2019 Ford Explorer Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
7/100
#15 most-complained of 16 Explorer years
The 2019 Ford Explorer ranks 15th of 16 model years, with a complaint index of 7 and a "Best" verdict relative to other Explorer years. It has 296 NHTSA complaints, 6 recalls, 2 crashes, and 6 injuries, with Structure & Body issues (52% of complaints) as the top concern.
- Complaints
- 296
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes / fires
- 2 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 6 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 17 city / 24 hwy
Top 2019 Ford Explorer problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Owners report exhaust or fuel odor entering the cabin at low mileage, sometimes tied to hard acceleration or air conditioning use.
- Some drivers experienced the steering wheel seizing suddenly at low speed, in one case leading to a crash.
- Wheel lugs reportedly sheared off during towing, causing a wheel to detach while driving.
- Owners describe a loud noise and sudden loss of steering control paired with a tire that appeared damaged.
- One owner reported the brake pedal was positioned too far away to reach quickly in an emergency.
- A second-row seat belt reportedly came unlatched 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?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2019 Explorer has a complaint index of 7, the second lowest of the 16 Explorer model years covered, earning a "Best" verdict relative to other years.
- What problems does the 2019 Ford Explorer have?
- Structure & Body issues make up 52% of complaints, followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 12% and Engine at 9%. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for this model year, including roof rail covers detaching and rear suspension toe links that may fracture.
- Does the 2019 Ford Explorer have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 6 recalls, covering roof rail cover retention pins, A-pillar trim clips, rear suspension toe links, seat structure, and an engine block heater that may crack and leak coolant.
- How many complaints does the 2019 Ford Explorer have?
- NHTSA has recorded 296 complaints for the 2019 Explorer, with a median mileage at failure of 53,000 miles and 2 reported crashes.
- Which Ford Explorer years should I avoid?
- Among the years listed, 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2020 carry "Avoid" verdicts with complaint indexes of 93, 87, 100, and 80 respectively, all higher than the 2019 model's index of 7.