2019 Ford Explorer body problems

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the recall repair was not performed because the A-pillar trim had not completely detached. While driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim detached. The dealer was contacted after the trim had fully detached, but recall repair was not performed. The contact stated that the dealer cleared the recall from the VIN and refused to perform any repairs associated with the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA complaint #11756251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

Passenger side exterior B pillar trim came off while driving on highway on July 3, 2026. Trim was on vehicle when it left home. It was not on it when it arrived at destination. Possible danger to other drivers from flying trim component. No inspection or any symptoms of the problem prior to failure. Same problem as recall on 2016-2017 models.

NHTSA complaint #11751972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the exterior A-pillar trim had detached from the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

NHTSA complaint #11750801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

Component/System: Aluminum hood panel (front edge seam). The hood is available for inspection upon request. The front edge of the aluminum hood on my 2019 Ford Explorer has developed bubbling, lifting paint, and corrosion originating from inside the folded seam. The defect has progressively worsened over time and continues to spread outward. Safety Risk: The corrosion is occurring at the front hood seam, which is part of the structure that supports the hood latch area. Progressive corrosion in this region may weaken the hood panel over time, potentially affecting hood retention at highway speeds. Paint loss and metal degradation also reduce visibility of the defect until it becomes severe. Reproduction/Confirmation: The problem is visible and reproducible at any time. The bubbling and corrosion are present continuously and worsen with normal vehicle use. Inspection History: The issue has been visually inspected by me. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, dealer, police, or insurance representatives. Warning Lamps or Messages: No warning lamps or messages appeared. There were no electronic symptoms prior to the failure. The first visible symptom was small paint bubbles along the front hood edge, which appeared approximately when the corrosion began. Assessment: Based on widespread reports for this model year and Ford’s own Technical Service Bulletins for aluminum panel corrosion, the cause appears to be corrosion originating inside the aluminum hood seam, likely due to manufacturing contamination.

NHTSA complaint #11750641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the leather on the dashboard was peeling and had detached. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11750268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

This recall has been unresolved for approximately two years. Recently, while traveling at highway speeds, the A-pillar trim detached from my vehicle and flew off, striking a vehicle behind me. Fortunately, no accident occurred, but the situation was extremely dangerous and could have resulted in serious injuries or property damage. This is precisely the type of incident the recall was intended to prevent. I have reached out to my local dealership numerous times and am told that Ford has no parts available. This is not acceptable and Ford is not handling this recall in a timely fashion.

NHTSA complaint #11742448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving, Panel on the driver side door, keyless pad became completely detached. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed as not being fully secured and was replaced. The panel blew the fuses and affected the liftgate on the vehicle and additional repairs, latch replacement on the liftgate had to be completed. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage 47,000.

NHTSA complaint #11741521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

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 contact stated that the windshield exterior A-pillar trims had become loose. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA complaint #11734813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

While driving at highway speeds on the interstate, the B-pillar exterior trim suddenly detached from the vehicle. The trim remained tethered only by the keypad wiring, causing it to flail in the wind and create an immediate road hazard. Simultaneously, the vehicle’s instrument cluster triggered a "Liftgate Open" warning, despite the liftgate being secure. I was forced to make an emergency pull-over onto the shoulder of the interstate—a dangerous situation—to prevent the trim from completely detaching and striking other vehicles. Upon reaching my destination, the vehicle suffered a significant electrical short. The interior lights remained on indefinitely due to the false "liftgate open" sensor reading, and the door keypad became completely inoperable. To prevent a total battery drain and potential fire risk from the short, I had to manually disconnect the battery. The dealership confirmed the failure but stated that current B-pillar recalls (such as Recall 25S53) currently only apply to 2016–2017 models, despite my 2019 model using the same defective clips and adhesive. This failure is identical in nature to Recall 24S02 (A-pillar detachment). The detachment of this trim is a documented projectile hazard. Furthermore, the resulting electrical short in the door harness has compromised the integrity of the vehicle’s sensor system. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the expansion of the B-pillar recall to include the 2019 model year to prevent further highway incidents.

NHTSA complaint #11734634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

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 contact stated that the driver's side windshield exterior A-Pillar trim had started to detach while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA complaint #11729472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

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)

NHTSA complaint #11729156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11728018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE) and 26V101000 (SUSPENSION). The contact stated that after the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle stalled. The battery warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure was occurring every other day. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic replaced the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor and an unknown sensor; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted. The contact stated that while the temperature gauge was midway, the vehicle stalled. The battery warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that whenever the temperature gauge was midway, the vehicle would stall. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic who replaced a fractured spark plug and the timing chain. The vehicle was repaired; however, two months after the last repair, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA complaint #11726539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11726036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11724909 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11723899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11722192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE). The contact stated that the passenger's side A-pillar was loose. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. Most recently, the contact noticed that the driver's side A-pillar trim was loose. The vehicle was not repaired after the most recent failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA complaint #11720217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the windshield. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the contact was informed that the exterior A-pillar trim retention clips were loose and needed to be replaced, and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, parts for the recall were not yet available. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failur,e and the contact was provided the same information from the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 64,000.

NHTSA complaint #11717533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

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 unavailable. 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.

NHTSA complaint #11709377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side door exterior B-Pillar trim clip attachment detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the dealer informed the contact that the driver's side door exterior B-Pillar trim failure was not listed in the recall. The contact was informed that the B- Pillar Trim needed to be replaced at the owner's expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.

NHTSA complaint #11707486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

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 unavailable. 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.

NHTSA complaint #11707584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

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 contact stated that the windshield exterior A-pillar trims were loose, and there was a noticeable windy sound coming from the windshield while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the parts to do the recall repair were ordered. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA complaint #11706560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal buzzing sound coming from the windshield. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that a technician arrived at the residence and inspected the vehicle, and placed duct tape around the front windshield. In addition, the contact was informed that the vehicle would fail an inspection with duct tape around the front windshield. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, parts were not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11706171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE), but the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the windshield. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not inspected or diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11703762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after a visual inspection of the exterior of the vehicle, the driver’s side roof rack rail had detached. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure). The VIN was included, but the vehicle was repaired in October 2025. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA complaint #11699807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11699215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

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 contact stated that upon further inspection, the front driver’s and passenger’s side A-pillar trim seals had started to deteriorate. 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 not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

NHTSA complaint #11694064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the driver’s side exterior A-pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was determined that the part was under recall and that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11693885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.