2019 Ford Explorer problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 296 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Ford Explorer, filed between 2019-04-02 and 2026-09-23. The most common problem areas are the structure (150, 51%), power train (35, 12%) and electrical system (19, 6%). Owners reported 2 crashes and 6 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2019 Ford Explorer complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | 150 | 51% | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Unknown or other | 45 | 15% | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Power train | 35 | 12% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 19 | 6% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 19 | 6% | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 14 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Suspension | 11 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 9 | 3% | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 6 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 4 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 4 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 3 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 3 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 3 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Structure: 150 complaints
- 150 complaints of 296 (51%) name the structure — the body and frame structure.
- 4 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 2 injuries in these complaints.
- 3 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2019 Ford Explorer; the latest, campaign 26V448000, says: “The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.”
Power train: 35 complaints
- 35 complaints of 296 (12%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- None of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2019 Ford Explorer covers this system.
Electrical system: 19 complaints
- 19 complaints of 296 (6%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 4 of them also name the structure; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2019 Ford Explorer covers this system.
Engine: 19 complaints
- 19 complaints of 296 (6%) name the engine.
- 5 of them also name the fuel/propulsion system; owners reported 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2019 Ford Explorer covers this system.
Fuel/propulsion system: 14 complaints
- 14 complaints of 296 (5%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 5 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2019 Ford Explorer covers this system.
Suspension: 11 complaints
- 11 complaints of 296 (4%) name the suspension — springs, shocks and struts, control arms and ball joints.
- 2 of them also name the steering; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2019 Ford Explorer; the recall, campaign 26V101000, says: “The rear suspension toe links may fracture.”
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 13 |
| 2020 | 14 |
| 2021 | 14 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2023 | 35 |
| 2024 | 64 |
| 2025 | 91 |
| 2026 | 45 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names EXPLORER, model year 2019. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2019 Ford Explorer recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Ford Explorer?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2019 Ford Explorer's most common problem areas are the structure (150 of 296 complaints), power train (35 of 296 complaints) and electrical system (19 of 296 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2019 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA has 296 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Ford Explorer, including 2 reported crashes.
Is there a recall for the 2019 Ford Explorer's problems?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2019 Ford Explorer; 2 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.