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.
Power train, Jan 4, 2024
My 2019 Ford Explore XLT wouldn’t shift right, kinda hesitated to lock. My RPM were jumping like crazy. My mechanic replaced my torque converter and throttle body. Now my vehicle drives fine but when you stop at a stop light it shakes you to death. Then it sputters when trying to accelerate. So back to the shop it went because that can cause an accident. Not to mention if it stalks while driving. My mechanic says my torque converter is [XXX] again. After paying $4000 to have my transmission basically rebuilt a year later I’m back in the same boat. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Structure, Jan 3, 2024
The trim that is on either side of the front windshield has come loose. The one on the driver side came loose while I was on the interstate and struck the vehicle behind me. It caused the driver to lose control and spin out. Fortunately, it did not cause a collision, but it could have caused a loss of life, we were travelling at highway speeds. The trim on the passenger side was still on the vehicle, but it had popped loose and was sticking up at an odd angle. I removed it to prevent the same thing from happening.
Electrical system, Oct 29, 2023
I purchased a Ford certified 2019 Ford Explorer recently. It is my 20th Ford. I could barely hear the horn and thought there was a problem with one of the horns. I researched it and found that the 2019 model year only came with one horn. The horn is at the front of the hood and when I checked there was a bracket for 2 horns but there was only one. You almost can not hear it when inside of the car and it makes me think that others may not hear it if there is an emergency. I have owned close to 70 cars and I have never had a car with one horn. A moped has a louder horn. In my opinion Ford should not have tried to save $5 that could cause an accident. I had to order Ford part number GB5Z-13832-A which are the dual horns found on the other model years. My safety and the safety of other 2019 Ford Explorer owners is at risk because of this.
Power train, Oct 22, 2023
coolant leaking into engine 2.3l eco boost
Other or unspecified, Oct 20, 2023
Dec 2022- Windshield trim on passenger side ripped off while driving on the interstate. Sept 2023- noticed noise while driving. Checked driver side trim and noticed seal was gone. Trim was cracked along its entirety. Replaced before it also flew off
Other or unspecified, Oct 17, 2023
Doing 70 mph and trim along passenger windshield broke in half and flew off
Other or unspecified, Oct 5, 2023
OEM Ford Gen 4 SYNC 3 Nav APIM suddenly started sporadically functioning. Contacted Ford after viewing multiple recalls from previous years Ford vehicles with exact issue. After being told there was no recall on my 2019 Explorer, was given a quote of $170.00 to diagnose issue, $900 + for APIM module, plus installation and programming. We purchased a re-programmed APIM module and installed. Problem is now corrected. Recall needs entered on this unit. Attaching photos of front & back of bad unit: WY1W748K GR26A KB5T-14G370-DCA SERIAL NO. 205831 MFG - JANUARY 2019 ASSY NO. MAJ0673GX PANASONIC AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS MODEL FA-170-BCAR-HS IFT# RCPPAFA16-2032 FCC ID: ACJ-FA-170-BCARHS IC ID: 216B-FA170BCARHS ANATEL ID: 05008-16-09014 CMIIT ID: 2016AJ4795
Structure, Oct 1, 2023
The driver's side exterior windshield moulding detached from the vehicle traveling at interstate speed (75 mph) and struck the driver's door above the window. The apparent cause of detachment was failure of the retaining clips and adhesive that holds the external piece to the internal rubber moulding.
Structure, Sep 27, 2023
Driver side pillar molding next to the windshield flew off unexpectedly while driving on the highway.
Power train, Sep 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered while shifting gears. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the power transfer unit (PTU) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to the Customer Satisfaction Program: 20B27. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Suspension, Sep 3, 2023
Rear toe link and bushing issues. I have the same car as my sister. She has a 2016 with the same rear toe link as my 2019 and her car is covered under the recall and mine isn't.
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
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 18, 2023
When the vehicle is in outside in the direct sunlight, the extreme heat causes the fuel pump driver module to fail. When this module fails, it cause the vehicles fuel pump to stop sending fuel to the motor which causes the vehicle to turn off or run extremely rough, while driving and or stationary. The moduel has been replaced by world ford Pensacola once, and twice by an ASE Certified Master Mechanic, on 3 separate occasions.
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
Tires, Jul 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer equipped with Hankook Tires, Tire Line: Ventus S1 Noble 2, Tire Size: 255/50/R20, DOT Number: (Unavailable). The contact stated that the tread on all four tires were extremely low. The vehicle was taken to a tire shop where the tread depth was measured. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in TSB: SSM46905 and advised the contact to call the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 19,700.
Structure, Jul 20, 2023
Windshield trim piece (passenger side) detached from vehicle while travelling at 40 mph.
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.
Power train, Jun 25, 2023
I bought Ford Explorer 2019 brand new. I think first week of January 2023 My wife mention 3 times the car lost power and powertrain light on. She was afraid this happens in the freeway so I took to Ford dealer and they took around 3 month to repair.
Other or unspecified, Jun 23, 2023
Windshield and door trim is coming unglued and flaps while driving normal highway speeds.
Structure, Jun 19, 2023
Passenger side window trim blew off at highway speed without warning. Have not had it to the dealer yet as this appears to be a problem for the Explorer. I am not sure where the piece ended up. There was not a vehicle immediately behind the car so I don’t believe it struck anyone.
Electrical system, Jun 7, 2023
When the temperature outside is higher than an estimated 80 degrees the Battery indicator appears on the dash and the Ford Pass app tells me that there is a Charge System Fault. "The Battery light indicates that your vehicle has a concern with the 12-volt charging system." I have had a Ford Dealer check into this when I was under lease and they said they were unable to duplicate the warning. I also had an independent service center look into this and we decided to replace the battery and the battery terminals. However the alert still appears in the higher temperatures after making the change. I have seen this alert more than a dozen times having leased the vehicle from Ford from April 2019-April 2022 then purchasing the lease in April 2022. The date below indicates the last date the alert occur (5/12/23)
Structure, Jun 1, 2023
We were traveling on I90 west of Sioux Falls, SD. 06-01-2023. There is a 14 mile stretch that is under construction and the traffic is head to head in that stretch. We met a semi that created a gust of wind that blew the front window trim off the passenger side of the vehicle. I do not know where the trim went once it exited the vehicle. It was in an area where construction workers were working along side of the road and there was a line of cars behind us.
Power train, May 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered. The contact stated that while coming to a stop the vehicle shuddered and hesitated to resume driving. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to TSB Number: 20N07 (2.3L Engine and 6F35 Transmission). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.
Structure, May 1, 2023
While driving on highway I-20 at 80 miles per hour, the trim panel around the windshield detached. The panel detached on the drive side but the passenger side is already detaching from the bottom part.
Power train, Apr 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at a complete stop, the vehicle shuddered. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate while driving. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that the VIN was not included in Customer Satisfaction Program: 20N07 (Transmission Extended Warranty Coverage) and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.