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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.

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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

Engine complaints

19 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jul 15, 2022
Engine

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.

NHTSA ODI #11474057

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

Mileage unknown · Jan 3, 2022
Engine

I have a 2019 Ford Explorer Limited. Since shortly after my lease began, I found it to emit a burnt hair like smell in the passenger cabin whenever I am applying heavy acceleration. I have had a similar issue with two previous Explorers I've owned (2015 XLT, 2017 XLT), and brought the vehicle to the dealer, requesting that the…

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I have a 2019 Ford Explorer Limited. Since shortly after my lease began, I found it to emit a burnt hair like smell in the passenger cabin whenever I am applying heavy acceleration. I have had a similar issue with two previous Explorers I've owned (2015 XLT, 2017 XLT), and brought the vehicle to the dealer, requesting that they remediate the issue. The dealer's service center claims there are no fumes, and did not attempt to repair the vehicle. This was the second time I took it to that dealer for the issue. I have contacted Ford Customer Service, though have yet to get any repair or remediation of the issue. I am concerned as I have had repeated instances of drowsiness when operating the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11446048

41,000 miles · Dec 17, 2020
EngineUnknown Or Other

VERY LOUD NOISE FROM THE ENGINE WAS TOLD IT WAS THE SUPERCHARGER BUT IT SOUNDS LIKE A CONSTANT CLICKING. WE TOOK IT BACK AND DEALERSHIP TOLD US IT WAS FIXED. STILL MAKES A LOUD CLICKING WHEN DRIVING , MORE SO WHEN ACCELERATING. CALLED DEALERSHIP, THEY SAID THEY FIXED IT. TO US ITS STILL DOESNT SOUND LIKE A 2019 VEHICLE SHOULD

NHTSA ODI #11383995

25,000 miles · Sep 19, 2020
Engine

MY SUV IS LEAKING EXHAUST INTO THE CABIN. THE PROBLEM BEGAN WHEN ACCELERATING QUICKLY, LIKE GETTING ON THE HIGHWAY OR PASSING A CAR. NOW THE PROBLEM IS OFTEN WHEN JUST DRIVING NORMALLY. YOU CAN SMELL THE EXHAUST INSIDE. IT SMELLS LIKE ROTTEN EGGS. I HAVE BROUGHT THE EXPLORER BACK 3 TIMES TO THE DEALER AND THE CANNOT FIX IT. …

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MY SUV IS LEAKING EXHAUST INTO THE CABIN. THE PROBLEM BEGAN WHEN ACCELERATING QUICKLY, LIKE GETTING ON THE HIGHWAY OR PASSING A CAR. NOW THE PROBLEM IS OFTEN WHEN JUST DRIVING NORMALLY. YOU CAN SMELL THE EXHAUST INSIDE. IT SMELLS LIKE ROTTEN EGGS. I HAVE BROUGHT THE EXPLORER BACK 3 TIMES TO THE DEALER AND THE CANNOT FIX IT. IT HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR OVER 8 WEEKS.

NHTSA ODI #11359958

700 miles · Jul 30, 2019
EngineFuel/propulsion System

BURNING SMELL (PRESUMABLY EXHAUST FUMES) ARE LEAKING INTO CABIN WHILE DRIVING. HAPPENS MORE OFTEN UPON HARD ACCELERATION AND WITH AIR CONDITIONING ON IN AIR RECYCLE MODE.

NHTSA ODI #11240611

1,100 miles · Jun 6, 2019
Electrical SystemEngine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED FUMES COMING FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LEE FORD LINCOLN (LOCATED AT 4170-C RALEIGH RD PKWY W, WILSON, NC 27896, (252) 291-6000) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFAC…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED FUMES COMING FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LEE FORD LINCOLN (LOCATED AT 4170-C RALEIGH RD PKWY W, WILSON, NC 27896, (252) 291-6000) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,100. *TT SINCE THE INITIAL FAILURE REPORT TO NHTSA ON JUNE 6, 2019, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER IN THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS TO DATE, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. TO THIS DATE, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. EXCESSIVE FUMES IN THE CABIN, MAINLY WHILE ACCELERATING AND/OR DRIVING LONG DISTANCES; THE SMELL IS SO STRONG THAT WE KEEP THE SUNROOF TILT OPEN TO ENSURE GOOD AIR FLOW & REMOVE FUMES FROM CABIN.*JB

NHTSA ODI #11218291

1,800 miles · May 21, 2019
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemSteering

ON MARCH 2ND 2019 FORD EXPLORER SPORT WITH 1,800 MILES WAS TOWED TO THOMASSEN FORD IN CHARLES TOWN WV LEAVING OWNER STRANDED. COMPLAINED OF STRONG FUEL/GASOLINE ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. FUEL/GASOLINE WAS LEAKING BADLY OUT OF THE VEHICLE ONTO THE EXHAUST PIPE. ON MARCH 4TH NOTIFICATION WAS PROVIDED FROM SERVICE WRITER THAT NONE …

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ON MARCH 2ND 2019 FORD EXPLORER SPORT WITH 1,800 MILES WAS TOWED TO THOMASSEN FORD IN CHARLES TOWN WV LEAVING OWNER STRANDED. COMPLAINED OF STRONG FUEL/GASOLINE ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. FUEL/GASOLINE WAS LEAKING BADLY OUT OF THE VEHICLE ONTO THE EXHAUST PIPE. ON MARCH 4TH NOTIFICATION WAS PROVIDED FROM SERVICE WRITER THAT NONE OF THE FUEL LINES OR CLAMPS WERE ATTACHED PROPERLY FROM THE FACTORY. VEHICLE SAT AT THOMASSEN FORD UNTIL MARCH 27TH WHEN REPAIRS WERE COMPLETE. APRIL 9TH 2019 SOME FORM OF FLUID LEAKED OUT OF THE PARKED VEHICLE FOR 8 HOURS AFTER A 7 MINUTE DRIVE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JERRY'S FORD IN LEESBURG VA "UNABLE TO DUPLICATE" THEREFORE NO ACTION WAS TAKEN. THERE ARE PHOTOS OF THIS ISSUE. APRIL 18TH 2019 A STRANGE NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN DRIVING. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO JERRY'S FORD IN LEESBURG VA "UNABLE TO DUPLICATE" THEREFORE AGAIN NO ACTION WAS TAKEN. TO THIS DAY THE VEHICLE STILL MAKES THE NOISE WHICH HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THERE IS VIDEO OF THIS ISSUE

NHTSA ODI #11208940

4,500 miles · Apr 2, 2019
EngineFuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT SMELLED EXHAUST FUMES AND FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ADVANTAGE FORD (4000 SE FEDERAL HWY, STUART, FL 34997, (772) 287-0955) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE TEST WAS NOT YET COMPLETED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIM…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT SMELLED EXHAUST FUMES AND FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ADVANTAGE FORD (4000 SE FEDERAL HWY, STUART, FL 34997, (772) 287-0955) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE TEST WAS NOT YET COMPLETED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,500.

NHTSA ODI #11193405

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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