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The 2019 Ford Explorer continues the long-standing SUV tradition for the automaker. It’s been around forever, but this particular model claims to be “built for the next adventure.” However, owners are experiencing some adventures they didn’t sign up for. Between the defective electrical system and malfunctioning engine to the dangerous fuel system and poorly-made structure, many people wish they had chosen a different vehicle.
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NHTSA Complaints for the 2019 Ford Explorer
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Structure:body | |
| Structure | |
| Engine | |
| Electrical System:horn | |
| Steering | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Electrical System | |
| Power Train | |
| Wheels |
Problems with the Electrical System
From starting the car to running all of the electronics, the electrical system needs to be in tip-top shape. Yet, this is one of the largest complaints about the Explorer.
One NHTSA comment states, “The car will not start after being turned off and left for a certain time, the car cranks but will not start. The battery has been checked and is functioning. The car was taken to Ford dealer and found the gas module bad. After 4 months, the issue has occurred and the car will not start.”
When a vehicle is repaired, owners assume the failure will not recur, but that’s not the case for this customer. It turns out that the Explorer suffers from many electrical system malfunctions. Service Bulletin #SSM 48070 states that some even have an intermittent or inoperative HVAC blower motor when running at various speeds. It turns out that this problem is caused by a poor electrical connection. In the meantime, owners might have trouble getting the air circulation needed during that next adventure.
Problems with the Engine
It’s difficult to have any sort of adventure unless the vehicle has a powerful engine under the hood. While the Explorer appears to be equipped well, the integrity of this motor is questioned.
Here is an important NHTSA complaint. “The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. While driving 70 mph, the contact smelled fumes coming from the ignition. The vehicle was taken to [dealership] to be diagnosed, but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 1,100. Since the initial failure report to NHTSA on June 6, 2019, the vehicle has been taken to the dealer in three separate occasions to date, but the failure could not be duplicated. To this date, the vehicle has not been repaired and the problem persists. Excessive fumes in the cabin, mainly while accelerating and/or driving long distances; the smell is so strong that we keep the sunroof tilt open to ensure good air flow and remove fumes from cabin.”
Aside from this scary incident, there are other engine-related concerns. Service Bulletin #SSM 48001 talks about a squealing noise coming from the accessory drive belt. Ford released a new design to eliminate the noise and prevent alternator pulley damage, but many customers don’t find out about it until it’s too late. What Ford forgets to tell people who buy the Explorer is that it comes with free noises and smells – no extra charge.
Problems with the Vehicle Structure
When looking at the structure of the Explorer, it’s clear that this Ford SUV wasn’t built to appropriate standards.
Read this Edmunds review. “2 weeks into the lease a roof rail flew off while driving. Had it replaced only for it to happen again a few months later. They replaced the entire rail and all the parts. It’s already loose! My locks cycle and won’t stay locked so I had the keypad replaced. The dashboard is so squeaky even with music up very loud you can still hear it. Needless to say it’s the last chance I give Ford and am glad I leased this almost $60k vehicle rather than purchased but in the meantime I’m spending way too much money on a lease payment for this type of quality.”
While all of those problems are important, they pale in comparison to the safety issue discussed in NHTSA Campaign Number 19V633000. This recall affects more than 630,000 vehicles and states that the front seat back recliner mechanisms weren’t built correctly. Because of this defect, the seats have reduced strength and might not restrain the occupants during an accident. Driving the Explorer is a lot like playing Russian Roulette, wondering how and when death could occur.
Your Lemon Law Legal Rights
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Ford pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Complaint Data
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Mar 23, 2023 |
| State | NC |
| Description | I have a 2019 ford explorer. I have seen that serval people have reported the front windshield trimming flying off going down the road for no reason. I recently had to replace both of my window trimming because this happened to me. One flew completely off going down the interstate and the other one came off but lucky did not fly off with traffic around. This is very dangerous not only for the owner of the vehicle but other vehicles around when it flys off. I have contacted ford and they do not want to reimburse me for the amount of money I have spent to get this fixed. This is not a default on the owners end, it is a ford default. I feel as if ford needs to reimburse. Again, this could be very dangerous for other drivers on the road when these prices fly off. Safety first. |
| Category | Visibility:windshield:critical Fasteners |
| Date | Mar 09, 2023 |
| State | FL |
| Description | The windshield piece flow off while we were traveling around 45mph. We did not know what happened until the next day when we saw it missing. |
| Category | Electrical System, Power Train, Structure:body |
| Date | Feb 24, 2023 |
| State | MI |
| Description | I saw an article about the a pillars coming off while driving and wanted to report my story/experience with this problem vehicle! I pay wayyyy too much for this vehicle to be a 2019 and still have low miles (46,700) for it to be such a safety hazard for my family, I definitely expected more for such a big first ford purchase. Very very disappointed. I don't have all the receipts together right now to take pictures at this time but they are at my house if needed. -the a pillars have flown off the vehicle while driving down the freeway even after being fixed, even most recent fixes will not completely stay down and could still come off again. This has led to the window trim being ripped off with them and it all causing wind issues and allows stuff to catch on the windows while driving or build up underneath for weather conditions. -there is something within the vehicles power train that will not take alignments and has a very bad shimmy/sway within the wheels while driving. This is very very unsafe at any speed but quite bad at highway speeds, especially with wind because of the a-pillars issue. The way it moves while driving it feels like you're not in control of the vehicle. Multiple alignments have been attempted, tire swaps and brand new ones have been put on and it continues to get worse. Nobody can figure out what's causing this. -there are some electrical and heating shortages within the vehicle and intermittently these futures will glitch out and won't work. Sometimes the display screen won't come on or shut off, sometimes all the wipers will stop mid swipe and not fully stay down, sometimes the mirrors won't adjust, some sensors barely work, there are times the seat warmer doesn't work or does partially, the floorboard heat will only put out cold air unless it's on auto and high, some lighting functions glitch out, same with the radio, sometimes the auto start don't work, sometimes the seat positions will stop in mid move and won't reposition |
| Category | Structure |
| Date | Feb 02, 2023 |
| State | IA |
| Description | The contact owns a 2019 ford explorer. The contact stated while driving 40 mph, the side trim on the passenger's side windshield detached from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the nhtsa hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 76,000. |
| Category | Structure:body |
| Date | Feb 02, 2023 |
| State | TX |
| Description | Windshield trim panels flying off vehicle while driving down the road |
| Category | Structure:body |
| Date | Feb 01, 2023 |
| State | NY |
| Description | The front window side panel is in the process of coming off on both side it's already detaching from the top of both side & im afraid it's gonna hot someone if it flies off I started to notice this a little after I got the car & im noticing more & the dealer ship saw it when I got the car & said it's not on recall |
| Category | Structure:body |
| Date | Feb 01, 2023 |
| State | MI |
| Description | The trim panel around the windshield detached. The panel detached on the drive home from the ford dealership. This happened on a brand new vehicle. I returned the car to the ford dealership and they replaced the trim panel. I also had to have the windshield replaced on this vehicle. The windshield replacement company requires you to purchase new trim panels surrounding the windshield when the windshield is replaced. I purchased new trim panels and 1 of the trim panels detacted from the vehicle while I was driving on the expressway. The windshield company replaced the panel. They indicated that this happens all the time with explorers. |
| Category | Structure |
| Date | Jan 31, 2023 |
| State | LA |
| Description | The contact owns a 2019 ford explorer. The contact stated that the rubber strip located between the windshield and the side mirrors on the driver's and passenger's side was fractured. The contact then stated that the piece on the driver's side was shaking while driving. The dealer was made aware of the issue. Upon investigation, the contact discovered nhtsa campaign number: 21v316000 (structure) which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000. |
| Category | Electrical System, Electrical System:horn |
| Date | Jan 29, 2023 |
| State | AL |
| Description | The horn/horns stopped working. There just was no more sound. No wreck or jolts. Just no sound. Pressed all angles and area of horn “button†but not even a hint of horn sound. Horn fuse and horn relay are both good. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jan 29, 2023 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Roof rack rails coming off car. Recall number 21s22. I took my 2019 ford explorer to the local ford dealer on 03/25/2022 and roof rails were repaired. Roof rails coming off again. I called ford motor company again (cs-40164791). A lady named fallon told me there is nothing ford motor company can do. All recall attempts have been made. Roof rails did not look like this when car was new, plus the roof rails looked like new when local ford dealer made first recall repair. Now coming off again. Roof rails may not have been repaired correctly or to recall recommendation. I have checked many ford explorer's, in parking lot, between 2016 and 2019 none have roof rails sticking up 3/4 of an inch in rear of car like mine. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jan 15, 2023 |
| State | GA |
| Description | I have had the key pad replaced 2 times because it melts at top. It has melted again should it be recalled |
| Category | Seat Belts |
| Date | Dec 31, 2022 |
| State | SC |
| Description | 2nd row seat belt malfunctioned during when rear ended recently. Seat belt came unlatched on my niece throwing her towards the front passenger seat. Car has been totaled. Injury was to driver. |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Dec 25, 2022 |
| State | OK |
| Description | The torque converter on my 2019 explorer is messing up. Causing a stutter while driving and an extremely rough idle when trying to stop at a stop light/sign. This stutter happens intermittently and unexpectedly weather driving at a high rate of speed or low. A light never came on and no codes were able to be read. The last day I was able to dive my car the idle suddenly dropped so low mid driving. Thankfully I was going at a low rate of speed and able to get my vehicle off the road. I took my vehicle back to the ford dealership and asked that they re-evaluate as the problem had gotten worse. That's when I was informed my torque converter had malfunctioned. Not only did the dealership provide me with that information, but they also informed me that this is a known issue and has affected so many explorers in this way, ford had issued multiple tsbs to their service departments notifying them of this issue. I have attached screenshots of tsb 20-2271 and 22-2287, showing ford is aware of these issues being reported on the 2016-2019 model explorers. In my research, I've also found that the nhtsa has had a previous case, 17s16, showing fords directive to replace faulty torque converters back in june of 2018. It is clear that ford has not taken this issue seriously and continues to produce and sell vehicles with this bad part. This stutter and sudden decrease in idle could cause a wreck. Thankfully it did not with me, but it is an ongoing issue that could in the future. Ford has acknowledged there's a problem but has not yet issued a recall on this part, for my vin or cars like mine. I urge the nhtsa to investigate and encourage ford to make this right and improve the quality of the torque converters they're producing and selling to consumers. |
| Category | Power Train, Steering |
| Date | Nov 17, 2022 |
| State | MN |
| Description | When I took a left hand turn coming from a stop-sign the control arm on my front right passenger side busted. I did not hit anything or cause the damange instead this was in part of failure of the product. I was traveling approximately 3 mph on a flat surface with no traffic exiting an industrial park. Because the control arm broke, it caused significant other damage to my vehicle due to the inability to steer my vehicle and the wheel to no longer be controlled by the steering wheel. There were no warning signs and nothing to signal to me that my car was in fact having issues. If I would have been traveling on the hwy during this incident chances are I would have been severally hurt or even killed. I had just dropped off my husband and child at an event where we were traveling on a hwy. Luckily I was traveling at a slow speed during this incident and nobody was injured. The vehicle has been inspected and based on the significant damage (fender, door, mechanical) there has been nothing but challenges getting the issues fixed. My car is still covered under warranty because it's new however between my car insurance and the warranty nobody wants to help cover the cost of the damage that was cause at no fault of my own. Finally, this is a known issue with ford vehicles. Research shows many, many other complaints just like mine where faulty control arms are breaking at no fault of the driver. As a matter of fact, 3 days ago there was the same incident at a round-about where another ford explorer was sitting in the middle with it's control arm broken. Same issue, same scenario. |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Sep 29, 2022 |
| State | MO |
| Description | Transmission torque converter and transmission clutches malfunctioning. Yes it's available for inspection if needed. Safety is an issue because car shudders when driving. Yes, problem has been observed by a dealer. And has been inspected with an estimated cost of ,100+ no warning lights come on to know to assess the issue. |
| Category | Structure:body |
| Date | Sep 02, 2022 |
| State | MI |
| Description | The front pillar columns on either side of the windshield have flown off while driving on the interstate. This is a ongoing ford issue that should be fixed and is so dangerous could crack someone's windshield |
| Category | Suspension |
| Date | Aug 17, 2022 |
| State | GA |
| Description | The contact owns a 2019 ford explorer. The contact stated there was a loud rattle coming from the rear passenger side wheel of the vehicle. The noise progressed when on rough roads. The contact inspected the rear passenger side toe link which seemed as though it was loose and malfunctioning. The contact did not take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,172 |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Jul 15, 2022 |
| State | FL |
| Description | 2019 ford explorer shutdown at full speed on florida turnpike for the second time within 30 days. The first time it was thought that the battery was at end of life. A new battery was installed and thought to be fine however, later the vehicle was unable to start after highway use, requiring waiting to restart. Engine cranks but will not start. Vehicle started then shut down at full highway speed on the florida turnpike on july 5th. Car was in unsafe location on highway edge as no other area was reachable. Car cranked but would not start. Turnpike road ranger responded, I called for tow and uber, car eventually started and I drove it to lorenzo ford of homestead fl. Ford has no tsbs on this subject however the internet has multiple videos showing ford customer's experiencing the same issue of no start or shutdowns. Please review for similar complaints. I have a very nice unreliable and unsafe car at this point. |
| Category | Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Jul 10, 2022 |
| State | MO |
| Description | At 53,000 miles I was driving down the highway and my vehicle sputtered and died leaving me stranded on the side of the road. The vehicle would not start. I took the vehicle to a local repair shop and had to replace the fuel pump for the vehicle. That was very low mileage to have an issue with a major part like a fuel pump. |
| Category | Air Bags, Steering |
| Date | Jun 03, 2022 |
| State | SC |
| Description | Clip on horn cover that secures the driver air bag was coming apart, if not repaired may have caused an accident by inflating the air bag by a bump in the road or any other sensing that causes the air bag to engage, including honking the horn. On the interstate could have been catastrophic. To the driver, the horn cover could have discharged to the face without notice. The vehicle was taken to dick smith ford in columbia sc and after a long consideration by ford motors the steering wheel and air bag was replace at cost to me of 6. 53. The vehicle had 24,000 with very light driving miles and little to no honking. Had not a mechanic at a local tire store took note, this possible tragic failure would have done some irrevocable harm to driver, occupants of vehicle and other in proximity of vehicle safety failure. |
| Category | Seats, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | May 31, 2022 |
| State | MD |
| Description | There is a recall and no remedy has been done. Still waiting on a call or email. |
| Category | Structure |
| Date | May 23, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | The contact owns a 2019 ford explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 mph, he heard an abnormal noise coming from the roof rack. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, he noticed that the roof rack had detached. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with nhtsa campaign number: 21v316000 (structure) however, the vin was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 270,450. |
| Category | Structure:body |
| Date | May 09, 2022 |
| State | FL |
| Description | While driving on I-95 on 5/4, the rh windshield moulding broke off suddenly and flew off behind the car, fortunately not hitting another vehicle, although that could easily have happened. I took the car to mullinex ford in new smyrna beach, fl on 5/9; they said the exterior moulding (which broke off) and the underlying rh a pillar moulding needed to be replaced (costing me 2, since it wasn't covered by my extended warranty). This same thing happened to my previous 2013 explorer in 2017-2018 timeframe! Apparently it is a well-known problem with all ford explorers since at least 2013 , as many others have reported at https://www. Carproblemzoo. Com/ford/explorer/body-problems. Php ). But ford has never issued a recall on this problem, and refuse to cover it under extended warranties. This is a real safey issue, as parts should not be breaking off on a car and flying through the air to potentially hit other vehicles. At the website I specified, some vehicle owners reported incidents that did hit other vehicles, including a motorcyclist. |
| Category | Steering |
| Date | Apr 27, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | The contact owns a 2019 ford explorer. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at approximately 25 mph, the steering wheel seized causing the vehicle to crash into a concrete brick mailbox. The air bags deployed. The contact stated that the driver sustained chemical burning from the air bags and the front passenger sustained a high ankle sprain and broke right foot that needed medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a collision center. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a case number. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000. |
| Category | Structure |
| Date | Mar 29, 2022 |
| State | MA |
| Description | The contact owns a 2019 ford explorer. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 21v316000 (structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the roof rack trim detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer took pictures of the vehicle and forwarded them to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer transferred the contact to the nhtsa to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. |
| Category | Electrical System:horn |
| Date | Mar 28, 2022 |
| State | TN |
| Description | The contact owns a 2019 ford explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the lock button was depressed and the contact became aware that the horn was not operating as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,000. |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Jan 18, 2022 |
| State | NV |
| Description | The contact owns a 2019 ford explorer. The contact stated that there was an abnormal ticking noise detected from the front end of the vehicle. The contact stated that while his wife was driving, the vehicle failed to accelerate and revved up. The contact noticed that the air intake manifold was disconnected. The contact stated that he noticed an oil leak in the driveway. The rear seat heater became inoperable and the tires were bald. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer where it was diagnosed that the seal was broken. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jan 18, 2022 |
| State | FL |
| Description | We continue to smell exhaust fumes in the cabin on the vehicle. |
| Category | Structure |
| Date | Jan 12, 2022 |
| State | OH |
| Description | The contact owns a 2019 ford explorer. The contact stated that on several occasions, the rear passenger's side roof rack became loosened while driving at highway speeds and while going through the car wash. The contact then received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 21v316000 (structure) and had the vehicle was serviced at the dealer. Three months later the failure recurred. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer and was informed that the recall was a one-time free repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred her to nhtsa for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. |
| Category | Electrical System, Steering, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jan 07, 2022 |
| State | TN |
| Description | 1. The vehicle horn unknowingly and unexpectedly stopped working, became unavailable, and subsequently failed to alert other of hazardous conditions, when approperiately initiated by the driver/operator. Without any indication or prior warning to the driver that the horn was not functional. This vehicle can be made available for nhtsa inspection upon request. For all intensive purposes, the only unique purpose for having a vehicle horn is for safety. 2. Safety was compromised and reslted in highly eleveted risks for the driver, passangers, pedestrians, traffic officers, by standers, other vehicles and congestion, following a night time egress of an nfl football game. 3. The problem is repeatable and the horn is currently in a failed state. The horn has not been diagnosed or repaired. It has not been confirmed, by the dealer, nor independent service center. Why? For them to bill me some ungodly amount, just to tell me, my the horn does not work.. On a vehicle I financed/purchased 4 months ago? And that I paid 0 last month for a failed battery last month. Good lord, and on a vehicle with more automated driver assist sensors, than a martian land explorer? And the horn fails? For safety, horns are intentionally "enabled" and maintained in fuctional state. Note: auto owner has reported this safety defect to nhtsa. Owner requests all costs of diagnosis, parts, replacement, labor, repairs, wiring, computer, software, and the transparent identification of flaws in automatic updates via internet and wireless, connectivity, software updates, digital processing of vehicle operating systems, and digital monitoring of driving conditions, location, and environment. 4. No. It has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance reps, or others. Yet. 5. No warning lights, messages, or indicators prior to non-functioning and unexpected horn failure. I would like to request independent nhtsa inspection root cause analysis. Thank you |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Jan 03, 2022 |
| State | FL |
| Description | I have a 2019 ford explorer limited. Since shortly after my lease began, I found it to emit a burnt hair like smell in the passenger cabin whenever I am applying heavy acceleration. I have had a similar issue with two previous explorers I've owned (2015 xlt, 2017 xlt), and brought the vehicle to the dealer, requesting that they remediate the issue. The dealer's service center claims there are no fumes, and did not attempt to repair the vehicle. This was the second time I took it to that dealer for the issue. I have contacted ford customer service, though have yet to get any repair or remediation of the issue. I am concerned as I have had repeated instances of drowsiness when operating the vehicle. |
| Category | Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery |
| Date | Oct 27, 2021 |
| State | ME |
| Description | The contact owns a 2019 ford explorer. The contact stated that there was water leaking into the headliner and sunroof. Additionally, the battery was leaking battery acid. The battery failure caused the contact's baby to be diagnosed with intrauterine growth restrictions (iugr). The first failure occurred when the contact detected an odor and checked under the hood of the vehicle. The contact saw that the battery was swollen and had exploded. The vehicle was towed to the dealer on october 21, 2020, and the dealer informed the contact that it was a faulty battery and replaced it with a new battery that the contact had purchased from walmart. The dealer informed the contact, who was pregnant at the time, that the vehicle was safe to drive. The failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken to darling's brunswick ford (262 bath rd, brunswick, me 04011) on may 17, 2021. The dealer informed the contact that the battery was actively leaking and covered in battery acid. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and first informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the vin. The manufacturer later informed the contact that they would be buying back the vehicle from the contact under florida's lemon law. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000. |
| Category | Structure |
| Date | Oct 20, 2021 |
| State | MO |
| Description | The contact owns a 2019 ford explorer. The contact stated that she initially received a recall notice for the roof rail covers under manufacturer recall number: 20n11. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer and had the recall serviced. Since the repair, the contact noticed that the roof rail cover had begun to detach from the vehicle despite the recall repair. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where they acknowledged the failure and referred her to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred her to nhtsa for assistance. Upon investigation, the contact discovered nhtsa campaign number: 21v316000 (structure) however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000. |
| Category | Structure |
| Date | Oct 07, 2021 |
| State | MO |
| Description | The contact owns a 2019 ford explorer. The contact stated that the roof rail had detached. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 21v316000 (structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the roof rail was glued. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The roof pins are unable to be attached. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified but, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000. Vin tool confirms parts are not available. |
| Category | Structure |
| Date | Oct 05, 2021 |
| State | WI |
| Description | The contact owns a 2019 ford explorer. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the driver's side roof rail detached from the body of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed but not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with nhtsa campaign number: 21v316000 (structure) however, the vin was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to nhtsa. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. |
| Category | Structure:body |
| Date | Sep 15, 2021 |
| State | NY |
| Description | As per a recall on this vehicle, the roof rails become detached and have the potential to fly off the car at high speeds. I have brought this in to a ford service center numerous times to be addressed and upon repair each time, the issue recurs. The latest conversation I have had with a ford motor company representative is that the issue is known but there is no known fix for it at this time. Meanwhile, I, like so many others, are driving around with what can be a potential safety hazard for other drivers. |
| Category | Structure:body |
| Date | Sep 11, 2021 |
| State | PA |
| Description | Driving 70 mph on interstate the driver side windshield trim came off. Startled the driver and caused car behind us to hit it on their windshield and lost control for a short time. In looking at trim clips they are plastic and 3 of them were broken. I drove to a ford dealer and was told this is a problem but they have not recall on it. Components should not be falling off a 60k car. No warning that this might occur. |
| Category | Structure:body |
| Date | Aug 26, 2021 |
| State | FL |
| Description | Nthsa acknowledged there was an issue with 2019 ford explorer roof rails being a danger and filed a warning which ford supposedly issued a recall which never happened, had my suv to coggin ford in orange city fl they made several repairs and the rails are still falling off suv, now the dealership is stating parts are on backorder, nthsa filed wrong recall number with complaints, called ford only to get a runaround for a week |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Aug 26, 2021 |
| State | FL |
| Description | The windshield weather stripping has disintegrated . Half is missing. What's left crumbles in your hand. I am get a picture, just not at this time. I will have it there is ever a follow up. |
| Category | Structure |
| Date | Aug 25, 2021 |
| State | CO |
| Description | The contact owns a 2019 ford explorer. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 21v316000 (structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact attempted to reach out to local dealer several times for recall repair appointment but was informed that the part was not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The vin was not available. |
| Category | Structure:body |
| Date | Jul 18, 2021 |
| State | ME |
| Description | Roof rail covers are falling off. Ford dealer where purchased has repaired this trouble three times and the covers are now detached worse than ever. Dealer where purchased refuses to work on the vehicle and told me to take the vehicle elsewhere. Needs to be corrected before the covers come off at highway speeds and possibly create a catastrophic situation for vehicles following. |
| Category | Structure |
| Date | Jun 16, 2021 |
| State | OH |
| Description | The contact owns a 2019 ford explorer. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number 21v316000 (structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. 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 the failure. Vin tool showed no open recall. |
| Category | Visibility:windshield:critical Fasteners |
| Date | Jun 03, 2021 |
| State | TN |
| Description | The contact owns a 2019 ford explorer. The contact stated that the front windshield gasket was crumbling. The contact was concerned that water might leak into the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and inspected but the dealer informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the failure, although they had seen the failure on other vehicles. The vehicle was taken to an auto glass repair shop and repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the nhtsa. The failure mileage was 40,000. |
| Category | Structure:body:roof And Pillars |
| Date | May 28, 2021 |
| State | AK |
| Description | I am extremely frustrated. I use my car as a second source of income and with the recall I now can't rent out my car through turo as the recall isn't fixed. I don't even have a roof rack! I understand there is an attempt here to fix the issue with the vehicle but the impact is costing me thousands. |
| Category | Electrical System:horn |
| Date | Mar 26, 2021 |
| State | TN |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2019 ford explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the horn failed to work when depressed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnosis or repairs. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,600. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Dec 27, 2020 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Last 2 times I have drive the vehicle more than several hours, a burnt odd smell has come from the engine however there have been no check engine lights, only an odor or chalky burnt smell. I have 3 young kids and they smelled it as well. It hasnt happend on short trips I noticed after longer trips of driving |
| Category | Engine, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Dec 17, 2020 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Very loud noise from the engine was told it was the supercharger but it sounds like a constant clicking. We took it back and dealership told us it was fixed. Still makes a loud clicking when driving , more so when accelerating. Called dealership, they said they fixed it. To us its still doesnt sound like a 2019 vehicle should |
| Category | Electrical System, Structure:body, Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Dec 04, 2020 |
| State | FL |
| Description | Roof rail covers on left and right sides of 2019 ford explorer come loose after dealership repaired ford tsb-20-2154, still coming loose, they can fly off vehicle and cause an accident electrical wires are coded with soy causing squirrels / rodents etc. To eat engine wires and trying to build a nest in engine can creat a fire |
| Category | Electrical System:horn |
| Date | Oct 01, 2020 |
| State | NJ |
| Description | 2019 ford explorer. Consumer writes in regards to horn being muffled. *ld the consumer stated the vehicle was not installed with a high pitched horn.*js |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Sep 19, 2020 |
| State | FL |
| Description | My suv is leaking exhaust into the cabin. The problem began when accelerating quickly, like getting on the highway or passing a car. Now the problem is often when just driving normally. You can smell the exhaust inside. It smells like rotten eggs. I have brought the explorer back 3 times to the dealer and the cannot fix it. It has been at the dealership for over 8 weeks. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Aug 12, 2020 |
| State | TX |
| Description | Carbon monoxide smell in the car when driving, we took the vehicle in to the ford dealership where we bought the car, on several occasions, and they tell us they can not find a smell, of a problem, so we have just had to live with the horrid smell, with a new baby and another small child riding inside. Very unsafe in my opinion. We also noted that the horn is very quiet. Only horn was installed in the 2019 ford explorer, as opposed to the previous year vehicles, they had 2 horns installed. |
| Category | Seats |
| Date | Aug 03, 2020 |
| State | FL |
| Description | Ford recall 19c07- { applies to vehicles equipped with one or more mechanical front seats- potential lack of seat restraint in the event of a crash}. I received this notice by mail and made an appointment for my 2019 ford explorer at 'gary yeomans ford palm bay' zip-32907. They did not repair this recall. I took my vehicle in on 07/27/20. My repair order states their tech #5534 found: "this vehicle does not have one or more mechanically adjustable front seats. Both seats in this vehicle are electronically controlled". The vin says they both are power-which I questioned at the time of purchase-at this same dealership. I waited 3 full days for my vehicle to be repaired without a loaner vehicle-while this tech was too lazy to walk from the driver seat to the passenger seat to inspect that it wasn't a power seat. I also requested the 2nd row passenger seat be repaired or replaced. It continues to get stuck and won't fold up or click into place in the upright position. Twice it has jolted forward in the open position upon braking, while driving on the highway, hitting the front passenger seat. One of these times my granddaughter was sitting in this seat - I can only thank god she wasn't a toddler. For this reason my passengers cannot sit it in it - it very well could kill them. This same technician states on my repair order: "verified that the rear second row seats fold up and down and operate properly". I have been grilled about giving a five star review |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | May 22, 2020 |
| State | NJ |
| Description | For this model year ford equipped the explorer with a single-tone horn. The volume is very low and sounds like a toy horn. I do not have any confidence that this horn will help me in a dangerous situation. *tr |
| Category | Wheels |
| Date | May 18, 2020 |
| State | TX |
| Description | I purchased my 2019 ford explorer in march 2019. I have now replaced all 4 hankook tires. The tires have had cracks, tears, holes, and were shredding. Each tire faulted at different times. I had a blow out on the highway. Hankook was contacted by the dealership and myself. Hankook blamed me on the first tire. I have now found a hole and rips all over the 4th tire. The dealership claimed it manufacturer fault. I cannot reveal my age but I have owned many cars. I have never had any other car do this but my 2016 ford explorer. This car had hankook tires. I had to replace the tires on this vehicles at 8 months due to holes and extreme shredding. Hankook has complaints all over the internet and bbb. I had a blow out right after contacting them on a different tire than I reported to them. I have a year old car with 4 tires that have holes, years, shreds. Today I had to put a 4th tire on the car. Hankook is going to hurt someone! I was driving 85mph when the tire blew out. *tr |
| Category | Structure:body |
| Date | May 06, 2020 |
| State | TN |
| Description | Roof rails come loose, totally unsecured to vehicle. One has fallen off while driving, one was destroyed in car wash. The rails seem to pop loose no matter what is happening with the vehicle (I. E. Parked, driving). This is a well documented problem online but nothing has been done to resolve it. *tr |
| Category | Structure:body |
| Date | Mar 01, 2020 |
| State | VA |
| Description | Roof rack on top of vehicle came off while driving. The plastic clips aren't enough to keep it on the vehicle. Vehicle had 12k miles when this happened. This is very unsafe I shouldn't have to worry about my roof racks coming off my vehicle. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Feb 10, 2020 |
| State | MI |
| Description | I have had the car in to the dealer twice now for carbon monoxide entering the passenger compartment. I have had a carbon monoxide detector that I purchased from a retailer that shows elevated levels above 60 parts per million within the passenger compartment my family has been experiencing neurological symptoms related to the co exposure |
| Category | Fuel/propulsion System, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jan 31, 2020 |
| State | NC |
| Description | Noticed severe exhaust smell when defrost is on while driving, and more moderately when the recirculated air is on. Looked up the issue online and found that our 2019 ford explorer is experiencing the same issues that caused a soft recall from ford for their 2011-2017 models. Took it to local ford service center, but they could not replicate the issue. However, the tech at ford service called their hotline, who stated "rear air vents were loose causing this concern". Following this call, ford service center did the following (all quotes are from service invoice): "removed rear bumper cover and inspect[ed] air extractors. Inspection found both extractors were not connected on the left rear corner of both sides, like they are broken will not properly seat. Inspection also found liftgate drain valve was missing and lr taillamp gromet was not seated to the body. Replaced both extractors and drain valve, reseated lr taillamp body plug, reinstalled rear bumper and test drove." we have not noticed the exhaust smell since the fix one week ago. I am reporting this so that nhtsa and anyone reading this knows that the ford exhaust issues that caused so many problems are still ongoing through the 2019 model, and also so that consumers who have this model know exactly what to tell their local ford service centers to do to fix it. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jan 16, 2020 |
| State | TX |
| Description | Back up camera doesn't work especially not in cold. I can just start the vehicle and the camera won't work once but it has now become an all day thing |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Nov 24, 2019 |
| State | GA |
| Description | This car will not start after being turned off and left for certain time. The car cranks but will not start. The battery has been checked and is functioning. The car was taken to ford dealer and found the gas module bad. After 4 months the issue has occurred and the car will not start. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Oct 22, 2019 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Just recently purchased a 2019 ford explorer limited. While driving on the freeway and almost nearly being side swiped by a big rig who apparently did not see me or hear my horn. I then pulled over nearest exit and pressed my horn to hear that it was low sounding. I thought maybe it was defective or a recall on horns. I searched online to find out that ford has only installed 1 horn for this year model. Not sure if its to be cheap or by mistake, but I have read many reviews that there's only 1 horn installed when all previous years have 2 horns installed. There also has been videos made on youtube regarding concerns of these 2019 ford explorers. I truly believe this is a big safety issue. |
| Category | Structure:body, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Sep 24, 2019 |
| State | AK |
| Description | Rear hatch electric opening/closing mechanism failed - hatch came down a struck the head of a person causing an injury. Also because the hatch wouldn't close properly exhaust entered the vehicle when being driven. |
| Category | Tires |
| Date | Sep 23, 2019 |
| State | MO |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2019 ford explorer equipped with hankook ventus 105h tires, size: 255/50/r20. The contact stated that the original front passenger side tire had to be replaced because the tire pressure was consistently due to a three inch cut approximately two inches from the rim. Sunset ford (11700 gravois rd, st. Louis, mo 63127, (314) 843-4431) tried to sell the contact a new tire after informing him that the tire was not covered by the warranty. The contact went to a tire shop for a second opinion and was informed that there was a defect with the tire. The tire manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle failure mileage was 2,000. The tire failure mileage was unknown. |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Sep 13, 2019 |
| State | VA |
| Description | The brake pedal is not readily accessible due to clearance under the dash. My size 12 feet will not reach the pedal quickly enough in an emergency. |
| Category | Electrical System:horn, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Sep 09, 2019 |
| State | IL |
| Description | 2019 ford explorer. Consumer writes in regards to horn not being loud enough to be heard at any safe distance. *ld *js |
| Category | Suspension |
| Date | Aug 29, 2019 |
| State | NY |
| Description | Vehicle was being driven straight on residential 2 lane street. Heard a loud break/ loss of driving control of vehicle which pulled forcefully to the right. Vehicle scraped off curb then back into oncoming traffic and coming to stopped. Had lost all power to steering and operability of vehicle. Put hazards on to avoid accident examined damage to right front pass side tire. Appeared that stabilizer arm, snapped, ball joint disconnected. Rim was not bent or damaged other than scrape to curb and tire was fully inflated. Prior to malfunction driver did not hit any obstruction, debris or potholes on road. No damage to body of vehicle. |
| Category | Engine, Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Jul 30, 2019 |
| State | TX |
| Description | Burning smell (presumably exhaust fumes) are leaking into cabin while driving. Happens more often upon hard acceleration and with air conditioning on in air recycle mode. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jul 18, 2019 |
| State | NY |
| Description | The 2019 ford explorer is delivered new with one inadequate horn. All other model years have two horns and are what you expect from a horn. This is a dangerous situation, the horn is so low I could not scare a squirrel. Ford motor company said they cannot upgrade. The ford dealer said they cannot upgrade without effecting the warranty. |
| Category | Wheels |
| Date | Jun 24, 2019 |
| State | FL |
| Description | While driving from virginia to florida, towing small u-haul trailer, wheel lugs sheared off, causing wheel to come off belt rolling the vehicle. Vehicle is brand new, I am the one and only owner from the dealership and never been worked on. |
| Category | Electrical System:ignition, Engine |
| Date | Jun 06, 2019 |
| State | NC |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2019 ford explorer. While driving 70 mph, the contact smelled fumes coming from the ignition. The vehicle was taken to lee ford lincoln (located at 4170-c raleigh rd pkwy w, wilson, nc 27896, (252) 291-6000) to be diagnosed, but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 1,100. *tt since the initial failure report to nhtsa on june 6, 2019, the vehicle has been taken to the dealer in three separate occasions to date, but the failure could not be duplicated. To this date, the vehicle has not been repaired and the problem persists. Excessive fumes in the cabin, mainly while accelerating and/or driving long distances; the smell is so strong that we keep the sunroof tilt open to ensure good air flow & remove fumes from cabin.*jb |
| Category | Engine, Fuel/propulsion System, Steering |
| Date | May 21, 2019 |
| State | VA |
| Description | On march 2nd 2019 ford explorer sport with 1,800 miles was towed to thomassen ford in charles town wv leaving owner stranded. Complained of strong fuel/gasoline odor inside the vehicle. Fuel/gasoline was leaking badly out of the vehicle onto the exhaust pipe. On march 4th notification was provided from service writer that none of the fuel lines or clamps were attached properly from the factory. Vehicle sat at thomassen ford until march 27th when repairs were complete. April 9th 2019 some form of fluid leaked out of the parked vehicle for 8 hours after a 7 minute drive. Vehicle was taken to jerry's ford in leesburg va "unable to duplicate" therefore no action was taken. There are photos of this issue. April 18th 2019 a strange noise coming from the steering column when driving. Vehicle was taken back to jerry's ford in leesburg va "unable to duplicate" therefore again no action was taken. To this day the vehicle still makes the noise which has gotten progressively worse. There is video of this issue |
| Category | Engine, Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Apr 02, 2019 |
| State | FL |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2019 ford explorer. While driving the vehicle, the contact smelled exhaust fumes and fuel inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to advantage ford (4000 se federal hwy, stuart, fl 34997, (772) 287-0955) to be diagnosed, but the test was not yet completed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 4,500. |
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About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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