2019 Ford Explorer Safety Report
2019 Ford Explorer Safety Analysis
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2019 Ford Explorer
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2019 Ford Explorer. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (5) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (264) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 2 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Structure | Compare structure issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2022 | Compare against the 2022 Ford Explorer with 218 complaints and 23 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2016 | Check the 2016 Ford Explorer before buying across this generation. |
Ford Explorer Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Ford Explorer years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Ford Explorer | 1088 | 31 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Ford Explorer | 670 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Ford Explorer | 362 | 24 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2017 Ford Explorer | 1597 | 13 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2022 Ford Explorer | 218 | 23 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Ford Explorer | 2373 | 14 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2019 Ford Explorer Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2019 Ford Explorer, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Structure
127 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Structure issues Ford onlyUnknown Or Other
30 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Ford onlyPower Train
28 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Ford onlyElectrical System
12 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Ford onlyEngine
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Ford onlyFuel/Propulsion System
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Ford onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Ford Explorer
Reliability Score
The 2019 Ford Explorer receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2019 Ford Explorer
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2019 Ford Explorer
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Ford Explorer:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| B-Pillar Trim Detachment Driver's B-pillar trim has detached and is only secured by remaining anchors, posing a risk to driver safety. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Rear Suspension Toe Recall for rear suspension toe on 2017-2019 Explorers, which can lead to handling problems. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Block Heater Failure Engine block heaters can fail, leading to potential engine damage. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Accelerator Sticking Accelerator sticking has been reported, affecting vehicle control. |
Low | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Ford Explorer:
Issues with the rear suspension toe have been reported.
Engine block heaters can fail, leading to potential engine damage.
B-pillar trim detachment has been reported, posing a risk to driver safety.
Accelerator sticking and abnormal rattling have been noted, affecting vehicle control.
Recall Details for the 2019 Ford Explorer
The following 5 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Ford Explorer by NHTSA:
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
Consequence: 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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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. 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 April 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for thi...
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 18, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. The interim owner notification letter was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.
Summary: 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 included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl ...
Consequence: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2019 Ford Explorer
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2019 Ford Explorer with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE) and 26V101000 (SUSPENSION). The contact stated that after the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle stalled. The battery warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure wa...
Similar to NHTSA Recall Number 24V031, driver's "B-pillar" trim (top edge) has detached and loose, and is only secured in-place by remaining anchors/attachments. In inspecting underlying substrate, it appears that a mechanical anchor is missing AND adhesive exhibits cohesive failure (remainder adhesive on both supporting/underlying substrate and backside of trim.
Torque converter failed and had to be replaced within 60000 miles. Know issue to ford but they continue to charge $4,000 to have it repaired. Rear main seal leaks oil within 80,000 miles. Know issue to ford and they continue to charge $3,800 to have it repaired.
I am writing to formally report an issue regarding Safety Recall 24S02 on my 2019 Ford Explorer, which is incorrectly shown as completed by Cornerstone Ford in Elk River, Minnesota. This recall involves the exterior A‑pillar trim on 2011–2019 Ford Explorer vehicles and is a documented Ford safety campaign (24S02 / 24V031). According to Ford’s records and Cornerstone Ford’s reporting, Recall 24S02...
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
B-pillar panels (both driver side and passenger, driver side has keyless entry). Panel could be come completely detached if not properly secured and cause a driving hazard in the roadway. No, the dealership stated I would have to pay out pocket to repair (estimate of $1900). Yes, it was inspected while at the dealership for a separate recall. No, the adhesive or clips that keep the panels on the d...
Vehicle fails to start intermittently. After having this happen on several occasions and waiting for 1-2 hours it would start. However, the last time, while traveling it would not start after taking brief stop. Had to leave the vehicle overnight and return the next day to haul it back home 300 hundred miles. That was Feb. 23, 2026 and still will not start. Vehicle has 70,000 miles.
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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experience...
Remedy not available in timely manner. This came out in 2024. Issue should be fixed and parts available. I am experiencing the wind noice due to this. Manufacturer Recall Number 24S02 NHTSA Recall Number 24V031 Recall Status Recall Incomplete, remedy r yet available
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE). The contact stated that the passenger's side A-pillar was loose. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. Most recently, the contact noticed that the driver's sid...
Accelerator stuck wide open while entering freeway. I also have a safety recall notice 24S02/NHTSA recall 24V031
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 notifi...
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.
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.
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 r...
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 wa...
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 ...
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.
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...
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 (P0...
Showing 20 of 264 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2019 Ford Explorer
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars
Opened 2023-01-27 · Closed 2024-02-08
On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles. At the time of opening, the office had received 164 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting this failure. ODI has received 671 VOQs regarding this failure, including 1 alleged crash and 2 alleged injuries. Some consumers have reported that the failure occurred while they were driving at highway speed...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Ford Explorer
Has the 2019 FORD EXPLORER been recalled?
Yes, the 2019 FORD EXPLORER has 5 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2019 FORD EXPLORER have?
The 2019 FORD EXPLORER has 264 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 2 involved crashes. 5 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2019 FORD EXPLORER?
The 2019 FORD EXPLORER received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 FORD EXPLORER?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 FORD EXPLORER involve structure (127 complaints), unknown or other (30 complaints), power train (28 complaints). Other affected components include electrical system, engine, fuel/propulsion system.
How many crash reports does the 2019 FORD EXPLORER have?
There are 2 crash reports associated with the 2019 FORD EXPLORER out of 264 total complaints (0.8% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2019 FORD EXPLORER have?
There are no fire reports for the 2019 FORD EXPLORER in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2019 FORD EXPLORER?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2019 FORD EXPLORER.
How many injuries are reported for the 2019 FORD EXPLORER?
5 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2019 FORD EXPLORER. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2019 FORD EXPLORER?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 FORD EXPLORER is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 264 complaints, 5 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2019 FORD EXPLORER?
The components with the most failures on the 2019 FORD EXPLORER are: 1. STRUCTURE (127 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (30 complaints), 3. POWER TRAIN (28 complaints), 4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12 complaints), 5. ENGINE (8 complaints). STRUCTURE is the single most-reported problem area with 127 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2019 FORD EXPLORER?
Be aware of potential structural and suspension issues, and ensure regular maintenance to address these concerns. The 2019 FORD EXPLORER has 264 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2019 FORD EXPLORER?
The 2019 FORD EXPLORER receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 264 owner complaints, 5 recalls, and 2 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include B-pillar trim detachment and Rear suspension toe.
What are the known issues with the 2019 FORD EXPLORER?
Known issues with the 2019 FORD EXPLORER include: B-pillar trim detachment, Rear suspension toe, Engine block heater failure, Accelerator sticking. These are based on patterns found across 264 NHTSA complaints. 5 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the main safety concerns with the 2019 Ford Explorer?
Main safety concerns include B-pillar trim detachment, rear suspension toe issues, engine block heater failures, and accelerator sticking.
How common are these issues?
Issues with the rear suspension toe and B-pillar trim detachment are moderately common, while engine block heater failures and accelerator sticking are less frequent.
What should I do if I experience these issues?
Contact your local Ford dealer for inspection and repair, as these issues can affect safety and vehicle performance.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential structural and suspension issues, and ensure regular maintenance to address these concerns.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Ford Explorer
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Ford Explorer. The data includes 264 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 5 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 Ford Explorer an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-15