2019 Ford Explorer VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2019 Ford Explorer has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 252 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Ford Explorer. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Structure (125), Unknown Or Other (33), Power Train (29).
Explorer reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Ford Explorer before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Most-reported 2019 Ford Explorer issues
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
- Structure125
- Unknown Or Other33
- Power Train29
- Electrical System15
- Engine11
- Steering6
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2019 Ford Explorer
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
- Inspect transmission for shuddering or delayed acceleration
- Check fuel pump operation and inspect for leaks
- Examine A-pillar and B-pillar trims for detachment
- Test Sync 3 screen for responsiveness and connectivity
- Verify recall repairs for structural issues are completed
- Inspect for unusual engine noises or warning lights
- Check for exhaust fumes entering the cabin
2019 Explorer recalls (4)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2019 Explorer. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- EQUIPMENTNHTSA 26V012000Jan 15, 2026
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.
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. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed February 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in April 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.
- STRUCTURENHTSA 24V031000Jan 19, 2024
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.
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. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 18, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
- STRUCTURENHTSA 21V316000May 5, 2021
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.
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.
- SEATSNHTSA 19V633000Aug 28, 2019
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."
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.
Used-market value
2019 Ford Explorer resale snapshot
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
2019 Ford Explorer on the road
187,061 2019 Ford Explorer units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2019 Ford Explorer stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
Reliability verdict for the 2019 Ford Explorer
The 2019 Ford Explorer posts a mixed reliability picture, landing slightly below the segment average. That score points to moderate buyer risk rather than a clear strength. Recall activity is elevated enough to matter, even if it isn’t extreme.
Complaints are not evenly spread across the vehicle. They cluster heavily in structure-related concerns, with the remaining reports falling into a smaller set of categories including unknown/other, powertrain, electrical system, and engine. This pattern suggests the ownership experience is more likely to be shaped by a dominant problem area than by many unrelated minor issues. As the final year of its generation, the data still shows meaningful volume and concentration of concerns.
Overall, this model year carries moderate-to-elevated reliability risk for the segment.
What you get in a 2019 Ford Explorer report
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2019 Ford Explorer — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2019 Ford Explorer reliable?
The 2019 Ford Explorer posts a mixed reliability picture, landing slightly below the segment average. That score points to moderate buyer risk rather than a clear strength. Recall activity is elevated enough to matter, even if it isn’t extreme.
How many recalls does the 2019 Ford Explorer have?
4 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2019 Ford Explorer. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2019 Ford Explorer problems?
The most-reported 2019 Ford Explorer problem areas are: Structure (125), Unknown Or Other (33), Power Train (29).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2019 Ford Explorer?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2019 Ford Explorer, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.