Is the 2019 Ford EXPLORER reliable?

The 2019 Ford EXPLORER has 327 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.3x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: BODY/STRUCTURE problems.

What are common problems with the 2019 Ford EXPLORER?

Top problems: BODY/STRUCTURE (143 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (44 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (35 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2019 Ford EXPLORER?

Yes, there are 5 recall(s): STRUCTURE:BODY, SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER, STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS, EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER, SUSPENSION:REAR. Contact any Ford dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to charge a 2019 Ford EXPLORER?

The 2019 Ford EXPLORER has an EPA rating of 20 MPGe. At the current US average residential electricity rate, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $3842. State rates vary significantly — see the interactive calculator on this page.

How much does it cost to insure a 2019 Ford EXPLORER?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2019 Ford EXPLORER is approximately $1,857/year (ev-mainstream class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Does the 2019 Ford EXPLORER qualify for tax credits?

The federal EV tax credit (Section 30D) expired for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. If purchased before that date, the 2019 Ford EXPLORER may still qualify on the 2025 tax return. State-level incentives remain active in 13+ states — see the incentives section on this page for details.

2019 Ford EXPLORER

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2019 Ford EXPLORER has 327 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.3x the segment average of 1024. The most common issue is body/structure problems (44% of all complaints), specifically: rear hatch electric opening/closing mechanism failed - hatch came down a struck the head of a person causing an injury. also because the hatch wouldn't close properly exhaust entered the vehicle when being driven.. There are 5 recalls issued for this model year.

1 crash report 8 injuries

327

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.3x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

BODY/STRUCTURE

143 complaints

44%

• REAR HATCH ELECTRIC OPENING/CLOSING MECHANISM FAILED - HATCH CAME DOWN A STRUCK THE HEAD OF A PERSON CAUSING AN INJURY. ALSO BECAUSE THE HATCH WOULDN'T CLOSE PROPERLY EXHAUST ENTERED THE VEHICLE WHEN BEING DRIVEN.
• ROOF RACK ON TOP OF VEHICLE CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE PLASTIC CLIPS AREN'T ENOUGH TO KEEP IT ON THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAD 12K MILES WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT MY ROOF RACKS COMING OFF MY VEHICLE.
• ROOF RAILS COME LOOSE, TOTALLY UNSECURED TO VEHICLE. ONE HAS FALLEN OFF WHILE DRIVING, ONE WAS DESTROYED IN CAR WASH. THE RAILS SEEM TO POP LOOSE NO MATTER WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH THE VEHICLE (I.E. PARKED, DRIVING). THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM ONLINE BUT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO RESOLVE IT. *T

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“REAR HATCH ELECTRIC OPENING/CLOSING MECHANISM FAILED - HATCH CAME DOWN A STRUCK THE HEAD OF A PERSON CAUSING AN INJURY. ALSO BECAUSE THE HATCH WOULDN'T CLOSE PROPERLY EXHAUST ENTERED THE VEHICLE WHEN BEING DRIVEN.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2019 Ford EXPLORER

Based on 133 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 50K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

Earlier than typicalmedian 46K mi · 14 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

Earlier than typicalmedian 44K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

Earlier than typicalmedian 4K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

Earlier than typicalmedian 10K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

In line with typicalmedian 63K mi · 63 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 83K mi · 11 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (5)

STRUCTURE:BODY05/05/2021

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.

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.

Charging Cost Calculator for 2019 Ford EXPLORER

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local electricity price)

Per year

$3,807

Per month

$317

Per mile

31.7¢

kWh/mi

1.69

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2019 Ford EXPLORER

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,857

Full coverage / month

$155

Liability only / year

$638

vs US avg

+11%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (ev-mainstream)1.18x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1857

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ford EXPLORER Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

IOLM (Intelligent Oil Life Monitor) may signal earlier. Older 5.4L Triton engines have specific service needs — check the manual.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Ford New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Ford. If you're buying a used 2019 EXPLORER, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ford dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

EV Incentives for 2019 Ford EXPLORER

Updated 2026-07

Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30

Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.

State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)

CaliforniaUp to $12,000

Clean Cars 4 All

ColoradoUp to $5,000

Innovative Motor Vehicle Credit

ConnecticutUp to $4,250

CHEAPR (Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate)

DelawareUp to $2,500

Clean Vehicle Rebate

IllinoisUp to $4,000

Illinois EV Rebate Program

MarylandUp to $3,000

Excise Tax Credit for Plug-in Electric Vehicles

MassachusettsUp to $3,500

MOR-EV

New JerseyUp to $4,000

Charge Up New Jersey

New YorkUp to $2,000

Drive Clean Rebate

OregonUp to $7,500

Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate

PennsylvaniaUp to $3,000

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Rebate Program

Rhode IslandUp to $2,500

DRIVEEV

TexasUp to $2,500

Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive

VermontUp to $5,000

Incentive Program for New Electric Vehicles

See full state-by-state EV incentive details

Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.

Estimated Repair Costs

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 327 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: REAR HATCH ELECTRIC OPENING/CLOSING MECHANISM FAILED - HATCH CAME DOWN A STRUCK THE HEAD OF A PERSON CAUSING AN INJURY. ALSO BECAUSE THE HATCH WOULDN'T CLOSE PROPERLY EXHAUST ENTERED THE VEHICLE WHEN BEING DRIVEN.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: THE 2019 FORD EXPLORER IS DELIVERED NEW WITH ONE INADEQUATE HORN. ALL OTHER MODEL YEARS HAVE TWO HORNS AND ARE WHAT YOU EXPECT FROM A HORN. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION, THE HORN IS SO LOW I COULD NOT SCARE A SQUIRREL. FORD MOTOR COMPANY SAID THEY CANNOT UPGRADE. THE FORD DEALER SAID THEY CANNOT UP
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: Transmission torque converter and transmission clutches malfunctioning. Yes it's available for inspection if needed. Safety is an issue because car shudders when driving. Yes, problem has been observed by a dealer. And has been inspected with an estimated cost of $5,100+ No warning lights come o
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT SMELLED EXHAUST FUMES AND FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ADVANTAGE FORD (4000 SE FEDERAL HWY, STUART, FL 34997, (772) 287-0955) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE TEST WAS NOT YET COMPLETED. THE MANUFACTURER W
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 5 recalls have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)