2019 Ford Explorer Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2019 Ford Explorer ranks 15th worst out of 21 model years with a complaint index of 30 and a Good verdict, well below Avoid years like 2016 (index 100). It has 296 complaints, 6 recalls, and no fires or deaths reported.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 30/100
- #15 of 21 Explorer years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 296
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 6
- Top issue
- Structure & Body
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 17 city / 24 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 6 / 0
Top 2019 Ford Explorer problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Structure & Body154 (52%)
- Other45 (15%)
- Transmission & Powertrain35 (12%)
- Engine26 (9%)
- Electrical System19 (6%)
- Fuel System17 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires16 (5%)
- Steering9 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers7 (2%)
- Brakes4 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some owners report the steering wheel seizing at low speed, in one case leading to a crash into a fixed object.
- Multiple owners describe smelling exhaust or fuel fumes inside the cabin, sometimes at low mileage shortly after purchase.
- Owners report fuel line and clamp issues causing gasoline to leak onto the exhaust pipe.
- Some drivers report wheel lugs shearing off, causing a wheel to detach while towing.
- Owners describe sudden loss of steering control paired with a front tire failure while driving straight.
- A second-row seat belt was reported to unlatch during a rear-end collision.
2019 Ford Explorer recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V448000Jul 14, 2026Structure & Body288,314 vehicles
Structure:body
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 26V101000Feb 20, 2026Suspension, Wheels & Tires412,774 vehicles
Suspension:rear
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 26V012000Jan 15, 2026Other2,403 vehicles
Equipment:electrical:engine block heater
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.
Risk: 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.
2019 Ford Explorer fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17 MPG
- Highway
- 24 MPG
- Combined
- 20 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,250
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2019 compared with other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2019 Ford Explorer reliable?
- Among 21 model years of the Explorer, 2019 ranks 15th worst with a complaint index of 30 and a Good verdict, meaning it has fewer reported problems than most other Explorer years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2019 Ford Explorer?
- NHTSA complaints show Structure & Body issues lead at 52% of complaints, followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 12% and Engine at 9%.
- Does the 2019 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2019 Explorer, covering roof rail covers, rear suspension toe links, an engine block heater, A-pillar trim, and seat structure, with none classified as do-not-drive.
- How does the 2019 Explorer compare to the 2016 or 2013 Explorer?
- The 2019 Explorer has a complaint index of 30 versus 100 for 2016 and 85 for 2013, both of which carry Avoid verdicts, making 2019 a comparatively safer choice within the model lineup.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2019 Ford Explorer?
- EPA rates the 2019 Explorer at 20 mpg combined (17 city / 24 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,250.