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    Ford Explorer

    EPA MPG: 19 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2019 Explorer is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2019 Ford Explorer has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2019 Ford Explorer owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Hardware replacement

    "The APIM failed hard and it would not reset. It rendered the entire system unusable. It was at the dealer for a week and over the weekend because they didnt have the part."

    Anonymous, TN (2019 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5-L V6)
    In-dash navigation system (GPS)

    "Factory GPS does not work in this vehicle."

    Anonymous, SC (2019 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "The GPS/navigation stopped working due to a faulty APIM which is extremely expensive to replace"

    Anonymous, KS (2019 Ford Explorer Sport 3.5-L V6 turbo)
    Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

    "Quite often my iPhone 13 will not pair with the Navigation system. I have to shut off the vehicle, wait 5 minutes and restart."

    Anonymous A., CO (2019 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "Broken drive belt to alternator"

    Anonymous A., TN (2019 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "windscreen recall"

    Anonymous, CA (2019 Ford Explorer Sport Unsure)

    "Water pump was bad."

    Anonymous A., VA (2019 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Air or water leaks

    "This vehicle leaks water into the interior of the vehicle during rainstorms likely from the front windshield gasket."

    Anonymous, SC (2019 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Squeaks or rattles

    "The hood on this car shakes, lifts, rattles at speeds over 65 mph."

    Anonymous, CA (2019 Ford Explorer Sport 3.5-L V6 turbo)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    What Owners Say

    Heated or cooled seats

    "Driver side heated seats stopped working."

    Anonymous, CT (2019 Ford Explorer Sport 3.5-L V6)

    "I dont believe the cooled seats ever worked but nothing was ever done about it"

    Anonymous, NC (2019 Ford Explorer Platinum 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Shocks or struts

    ""After only 65000 miles, needed major work/replacement of front shocks/struts, sway bar, bushings""

    Anonymous, KS (2019 Ford Explorer Sport 3.5-L V6 turbo)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Calipers

    "Calipers grinding on rotors?"

    Anonymous, NE (2019 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Other major transmission & clutch problem

    "The transmission mounts needed replacement. This was found when a check engine light came on. It was fixed right away by Ford dealership service department."

    Anonymous, CA (2019 Ford Explorer Sport 3.5-L V6 turbo)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    2019 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Ford vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA
    NA

    NA

    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    Engine Major
    NA
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    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
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    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    STRUCTURE
    Jan 19, 2024
    A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
    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.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 2, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
    For more information:
    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.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V031000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1889110
    STRUCTURE
    May 05, 2021
    A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    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.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V316000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 616967
    SEATS
    Aug 28, 2019
    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.
    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."
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    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.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V633000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 639137
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