Owner complaints
303NHTSA recordsUSED VEHICLE RESEARCH
2019 Ford Explorer
Research the 2019 Ford Explorer using available NHTSA owner complaints, safety recalls, manufacturer communications, defect investigations, and CarIQ data-coverage analysis.
DATA CONFIDENCE: ModerateIs This A Good Car?APPROVED IMAGE NOT YET AVAILABLE
Ford Explorer2019 · RESEARCH CATALOG
Recall campaigns
6Year, make and model lookupManufacturer communications
134Matched NHTSA recordsInvestigations
1Matched NHTSA recordsSUBJECTIVE OWNER FEEDBACK
OWNER EXPERIENCE
What it is like to live with the vehicle—kept clearly separate from official NHTSA evidence.
THE FIRST USEFUL PERSPECTIVE COULD BE YOURS
No approved owner experiences yet.
Contributions are collected carefully and only appear here after moderation. No placeholders, sample testimonials, or invented sentiment.OWNED THIS CAR?
Help the next buyer understand the real ownership experience.
Share what you liked, what could be better, and whether you would choose it again. Every contribution is moderated before publication.INDEPENDENT EVIDENCE TYPES
NHTSA owner complaint records remain part of Official Vehicle Data. Subjective review contributions remain in Owner Experience. One does not validate or prove the other. Read the methodology.
EVIDENCE, NOT A SCORE
WHAT THIS DATA CAN TELL YOU ABOUT RELIABILITY
Official records can provide useful research context, but each source has a different meaning. Complaint counts are not failure rates; recalls are formal safety campaigns; manufacturer communications are technical or service documentation; and investigations reflect formal NHTSA activity. Data Confidence measures evidence availability, not vehicle quality. CarIQ does not publish a composite Reliability Score.
Available evidence summary: 303 NHTSA owner complaint records; 6 safety recall campaigns; 134 manufacturer communications; 1 applicable NHTSA defect investigation.
EVIDENCE AVAILABILITY — NOT VEHICLE RELIABILITY
DATA CONFIDENCE
ModerateData Confidence measures how much usable evidence CarIQ has for this vehicle. It does not measure how reliable the vehicle is.
Why this rating?
- Owner complaint data
- Available
- Manufacturer communications
- Available
- Recall data
- Available
- Investigation data
- Available
- Production denominator
- Unavailable
- Complaint component completeness
- 100%
- Mileage completeness
- 0%
- Incident-date completeness
- 100%
DESCRIPTIVE ANALYTICS
DATA INSIGHTS
Derived from official NHTSA source records. These statistics are descriptive and are not a reliability score.
- Complaint records analyzed
- 303 NHTSA complaints
- Most reported component
- Structure 50% of categorized complaint records
- Top-three component concentration
- 76% Records mentioning at least one top-three component
- Median reported incident mileage
- Not available from current source 0 valid mileage observations
- Recall campaigns
- 6 NHTSA recalls
- Most recent recall report
- July 14, 2026 NHTSA recalls
- Manufacturer communications
- 134 NHTSA manufacturer communications
- Most documented component
- Electrical System 37% of categorized communications
- Top-three communication concentration
- 60% Share of categorized manufacturer communications
SOURCE COMPLETENESS
DATA QUALITY
- Complaint records analyzed
- 303
- Component classification available
- 100%
- Incident date available
- 100%
- Mileage available
- 0%
- Structured outcome fields available
- 100%
Completeness describes fields present in the retrieved complaint records. It is not a data-quality grade or a vehicle assessment.
Learn about CarIQ methodologyPRODUCTION-ADJUSTED DESCRIPTIVE METRIC
NORMALIZED COMPLAINT CONTEXT
Production-normalized complaint data is not currently available for this vehicle.
This metric compares the number of NHTSA owner complaint records retrieved by CarIQ with NHTSA-reported production volume for the corresponding vehicle population.
It is not a vehicle failure rate. Complaint reporting behavior, vehicle age, time on the road, production definitions, and other factors can affect the result.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Early Warning Reporting, Light Vehicle Production Data. Read the methodology.
OFFICIAL NHTSA OWNER COMPLAINT DATA
PROBLEMS REPORTED IN NHTSA RECORDS
CarIQ groups available NHTSA owner complaint records for the 2019 Ford Explorer by vehicle system to make recurring documentation easier to research. Most represented complaint categories describe the retrieved records—not failure frequency.
TOTAL COMPLAINTS303
MOST REPRESENTED COMPLAINT CATEGORIES
Structure151 complaints
50%of categorized complaint records
Unknown or Other49 complaints
16%of categorized complaint records
Power Train35 complaints
12%of categorized complaint records
Electrical System20 complaints
7%of categorized complaint records
Engine19 complaints
6%of categorized complaint records
Fuel/propulsion System14 complaints
5%of categorized complaint records
Suspension13 complaints
4%of categorized complaint records
Steering9 complaints
3%of categorized complaint records
Engine and Engine Cooling6 complaints
2%of categorized complaint records
Wheels5 complaints
2%of categorized complaint records
Service Brakes4 complaints
1%of categorized complaint records
Visibility4 complaints
1%of categorized complaint records
Visibility/wiper4 complaints
1%of categorized complaint records
Fuel System3 complaints
1%of categorized complaint records
Gasoline3 complaints
1%of categorized complaint records
Seats3 complaints
1%of categorized complaint records
Air Bags2 complaints
1%of categorized complaint records
Back Over Prevention2 complaints
1%of categorized complaint records
Forward Collision Avoidance2 complaints
1%of categorized complaint records
Hydraulic2 complaints
1%of categorized complaint records
Tires2 complaints
1%of categorized complaint records
Latches/locks/linkages1 complaint
0%of categorized complaint records
Seat Belts1 complaint
0%of categorized complaint records
Vehicle Speed Control1 complaint
0%of categorized complaint records
A complaint may list more than one component and therefore contribute to multiple categories. Percentages show the share of categorized complaint records that mention each component—not the percentage of vehicles affected. Category percentages may overlap.
INCIDENT REPORTS BY YEAR
2013
1
2019
19
2020
15
2021
19
2022
25
2023
39
2024
93
2025
53
2026
39
Grouped from complaint records with a valid incident date.
RECENT OWNER COMPLAINTS
Suspension
Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11775260Read complaint narrative
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle started vibrating and felt like the rear end was driving over a bump in the roadway. The failure was a recurring failure. The contact stated that the failure started after the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V101000 (Suspension). The dealer was contacted but was unable to duplicate the failure. The dealer confirmed issues with the driveshaft, tires, and the engine, but denied covering the cost of the repair. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Suspension · Wheels · Unknown or Other
Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11774871Read complaint narrative
My car was brought into Pocaro Ford in [XXX] for recall 26S08 Suspension Toe Link Replacement on XXX. Following this, my vehicle developed severe rear sway and abnormal rear tire wear. The rear tires wore bald very quickly, creating a safety concern. I returned to the dealership, but the issue was not properly resolved. The dealership could not provide verifiable alignment records for my vehicle and later tried to blame bushings. An independent shop did not find bad bushings. A second Ford dealer later diagnosed excessive rear tire wear caused by improper rear toe settings and performed a 4-wheel alignment. I am concerned the recall repair was not properly completed or the alignment was not properly performed, resulting in unsafe handling and rapid tire wear. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Structure
Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11774447Read complaint narrative
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the passenger-side A-pillar trim detached and flew onto another vehicle. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact received notification of the recall, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer inspected the vehicle, and the contact was informed that the repair was not needed. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Unknown or Other
Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11773541Read complaint narrative
Please see attached letters and photos
Electrical System
Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11768475Read complaint narrative
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the radio displayed the rear-view camera image or rebooted. The dealer was notified of the failure by phone and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall associated with the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Unknown or Other · Visibility/wiper
Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11767437Read complaint narrative
We have contacted Ford Motor Company previously about this issue. The leather dash pad on our Explorer is detached near the windshield and is rolling up back towards the interior of the vehicle. The dealer has inspected (Deacon Jones, Goldsboro, NC) and has confirmed the issue. Original quote to fix was approximately $15,000.00, reduced later by FMCO to $6000.00. We have attempted to find local upholstery shop to repair, but they will not touch it. The pad underneath the leather is all white and causes a debilitating glare/reflection on the windshield when driving towards the sun. Please review my previous filing with FMCO and help us with this issue. I note that online, several others are experiencing this same issue. This is developing into a severe safety issue.
Unknown or Other
Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11767541Read complaint narrative
The cowl grille/top trim has become extremely brittle and deteriorated. The material is breaking apart simply from being touched, and pieces are coming loose and flying off while I’m driving. the entire edge of the cowl is crumbling and separating from the vehicle. This appears to be material deterioration rather than normal wear. I’m concerned that additional pieces could detach while driving and that the cowl may no longer properly protect/seal the area beneath the windshield.
Structure
Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11766443Read complaint narrative
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, upon taking the vehicle to a local dealer, no failures were found, and the VIN was removed from the recall. Upon further inspection, the contact became aware that the front driver’s side and passenger’s side A-pillar trims were loose. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
NHTSA complaints are reports submitted by vehicle owners and other consumers. Complaint counts do not represent the percentage of vehicles affected and do not by themselves establish that a safety defect exists.
A higher complaint count can partly reflect how many vehicles were sold, vehicle age, and other factors. CarIQ does not yet normalize complaint counts by vehicles sold.
Data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This site is not endorsed by NHTSA.
OFFICIAL NHTSA SAFETY RECALL DATA
SAFETY RECALLS
6 recall campaigns found
01STRUCTURE:BODYCampaign 26V448000July 14, 2026
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Safety Consequence
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S54. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
02SUSPENSION:REARCampaign 26V101000February 20, 2026
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
Safety 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.
03EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATERCampaign 26V012000January 16, 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.
Safety 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. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. 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 December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026. This recall expands previous recall number 25V685.
04STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARSCampaign 24V031000January 19, 2024
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.
Safety 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. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
05STRUCTURE:BODYCampaign 21V316000May 5, 2021
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.
Safety 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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
06SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINERCampaign 19V633000August 28, 2019
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 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."
Safety 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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Recall results shown here are based on year, make, and model. A specific vehicle may or may not be affected. Check the vehicle's VIN with NHTSA to confirm open recalls before purchasing. Data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
OFFICIAL NHTSA MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION DATA
MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATIONS
TOTAL COMMUNICATIONS134
DOCUMENTED COMPONENTS
Electrical System49 communication records
37%OF CATEGORIZED
Equipment22 communication records
16%OF CATEGORIZED
Power Train17 communication records
13%OF CATEGORIZED
Engine and Engine Cooling13 communication records
10%OF CATEGORIZED
Seats12 communication records
9%OF CATEGORIZED
Unknown or Other9 communication records
7%OF CATEGORIZED
Equipment Adaptive/mobility7 communication records
5%OF CATEGORIZED
Electrical System:software6 communication records
4%OF CATEGORIZED
Shares use communications with an NHTSA component classification. One communication may identify multiple components.
RECENT MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATIONS
Unknown or Other · Electrical System
25E10-S1NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 25E10 - Supplement #1 Certain 2018-2020 Model Year F-150 Vehicles With 3.3L Engines and 2016-2019 Model Year Explorer, Taurus, and Flex Vehicles With 3.5L Engines Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming
View NHTSA documentEngine
25B51Certain 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco, 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco Sport, 2020-2022 Model Year Corsair and Escape, 2016-2024 Model Year Explorer, 2019-2020 Model Year Fusion, 2016-2018 Model Year Focus RS, 2022-2024 Model Year Maverick, 2016-2019 Model Year MKC and 2019-2024 Model Year Ranger Vehicles Equipped with a 2.0L or 2.3L Engine and Engine Block Heater System Block Heater Replacement
View NHTSA documentUnknown or Other · Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection · Back Over Prevention: Warnings · Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking
25N17Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation
View NHTSA documentElectrical System · Structure:body · Unknown or Other
SSM 54601Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k
View NHTSA documentElectrical System
TSB 25-2570This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone connection issues Dropped phone connections Applink related performance Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic Slow system response NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of software. The SYNC 3 universal thumb drive will be able to update the APIM software without the use of a scan tool and does not require the process to be monitored. Ford will be monitoring APIM replacements to confirm TSB directed software updates have been performed.
View NHTSA documentElectrical System · Power Train
SSM 54366Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
View NHTSA documentUnknown or Other
TSB 25-2005"Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: • Customer concern of a vibration or rough idle in D or R • Shudder while driving • Lack of engine RPM • Low performance, lack of acceleration on take off"
View NHTSA documentUnknown or Other
SSM 53040While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions.
View NHTSA documentUnknown or Other
TSB 24-2165This article supersedes TSB 21-2175 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some 2016 MKS, 2016-2017 Navigator, 2016-2018 F-150/Focus/C-MAX/Edge/Fiesta/MKX/Transit Connect/Mustang, 2017-2018 Continental/Fusion/MKZ, 2017-2019 Explorer, 2016-2019 Escape/MKC/Flex/MKT/Taurus/Transit/Expedition/F-Super Duty, and 2018-2019 EcoSport vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone connection issues Dropped phone connections Applink related performance Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic Slow system response This may be due to the SYNC software. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software. NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of software.
View NHTSA documentUnknown or Other
SSM 52483Some 2018-2019 Explorer and 2018-2024 Transit/F-150/Expedition/Navigator vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0627, P025A, P025B, P00C6, P008A and/or U0109 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). Diagnosis should include checking for an intermittent or partial disconnect of the harness to the fuel pump control module (FPCM) connector, connector pin push-outs, damaged pins/terminals, or loose/corroded grounds. Confirm FPCM connector (Explorer - C3239, Transit - C433, F-150 - C460/C4336, Expedition/Navigator - C433/C4033) is fully seated and inspect applicable grounds (Explorer G302, Transit - G401, F-150 - G401, Expedition/Navigator - G403/G406) prior to performing guided diagnostics or replacing any components.
View NHTSA documentEquipment
SSM 52476All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com > Parts and Service > Parts Product Line Information > Keys/Entry Devices > Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad.
View NHTSA documentEngine and Engine Cooling
SSM 52335For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford has evaluated turbochargers replaced for oil leak symptoms and although oil may collect on the external surface of a turbocharger, it is extremely rare for a turbocharger assembly to be the root cause of the oil leak. Careful inspection of the turbocharger oil feed and drain tubes should be performed along with the recommended WSM procedures as needed. Warranty claims for turbocharger replacement going forward will be assessed.
View NHTSA documentManufacturer communications include service bulletins and other technical information submitted by manufacturers to NHTSA. The existence or number of communications does not establish how often a condition occurs or whether an individual vehicle will experience it.
Some manufacturers may issue more detailed service documentation than others, so communication counts should not be used alone to compare vehicle reliability.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration manufacturer communicationsNATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
NHTSA DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS
TOTAL INVESTIGATION RECORDS1
- Open investigations
- 0
- Closed investigations
- 1
- Applicability match
- range
Preliminary Evaluation
Windshield trim molding Item detachment
- Status
- closed
- Component
- Structure:body:roof and Pillars
- Opened
- Jan 27, 2023
- Closed
- Feb 8, 2024
Read NHTSA summary
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 speeds, with the detached trim panel entering the path of travel of the vehicle behind them, requiring the driver of the following vehicle to take evasive action. It is noteworthy that motorists who experience this type of road hazard are less likely to accurately identify the subject vehicle the item detached from and report the event to the NHTSA. In its April 17, 2023 response to ODI’s information request, Ford provided 175 consumer complaints (including field reports) and 14,162 warranty claims related to A-pillar trim panel detachment. Ford relayed that the subject vehicles utilize a plastic A-pillar bracket, which is bolted to the vehicle structure during assembly. The A-pillar trim panel is attached to the bracket utilizing 7 plastic clips. Contributory factors which have been identified by Ford as leading to the subject defect include incomplete installation at the assembly plant, inadequate part stack up, damage to fasteners during installation, and failure to follow proper repair procedure during windshield replacements or other services. On January 19, 2024, Ford filed safety recall 24V-031 for MY 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles to address the subject defect. In the Part 573 Safety Recall Report, Ford identified that a detached A-pillar trim panel can create a road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall remedy includes an inspection of the existing A-pillar trim panel and, if necessary, the replacement of the component. The remedy A-pillar trim panels will be installed with an additional adhesive for robustness and utilize an inspection procedure to ensure full engagement of all the retention clips during installation. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
NHTSA investigations evaluate potential motor-vehicle safety defects. The existence of an investigation does not by itself establish that a safety defect exists, and the absence of an investigation does not establish that a vehicle is problem-free.
Open and closed describe NHTSA's process status, not a CarIQ reliability judgment.
View official NHTSA investigation data ↗DESCRIPTIVE SOURCE OVERLAP
CROSS-SOURCE VEHICLE DATA
CarIQ compares categories appearing across independent NHTSA datasets. Overlap can help identify areas with more available documentation, but it does not establish defect frequency or prove that an individual vehicle will experience a problem.
| Component | Owner complaints | Manufacturer communications | Recall campaigns | NHTSA investigations | Official sources containing records |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structure:body:roof and Pillars | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 3 of 4 |
| Structure | 151 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 2 of 4 |
| Unknown or Other | 49 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 2 of 4 |
| Power Train | 35 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 2 of 4 |
| Electrical System | 20 | 49 | 0 | 0 | 2 of 4 |
| Engine | 19 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 of 4 |
| Steering | 9 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 of 4 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 6 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 2 of 4 |
| Wheels | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 of 4 |
| Visibility | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 of 4 |
Displayed first by the number of source categories containing the component, then by owner complaint count, then alphabetically. This is a presentation rule, not a vehicle ranking. Complaint reports, manufacturer communications, recalls, and investigations describe different events and are never added into a combined total.
- complaint
- Available
- communication
- Available
- recall
- Available
- investigation
- Available
- production
- Unavailable
COMMON RESEARCH QUESTIONS
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE 2019 FORD EXPLORER
Is the 2019 Ford Explorer reliable?
CarIQ does not currently assign a reliability score to the 2019 Ford Explorer. Available evidence is shown as separate official-source records with a Data Confidence classification of Moderate.
What problems are reported for the 2019 Ford Explorer?
303 NHTSA owner complaint records. When complaint data is available, the page groups records by the NHTSA component categories they identify without treating those categories as verified failure rates.
Are there recalls for the 2019 Ford Explorer?
6 safety recall campaigns. Year, make, and model results do not confirm whether a specific VIN is affected or whether a remedy has been completed.
USED-CAR CANDIDATE RESEARCH
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