FORD EXPLORER · model year

2019 FORD EXPLORER

293 NHTSA complaints, 2 crash reports, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2019FORDEXPLORER carries 293 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 2 crashes, 0 fires, 8 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2019 EXPLORER is structure with 93 filings, followed by unknown or other (41) and structure:body (33). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 5 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 13 investigation files overlapping the 2019 EXPLORER, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

293
Complaints
2
Crashes
0
Fires
8
Injuries
0
Deaths
2019 FORD EXPLORER — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2019 FORD EXPLORER. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 5.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

293 filings

Crashes Reported

2 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 5/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STRUCTURE93
UNKNOWN OR OTHER41
STRUCTURE:BODY33
POWER TRAIN27
ENGINE17
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM12
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN7
STEERING6
SUSPENSION6
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING5
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER4
WHEELS3
VISIBILITY/WIPER3
TIRES2

Recalls (5)

19V63300028/08/2019

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

26V10100020/02/2026

SUSPENSION:REAR

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.

24V03100019/01/2024

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

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.

26V01200015/01/2026

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.

21V31600005/05/2021

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

Recent Complaints

20260216FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Accelerator stuck wide open while entering freeway. I also have a safety recall notice 24S02/NHTSA recall 24V031

20260212STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the windshield. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the contact was informed that the exterior A-pillar trim retention clips were loose and needed to be replaced, and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, parts for the recall were not yet available. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failur,e and the contact was provided the same information from the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 64,000.

Mileage: 64,000

20260107STRUCTURE

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 unavailable. 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 contact had not experienced a failure.

20251229STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side door exterior B-Pillar trim clip attachment detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the dealer informed the contact that the driver's side door exterior B-Pillar trim failure was not listed in the recall. The contact was informed that the B- Pillar Trim needed to be replaced at the owner's expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.

Mileage: 125,000

20251229STRUCTURE

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 unavailable. 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 contact had not experienced a failure.

20251222STRUCTURE

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 windshield exterior A-pillar trims were loose, and there was a noticeable windy sound coming from the windshield while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the parts to do the recall repair were ordered. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Mileage: 50,000

20251219STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal buzzing sound coming from the windshield. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that a technician arrived at the residence and inspected the vehicle, and placed duct tape around the front windshield. In addition, the contact was informed that the vehicle would fail an inspection with duct tape around the front windshield. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, parts were not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was unknown.

20251210ENGINE

Blown engine due to ecoboost fuel issues. Vehicle quit and shut off on highway. Multiple issues with 2019 ford explorer that does not get resolved.

20251210FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Blown engine due to ecoboost fuel issues. Vehicle quit and shut off on highway. Multiple issues with 2019 ford explorer that does not get resolved.

20251208STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE), but the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the windshield. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not inspected or diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

20251205FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The catalytic converters for the Ford Explorer Utility Police Interceptor fail prematurely, degrading the emissions from the vehicle and causing the vehicle to fail emissions testing. Although Ford has implemented a Customer Satisfaction Campaign 22M06, they do not inform owners of the campaign or potential problem. My car was inspected by two Ford dealerships who simply cleared the error code (P0430) and made no mention of Campaign 22M06. The error code persisted as I replaced numerous other components (spark plugs, purge valve, oxygen sensors, Mass air flow sensor) trying to alleviate the problem over the last year. Only if you mention the campaign specifically will they inspect the vehicle for the purpose of replacing the the catalytic converters under warranty. Replacing these failing catalytic converters should be a recall because failure creates substandard emissions for thousands of vehicles.

20251117STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after a visual inspection of the exterior of the vehicle, the driver’s side roof rack rail had detached. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure). The VIN was included, but the vehicle was repaired in October 2025. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Mileage: 90,000

20251113STRUCTURE

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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

20251103SUSPENSION

Suspension issue causing premature inside tire wear which can be fatal, if not deadly. Multiple cases have been recorded and found among other owners for this same make and model yr. Even after parts replacement and 4 wheel alignment was completed.

20251017STRUCTURE

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 upon further inspection, the front driver’s and passenger’s side A-pillar trim seals had started to deteriorate. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

Mileage: 93,000

20251016STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the driver’s side exterior A-pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was determined that the part was under recall and that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

20250925STRUCTURE:BODY

The A pillars are coming off. Other years make and model were recalled . The A pillars on the sides should be recalled just as the front b pillars.

20250923STRUCTURE

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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

20250916STRUCTURE

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 local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

20250911STRUCTURE

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 unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. 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 contact had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 75,000.

Mileage: 75,000

Compare 2019FORDEXPLORER to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2019 FORD EXPLORER have?
The 2019 FORD EXPLORER has 293 NHTSA complaints, 2 crashes, 0 fires, 8 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2019 FORD EXPLORER?
The 2019 FORD EXPLORER received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 5/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2019 FORD EXPLORER?
Yes, the 2019 FORD EXPLORER has 5 recall(s). The most common affected component is SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 FORD EXPLORER?
The most-complained component for the 2019 FORD EXPLORER is STRUCTURE with 93 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and STRUCTURE:BODY.
Is the 2019 FORD EXPLORER safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2019 FORD EXPLORER has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.