Complaint volume
286 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2019 Ford Explorer Complaints
286 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2019 Ford Explorer, grouped by component category.
286 Total complaints
2 Crash reports
0 Fire reports
5 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are structure, unknown or other, power train. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 2 crash reports, 0 fire reports, 5 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 112 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 55,911 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to structure, unknown or other, power train?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2019 Ford Explorer?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2019 Ford Explorer
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2019 Ford Explorer complaints?
2 Crash
0 Fire
5 Injury
0 Fatality
9 Towed
2 Medical attention
What are the most common 2019 Ford Explorer complaint categories?
STRUCTURE 136
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 31
POWER TRAIN 30
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12
ENGINE 8
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 8
SUSPENSION 7
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 4
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 4
VISIBILITY 4
286 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2022 | SEAT BELTS | 2nd row seat belt malfunctioned during when rear ended recently. Seat belt came unlatched on my niece throwing her towards the front passenger seat. Car has been totaled. Injury was to driver. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 | Unknown |
| Dec 2022 | POWER TRAIN | The torque converter on my 2019 Explorer is messing up. Causing a stutter while driving and an extremely rough idle when trying to stop at a stop light/sign. This stutter happens intermittently and unexpectedly weather driving at a high rate of speed or low. A light never came on and no codes were able to be read. The last day I was able to dive my car the idle suddenly dropped so low mid driving. Thankfully I was going at a low rate of speed and able to get my vehicle off the road. I took my vehicle back to the Ford dealership and asked that they re-evaluate as the problem had gotten worse. That’s when I was informed my torque converter had malfunctioned. Not only did the dealership provide me with that information, but they also informed me that this is a known issue and has affected so many Explorers in this way, Ford had issued multiple TSBs to their service departments notifying them of this issue. I have attached screenshots of TSB 20-2271 and 22-2287, showing Ford is aware of these issues being reported on the 2016-2019 model Explorers. In my research, I’ve also found that the NHTSA has had a previous case, 17S16, showing Fords directive to replace faulty Torque Converters back in June of 2018. It is clear that Ford has not taken this issue seriously and continues to produce and sell vehicles with this bad part. This stutter and sudden decrease in idle could cause a wreck. Thankfully it did not with me, but it is an ongoing issue that could in the future. Ford has acknowledged there’s a problem but has not yet issued a recall on this part, for my VIN or cars like mine. I urge the NHTSA to investigate and encourage Ford to make this right and improve the quality of the torque converters they’re producing and selling to consumers. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2022 | STEERING,POWER TRAIN | When I took a left hand turn coming from a stop-sign the control arm on my front right passenger side busted. I did not hit anything or cause the damange instead this was in part of failure of the product. I was traveling approximately 3 mph on a flat surface with no traffic exiting an industrial park. Because the control arm broke, it caused significant other damage to my vehicle due to the inability to steer my vehicle and the wheel to no longer be controlled by the steering wheel. There were no warning signs and nothing to signal to me that my car was in fact having issues. If I would have been traveling on the hwy during this incident chances are I would have been severally hurt or even killed. I had just dropped off my husband and child at an event where we were traveling on a hwy. Luckily I was traveling at a slow speed during this incident and nobody was injured. The vehicle has been inspected and based on the significant damage (fender, door, mechanical) there has been nothing but challenges getting the issues fixed. My car is still covered under warranty because it's new however between my car insurance and the warranty nobody wants to help cover the cost of the damage that was cause at no fault of my own. Finally, this is a known issue with Ford vehicles. Research shows many, many other complaints just like mine where faulty control arms are breaking at no fault of the driver. As a matter of fact, 3 days ago there was the same incident at a round-about where another Ford Explorer was sitting in the middle with it's control arm broken. Same issue, same scenario. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2022 | POWER TRAIN | Transmission torque converter and transmission clutches malfunctioning. Yes it's available for inspection if needed. Safety is an issue because car shudders when driving. Yes, problem has been observed by a dealer. And has been inspected with an estimated cost of $5,100+ No warning lights come on to know to assess the issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2022 | STRUCTURE | The front pillar columns on either side of the windshield have flown off while driving on the interstate. This is a ongoing Ford issue that should be fixed and is so dangerous could crack someone’s windshield | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2022 | SUSPENSION | The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated there was a loud rattle coming from the rear passenger side wheel of the vehicle. The noise progressed when on rough roads. The contact inspected the rear passenger side toe link which seemed as though it was loose and malfunctioning. The contact did not take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,172 | Crash: No Fire: No | 46,172 |
| Jul 2022 | ENGINE | 2019 Ford Explorer shutdown at full speed on Florida Turnpike for the second time within 30 days. The first time it was thought that the battery was at end of life. A new battery was installed and thought to be fine however, later the vehicle was unable to start after highway use, requiring waiting to restart. Engine cranks but will not start. Vehicle started then shut down at full highway speed on the Florida Turnpike on July 5th. Car was in unsafe location on highway edge as no other area was reachable. Car cranked but would not start. Turnpike Road Ranger responded, I called for tow and Uber, car eventually started and I drove it to Lorenzo Ford of Homestead FL. Ford has no TSBs on this subject however the internet has multiple videos showing Ford customer’s experiencing the same issue of no start or shutdowns. Please review for similar complaints. I have a very nice unreliable and unsafe car at this point. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2022 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | At 53,000 miles I was driving down the highway and my vehicle sputtered and died leaving me stranded on the side of the road. The vehicle would not start. I took the vehicle to a local repair shop and had to replace the Fuel Pump for the vehicle. That was very low mileage to have an issue with a major part like a fuel pump. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2022 | STEERING,AIR BAGS | Clip on horn cover that secures the driver air bag was coming apart, if not repaired may have caused an accident by inflating the air bag by a bump in the road or any other sensing that causes the air bag to engage, including honking the horn. on the interstate could have been catastrophic. To the driver, the horn cover could have discharged to the face without notice. The vehicle was taken to Dick Smith Ford in Columbia SC and after a long consideration by Ford Motors the steering wheel and air bag was replace at cost to me of $156.53. The vehicle had 24,000 with very light driving miles and little to no honking. Had not a mechanic at a local tire store took note, this possible tragic failure would have done some irrevocable harm to driver, occupants of vehicle and other in proximity of vehicle safety failure. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2022 | SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | There is a recall and no remedy has been done. Still waiting on a call or email. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2022 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, he heard an abnormal noise coming from the roof rack. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, he noticed that the roof rack had detached. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 270,450. | Crash: No Fire: No | 270,450 |
| May 2022 | STRUCTURE | While driving on I-95 on 5/4, the RH windshield moulding broke off suddenly and flew off behind the car, fortunately not hitting another vehicle, although that could easily have happened. I took the car to Mullinex Ford in New Smyrna Beach, FL on 5/9; they said the exterior moulding (which broke off) and the underlying RH A pillar moulding needed to be replaced (costing me $432, since it wasn't covered by my extended warranty). This same thing happened to my previous 2013 Explorer in 2017-2018 timeframe! Apparently it is a well-known problem with all Ford Explorers since at least 2013 , as many others have reported at https://www.carproblemzoo.com/ford/explorer/body-problems.php ). But Ford has never issued a recall on this problem, and refuse to cover it under extended warranties. This is a real safey issue, as parts should NOT be breaking off on a car and flying through the air to potentially hit other vehicles. At the website I specified, some vehicle owners reported incidents that DID hit other vehicles, including a motorcyclist. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2022 | STEERING | The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at approximately 25 mph, the steering wheel seized causing the vehicle to crash into a concrete brick mailbox. The air bags deployed. The contact stated that the driver sustained chemical burning from the air bags and the front passenger sustained a high ankle sprain and broke right foot that needed medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a collision center. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a case number. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 2 Towed Medical attention | 56,000 |
| Mar 2022 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the roof rack trim detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer took pictures of the vehicle and forwarded them to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer transferred the contact to the NHTSA to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 30,000 |
| Mar 2022 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the lock button was depressed and the contact became aware that the horn was not operating as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 46,000 |
| Jan 2022 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was an abnormal ticking noise detected from the front end of the vehicle. The contact stated that while his wife was driving, the vehicle failed to accelerate and revved up. The contact noticed that the air intake manifold was disconnected. The contact stated that he noticed an oil leak in the driveway. The rear seat heater became inoperable and the tires were bald. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer where it was diagnosed that the seal was broken. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 20,000 |
| Jan 2022 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | We continue to smell exhaust fumes in the cabin on the vehicle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2022 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on several occasions, the rear passenger’s side roof rack became loosened while driving at highway speeds and while going through the car wash. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure) and had the vehicle was serviced at the dealer. Three months later the failure recurred. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer and was informed that the recall was a one-time free repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred her to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 45,000 |
| Jan 2022 | STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1. The vehicle HORN unknowingly and unexpectedly stopped working, became unavailable, and subsequently failed to alert other of hazardous conditions, when approperiately initiated by the driver/operator. Without any indication or prior warning to the driver that the HORN was NOT FUNCTIONAL. This vehicle can be made available for NHTSA inspection upon request. For all intensive purposes, the only unique purpose for having a vehicle HORN is for SAFETY. 2. SAFETY was compromised and reslted in highly eleveted risks for the Driver, Passangers, Pedestrians, Traffic Officers, By Standers, Other Vehicles and Congestion, following a Night Time Egress of an NFL Football Game. 3. The problem is repeatable and the HORN is currently in a FAILED state. The HORN has not been diagnosed or repaired. It has not been confirmed, by the Dealer, nor Independent Service Center. WHY? For them to bill me some ungodly amount, just to tell me, my the HORN DOES NOT WORK.. ON a vehicle I financed/purchased 4 months ago? and that I paid $200 last month for a FAILED BATTERY last month. Good LORD, and on a vehicle with more automated driver assist sensors, than a MARTIAN LAND EXPLORER? and the HORN FAILS? For SAFETY, HORNS are intentionally "enabled" and maintained in fuctional state. Note: AUTO OWNER has reported this SAFETY DEFECT to NHTSA. Owner requests all costs of diagnosis, parts, replacement, labor, repairs, wiring, computer, software, and the transparent identification of flaws in automatic updates via internet and wireless, connectivity, software updates, digital processing of vehicle operating systems, and digital monitoring of driving conditions, location, and environment. 4. No. It has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance reps, or others. Yet. 5. No warning lights, messages, or indicators prior to non-functioning and unexpected HORN failure. I would like to request independent NHTSA inspection Root Cause Analysis. Thank You | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2022 | ENGINE | I have a 2019 Ford Explorer Limited. Since shortly after my lease began, I found it to emit a burnt hair like smell in the passenger cabin whenever I am applying heavy acceleration. I have had a similar issue with two previous Explorers I've owned (2015 XLT, 2017 XLT), and brought the vehicle to the dealer, requesting that they remediate the issue. The dealer's service center claims there are no fumes, and did not attempt to repair the vehicle. This was the second time I took it to that dealer for the issue. I have contacted Ford Customer Service, though have yet to get any repair or remediation of the issue. I am concerned as I have had repeated instances of drowsiness when operating the vehicle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2021 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was water leaking into the headliner and sunroof. Additionally, the battery was leaking battery acid. The battery failure caused the contact's baby to be diagnosed with Intrauterine Growth Restrictions (IUGR). The first failure occurred when the contact detected an odor and checked under the hood of the vehicle. The contact saw that the battery was swollen and had exploded. The vehicle was towed to the dealer on October 21, 2020, and the dealer informed the contact that it was a faulty battery and replaced it with a new battery that the contact had purchased from Walmart. The dealer informed the contact, who was pregnant at the time, that the vehicle was safe to drive. The failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken to Darling's Brunswick Ford (262 Bath Rd, Brunswick, ME 04011) on May 17, 2021. The dealer informed the contact that the battery was actively leaking and covered in battery acid. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and first informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The manufacturer later informed the contact that they would be buying back the vehicle from the contact under Florida's Lemon Law. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 42,000 |
| Oct 2021 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2019 FORD Explorer. The contact stated that she initially received a recall notice for the roof rail covers under Manufacturer recall Number: 20N11. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer and had the recall serviced. Since the repair, the contact noticed that the roof rail cover had begun to detach from the vehicle despite the recall repair. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where they acknowledged the failure and referred her to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred her to NHTSA for assistance. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure) however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 18,000 |
| Oct 2021 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the roof rail had detached. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V316000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the roof rail was glued. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The roof pins are unable to be attached. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified but, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000. VIN tool confirms parts are not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 3,000 |
| Oct 2021 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the driver’s side roof rail detached from the body of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed but not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 55,000 |
| Sep 2021 | STRUCTURE | As per a recall on this vehicle, the roof rails become detached and have the potential to fly off the car at high speeds. I have brought this in to a Ford service center numerous times to be addressed and upon repair each time, the issue recurs. The latest conversation I have had with a Ford motor company representative is that the issue is known but there is no known fix for it at this time. Meanwhile, I, like so many others, are driving around with what can be a potential safety hazard for other drivers. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |