IllustrationI was driving down the road when the warning lights suddenly came on, and the vehicle would not allow me to accelerate. As a result, my vehicle slowed unexpectedly, and another vehicle nearly struck me from behind.
2019 Ford Explorer
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2019 Ford Explorer do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 609.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Explorer years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
270–25K
2425–50K
2750–75K
2775–100K
8100–150K
2150K+
115 reports with mileage · 179 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Structure. Review the 148 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 35 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 19 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
2 crash reports0 fire reports5 injury reports
Unknown Or Other complaints
45 reportsVehicle was stolen, sold, and relisted for sale. Open Recalls on vehicle.
I am writing to formally report an issue regarding Safety Recall 24S02 on my 2019 Ford Explorer, which is incorrectly shown as completed by Cornerstone Ford in Elk River, Minnesota. This recall involves the exterior A‑pillar trim on 2011–2019 Ford Explorer vehicles and is a documented Ford safety campaign (24S02 / 24V031). Acco…
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I am writing to formally report an issue regarding Safety Recall 24S02 on my 2019 Ford Explorer, which is incorrectly shown as completed by Cornerstone Ford in Elk River, Minnesota. This recall involves the exterior A‑pillar trim on 2011–2019 Ford Explorer vehicles and is a documented Ford safety campaign (24S02 / 24V031). According to Ford’s records and Cornerstone Ford’s reporting, Recall 24S02 is flagged as completed on my vehicle on Jun 2025; however, the actual recall repair has never been performed. It appears only on an estimate repair invoice from July 2025, and I have text message correspondence from the dealer dated December 19, 2025, stating that the part had arrived, yet no recall work was scheduled or completed. Notice on Invoice (attached): [Primary]: S100 - RECALL RECALL RECALL - C/S: NO REMEDY AVAILABLE YET-24S02 EXTERIOR A PILLAR APPLIQUE INSPECTION I am unable to take it to a different dealership because it has been flagged as completed. I contacted Ford's Customer service, and they are taking the dealership's word.
Remedy not available in timely manner. This came out in 2024. Issue should be fixed and parts available. I am experiencing the wind noice due to this. Manufacturer Recall Number 24S02 NHTSA Recall Number 24V031 Recall Status Recall Incomplete, remedy r yet available
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.
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.
The A-PILLAR TRIM has flew off on the freeway on 4 separate occasions. 3 different times I paid out of pocket to have it repaired, not knowing this was a manufacture defect. Ford keeps saying that they do not have the parts to repair it.
In February I was driving to an appt. when the side panel on driver's door broke & started flying around & hitting car. (It has the numbers to enter the car without a key.) So I had to roll down window 1/2 way, grab the broken part & drive 18 miles to town, holding the part so it wouldn't fly off (in 30 degree weather!) So I…
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In February I was driving to an appt. when the side panel on driver's door broke & started flying around & hitting car. (It has the numbers to enter the car without a key.) So I had to roll down window 1/2 way, grab the broken part & drive 18 miles to town, holding the part so it wouldn't fly off (in 30 degree weather!) So I drove by the Ford Dealership where I got my car. They thought there was a recall on that item so I've been waiting. I just saw on the NHTSA site there was a recall for that item on 2016-17? Explorers, but mine is 2019!!! Would you please add the 2019 model to that recall? Also, I'm STILL WAITING (1 1/2 years later) for the recalled trim pieces around the front windshield.
Difficulty getting the vehicle repaired in a reasonable time or without charge. Initial recall indicated parts would be available in the latter half of 2024. It is now mid 2025. Ford dealership indicates parts are not available for recall, BUT parts ARE available if I'd like to pay out of pocket for repairs. That seems fraudulen…
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Difficulty getting the vehicle repaired in a reasonable time or without charge. Initial recall indicated parts would be available in the latter half of 2024. It is now mid 2025. Ford dealership indicates parts are not available for recall, BUT parts ARE available if I'd like to pay out of pocket for repairs. That seems fraudulent and the A-pillar trim on my vehicle is obviously defective and coming off the vehicle. This is hazardous and Ford should not be able to charge for repairs and not comply with the recall repairs.
The windshield lower molding is deteriorating. The molding has cracked and fallen off in several places. This has been happening over the last 6 months but has gotten much worse. It also makes a buzzing vibration over 50mph. I'm afraid that if it gets any worse the windshield may pop out in an accident. Unknown Unknown No wa…
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The windshield lower molding is deteriorating. The molding has cracked and fallen off in several places. This has been happening over the last 6 months but has gotten much worse. It also makes a buzzing vibration over 50mph. I'm afraid that if it gets any worse the windshield may pop out in an accident. Unknown Unknown No warning
Official recalls
626V448000 · Structure:body
Jul 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
26V101000 · Suspension:rear
Feb 20, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
26V012000 · Equipment:electrical:engine Block Heater
Jan 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
24V031000 · Structure:body:roof And Pillars
Jan 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
21V316000 · Structure:body
May 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
19V633000 · Seats:front Assembly:recliner; Seats:mid/rear Assembly
Aug 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."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seats:mid/rear Assembly
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."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Seats:front Assembly:recliner
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."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1PE23001 · Windshield Trim Molding Item Detachment
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Feb 8, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:body:roof And Pillars
On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles. At the time of opening, the office had received 164 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting this failure. ODI has received 671 VOQs regarding this failure, including 1 alleged crash and 2 alleged injuries. Some consumers have reported that the failure occurred while they were driving at highway speeds, with the detached trim panel entering the path of travel of the vehicle behind them, requiring the driver of the following vehicle to take evasive action. It is noteworthy that motorists who experience this type of road hazard are less likely to accurately identify the subject vehicle the item detached from and report the event to the NHTSA. In its April 17, 2023 response to ODI’s information request, Ford provided 175 consumer complaints (including field reports) and 14,162 warranty claims related to A-pillar trim panel detachment. Ford relayed that the subject vehicles utilize a plastic A-pillar bracket, which is bolted to the vehicle structure during assembly. The A-pillar trim panel is attached to the bracket utilizing 7 plastic clips. Contributory factors which have been identified by Ford as leading to the subject defect include incomplete installation at the assembly plant, inadequate part stack up, damage to fasteners during installation, and failure to follow proper repair procedure during windshield replacements or other services. On January 19, 2024, Ford filed safety recall 24V-031 for MY 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles to address the subject defect. In the Part 573 Safety Recall Report, Ford identified that a detached A-pillar trim panel can create a road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall remedy includes an inspection of the existing A-pillar trim panel and, if necessary, the replacement of the component. The remedy A-pillar trim panels will be installed with an additional adhesive for robustness and utilize an inspection procedure to ensure full engagement of all the retention clips during installation. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.