NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Ford Explorer
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The Ford Explorer is a three-row midsize SUV that has anchored the family hauler segment for decades. Aimed squarely at households needing flexible seating and everyday practicality, the 2019 through 2025 generation competes in one of the most hotly contested spaces in the American market. Its combination of mainstream appeal and Ford's broad dealer network makes it one of the most scrutinized vehicles on the road today.
The 2019 Ford Explorer earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 5 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally regard the Explorer as a well-rounded three-row SUV with broad family appeal, praising its spacious interior and driving composure for the segment. Most acknowledge it as a competitive mainstream choice while noting that the ownership experience can vary, and some suggest shoppers cross-shop carefully given the competitive midsize SUV landscape.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13262
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
SUSPENSION:REAR26V101000
Risk: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2026-02-20
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER26V012000
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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
Reported 2026-01-15
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS24V031000
Risk: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 18, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
Reported 2024-01-19
STRUCTURE:BODY21V316000
Risk: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2021-05-05
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER19V633000
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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2019-08-28
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
281 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.