2019 Ford Explorer Recalls, Problems & MPG

NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 299 owner complaints for the 2019 Ford Explorer. The EPA rates it 18 to 22 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.

Recalls
6
Owner complaints
299
Crashes / fires reported
2 / 0
EPA combined
18–22 MPG

2019 Ford Explorer recalls

  • StructureJul 14, 2026 · NHTSA 26V448000+

    Risk: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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 in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S54. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.

  • SuspensionFeb 20, 2026 · NHTSA 26V101000+

    Risk: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the toe links, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S08. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 21V537. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 25, 2026.

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.

  • EquipmentJan 15, 2026 · NHTSA 26V012000+

    Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

    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. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed February 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in December 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.

    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.

  • StructureJan 19, 2024 · NHTSA 24V031000+

    Risk: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

    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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.

    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.

  • StructureMay 5, 2021 · NHTSA 21V316000+

    Risk: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.

    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.

  • SeatsAug 28, 2019 · NHTSA 19V633000+

    Risk: 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.

    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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.

    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."

Recall repairs are free. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours still needs one.

Most reported 2019 Ford Explorer problems

Owner complaints to NHTSA by system. One complaint can name more than one system.

  • Structure150
  • Unknown or Other47
  • Power Train35
  • Electrical System20
  • Engine19
  • Fuel/Propulsion System14
  • Suspension11
  • Steering9

2019 Ford Explorer gas mileage

EPA ratings for each version (city / highway / combined).

VersionEngineCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Explorer FWD2.3 L 4 cyl, Automatic (S6)192722$2,900
Explorer AWD2.3 L 4 cyl, Automatic (S6)182521$3,050
Explorer 2WD FFV3.5 L 6 cyl, Automatic (S6)172420$3,200
Explorer FWD3.5 L 6 cyl, Automatic (S6)172420$3,200
Explorer AWD3.5 L 6 cyl, Automatic (S6)162219$3,400
Explorer AWD3.5 L 6 cyl, Automatic (S6)162218$3,550
Explorer AWD FFV3.5 L 6 cyl, Automatic (S6)162218$3,550

Real-world mileage depends on how and where you drive. Logbay compares your actual MPG with these EPA numbers.

Questions

Does the 2019 Ford Explorer have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2019 Ford Explorer, most recently for the structure (Jul 14, 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2019 Ford Explorer problems?

Owners filed 299 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported areas are structure (150), unknown or other (47), power train (35).

What gas mileage does the 2019 Ford Explorer get?

The EPA rates the 2019 Ford Explorer at 18 to 22 MPG combined (best version: 19 city / 27 highway).

Sources: NHTSA recalls and owner complaints (api.nhtsa.gov), EPA fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). Updated Oct 26, 2026. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports.