2019 Ford Explorer problems and recalls

50% of owner complaints on the 2019 Ford Explorer related to the Structure (147 of 292).

292
Complaints
6
Recalls
2
Crash reports
0
Fire reports
6
Injuries
29.8
Severity index

Severity index 29.8 Low. The index weights crashes, fires, injuries and fatalities per 100 complaints. How it is calculated.

Middle half of all tracked vehiclesThis vehicle: 29.8p25 46p75 80cleanestworst
Severity index against the quartile range for all tracked vehicles.

Ranked 114 of 123 by severity index among 2019 vehicles with at least 40 complaints, highest first. 7% of those vehicles scored lower. Full 2019 ranking.

Components cited in complaints

StructureStructure: 147 complaints (50.3%)147 50%Unknown Or OtherUnknown Or Other: 45 complaints (15.4%)45 15%Power TrainPower Train: 35 complaints (12.0%)35 12%EngineEngine: 19 complaints (6.5%)19 7%Electrical SystemElectrical System: 19 complaints (6.5%)19 7%Fuel/Propulsion SystemFuel/Propulsion System: 14 complaints (4.8%)14 5%SuspensionSuspension: 11 complaints (3.8%)11 4%SteeringSteering: 9 complaints (3.1%)9 3%
A single complaint can cite more than one component, so shares total over 100%.
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints citing it
STRUCTURE14750.3%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4515.4%
POWER TRAIN3512.0%
ENGINE196.5%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM196.5%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM144.8%
SUSPENSION113.8%
STEERING93.1%

Complaints filed per year

046912019: 132020: 142021: 142022: 202023: 352024: 642025: 912026: 41 (partial year)192021222324259126
Complaints by the calendar year they were filed. The hatched bar is the current year to date.
YearComplaints
201913
202014
202114
202220
202335
202464
202591
2026 (year to date)41
Filings in 2023 to 2025 ran 4.0x those in 2020 to 2022 (190 against 48).

Recall campaigns

CampaignReportedComponentSummary
21V31600005/05/2021STRUCTURE:BODYFord 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.
19V63300028/08/2019SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINERFord 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 recline
24V03100019/01/2024STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARSFord 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.
26V01200015/01/2026EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATERFord 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.
26V10100020/02/2026SUSPENSION:REARFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
26V44800014/07/2026STRUCTURE:BODYFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.

Other Ford Explorer model years

Severity index for every other model year on file. Compare all 14 years side by side.

Source. NHTSA public complaint and recall APIs (api.nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-09-07. Complaints are unverified consumer reports. Totals vary with units sold and years on the road. Not affiliated with NHTSA or any manufacturer.