unavailable, and no estimated delivery date could be provided. It has been an extended delay, and I am concerned about the continued safety risk this issue may present. As this is a known issue affecting many vehicles, I respectfully request: •A clear explanation of when the required parts will become available •An expedited resolution or alternative dealership that can complete the repair •A formal record of this delay for safety and warranty documentation purposes Please treat this matter as urgent. I would appreciate a prompt response with a timeline and any appropriate next steps. Sincerely, [XXX] Phone: [XXX] Email: [XXX] Location: Manhattan, New York VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Jul 25, 2025
The bottom part that holds the windshield down is coming off. My windshield sounds like it is going to fly off when I drive. It makes a constant loud noise when driving. This has been an ongoing issue for almost 2 years. Ford told me they couldn’t do anything about it.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Jul 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon acceleration from a stop, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the fuel pump and the fuel injectors were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving 63 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the fuel pump and fuel injectors were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred while driving 72 MPH, and the vehicle lost automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle came to a complete stop and the contact called the Police for traffic control and the vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel pump and the fuel injectors were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.