2019 Ford Explorer: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Final year of the well-equipped fifth-gen Explorer: spacious and comfortable with strong optional power, but it shares the generation's exhaust-odor concern and an aging platform. 2 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2019 Ford Explorer ranged from $32,365 to $54,165 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Final year of the well-equipped fifth-gen Explorer: spacious and comfortable with strong optional power, but it shares the generation's exhaust-odor concern and an aging platform.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=ford&model=explorer…
- autosafety.orghttps://www.autosafety.org/ford-explorer-carbon-monoxide-problems/
- cars.comhttps://www.cars.com/articles/recall-alert-2011-2013-ford-explorer-1420663014…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/ford/explorer
Known issues
-
Six-speed automatic can shift harshly or develop torque-converter shudder.
occasional · 60 NHTSA complaints · transmission
-
Windshield A-pillar molding/trim can loosen and detach at highway speed; covered by a later recall with long parts backorders.
commonly reported · body
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=ford&model=explorer…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=ford&model=explorer…
- autosafety.orghttps://www.autosafety.org/ford-explorer-carbon-monoxide-problems/
- cars.comhttps://www.cars.com/articles/recall-alert-2011-2013-ford-explorer-1420663014…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Available EcoBoost engines deliver strong power and respectable towing.
- Roomy, comfortable three-row cabin with a smooth highway ride.
- Lots of available technology and family-friendly features.
Cons
- Cabin exhaust-odor concern on 2011-2017 models is the standout worry.
- Only average reliability and a recall-heavy history.
- Early MyFord Touch infotainment is slow and buggy.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | $32,365 | discontinued | 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 | — |
| XLT | $34,400 | discontinued | 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 | — |
| Limited | $42,765 | discontinued | 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 | — |
| Sport | $46,625 | discontinued | 3.5L EcoBoost V6 twin-turbo | — |
| Platinum | $54,165 | $50,965 | 3.5L EcoBoost V6 twin-turbo | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2019-ford-explorer-price
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/menu/options?year=2019&make=Ford&…
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($32,365). Higher trims started higher (up to $54,165), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2019 loses roughly another 32% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/ford-explorer/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $700–750/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,000–2,100/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (3)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/ford/explorer
- moneygeek.comhttps://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/ford-explorer-insurance/
- modernfordofboone.comhttps://www.modernfordofboone.com/ford-explorer-longevity-boone/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2019 Ford Explorer have?
Documented issue patterns include: Six-speed automatic can shift harshly or develop torque-converter shudder; Windshield A-pillar molding/trim can loosen and detach at highway speed; covered by a later recall with long parts backorders. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2019 Ford Explorer reliable?
Final year of the well-equipped fifth-gen Explorer: spacious and comfortable with strong optional power, but it shares the generation's exhaust-odor concern and an aging platform.
How much did the 2019 Ford Explorer cost new?
Between $32,365 and $54,165 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Ford Explorer expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $700–750/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.