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2019 Ford Explorer Engine Problems

16 owner-reported engine complaints from NHTSA data

16
Complaints
Jan 2022Dec 2025
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (16)

criticalENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2025

Your 2019 Ford Explorer's engine shut off while driving on the highway and may have suffered internal damage due to fuel system issues. You've experienced multiple unresolved problems with this vehicle. A complete engine inspection and fuel system diagnostic will be needed to determine if engine repair or replacement is necessary.

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NHTSA #: 11704213
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
Filed: Aug 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle suddenly started sputtering and decelerated unintendedly. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 52,000.

NHTSA #: 11678167
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jun 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon start-up there was an abnormally loud rattling sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The cause of the failure has not yet been determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 97,000.

NHTSA #: 11666781
mediumENGINE
Filed: Mar 2025

Water pump went out that's for some reason located inside the engine causing the water to leak into my engine and lose all power functions to the car it completely shut down on the highway. It's 10,000 repair on a 5 year old car due to faulty water pumps ridiculous

NHTSA #: 11650748
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Mar 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while accelerating, the engine made a winding noise and hesitated before accelerating. The contact noticed white smoke coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The smoke was coming out of the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the right and left superchargers had failed, causing oil to get into the exhaust, causing the smoke. The vehicle had not been repaired. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V635000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

NHTSA #: 11645972
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Feb 2025

Nov of 2023, overheated but no leak from engine was found and no antifreeze in radiator. TOOK to Mckie Ford they replaced the valve and noted thst there was antifreeze in the valve chamber and stated we needed a new engine. We purchased a new engine had it installed in Jan 2024 we paid for new engine. When we should not have as we did research on the engine and it was faulty but no recalls were in place at that time so we joined a claims action suit to help recover costs..

NHTSA #: 11640187
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jan 2025

My engine is having to be replaced. It's at 100k miles. Costing me $5k for a replacement that is a used engine with 77k miles and 1 year warranty. I want to file a complaint. Car is still in the shop and I had to get a rental. I am a single mom with two kids. I had to pay all of this out of pocket.

NHTSA #: 11634522
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Oct 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormal anti-freeze odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the "overheat" and "temperature" gauge illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence, parked the vehicle, and observed that anti-freeze was leaking onto the driveway. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic and was informed that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was referred to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA #: 11622292
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Aug 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, decelerated, and stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The water pump was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unavailable.

NHTSA #: 11608901
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jun 2024

I was putting my car in reverse and all of a sudden, it shifts really hard and makes this loud noise. I thought it was very strange, and put it in drive and went not even 2 minutes and my car had no power. I was pressing the gas pedals but it didn't want to go. I stopped it and called a Tow truck to come get my car and take it to the nearest Ford dealer. They called me in a few days advising that the transmission was gone. After researching online, I noticed a lot of Ford Explorers being recalled for this exact issue, including My sisters Ford Explorer. Hers was under the recall, and Ford paid for hers. Ironic, the same thing happened to mine and mine has no recall. My car had been running fine, up until this day. I have maintained this car and no warning lights ever came on, until I put it in drive and the Orange Wrench cam e on. I knew something was wrong then. I am a single mother of a [XXX] and this could have put us in alot of danger INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #: 11594129
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jul 2022

2019 Ford Explorer shutdown at full speed on Florida Turnpike for the second time within 30 days. The first time it was thought that the battery was at end of life. A new battery was installed and thought to be fine however, later the vehicle was unable to start after highway use, requiring waiting to restart. Engine cranks but will not start. Vehicle started then shut down at full highway speed on the Florida Turnpike on July 5th. Car was in unsafe location on highway edge as no other area was reachable. Car cranked but would not start. Turnpike Road Ranger responded, I called for tow and Uber, car eventually started and I drove it to Lorenzo Ford of Homestead FL. Ford has no TSBs on this subject however the internet has multiple videos showing Ford customer’s experiencing the same issue of no start or shutdowns. Please review for similar complaints. I have a very nice unreliable and unsafe car at this point.

NHTSA #: 11474057
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jan 2022

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was an abnormal ticking noise detected from the front end of the vehicle. The contact stated that while his wife was driving, the vehicle failed to accelerate and revved up. The contact noticed that the air intake manifold was disconnected. The contact stated that he noticed an oil leak in the driveway. The rear seat heater became inoperable and the tires were bald. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer where it was diagnosed that the seal was broken. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

NHTSA #: 11447844
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jan 2022

I have a 2019 Ford Explorer Limited. Since shortly after my lease began, I found it to emit a burnt hair like smell in the passenger cabin whenever I am applying heavy acceleration. I have had a similar issue with two previous Explorers I've owned (2015 XLT, 2017 XLT), and brought the vehicle to the dealer, requesting that they remediate the issue. The dealer's service center claims there are no fumes, and did not attempt to repair the vehicle. This was the second time I took it to that dealer for the issue. I have contacted Ford Customer Service, though have yet to get any repair or remediation of the issue. I am concerned as I have had repeated instances of drowsiness when operating the vehicle.

NHTSA #: 11446048
mediumENGINE
Filed: Sep 2020

MY SUV IS LEAKING EXHAUST INTO THE CABIN. THE PROBLEM BEGAN WHEN ACCELERATING QUICKLY, LIKE GETTING ON THE HIGHWAY OR PASSING A CAR. NOW THE PROBLEM IS OFTEN WHEN JUST DRIVING NORMALLY. YOU CAN SMELL THE EXHAUST INSIDE. IT SMELLS LIKE ROTTEN EGGS. I HAVE BROUGHT THE EXPLORER BACK 3 TIMES TO THE DEALER AND THE CANNOT FIX IT. IT HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR OVER 8 WEEKS.

NHTSA #: 11359958
mediumENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Jul 2019

BURNING SMELL (PRESUMABLY EXHAUST FUMES) ARE LEAKING INTO CABIN WHILE DRIVING. HAPPENS MORE OFTEN UPON HARD ACCELERATION AND WITH AIR CONDITIONING ON IN AIR RECYCLE MODE.

NHTSA #: 11240611
mediumENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Apr 2019

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 WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,500.

NHTSA #: 11193405

Other 2019 Ford Explorer Issues