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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
1,160 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2019 Ford Explorer body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2019 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #38

Apr 062021

Explorer

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Ford had a recall on a Explorer's roof rack covers...In 2021 the dealer glued down the covers. Over time the glue has gone bad and both roof racks are loose causing concern. I recently found out that there was a fix for this. It was installing Christmas tree push clips into cover to secure them. I recently went to the dealer (Sayville Ford, [XXX] ) and inquired about this and adviser stated not recall on file since it was done in 2021. Both roof rack covers are defective. Structure: Body Recall date 2021-05-04 Recall no. 21V316000 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. Hide details Recall consequence A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall action 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 [XXX]. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22. My vehicle never had push pins inserted according to this recall. Please advise on any help in this matter. I wait your response. Thank You [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Ronkonkoma, NY, USA

problem #37

Mar 292026

Explorer

  • miles
The a-pillar applique trim, which borders the left and right side of the front windshield of my 2019 Ford Explorer has been under recall since January 2024. I've taken it to Bill Utter Ford in Denton, Texas, on four separate occasions to ask for it to be repaired. Generally stated, every six months since the recall. They tell me its too bad, there are np arts to repair it. Question, how can you all allow 2 years to pass and not force them to do something? On March 29, 2026, the drivers side piece came flying off at 30 miles per hour. Luckily no one was behind me. Now my windshield has no protection trim. Further, I cut my right hand trying to force the broken pieces back in.

- Denton, TX, USA

problem #36

Mar 302026

Explorer

  • miles
The B post on the driver side flew off while driving. This is has been an ongoing issue. Ford has fixed them before and they keep causing issues on both the driver and passenger side. The exterior panel does not stay connected to the truck. It flew off at highway speeds, causing the air and rear tailgate to malfunction after it pulled a wire out. This is a huge safety issue ford refuses to acknowledge.

- Okeechobee , FL, USA

problem #35

Mar 022026

Explorer

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Similar to NHTSA Recall Number 24V031, driver's "B-pillar" trim (top edge) has detached and loose, and is only secured in-place by remaining anchors/attachments. In inspecting underlying substrate, it appears that a mechanical anchor is missing AND adhesive exhibits cohesive failure (remainder adhesive on both supporting/underlying substrate and backside of trim.

- Santa Clarita, CA, USA

problem #34

Feb 102026

Explorer

  • miles
B-pillar panels (both driver side and passenger, driver side has keyless entry). Panel could be come completely detached if not properly secured and cause a driving hazard in the roadway. No, the dealership stated I would have to pay out pocket to repair (estimate of $1900). Yes, it was inspected while at the dealership for a separate recall. No, the adhesive or clips that keep the panels on the door have either completely broken or non-existent.

- Belleville, IL, USA

problem #33

Sep 022025

Explorer

  • miles
The A pillars are coming off. Other years make and model were recalled. The A pillars on the sides should be recalled just as the front b pillars.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #32

Jul 012021

Explorer

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Subject: Urgent Complaint -?" Recall Repair Delayed Due to Unavailable Parts (2019 Explorer) To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a safety-related recall/service campaign for my 2019 Ford Explorer (VIN: [XXX] ), specifically concerning the roof rack trim detachment issue (Customer Satisfaction Program / Recall #20N11 or 21S22). I visited an authorized Ford dealership to schedule the required repair, but was told that the necessary parts are currently unavailable, and no estimated delivery date could be provided. It has been an extended delay, and I am concerned about the continued safety risk this issue may present. As this is a known issue affecting many vehicles, I respectfully request: -??A clear explanation of when the required parts will become available -??An expedited resolution or alternative dealership that can complete the repair -??A formal record of this delay for safety and warranty documentation purposes Please treat this matter as urgent. I would appreciate a prompt response with a timeline and any appropriate next steps. Sincerely, [XXX] Phone: [XXX] Email: [XXX] Location: Manhattan, New York VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- New York, NY, USA

problem #31

Feb 042025

Explorer

  • miles
In February I was driving to an appt. when the side panel on driver's door broke & started flying around & hitting car. (It has the numbers to enter the car without a key.) So I had to roll down window 1/2 way, grab the broken part & drive 18 miles to town, holding the part so it wouldn't fly off (in 30 degree weather!) So I drove by the Ford Dealership where I got my car. They thought there was a recall on that item so I've been waiting. I just saw on the NHTSA site there was a recall for that item on 2016-17" Explorers, but mine is 2019!!! Would you please add the 2019 model to that recall" Also, I'm STILL WAITING (1 1/2 years later) for the recalled trim pieces around the front windshield.

- Douglas, OK, USA

problem #30

Mar 012023

Explorer

  • miles
I have been waiting on parts for the A-Pillar trim recall for a couple years. I've checked with 3 different local Ford dealers and have been told these parts are still back-ordered. This is a safety issue as the trim can detach while driving at higher speeds on the interstate.

- Oak Creek, WI, USA

problem #29

Feb 262024

Explorer

  • miles
At two different times and locations, the side piece on the front windshield have become disconnected and flown off while traveling down the highway. The recall has been in effect for over a year and still no dealerships around me have the parts to fix the recall.

- Bethel Springs, TN, USA

problem #28

Jan 112025

Explorer

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I hand washed the vehicle on 1/10/2025 and noted no defects. On [XXX] traveling northbound on [XXX] in the vicinity of Ontario, California at approximately [XXX], I heard a "clunk, " but did not observe any road hazard. Upon arriving at Ridgecrest, California I discovered that the passenger pillar applique was missing. I reported event to service at Jim Charlon Ford and was informed that currently no fix available. On 1/14/2025, I had Jim Charlon Ford remove the driver side pillar applique remove for purposes safety. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Ridgecrest, CA, USA

problem #27

Oct 112022

Explorer

  • miles
In October of 2022 a the top part of exterior trim beside my windshield pulled away from the vehicle. I took it to our local auto shop and they cleaned the adhesive off the lower piece of molding and installed a new top molding. I paid $166.15 for this repair. Then in March of 2023 I was driving on the freeway when this same piece of trim suddenly flew off the vehicle just missing the car behind me, I took it to our local auto shop and they replaced the piece at a cost of $344.10. Then in June of 2023 the same piece flew off again while I was driving on the freeway, again just missing the car behind me. This time I paid $374.16 to have the piece replaced again, In February of 2024 I received a Safety Recall Notice from Ford and NHTSA saying the there is a defect with my vehicle and the A pillar applique trim clip attachments are not properly engaged due to improper assembly or repair. I took the vehicle to a Ford dealership after receiving this notice and was told there was not yet a remedy and I would be notified when there was one. I have checked the NHTSA website several times since then since then and it indicated that a remedy should be available by the end of 2024. However, it is now mid-January 2025 and still no remedy and I have paid more than $800 to temporarily repair this issue.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #26

Feb 292024

Explorer

  • miles
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- North Attleboro, MA, USA

problem #25

Jul 212024

Explorer

  • miles
Exterior A-pillar trim part detached, now caused cracked windshield where trim would have been. The part has been detached for months and my local Ford dealership has no temporary or permanent solution. My windshield now has a spidering crack where it would have been protected.

- Hawick, MN, USA

problem #24

Apr 262024

Explorer

  • miles
The windshield cawl ( bottom piece that goes across windshield) has deteriorated. Making a whistling sound going down the road. I have already in December 2023 had to replace the A pillar trim and clips on driver side. Have talked to other explorer owners having the same issue. Thank you for your time

- Aiken, SC, USA

problem #23

Oct 012023

Explorer

  • miles
The B-pillar trim piece has become detached from the vehicle due to broken clips and when driving it appears as if it will fall off. Ford will not address the issue, other then using two sided adhesive tape which needs to be replaced continuously. The clips that hold the trim in place are broken and this is common on many explorers. There are other body trim pieces which have been recalled for and this needs to be added as well. The A-pillar trim was recently a recall item and this is just as much a hazard.

- Rensselaer, NY, USA

problem #22

Jan 272024

Explorer

  • miles
The A-pillar passenger side flank flew off while driving.

- New Market, AL, USA

problem #21

Dec 202023

Explorer

  • miles
The trim that is on either side of the front windshield has come loose. The one on the driver side came loose while I was on the interstate and struck the vehicle behind me. It caused the driver to lose control and spin out. Fortunately, it did not cause a collision, but it could have caused a loss of life, we were travelling at highway speeds. The trim on the passenger side was still on the vehicle, but it had popped loose and was sticking up at an odd angle. I removed it to prevent the same thing from happening.

- Lincolnton, GA, USA

problem #20

Sep 302023

Explorer

  • miles
The driver's side exterior windshield moulding detached from the vehicle traveling at interstate speed (75 mph) and struck the driver's door above the window. The apparent cause of detachment was failure of the retaining clips and adhesive that holds the external piece to the internal rubber moulding.

- Lawrence, KS, USA

problem #19

Sep 242023

Explorer

  • miles
Driver side pillar molding next to the windshield flew off unexpectedly while driving on the highway.

- Middletown, DE, USA

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