2019 Ford Explorer Problems, Recalls & Reliability
334 owner complaints sit in the federal file for the 2019 Ford Explorer, alongside 6 recall campaigns and 1 defect investigation. It scores 7/100 on the trouble index — one of this model's quieter years. Body & structure leads the reports, typically around 63,125 miles.
One of the quieter years. Relative to its siblings, the 2019 Ford Explorer has drawn well-below-average complaint volume with at least four years on the road.
Better year
Where 2019 sits among all Explorer years
What owners report
“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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…”— owner report to NHTSA, 2019 Explorer
“Windshield and door trim is coming unglued and flaps while driving normal highway speeds.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2019 Explorer
“Needs a full transmission replacement and only have 80,000 miles on it. Bought new from dealership in 2019.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2019 Explorer
Mileage when trouble shows up
Among the 129 reports that include an odometer reading, problems most often appear around 52,000 miles. Half of those reports fall between 25,000 and 78,532 miles — a useful range to weigh against the mileage of the exact car you're looking at.
Recalls (6)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Fix: 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, are…
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
Fix: 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…
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.
Fix: 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…
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.
Fix: 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…
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.
Fix: 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…
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…
Fix: 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…
Federal defect investigations
Led to recall campaign 24V031.
Complaint history for this model year
When owners filed their reports — a long tail means problems kept surfacing for years.
Questions buyers ask
Is the 2019 Ford Explorer reliable?
The 2019 Ford Explorer drew 334 complaints in federal safety records — one of this model's quieter years. Its trouble index is 7/100, scored against the model's worst year (2002).
What are the most common 2019 Ford Explorer problems?
The top reported problems for the 2019 Ford Explorer are body & structure (147 complaints), other (44), and transmission & drivetrain (35).
At what mileage do 2019 Ford Explorer problems show up?
Owners most often report 2019 Ford Explorer problems around 52,000 miles. Half of all reports that include an odometer reading fall between 25,000 and 78,532 miles.
Does the 2019 Ford Explorer have recalls?
6 recall campaigns apply to the 2019 Ford Explorer. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer.
Every number on this page is a count of records in the federal complaint, recall, and investigation files published by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. Check any specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.