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.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 2, 2025
Nov of 2023, overheated but no leak from engine was found and no antifreeze in radiator. TOOK to Mckie Ford they replaced the valve and noted thst there was antifreeze in the valve chamber and stated we needed a new engine. We purchased a new engine had it installed in Jan 2024 we paid for new engine. When we should not have as we did research on the engine and it was faulty but no recalls were in place at that time so we joined a claims action suit to help recover costs..
Structure, Jan 21, 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 twice while the vehicle was being washed, water leaked into the cabin through the top front passenger’s side window. 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Jan 19, 2025
I hand washed the vehicle on 1/10/2025 and noted no defects. On [XXX] traveling northbound on [XXX] in the vicinity of Ontario, California at approximately [XXX], I heard a "clunk," but did not observe any road hazard. Upon arriving at Ridgecrest, California I discovered that the passenger pillar applique was missing. I reported event to service at Jim Charlon Ford and was informed that currently no fix available. On 1/14/2025, I had Jim Charlon Ford remove the driver side pillar applique remove for purposes safety. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Jan 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed a burning odor. The contact stated that later when the vehicle was started, the back over prevention camera display was black. In addition, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a wiring harness failure. The contact was informed that the rear wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
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.
Structure, Jan 15, 2025
In October of 2022 a the top part of exterior trim beside my windshield pulled away from the vehicle. I took it to our local auto shop and they cleaned the adhesive off the lower piece of molding and installed a new top molding. I paid $166.15 for this repair. Then in March of 2023 I was driving on the freeway when this same piece of trim suddenly flew off the vehicle just missing the car behind me, I took it to our local auto shop and they replaced the piece at a cost of $344.10. Then in June of 2023 the same piece flew off again while I was driving on the freeway, again just missing the car behind me. This time I paid $374.16 to have the piece replaced again, In February of 2024 I received a Safety Recall Notice from Ford and NHTSA saying the there is a defect with my vehicle and the A pillar applique trim clip attachments are not properly engaged due to improper assembly or repair. I took the vehicle to a Ford dealership after receiving this notice and was told there was not yet a remedy and I would be notified when there was one. I have checked the NHTSA website several times since then since then and it indicated that a remedy should be available by the end of 2024. However, it is now mid-January 2025 and still no remedy and I have paid more than $800 to temporarily repair this issue.
Structure, Jan 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 while driving at various speeds, the driver's side and passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trims were shaking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected, and the dealer confirmed that the trims needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Jan 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 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Jan 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 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.
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.
Structure, Jan 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer 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. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, Jan 7, 2025
My engine is having to be replaced. It's at 100k miles. Costing me $5k for a replacement that is a used engine with 77k miles and 1 year warranty. I want to file a complaint. Car is still in the shop and I had to get a rental. I am a single mom with two kids. I had to pay all of this out of pocket.
Other or unspecified, Jan 1, 2025
It has been more than a year later, Ford has not resolved the issue with the exterior A-Pillar. The response at the dealership has been, A) we do not have the parts or B) If you pay for them out of pocket, we can fix the issue. Which tells me they can fix the issue but chose to not do so because they are banking on owners paying for this recall. What recourse do I have?
Structure, Dec 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on the driver’s side of the windshield started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the A-pillar trim retention clips failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the remedy was not available for the failure of the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 59,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Dec 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on both sides of the windshield started to detach. 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, and the dealer stated 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 failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Dec 13, 2024
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 driver's side and passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trims had detached and were making an abnormal sound while driving. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 39,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Visibility, Dec 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated on several occasions while the vehicle was parked or while driving at various speeds, the side mirrors failed to tilt left or right but tilted up and down. The contact manually moved the mirrors for proper visibility. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that the switch on the driver’s door was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.
Structure, Dec 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the passenger’s side B-pillar trims blew off the vehicle by the slip stream. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer who replaced the trim. The contact stated that the trim on the driver's side B-pillar was now loosened. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the B-pillar trim was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); and would be an out-of-pocket expense for the repair. The contact was concerned that the B-pillar trims should also be recalled due to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 8, 2024
Code P0301 can’t pin point issue
Structure, Nov 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on the driver side of the windshield started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact 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 failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,292. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Nov 26, 2024
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, Nov 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was a rattling sound coming from the roof of the vehicle. The vehicle was stopped and inspected, and the contact observed the right and left roof rails, had separated in several areas. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that the roof rails needed to be secured in place. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then taken to the same dealer where it was determined that the roof rails needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,000.
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.
Structure, Nov 15, 2024
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 both the driver's side and the passenger's side windshield exterior A-Pillar trims had separated from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 99,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Nov 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side windshield trim detached and flew off. In addition, the contact stated that the passenger's side windshield trim had detached and was held in place with tape. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. 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 failure. The failure mileage was 89,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.