IllustrationDec 2022- Windshield trim on passenger side ripped off while driving on the interstate. Sept 2023- noticed noise while driving. Checked driver side trim and noticed seal was gone. Trim was cracked along its entirety. Replaced before it also flew off
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
270–25K
2425–50K
2750–75K
2775–100K
8100–150K
2150K+
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
Unknown Or Other complaints
45 reportsDoing 70 mph and trim along passenger windshield broke in half and flew off
OEM Ford Gen 4 SYNC 3 Nav APIM suddenly started sporadically functioning. Contacted Ford after viewing multiple recalls from previous years Ford vehicles with exact issue. After being told there was no recall on my 2019 Explorer, was given a quote of $170.00 to diagnose issue, $900 + for APIM module, plus installation and progr…
Read full complaint
OEM Ford Gen 4 SYNC 3 Nav APIM suddenly started sporadically functioning. Contacted Ford after viewing multiple recalls from previous years Ford vehicles with exact issue. After being told there was no recall on my 2019 Explorer, was given a quote of $170.00 to diagnose issue, $900 + for APIM module, plus installation and programming. We purchased a re-programmed APIM module and installed. Problem is now corrected. Recall needs entered on this unit. Attaching photos of front & back of bad unit: WY1W748K GR26A KB5T-14G370-DCA SERIAL NO. 205831 MFG - JANUARY 2019 ASSY NO. MAJ0673GX PANASONIC AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS MODEL FA-170-BCAR-HS IFT# RCPPAFA16-2032 FCC ID: ACJ-FA-170-BCARHS IC ID: 216B-FA170BCARHS ANATEL ID: 05008-16-09014 CMIIT ID: 2016AJ4795
Windshield trim falling off and deteriorating - windshield rattling - took to dealer to replace windshield trim - paid 642.00 to replace deteriorated trim - want a recall on this as it is very dangerous/ I also want reimbursement of 642.00 for repair
The rear camera failed and it was discovered a corroded connector and cable. This is causing rear camera to fail. Ford helped with the repair cost however, the entire cable was replaced. Waited 5 months. This is a common problem and FORD should cover the refund and recall. The cameras are on a recall but not the cables that are …
Read full complaint
The rear camera failed and it was discovered a corroded connector and cable. This is causing rear camera to fail. Ford helped with the repair cost however, the entire cable was replaced. Waited 5 months. This is a common problem and FORD should cover the refund and recall. The cameras are on a recall but not the cables that are causing the camera to fail. The repair costs like $2000. Ford did help. This is a manufacturer defect and the problem is common. Please see pictures and the video link. https://youtu.be/ewz_OeFO_6M
Passenger's side A pillar trim piece broke and flew off at highway speed. This seems to be a previously identified manufacturer's defect not yet recalled.
Windshield and door trim is coming unglued and flaps while driving normal highway speeds.
I have a 2019 Ford Explorer. I have seen that serval people have reported the front windshield trimming flying off going down the road for no reason. I recently had to replace both of my window trimming because this happened to me. One flew completely off going down the interstate and the other one came off but lucky did not …
Read full complaint
I have a 2019 Ford Explorer. I have seen that serval people have reported the front windshield trimming flying off going down the road for no reason. I recently had to replace both of my window trimming because this happened to me. One flew completely off going down the interstate and the other one came off but lucky did not fly off with traffic around. This is very dangerous not only for the owner of the vehicle but other vehicles around when it flys off. I have contacted FORD and they do not want to reimburse me for the amount of money I have spent to get this fixed. This is not a default on the owners end, it is a FORD default. I feel as if Ford needs to reimburse. Again, this could be very dangerous for other drivers on the road when these prices fly off. Safety first.
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 b…
Read full complaint
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
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.