The most reliable older Explorer
The 2019 Explorer has the lowest complaint rate of its generation, about a quarter of the Explorer average. The remaining issues are mostly trim pieces and roof rack caps.
Updated November 2026 · based on 303 owner complaints and 6 recalls
162 71% below the Explorer average
6 free to fix at a dealer
Every Explorer year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Top problems and what they cost
Roof rack covers coming loose
Roof rack covers glued down under recall can loosen again over time.
Fix: Free under recall 21V316.
Body
Brittle exterior trim
The cowl trim and A-pillar trim can crack and fall off.
Fix: Trim parts $100 to $300.
Body
Torque converter failure
A few owners report torque converter failure before 60,000 miles.
Fix: Torque converter $2,500 to $4,000.
Transmission
Recalls
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 ...
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2019 Ford Explorer
- Confirm all recalls show as repaired, including the roof (24V031) and rear suspension (26V101) recalls.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2019 Explorer has 6 recalls on record, listed below.
- Check trim pieces around the windshield.Windshields on some of these cars crack easily. On cars with camera safety systems, a new windshield also needs the cameras recalibrated, which can cost $800 to $1,500.151 of the 303 owner complaints about the 2019 Explorer involve the glass and visibility (50%).
- Feel for shudder at steady 40 to 50 mph.A shudder feels like driving over rumble strips. It usually points to a worn torque converter or transmission, which can be expensive to fix.35 of the 303 owner complaints about the 2019 Explorer involve the transmission and drivetrain (12%).
Questions
Is the 2019 Ford Explorer reliable?
The most reliable older Explorer. The 2019 Explorer has the lowest complaint rate of its generation, about a quarter of the Explorer average. The remaining issues are mostly trim pieces and roof rack caps.
How many recalls does the 2019 Ford Explorer have?
6 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2019 Ford Explorer problems?
Roof rack covers coming loose; Brittle exterior trim; Torque converter failure.
Crash rating shown for the 2019 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV FWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.