2019 Ford Explorer: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2019 Ford Explorer: 6 recalls, 299 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seats, Seats Vehicle recall #19V633000 · 2019 · 639,137 vehicles
What's wrong: 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,…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #21V316000 · 2021 · 616,967 vehicles
What's wrong: The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
Why it matters: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #24V031000 · 2024 · 1,889,110 vehicles
What's wrong: The a-pillar trim retention clips May not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
Why it matters: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Equipment Vehicle recall #26V012000 · 2026 · 2,403 vehicles
What's wrong: The engine block heater May crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Why it matters: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: 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.…
Suspension Vehicle recall #26V101000 · 2026 · 412,774 vehicles
What's wrong: The rear suspension toe links May fracture.
Why it matters: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the toe links, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2026.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #26V448000 · 2026 · 288,314 vehicles
What's wrong: The roof rail covers May come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Why it matters: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Body & structure (150): the most common themes are door / lock issues (9).
- Other / unknown (47): the most common themes are noise or vibration (6), stalls / loses power (4).
- Transmission & drivetrain (35): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (15), warning light on (11), stalls / loses power (5).
- Electrical (20): the most common themes are electrical failure (9), warning light on (5), stalls / loses power (2).
The 2019 Ford Explorer has 299 owner complaints, ranking #27 of 38 Explorer model years for complaints (well below the 909 average). Complaints peaked in 2025 (91 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 54,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2018 (732 complaints, 7 recalls), 2020 (1230 complaints, 33 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2019 Ford Explorer.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2019 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2019 Ford Explorer. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2019 Ford Explorer problems?
Owners have filed 299 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are body & structure (150), other / unknown (47), transmission & drivetrain (35).
What gas mileage does the 2019 Ford Explorer get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.3 L, Automatic (S6)), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2019 Ford Explorer repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.