2019 Ford Explorer
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.

- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 280–365 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 7
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 19 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 198.4 in
- Curb weight
- 4,557–4,731 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 22 MPG combined — 16% better than the average 2019 standard SUV (18.9 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
- Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Emergency braking not standardAutomatic emergency braking is optional or limited to some trims.
- 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2019 Ford Explorer is a standard SUV offered with 3 engines (2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 198 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,731 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 27 highway), 16% better than the 2019 standard SUV average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 300 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the structure.
What changed for 2019
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2018 Explorer — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 Explorer →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Chicago, Illinois
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2019 Explorer configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 198.4 in | 78.7 in | 69.7 in | 113 in | 66.9 / 66.9 in | 4,731 lb | 54/46 |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 198.4 in | 78.7 in | 69.7 in | 113 in | 66.9 / 66.9 in | 4,557 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer FWD | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | +16% | $3,050 | 409 |
| Explorer AWD | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | +13% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Explorer FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | +6% | $3,350 | 454 |
| Explorer 2WD FFV FFV | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | +6% | $3,350 | 454 |
| Explorer AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 19 | +2% | $3,550 | 478 |
| Explorer AWD FFV FFV | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -3% | $3,700 | 481 |
| Explorer AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -3% | $3,700 | 500 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.4% |
| 2019 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.4% |

Similar 2019 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Ford Explorer (this car) | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2019 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2019 Toyota Highlander | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 24 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2019 GMC Yukon | 18 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe | 18 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
Recalls (6)
Structure › Body · Jul 14, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V448000 · 288,314 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
- 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.
Suspension › Rear · Feb 20, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V101000 · 412,774 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
- 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.
Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater · Jan 15, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V012000 · 2,403 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- 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.
Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars · Jan 19, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V031000 · 1,889,110 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- 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.
Structure › Body · May 5, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V316000 · 616,967 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly · Aug 28, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V633000 · 639,137 vehicles
- Problem
- 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."
- 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.
Not every 2019 Ford Explorer is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2019 Ford Explorer buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Structure — 104 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Structure › Body — 43 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Power Train — 31 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 54,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2019 Ford Explorer. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Explorer years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Explorer | 23 | – | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2026 Explorer | 24 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 15 | 42 |
| 2025 Explorer | 24 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 22 | 109 |
| 2024 Explorer | 24 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 21 |
| 2023 Explorer | 27 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 15 | 114 |
| 2022 Explorer | 27 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 25 | 273 |
| 2021 Explorer | 27 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 27 | 458 |
| 2020 Explorer | 28 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 35 | 1,251 |
| 2018 Explorer | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 737 |
| 2017 Explorer | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 14 | 1,713 |
| 2016 Explorer | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 14 | 2,485 |
| 2015 Explorer | 23 | 197.2 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 1,816 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →