Certain 2019 Model Year Explorer â Anti-lock Brake System Module Software Update
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Ford Explorer brakes problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Ford Explorer have filed 3 NHTSA complaints about the brakes at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Explorer | 16 |
| 2016 Explorer | 7 |
| 2017 Explorer | 11 |
| 2018 Explorer | 6 |
| 2019 Explorer (this page) | 3 |
| 2020 Explorer | 41 |
| 2021 Explorer | 15 |
| 2022 Explorer | 6 |
What stands out
Of the 17 model years of Ford Explorer we track for brakes problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (3).
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes 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.
Customer Satisfaction Program 19B12 Certain 2019 Model Year Explorer â Supplement #1 Anti-lock Brake System Module Software Update
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2019 Model Year Explorer - Anti-lock Brake System Module Software Update
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2019 Model Year Explorer - Anti-lock Brake System Module Software Update
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2019 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles built on 10-Sep-2018 and through 07-Feb-2019 may exhibit a lack of hill start assist when the vehicle is stopped on an incline greater than 1.5 degrees. If no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are stored in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module, reprogram the ABS module using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 2C219 and applicable labor operations in Section 02 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had brakes 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 brakes problem on the 2019 Ford Explorer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $450 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 24,855 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes 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 brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
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.