2019 Ford Explorer
Common Problems
Ranked from 134 federal NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
18 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Windshield Trim Detachment
82complaintsSafety riskOtherWindshield trim pieces detach from the vehicle at high speeds, posing a safety hazard.
- 2
Recall repair delays
42complaintsMedium severityOtherDelays in providing parts for recall repairs lead to unresolved issues.
- 4
Roof rail covers coming loose or falling off
8complaintsHigh severityOtherRoof rail covers on the 2019 Ford Explorer are coming loose or falling off, posing a safety risk.
- 5
Torque Converter Issues
8complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe torque converter fails, causing the vehicle to vibrate, develop decreased acceleration, and overall sluggish performance.
$1,500–$3,000est. torque converter replacement · 6–10 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Horn Failure
5complaintsLow severityElectricalHorn stops working unexpectedly, leading to potential safety issues.
Related recall: 26V012000
- 7
Roof Rack Trim Detachment
5complaintsMedium severityOtherRoof rack trim pieces detach from the vehicle, potentially causing injury or damage.
- 8
Fuel pump and module failure
4complaintsHigh severityFuel systemThe fuel pump and module fail, leading to loss of power and potential stalling.
$500–$1,100est. fuel pump replacement · 2–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Steering wheel looseness and loss of control
4complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe steering wheel becomes loose and the vehicle loses control, increasing the risk of accidents.
- 10
Transmission Shifting Issues
4complaintsMedium severityTransmissionTransmission shifting between gears causes the vehicle to shutter and lose acceleration.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 11
Exhaust smell in cabin
3complaintsMedium severityOtherThe 2019 Ford Explorer is experiencing an exhaust smell in the cabin, likely due to a malfunctioning exhaust system.
- 12
Roof rack coming off during driving
3complaintsHigh severityOtherThe roof rack on the 2019 Ford Explorer is coming off during driving, posing a safety hazard.
- 13
Suspension issues leading to tire wear
3complaintsMedium severitySuspensionSuspension issues cause premature tire wear, potentially leading to loss of control.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V101000
- 14
Brake pedal clearance issues
2complaintsMedium severityBrakesThe brake pedal clearance in the 2019 Ford Explorer is insufficient, making it difficult to reach quickly in emergencies.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 15
Carbon monoxide entering passenger compartment
2complaintsHigh severityOtherCarbon monoxide is leaking into the passenger compartment of the 2019 Ford Explorer, posing a health risk to passengers.
- 16
Severe tire wear and blowouts
2complaintsHigh severityOtherThe Hankook tires on the 2019 Ford Explorer are wearing severely and causing multiple blowouts, posing a safety risk.
- 17
Single-tone horn installed instead of two horns
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe 2019 Ford Explorer is equipped with a single-tone horn instead of two, reducing its effectiveness in emergency situations.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V012000
- 18
Windshield weather stripping disintegrating
2complaintsMedium severityOtherThe windshield weather stripping on the 2019 Ford Explorer is disintegrating, leading to potential water leakage.
$250–$700est. egr valve replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotes
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.