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Total NHTSA Complaints
291
Owner filings recorded
#1 Reported Problem
Body & Structure
147 reports (50.5%)
Crash Incident Reports
2
Filings citing a crash
Fire & Injury Reports
5
0 fire • 5 injury filings
Defect Investigation Analysis

Executive Problem Findings

AutoUtility currently tracks 291 official NHTSA owner defect complaints for the 2019 Ford Explorer. Body & Structure issues are the most frequently reported category, appearing in 147 complaints (50.5% of submitted records). Among these NHTSA complaint records, 2 filings cite a crash, 5 report one or more injuries.

Methodology Notice: Consumer complaints are unverified voluntary submissions to the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Filings are not normalized for sales volume or vehicle mileage and do not constitute an audited component failure rate.
Incident & Severity Profile
  • • Total Owner Reports: 291 complaints submitted under federal penalty.
  • • Primary Subsystem: Body & Structure accounts for 50.5% of submissions (147 reports).
  • • Secondary Systems: Powertrain & Transmission (35), Electrical System (19).
  • • Crash Incidents: 2 filings cite an impact or collision.
  • • Thermal Incidents: 0 filings cite smoke or fire.
  • • Reported Casualties: 5 injury filings • 0 fatality filings.
Category Distribution

Reported Defect Categories for 2019 Ford Explorer

Factual proportion of owner complaints categorized by automotive subsystem in NHTSA records

Body & Structure
147
50.5%
Powertrain & Transmission
35
12%
Electrical System
19
6.5%
Fuel & Propulsion System
17
5.8%
Engine & Cooling
16
5.5%
#1 50.5% SHARE

Body & Structure

147 owner complaints submitted to NHTSA ODI for this subsystem.

🩹 2 Injury
⚠️ 3 Associated Recall Campaigns
#2 12% SHARE

Powertrain & Transmission

35 owner complaints submitted to NHTSA ODI for this subsystem.

✓ 0 Incidents
#3 6.5% SHARE

Electrical System

19 owner complaints submitted to NHTSA ODI for this subsystem.

✓ 0 Incidents
⚠️ 1 Associated Recall Campaign
#4 5.8% SHARE

Fuel & Propulsion System

17 owner complaints submitted to NHTSA ODI for this subsystem.

🩹 1 Injury
Federal Oversight

Official NHTSA Defect Investigations (1)

Formal engineering analyses and preliminary evaluations opened by the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation

ODI Action #PE23001 CLOSED Preliminary Evaluation (PE)
Opened: 2023-01-27 • Closed: 2024-02-08
Subject / Subsystem
Windshield trim molding Item detachment
Affected Component
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Recall Linkage
Campaign #24V031
On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles. At the time of opening, the office had received 164 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting this failure. ODI has received 671 VOQs regarding this failure, including 1 alleged crash and 2 alleged injuries. Some consumers have reported that the failure occurred while they were driving at highway speeds, with the detached trim panel entering the path of travel of the vehicle behind them, requiring the driver of the following vehicle to take evasive action. It is noteworthy that motorists who experience this type of road hazard are less likely to accurately identify the subject vehicle the item detached from and report the event to the NHTSA. In its April 17, 2023 response to ODI’s information request, Ford provided 175 consumer complaints (including field reports) and 14,162 warranty claims related to A-pillar trim panel detachment. Ford relayed that the subject vehicles utilize a plastic A-pillar bracket, which is bolted to the vehicle structure during assembly. The A-pillar trim panel is attached to the bracket utilizing 7 plastic clips. Contributory factors which have been identified by Ford as leading to the subject defect include incomplete installation at the assembly plant, inadequate part stack up, damage to fasteners during installation, and failure to follow proper repair procedure during windshield replacements or other services. On January 19, 2024, Ford filed safety recall 24V-031 for MY 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles to address the subject defect. In the Part 573 Safety Recall Report, Ford identified that a detached A-pillar trim panel can create a road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall remedy includes an inspection of the existing A-pillar trim panel and, if necessary, the replacement of the component. The remedy A-pillar trim panels will be installed with an additional adhesive for robustness and utilize an inspection procedure to ensure full engagement of all the retention clips during installation. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Consumer Filings

Recent NHTSA Owner Reports for 2019 Ford Explorer

Representative defect filings submitted by owners to the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation

Driver Assistance & Safety Tech ODI #11758806
Filed: 08/22/2026
Defect Report

"I was driving down the road when the warning lights suddenly came on, and the vehicle would not allow me to accelerate. As a result, my vehicle slowed unexpectedly, and another vehicle nearly struck me from behind."

Incident Date: 08/13/2026 NHTSA Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION
Powertrain & Transmission ODI #11756722
Filed: 08/13/2026
Defect Report

"In November 2025 vehicle began experiencing intermittent instances of rough shifting when the engine was under strain due to mountain driving. Since we do not live in the mountains, we returned home and waited to see if it would replicate. Vehicle began intermittently, replicating, hard shifting..."

Incident Date: 11/01/2025 NHTSA Component: POWER TRAIN
Suspension ODI #11756501
Filed: 08/12/2026
Defect Report

"Both the rear toe links were replaced under NHTSA # 26V101 on March 26th, 2026. On August 8th, 2026, the vehicle experience significant handling issues at highway speeds. Was found the toe links shifted post recall. Significant cambered tire wear located on both rear tires. The axel shaft seal..."

Incident Date: 08/09/2026 NHTSA Component: SUSPENSION
Body & Structure ODI #11756251
Filed: 08/11/2026
Defect Report

"The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the recall repair was not performed because the A-pillar trim had not completely detached. While driving the vehicle at an..."

Incident Date: 01/15/2026 NHTSA Component: STRUCTURE
Body & Structure ODI #11751972
Filed: 07/22/2026
Defect Report

"Passenger side exterior B pillar trim came off while driving on highway on July 3, 2026. Trim was on vehicle when it left home. It was not on it when it arrived at destination. Possible danger to other drivers from flying trim component. No inspection or any symptoms of the problem prior to..."

Incident Date: 07/03/2026 NHTSA Component: STRUCTURE
Multi-Year Trend

Complaint History for Ford Explorer

Reported defect complaint volume across sibling model years (2015–2026)

Model Year NHTSA Complaints Crash Reports Safety Recalls Detailed Report
2015 Ford Explorer 1773 37 9 View 2015 Problems →
2016 Ford Explorer 2441 38 15 View 2016 Problems →
2017 Ford Explorer 1687 33 14 View 2017 Problems →
2018 Ford Explorer 720 15 7 View 2018 Problems →
2019 Ford Explorer Current Page 291 2 6 Current
2020 Ford Explorer 1198 35 34 View 2020 Problems →
2021 Ford Explorer 416 16 27 View 2021 Problems →
2022 Ford Explorer 257 17 25 View 2022 Problems →
2023 Ford Explorer 105 8 15 View 2023 Problems →
2024 Ford Explorer 19 1 10 View 2024 Problems →
2025 Ford Explorer 95 7 19 View 2025 Problems →
2026 Ford Explorer 0 0 12 View 2026 Problems →
Exhaustive System Audit

Detailed NHTSA Component Breakdown for 2019 Ford Explorer

Complete distribution of consumer defect reports across all 45 granular NHTSA system and subsystem classifications

Vehicle Component / System Total Complaints Crash Reports Fire Reports Injury Entries Fatality Entries
Structure & Body NHTSA category: STRUCTURE 138 0 0 1 0
Powertrain NHTSA category: POWER TRAIN 31 0 0 0 0
Other / Uncategorized NHTSA category: UNKNOWN OR OTHER 31 0 0 0 0
Electrical System NHTSA category: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12 0 0 0 0
Engine NHTSA category: ENGINE 8 0 0 0 0
Fuel & Propulsion System NHTSA category: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 8 0 0 0 0
Suspension NHTSA category: SUSPENSION 8 0 0 0 0
Engine & Cooling NHTSA category: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 4 0 0 0 0
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 4 0 0 1 0
Visibility / Glass NHTSA category: VISIBILITY 4 0 0 0 0
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 3 0 0 0 0
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE 2 0 0 0 0
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE 2 0 0 0 0
Seats & Restraints NHTSA category: SEATS 2 0 0 0 0
Steering NHTSA category: STEERING 2 1 0 2 0
Tires NHTSA category: TIRES 2 0 0 0 0
Wheels & Hubs NHTSA category: WHEELS 2 0 0 0 0
Air Bags NHTSA category: AIR BAGS 1 0 0 0 0
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 1 0 0 0 0
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER 1 0 0 0 0
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 1 0 0 0 0
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN 1 0 0 0 0
Forward Collision Avoidance NHTSA category: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 1 0 0 0 0
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE 1 0 0 0 0
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 1 0 0 0 0
Seat Belts NHTSA category: SEAT BELTS 1 1 0 1 0
SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 1 0 0 0 0
Service Brakes NHTSA category: SERVICE BRAKES 1 0 0 0 0
Service Brakes NHTSA category: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 1 0 0 0 0
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 1 0 0 0 0
STEERING,AIR BAGS 1 0 0 0 0
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 1 0 0 0 0
STEERING,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 1 0 0 0 0
STEERING,POWER TRAIN 1 0 0 0 0
STEERING,SUSPENSION 1 0 0 0 0
STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS 1 0 0 0 0
STEERING,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES 1 0 0 0 0
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE 1 0 0 0 0
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION 1 0 0 0 0
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 1 0 0 0 0
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 1 0 0 1 0
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 1 0 0 0 0
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER 1 0 0 0 0
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION 1 0 0 0 0
Visibility & Wipers NHTSA category: VISIBILITY/WIPER 1 0 0 0 0
Related Workstations

Related Official Reports for 2019 Ford Explorer

Cross-reference safety recalls, crash test safety ratings, and EPA fuel economy for this model year

← 2019 Ford Explorer Overview

Key performance indicators, EPA fuel economy specs, powertrain variants, and summary ratings.

2019 Ford Explorer Safety Recalls (6) →

Official recall campaigns, safety defect descriptions, and manufacturer free remedy instructions.

2019 Ford Explorer Safety Ratings →

NHTSA 5-Star NCAP crash test results, driver assistance systems, and rollover resistance ratings.

2019 Ford Explorer MPG & Range →

EPA fuel economy ratings, electric range, and annual energy cost benchmarks.
Search Intelligence

Quick Answers: Common Problems & Reliability Questions for the 2019 Ford Explorer

Direct, deterministic answers synthesized from verified United States government databases for the 2019 Ford Explorer

What are the most common reported problems with the 2019 Ford Explorer?

In official NHTSA consumer records, the most frequently cited issue area for the 2019 Ford Explorer is Body & Structure, appearing in 147 records (50.5% of submitted filings).

Secondary reported categories include Powertrain & Transmission (35) and Electrical System (19).

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI)

Is the 2019 Ford Explorer a reliable vehicle?

AutoUtility does not issue subjective reliability scores or commercial ratings. In official United States government records, NHTSA tracks 291 consumer defect complaints and 6 safety recall campaigns for the 2019 Ford Explorer.

Reviewing documented component complaint distributions, recall remedy notices, and active federal investigations provides an objective, evidence-based view of the vehicle's historical safety and defect record.

Cross-reference official safety recall campaigns →
Source: NHTSA ODI & Safety Recalls Databases

Are there crash, fire, or injury reports associated with the 2019 Ford Explorer?

Among consumer complaint records on file with NHTSA for the 2019 Ford Explorer, 2 filings cite a crash, 0 cite smoke or fire, and 5 report one or more injuries.

Incident entries represent consumer descriptions at the time of submission to federal authorities and do not establish mechanical causation or legal liability.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Consumer Logs

Has NHTSA formally investigated defects on the 2019 Ford Explorer?

NHTSA ODI records list 1 formal defect investigation involving the 2019 Ford Explorer (all closed).

Federal defect investigations are formal engineering evaluations opened when safety defect trends emerge, and do not by themselves establish a confirmed defect or mandatory recall.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Registry
Official US Government Data Provenance

The complaint records on this page are retrieved directly from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) public database under 49 CFR Part 576.

Local Production Store Compiled: August 2026 • Deterministic Audited Dataset • Zero Dynamic External API Runtime Latency.