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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 · Apr 16, 2026
Service BrakesSteeringWheels

Brakes, rotors, tires and now steering column and starting gear is needing replaced after recall of rear toe link in 2019 ford explorer

NHTSA ODI #11731692

Mileage unknown · Apr 14, 2026
Seats

The massage seat on the driver and passenger front seats malfunctioned. The drivers seat massage pillows stayed inflated on the seat and backrest. Driving to work this morning the massage pillow on the drivers seat popped. This was a very loud almost gunshot type of sound which caused me to swerve my vehicle and almost create an…

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The massage seat on the driver and passenger front seats malfunctioned. The drivers seat massage pillows stayed inflated on the seat and backrest. Driving to work this morning the massage pillow on the drivers seat popped. This was a very loud almost gunshot type of sound which caused me to swerve my vehicle and almost create an accident. This is due to the massage seat malfunctioning. Ford Motor corp is aware of the issue with the seats and have issued a Technical Service Bulletin but no recall. This is a serious safety issue as this could have caused a major accident while operating the vehicle. Ford Motor Corp refuses to fix the issue with my vehicle as it is no longer covered by my warranty.

NHTSA ODI #11731030

Mileage unknown · Apr 13, 2026
Power Train

I brought my vehicle to Ford Motor Place in Webster Massachusetts to do two recalls, my car was driving normally before the recall service. Immediately after recall work, it does not run properly. The dealer claims transmission failure without prior symptoms. The vehicle only has 70,000 miles.

NHTSA ODI #11730866

50,000 miles · Apr 9, 2026
EngineFuel System, Gasoline

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V101000 (Suspension). While retrieving the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact heard the mechanic revving the engine of the vehicle. The dealer determined that the fuel pump and fuel pump m…

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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V101000 (Suspension). While retrieving the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact heard the mechanic revving the engine of the vehicle. The dealer determined that the fuel pump and fuel pump module needed to be replaced, and that the failure was not related to the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and determined that the failure was not related to the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ODI #11730183

150,000 miles · Apr 6, 2026
Structure

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 not yet available. The contact stated that the driver's side windshield exterior A-Pillar trim had started to detach while driving. The dealer was notified of the…

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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 not yet available. The contact stated that the driver's side windshield exterior A-Pillar trim had started to detach while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ODI #11729472

Mileage unknown · Apr 4, 2026
Structure

Ford had a recall on a Explorer's roof rack covers...In 2021 the dealer glued down the covers. Over time the glue has gone bad and both roof racks are loose causing concern. I recently found out that there was a fix for this. It was installing Christmas tree push clips into cover to secure them. I recently went to the deale…

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Ford had a recall on a Explorer's roof rack covers...In 2021 the dealer glued down the covers. Over time the glue has gone bad and both roof racks are loose causing concern. I recently found out that there was a fix for this. It was installing Christmas tree push clips into cover to secure them. I recently went to the dealer (Sayville Ford, [XXX] ) and inquired about this and adviser stated not recall on file since it was done in 2021. Both roof rack covers are defective. Structure: Body Recall date 2021-05-04 Recall no. 21V316000 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. Hide details Recall consequence A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall action 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 [XXX] . Ford's number for this recall is 21S22. My vehicle never had push pins inserted according to this recall. Please advise on any help in this matter. I wait your response. Thank You [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11729156

Mileage unknown · Apr 2, 2026
Unknown Or Other

Vehicle was stolen, sold, and relisted for sale. Open Recalls on vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11728803

Mileage unknown · Mar 30, 2026
StructureInjury

The a-pillar applique trim, which borders the left and right side of the front windshield of my 2019 Ford Explorer has been under recall since January 2024. I've taken it to Bill Utter Ford in Denton, Texas, on four separate occasions to ask for it to be repaired. Generally stated, every six months since the recall. They tell me…

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The a-pillar applique trim, which borders the left and right side of the front windshield of my 2019 Ford Explorer has been under recall since January 2024. I've taken it to Bill Utter Ford in Denton, Texas, on four separate occasions to ask for it to be repaired. Generally stated, every six months since the recall. They tell me its too bad, there are np arts to repair it. Question, how can you all allow 2 years to pass and not force them to do something? On March 29, 2026, the drivers side piece came flying off at 30 miles per hour. Luckily no one was behind me. Now my windshield has no protection trim. Further, I cut my right hand trying to force the broken pieces back in.

NHTSA ODI #11728046

Mileage unknown · Mar 30, 2026
Electrical SystemStructure

The B post on the driver side flew off while driving. This is has been an ongoing issue. Ford has fixed them before and they keep causing issues on both the driver and passenger side. The exterior panel does not stay connected to the truck. It flew off at highway speeds, causing the air and rear tailgate to malfunction after it …

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The B post on the driver side flew off while driving. This is has been an ongoing issue. Ford has fixed them before and they keep causing issues on both the driver and passenger side. The exterior panel does not stay connected to the truck. It flew off at highway speeds, causing the air and rear tailgate to malfunction after it pulled a wire out. This is a huge safety issue ford refuses to acknowledge.

NHTSA ODI #11728018

Mileage unknown · Mar 26, 2026
Suspension

My ford dealer will not check 4 wheel alignment at no charge to me. I have two articles that it is mandatory to do a 4 wheel alignment after replacing the rear toe arms on my 2019 ford explorer.

NHTSA ODI #11727204

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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