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2019 Ford Explorer body problems
moderate
Owners of the 2019 Ford Explorer have filed 141 NHTSA complaints about the body, typically surfacing around 63,250 miles at roughly $1,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.See body across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Q1 40kmed 63kQ3 89kn=60
Complaints
141
Recalls
3
Avg fix
$1,500
body complaints on the Ford Explorer, by model year
Of the 141 body complaints filed for the 2019 Ford Explorer,
here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
0 (0%)
25-50k
1 (14.3%)
50-75k
3 (42.9%)
75-100k
2 (28.6%)
100-125k
0 (0%)
125-150k
1 (14.3%)
150k+
0 (0%)
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted.
Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits
and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Body accounts for 49% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 8 categories tracked.
All 3 active body recalls on this vehicle land at critical or severe — none classified moderate.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles
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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles
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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles
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, are expected to be mailed August 24, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in September 2026. 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering body on this vehicle — documented
repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall
(it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Service BulletinSSM 54601Feb 2026
Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how
For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are followed when diagnosing the condition prior to all module replacements and only order modules using
A new 3M adhesive is now available, allowing a longer working time, along with mixing nozzles and applicator. 3M Universal Adhesive Black Part Number 08223, 3M Static Mixing Nozzles Part Number 08193 This program provides a one-time repair for the roof rail covers and retaining clips to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle, whichever occurs first. This is a one-time repair program. Both roof rail covers should be serviced at time of repair. If a vehicle has already exceeded either the time or mileage limits, this extended warranty coverage will last through June 30, 2021. Coverage is automatically transferred to subsequent owners.
On some of the affected vehicles, the roof rail covers can become loose, which can lead to a visible gap between the cover and roof rail base assembly, rattling, and potential detachment.
This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report two major recurring issues affecting exterior trim and panels on 2019 Explorers: A-pillar windshield trim (appliqué) detachment and roof rack cover failures.
A-pillar trim failures dominate complaints. The exterior trim bordering the front windshield detaches or becomes loose during driving at highway speeds (25–75 MPH) or while parked. Owners hear rattling, popping, or wind noise before pieces fly off, sometimes nearly striking following vehicles. The problem stems from failed retention clips and sealant deterioration. Ford issued Recall 24V031000 in January 2024 for improper assembly or repair of clip attachments, but as of January 2025, replacement parts remain unavailable at dealerships. Owners have paid $166–$432 out-of-pocket at independent shops and report dealer temporary fixes like duct tape and water leaks where trim separated.
Roof rack cover detachment affects vehicles across a range of mileage. Covers loosen, rattle, or completely detach. An earlier recall (21V316000, May 2021) addressed loose retention pins by requiring push-pin installation, but many owners report the repair was never performed, failed within months, or the dealer glued covers instead—a fix that breaks down over time. Some vehicles remain unrepaired because owners were told repairs are no longer available.
B-pillar and other trim failures also occur. Some owners experience B-pillar trim blowing off at highway speed; dealers refuse to repair under any recall, classifying the issue as out-of-pocket maintenance. One keypad detachment on a driver-side door caused an electrical short that drained the battery twice.
Owners cite manufacturer delays, parts shortages, and frustration that these are known assembly defects yet remedy parts and availability have lagged months to years.
Same Ford Explorer body reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
A-pillar windshield trim detachment
Exterior A-pillar trim (applique) bordering the left and right sides of the front windshield detaches or separates from the vehicle while driving or at rest. Clips fail to retain the trim in place. Some trims fracture before or after detachment.
When: Various mileages reported from 19,000 to 150,000 miles; detachments occur while driving at highway speeds (25–75 MPH) and while stationary.
Symptoms owners cite: Trim detaches and flies off vehicle; Trim becomes loose, rattling, or shaking; Abnormal popping or rattling sound from windshield area; Wind noise audible from windshield; Trim fractures; Sealant deterioration visible on trim; Water leaking into cabin through window
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite repair costs of $166–$432 at independent shops before recalls were issued. Dealers estimate replacement of trim and underlying A-pillar molding. Recall remedy requires replacement of A-pillar applique trim clips and trim, but parts remain unavailable as of January 2025.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 24V031000 issued January 2024 for A-pillar applique trim clip attachment failure due to improper assembly or repair. Remedy stated to be available by end of 2024 but parts not available through 2024 and into 2025. Dealers advised customers to apply tape as temporary measure.
Roof rack/rail cover detachment
Roof rail covers and roof racks detach, loosen, or separate from the vehicle body. Retention pins loosen due to adhesive failure or poor retention clip design. Glued repair fails and recurs.
When: Detachments occur from 3,000 miles onward; failures reported during highway driving, car washes, and at various mileages up to 270,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Roof rail or cover detaches completely; Roof rail or cover becomes loose or rattles; Abnormal sound from roof (bouncing noise, rattling); Roof rack separates in multiple areas
Codes mentioned:NHTSA Campaign Number 21V316000 (Structure), Recall 20N11
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers initially glued covers (2021 recall); glue failed over time. Recall remedy specifies installation of push-pins and replacement of damaged clips and covers, free of charge. Some owners report dealers applied tape or glue instead of push-pins, or repairs failed within months.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 21V316000 issued May 4, 2021, for loose retention pins allowing roof rail covers to detach. Remedy: install push-pins and replace damaged clips and covers at no cost. Interim notification June 22, 2021; remedy notification October 1, 2021. Some vehicles not repaired per recall, or repair failed post-service.
Door keypad detachment and electrical short
Front driver-side door keyless entry keypad detaches and causes electrical short circuit, resulting in battery failure. Keypad may detach multiple times despite repair.
When: Failure reported at 19,000 miles while driving at 62 MPH.
Symptoms owners cite: Keypad detaches from door; Keypad creates electrical short circuit; Battery fails; Keypad flies off vehicle on highway after first repair attempt
Codes mentioned:NHTSA Campaign Number 24V031000 (Structure), TSB 19-2150
Repairs/costs cited: Keypad repaired and battery replaced; keypad detached again shortly after, causing second battery failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 19-2150 exists for Factory Keyless Entry Keypad. Campaign 24V031000 incorporates B-pillar trim repairs but parts unavailable as of complaint date.
B-pillar trim detachment
Exterior B-pillar trim clips (on driver and passenger sides) detach or loosen. Trim blows off vehicle or becomes loose during highway driving.
When: Reported at 76,000 and 125,000 miles; failure occurred at 65 MPH.
Symptoms owners cite: B-pillar trim blows off vehicle at highway speed; B-pillar trim becomes loose or unsecured; Trim clips fail to retain panel
Codes mentioned:NHTSA Campaign Number 24V031000 (Structure)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners charged out-of-pocket for B-pillar repairs because they are not listed in the current recall. Cost varies; one repair cited.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: B-pillar trim failures reported but not included in Campaign 24V031000. Dealers refuse warranty coverage, classifying as out-of-pocket repairs.
Shark fin antenna cover detachment
Shark fin antenna cover detaches from the vehicle exterior, creating a potential road hazard.
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to determine root cause. Vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but provided no assistance.
Synthesized from 141 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting
11 most recent
body · 125,000 mi
· filed 12/29/2025
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…
body
· filed 12/29/2025
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.
body · 59,000 mi
· filed 12/26/2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on the driver’s side of the windshield started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the A-pillar…
body · 50,000 mi
· filed 12/22/2025
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…
body
· filed 12/19/2025
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…
body · 98,000 mi
· filed 12/19/2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on both sides of the windshield started to detach. 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, and the dealer stated that parts were not yet…
body · 39,000 mi
· filed 12/13/2024
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 and passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trims had detached and were making an abnormal sound while driving. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not…
body · 76,000 mi
· filed 12/09/2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the passenger’s side B-pillar trims blew off the vehicle by the slip stream. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer who replaced the trim. The contact stated that the trim on the driver's side B-pillar was now loosened. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the…
body
· filed 12/08/2025
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.…
body · 60,292 mi
· filed 11/27/2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on the driver side of the windshield started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The…
Had body trouble with your 2019 Ford Explorer?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the body problem on the 2019 Ford Explorer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 141 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Across the 60 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most body failures cluster between 40,000 and 89,000 miles, with the median around 63,250. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,000; a quarter make it past 89,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to body?
Yes — 3 active recall(s) cover body issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/Ford/Explorer.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.