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, Nov 5, 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 and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Nov 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the roof. The contact stated that it sounded like an object bouncing on the roof of the vehicle. The contact stated that the sound ceased after several minutes. The contact arrived at the destination, checked the roof, and became aware that the passenger’s side roof rail had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormal anti-freeze odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the "overheat" and "temperature" gauge illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence, parked the vehicle, and observed that anti-freeze was leaking onto the driveway. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic and was informed that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was referred to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Structure, Oct 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the exterior A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. 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; however, was unable to confirm when the part would become available. The failure mileage was 85,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Oct 18, 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 upper part of the driver's side windshield exterior A-Pillar trim was fractured, causing the trim to detach. An unknown local dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Oct 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer for a routine oil change, it was discovered that the roof rack was loose and advised the contact to bring the vehicle to the dealer the following day to have it inspected. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer the following day as instructed and it was advised that the roof rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (STRUCTURE) however it failed to prevent the risk. The vehicle was not repaired due to it being out of warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 32,000.
Structure, Oct 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the trim piece detached from the vehicle. 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 failure however was unable to confirm when the part was to become available. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Oct 16, 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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.
Forward collision avoidance, Sep 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance camera failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the Forward Collision Avoidance camera displayed a very blurry image. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 68,500.
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.
Suspension, Sep 12, 2024
Rear left toe link failed while entering a curved freeway on ramp. Failure caused the vehicle to lose traction in the rear causing the vehicle to fish tail. Advanced drivers training prevented a collision but the vehicle swayed back forth due to the forward momentum. By a miracle there was no collision because it was a narrow two lane road, with no shoulder and was between concrete wall and guardrail.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Sep 3, 2024
I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding my 2019 Ford Explorer, which is currently subject to the 2011–2019 Ford Explorer — A-Pillar Trim Detachment Recall (Recall Reference Number: 24S02). The exterior A-pillar trim on my 2019 Ford Explorer, covered under the aforementioned recall, has caused severe issues including vibrations and a loud whistling noise around the windshield area, particularly at highway speeds. These problems are not only a nuisance but also pose a potential safety hazard, as the vibrations could lead to more severe structural damage or detachment of the trim while driving. I have contacted several Ford dealerships in my area, as well as Ford headquarters, seeking a resolution under recall 24S02. Unfortunately, I was consistently informed that the necessary parts to correct the issue are not available. I was told that Ford had provided the parts, but they were only available for a two-week period and are no longer in stock. The person I spoke with at the dealership advised me to call back at a later time to check if the parts are available. Additionally, when I reached out to Ford’s headquarters customer relations department for further assistance, I was simply transferred to my local dealership without any other form of help or guidance. This lack of support from the manufacturer is deeply frustrating and concerning. Furthermore, one of the dealerships informed me that another customer with similar issues under the same recall has been waiting for over a month and has yet to receive the necessary parts. This delay, coupled with the lack of clear communication and guidance, is highly concerning, especially given the potential safety risks associated with the defect. Given the severity of the issue and the inadequate response from Ford, I am requesting that the NHTSA intervene to ensure that Ford takes the necessary steps to resolve this safety concern promptly. I am concerned that a serious incident can occur if not resolved.
Structure, Sep 3, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Structure, Aug 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, after a visual inspection of the exterior of the vehicle, the contact became aware that the shark fin antenna cover had detached, potentially becoming a dangerous road hazard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer determined that the shark fin antenna cover had detached independently. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was 32,000.
Structure, Aug 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated upon inspection, it was noticed that the B-pillar applique trim was peeling off. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the B-pillar applique trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, decelerated, and stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The water pump was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unavailable.
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.
Structure, Aug 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at 75 MPH, the driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim separated and flew off. The contact stated that the failure caused the passenger's side of the windshield to become fractured. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. No further information was provided. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,532. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Jul 24, 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 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. Parts distribution disconnect.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 22, 2024
EXTERIOR A-PILLAR TRIM PART DETACHED, NOW CAUSED CRACKED WINDSHIELD WHERE TRIM WOULD HAVE BEEN. THE PART HAS BEEN DETACHED FOR MONTHS AND MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP HAS NO TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT SOLUTION. MY WINDSHIELD NOW HAS A SPIDERING CRACK WHERE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN PROTECTED .
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
Engine, Jun 13, 2024
I was putting my car in reverse and all of a sudden, it shifts really hard and makes this loud noise. I thought it was very strange, and put it in drive and went not even 2 minutes and my car had no power. I was pressing the gas pedals but it didn't want to go. I stopped it and called a Tow truck to come get my car and take it to the nearest Ford dealer. They called me in a few days advising that the transmission was gone. After researching online, I noticed a lot of Ford Explorers being recalled for this exact issue, including My sisters Ford Explorer. Hers was under the recall, and Ford paid for hers. Ironic, the same thing happened to mine and mine has no recall. My car had been running fine, up until this day. I have maintained this car and no warning lights ever came on, until I put it in drive and the Orange Wrench cam e on. I knew something was wrong then. I am a single mother of a [XXX] and this could have put us in alot of danger INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)