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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 · Jul 10, 2022
Fuel/propulsion System

At 53,000 miles I was driving down the highway and my vehicle sputtered and died leaving me stranded on the side of the road. The vehicle would not start. I took the vehicle to a local repair shop and had to replace the Fuel Pump for the vehicle. That was very low mileage to have an issue with a major part like a fuel pump.

NHTSA ODI #11473252

Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 2022
Air BagsSteering

Clip on horn cover that secures the driver air bag was coming apart, if not repaired may have caused an accident by inflating the air bag by a bump in the road or any other sensing that causes the air bag to engage, including honking the horn. on the interstate could have been catastrophic. To the driver, the horn cover could h…

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Clip on horn cover that secures the driver air bag was coming apart, if not repaired may have caused an accident by inflating the air bag by a bump in the road or any other sensing that causes the air bag to engage, including honking the horn. on the interstate could have been catastrophic. To the driver, the horn cover could have discharged to the face without notice. The vehicle was taken to Dick Smith Ford in Columbia SC and after a long consideration by Ford Motors the steering wheel and air bag was replace at cost to me of $156.53. The vehicle had 24,000 with very light driving miles and little to no honking. Had not a mechanic at a local tire store took note, this possible tragic failure would have done some irrevocable harm to driver, occupants of vehicle and other in proximity of vehicle safety failure.

NHTSA ODI #11467353

Mileage unknown · May 31, 2022
SeatsUnknown Or Other

There is a recall and no remedy has been done. Still waiting on a call or email.

NHTSA ODI #11466696

270,450 miles · May 23, 2022
Structure

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, he heard an abnormal noise coming from the roof rack. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, he noticed that the roof rack had detached. The contact called the local deale…

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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, he heard an abnormal noise coming from the roof rack. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, he noticed that the roof rack had detached. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 270,450.

NHTSA ODI #11465774

Mileage unknown · May 9, 2022
Structure

While driving on I-95 on 5/4, the RH windshield moulding broke off suddenly and flew off behind the car, fortunately not hitting another vehicle, although that could easily have happened. I took the car to Mullinex Ford in New Smyrna Beach, FL on 5/9; they said the exterior moulding (which broke off) and the underlying RH A pil…

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While driving on I-95 on 5/4, the RH windshield moulding broke off suddenly and flew off behind the car, fortunately not hitting another vehicle, although that could easily have happened. I took the car to Mullinex Ford in New Smyrna Beach, FL on 5/9; they said the exterior moulding (which broke off) and the underlying RH A pillar moulding needed to be replaced (costing me $432, since it wasn't covered by my extended warranty). This same thing happened to my previous 2013 Explorer in 2017-2018 timeframe! Apparently it is a well-known problem with all Ford Explorers since at least 2013 , as many others have reported at https://www.carproblemzoo.com/ford/explorer/body-problems.php ). But Ford has never issued a recall on this problem, and refuse to cover it under extended warranties. This is a real safey issue, as parts should NOT be breaking off on a car and flying through the air to potentially hit other vehicles. At the website I specified, some vehicle owners reported incidents that DID hit other vehicles, including a motorcyclist.

NHTSA ODI #11463960

56,000 miles · Apr 27, 2022
SteeringCrashInjury

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at approximately 25 mph, the steering wheel seized causing the vehicle to crash into a concrete brick mailbox. The air bags deployed. The contact stated that the driver sustained chemical burning from the air bags and the front passenge…

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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at approximately 25 mph, the steering wheel seized causing the vehicle to crash into a concrete brick mailbox. The air bags deployed. The contact stated that the driver sustained chemical burning from the air bags and the front passenger sustained a high ankle sprain and broke right foot that needed medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a collision center. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a case number. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.

NHTSA ODI #11462409

30,000 miles · Mar 29, 2022
Structure

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the roof rack trim detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer took…

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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the roof rack trim detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer took pictures of the vehicle and forwarded them to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer transferred the contact to the NHTSA to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA ODI #11458776

46,000 miles · Mar 28, 2022
Electrical System

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the lock button was depressed and the contact became aware that the horn was not operating as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was n…

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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the lock button was depressed and the contact became aware that the horn was not operating as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,000.

NHTSA ODI #11458717

Mileage unknown · Jan 18, 2022
Unknown Or Other

We continue to smell exhaust fumes in the cabin on the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11447861

20,000 miles · Jan 18, 2022
Engine

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was an abnormal ticking noise detected from the front end of the vehicle. The contact stated that while his wife was driving, the vehicle failed to accelerate and revved up. The contact noticed that the air intake manifold was disconnected. The contact stated t…

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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was an abnormal ticking noise detected from the front end of the vehicle. The contact stated that while his wife was driving, the vehicle failed to accelerate and revved up. The contact noticed that the air intake manifold was disconnected. The contact stated that he noticed an oil leak in the driveway. The rear seat heater became inoperable and the tires were bald. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer where it was diagnosed that the seal was broken. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

NHTSA ODI #11447844

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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