Photo: SsmIntrigue / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
2019 Ford Explorer: common problems and reliability
One of the better Explorer years.
299 owner complaints, most about structure. 6 recalls.
Should I buy a 2019 Explorer?The 2019 Ford Explorer has 299 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are structure and power train.
Safety record for the 2019 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2019 Ford Explorer vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Explorer years only. How we score it
Is 2019 a good year for the Explorer?
Across the 31 Explorer model years we track, complaint volume runs from 33 (2009) to 7,244 (2002). With 299 complaints, the 2019 Explorer sits below the model's median of 829.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2019 Explorer
structure:body
Campaign 21V316000Ford 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.
seats:front assembly:recliner
Campaign 19V633000Ford 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 required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
structure:body:roof and pillars
Campaign 24V031000Ford 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.
equipment:electrical:engine block heater
Campaign 26V012000Ford 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.
Show 2 more recalls
suspension:rear
Campaign 26V101000Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
structure:body
Campaign 26V448000Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
What owners say across generations
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The current-generation Explorer (2020+) is frequently praised for its spacious interior, particularly the generous cargo and third-row space, comfortable ride, and strong performance in ST and Platinum trims.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Explorer. See the full Explorer owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Explorer listings typically run $15,520–$26,999.
Other Explorer model years
Compare every Explorer year side by side to see how 2019 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Explorer against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy