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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 →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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

What owners actually said

294 reports
Mileage unknown · Jun 13, 2024
Engine

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 t…

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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)

NHTSA ODI #11594129

65,000 miles · Jun 13, 2024
Power Train

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was an orange wrench warning light was illuminated when the vehicle was shifted into reverse. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the failure was with the torque converter. The contact was informed that the tra…

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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was an orange wrench warning light was illuminated when the vehicle was shifted into reverse. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the failure was with the torque converter. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the same information was provided. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised to contact NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

NHTSA ODI #11594127

56,000 miles · May 29, 2024
Structure

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the A-pillar trim on the passenger’s side 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,…

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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the A-pillar trim on the passenger’s side 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 was charged for the vehicle to be diagnosed. 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 referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11591387

19,000 miles · May 20, 2024
Structure

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 contact stated that while driving a…

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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 contact stated that while driving approximately 62 MPH, the front driver’s side door keypad detached and caused a short circuit in the battery causing the battery to fail. The battery was replaced, and the keypad was repaired but shortly afterward the keypad detached and flew off the vehicle on the highway and the battery failed again. The contact referenced the failure to TSB: 19-2150 (Factory Keyless Entry Keypad). The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11589773

Mileage unknown · May 15, 2024
Unknown Or Other

I took my vehicle last year to the dealership to report the safety concern I had with a loose piece under my hood causing a flapping sound while driving. They determined the exterior a pillar was warped, loose and missing pieces. I received the recall in the mail a few weeks later, although they will not set up an appointment fo…

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I took my vehicle last year to the dealership to report the safety concern I had with a loose piece under my hood causing a flapping sound while driving. They determined the exterior a pillar was warped, loose and missing pieces. I received the recall in the mail a few weeks later, although they will not set up an appointment for me to resolve this issue. Not only does it state this is a potential safety concern, it has already been established this piece is defective on my vehicle. I also drive fellow associates around to meetings in my vehicle and it is putting them in danger along with myself and is bringing concerns it has not yet been addressed. The recall was sent to me a few weeks later on 01/26/2024.

NHTSA ODI #11588916

Mileage unknown · May 13, 2024
Structure

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 not made aware of the is…

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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 not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11588393

21,000 miles · May 7, 2024
Structure

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the roof rail had detached. The local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed determined that the roof rail needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the roof rail was temporarily fixed with tape. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was made aware NHTSA Cam…

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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the roof rail had detached. The local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed determined that the roof rail needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the roof rail was temporarily fixed with tape. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was made aware NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.

NHTSA ODI #11587511

Mileage unknown · May 7, 2024
Air Bags

Airbag light has come on, states second row passanger side airbag inflatable circuit (inflatable seatbelt). Just purchased vehicle two days ago.

NHTSA ODI #11587509

63,250 miles · May 1, 2024
Structure

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the passenger's side A-pillar trim detached and made a loud popping sound. The contact stated that the driver's side A-pillar trim was extremely loose. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) ho…

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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the passenger's side A-pillar trim detached and made a loud popping sound. The contact stated that the driver's side A-pillar trim was extremely loose. 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. 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 of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,250. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11586451

76,000 miles · Apr 29, 2024
Structure

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the exterior pillars on both sides of the window had detached. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving on several occasions over 30 MPH, she observed a loud buzzing noise and wind coming through the sides of the windshield. The vehicle was not diagnosed o…

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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the exterior pillars on both sides of the window had detached. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving on several occasions over 30 MPH, she observed a loud buzzing noise and wind coming through the sides of the windshield. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

NHTSA ODI #11585907

Official recalls

6

26V448000 · 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

1

PE23001 · 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.

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