The horn/horns stopped working. There just was no more sound. No wreck or jolts. Just no sound. Pressed all angles and area of horn “button” but not even a hint of horn sound. Horn fuse and horn relay are both good.
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
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.
What owners actually said
294 reportsRoof rack rails coming off car. Recall number 21S22. I took my 2019 Ford explorer to the local Ford dealer on 03/25/2022 and roof rails were repaired. Roof rails coming off again. I called Ford motor company again (CS-40164791). A lady named Fallon told me there is nothing Ford Motor Company can do. All recall attempts have b…
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Roof rack rails coming off car. Recall number 21S22. I took my 2019 Ford explorer to the local Ford dealer on 03/25/2022 and roof rails were repaired. Roof rails coming off again. I called Ford motor company again (CS-40164791). A lady named Fallon told me there is nothing Ford Motor Company can do. All recall attempts have been made. Roof rails did not look like this when car was new, plus the roof rails looked like new when local Ford dealer made first recall repair. Now coming off again. Roof rails may not have been repaired correctly or to recall recommendation. I have checked many Ford Explorer’s, in parking lot, between 2016 and 2019 none have roof rails sticking up 3/4 of an inch in rear of car like mine.
I have had the key pad replaced 2 times because it melts at top. It has melted again Should it be recalled
2nd row seat belt malfunctioned during when rear ended recently. Seat belt came unlatched on my niece throwing her towards the front passenger seat. Car has been totaled. Injury was to driver.
The torque converter on my 2019 Explorer is messing up. Causing a stutter while driving and an extremely rough idle when trying to stop at a stop light/sign. This stutter happens intermittently and unexpectedly weather driving at a high rate of speed or low. A light never came on and no codes were able to be read. The last day I…
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The torque converter on my 2019 Explorer is messing up. Causing a stutter while driving and an extremely rough idle when trying to stop at a stop light/sign. This stutter happens intermittently and unexpectedly weather driving at a high rate of speed or low. A light never came on and no codes were able to be read. The last day I was able to dive my car the idle suddenly dropped so low mid driving. Thankfully I was going at a low rate of speed and able to get my vehicle off the road. I took my vehicle back to the Ford dealership and asked that they re-evaluate as the problem had gotten worse. That’s when I was informed my torque converter had malfunctioned. Not only did the dealership provide me with that information, but they also informed me that this is a known issue and has affected so many Explorers in this way, Ford had issued multiple TSBs to their service departments notifying them of this issue. I have attached screenshots of TSB 20-2271 and 22-2287, showing Ford is aware of these issues being reported on the 2016-2019 model Explorers. In my research, I’ve also found that the NHTSA has had a previous case, 17S16, showing Fords directive to replace faulty Torque Converters back in June of 2018. It is clear that Ford has not taken this issue seriously and continues to produce and sell vehicles with this bad part. This stutter and sudden decrease in idle could cause a wreck. Thankfully it did not with me, but it is an ongoing issue that could in the future. Ford has acknowledged there’s a problem but has not yet issued a recall on this part, for my VIN or cars like mine. I urge the NHTSA to investigate and encourage Ford to make this right and improve the quality of the torque converters they’re producing and selling to consumers.
When I took a left hand turn coming from a stop-sign the control arm on my front right passenger side busted. I did not hit anything or cause the damange instead this was in part of failure of the product. I was traveling approximately 3 mph on a flat surface with no traffic exiting an industrial park. Because the control arm br…
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When I took a left hand turn coming from a stop-sign the control arm on my front right passenger side busted. I did not hit anything or cause the damange instead this was in part of failure of the product. I was traveling approximately 3 mph on a flat surface with no traffic exiting an industrial park. Because the control arm broke, it caused significant other damage to my vehicle due to the inability to steer my vehicle and the wheel to no longer be controlled by the steering wheel. There were no warning signs and nothing to signal to me that my car was in fact having issues. If I would have been traveling on the hwy during this incident chances are I would have been severally hurt or even killed. I had just dropped off my husband and child at an event where we were traveling on a hwy. Luckily I was traveling at a slow speed during this incident and nobody was injured. The vehicle has been inspected and based on the significant damage (fender, door, mechanical) there has been nothing but challenges getting the issues fixed. My car is still covered under warranty because it's new however between my car insurance and the warranty nobody wants to help cover the cost of the damage that was cause at no fault of my own. Finally, this is a known issue with Ford vehicles. Research shows many, many other complaints just like mine where faulty control arms are breaking at no fault of the driver. As a matter of fact, 3 days ago there was the same incident at a round-about where another Ford Explorer was sitting in the middle with it's control arm broken. Same issue, same scenario.
Transmission torque converter and transmission clutches malfunctioning. Yes it's available for inspection if needed. Safety is an issue because car shudders when driving. Yes, problem has been observed by a dealer. And has been inspected with an estimated cost of $5,100+ No warning lights come on to know to assess the issue.
The front pillar columns on either side of the windshield have flown off while driving on the interstate. This is a ongoing Ford issue that should be fixed and is so dangerous could crack someone’s windshield
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated there was a loud rattle coming from the rear passenger side wheel of the vehicle. The noise progressed when on rough roads. The contact inspected the rear passenger side toe link which seemed as though it was loose and malfunctioning. The contact did not take the vehicle …
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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated there was a loud rattle coming from the rear passenger side wheel of the vehicle. The noise progressed when on rough roads. The contact inspected the rear passenger side toe link which seemed as though it was loose and malfunctioning. The contact did not take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,172
2019 Ford Explorer shutdown at full speed on Florida Turnpike for the second time within 30 days. The first time it was thought that the battery was at end of life. A new battery was installed and thought to be fine however, later the vehicle was unable to start after highway use, requiring waiting to restart. Engine cranks b…
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2019 Ford Explorer shutdown at full speed on Florida Turnpike for the second time within 30 days. The first time it was thought that the battery was at end of life. A new battery was installed and thought to be fine however, later the vehicle was unable to start after highway use, requiring waiting to restart. Engine cranks but will not start. Vehicle started then shut down at full highway speed on the Florida Turnpike on July 5th. Car was in unsafe location on highway edge as no other area was reachable. Car cranked but would not start. Turnpike Road Ranger responded, I called for tow and Uber, car eventually started and I drove it to Lorenzo Ford of Homestead FL. Ford has no TSBs on this subject however the internet has multiple videos showing Ford customer’s experiencing the same issue of no start or shutdowns. Please review for similar complaints. I have a very nice unreliable and unsafe car at this point.
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.
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