This page covers 6 recalls, 278 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2019 Ford Explorer.
18–22 mpg combined
10.7–13.1 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant pattern across 2019 Explorer complaints centers on exterior trim and structural components. Owners frequently report that A-pillar and B-pillar trim pieces loosen and detach, sometimes at highway speeds, with the separated panels flailing or becoming road hazards before fully coming free. This is by far the most-reported issue for this model year. Powertrain complaints are a distant second, with owners describing transmission failures, including torque converter problems and contamination, often without prior warning symptoms, sometimes at relatively low mileage. A smaller cluster of electrical complaints exists but is less prominent. On the structural side, trim loss sometimes triggers false warning messages on the instrument cluster, such as a liftgate-open alert, suggesting the detachment can interfere with sensor circuits.
278
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
5
With Injuries
By System
The 2019 Ford Explorer has 6 recalls, the most serious being a cracked engine block heater that can leak coolant, short circuit when plugged in, and start a fire.
A separate but equally serious concern involves the rear suspension: the toe links can fracture, causing sudden loss of steering control. On the occupant safety side, certain vehicles with manual front seat recliner mechanisms have a seat back that may not hold an occupant properly in a crash, raising the risk of injury. Two body structure recalls round out the list: roof rail covers can shed retention pins and detach at speed, and A-pillar trim clips may not be fully engaged, allowing that trim to fall off the vehicle. Both detached pieces can become road hazards for other drivers.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear suspension toe links may fracture, which can affect vehicle handling and stability.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the toe links at no cost to you.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine block heater can crack and leak coolant, which may cause it to short circuit when plugged in.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the block heater at no cost, or install a blanking plug and remove the heater cord.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine block heater can crack and leak coolant. When plugged in, the leaked coolant may cause an electrical short circuit.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the block heater at no cost, or install a blanking plug and remove the heater cord.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The clips holding the A-pillar trim in place may not be properly engaged, which can allow the trim to come loose and detach from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the A-pillar trim and replace it if necessary at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Retention pins on the roof rail covers can loosen, causing the covers to detach from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will install push-pins and replace damaged rail clips and roof rail covers at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front or rear seat recliner mechanism may be missing a critical locking pawl, causing the seat back to be loose and weak.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your seat structure and replace it if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
