2019 Ford Explorer

The 2019 Ford Explorer marked the end of the fifth generation before a major redesign in 2020. It was generally praised for its spaciousness, comfortable ride, and available technology, but also received criticism for its smaller third-row seat and reported reliability issues. Engine options included a 2.3L EcoBoost I4 (300 hp, 310 lb-ft of torque), a 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 (290 hp, 255 lb-ft of torque), and a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (365 hp, 350 lb-ft of torque). All engine options came paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

2.3L EcoBoost I4

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, unusual noises (whining or whistling) from the engine bay, check engine light illumination.
  • Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1200 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Intrusion
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking into the cylinder, resulting in white smoke from the exhaust, rough running engine, or engine failure.
  • Solution: Replacement of the engine.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.5L Ti-VCT V6

• Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the front of the engine, overheating, temperature gauge reading high. This engine has an internal water pump.
  • Solution: Replacement of the water pump, which often requires significant labor as it is located inside the engine.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.5L EcoBoost V6

• Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation during acceleration, reduced fuel economy, check engine light.
  • Solution: Carbon cleaning of the intake valves (walnut blasting or chemical cleaning).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, unusual noises (whining or whistling) from the engine bay, check engine light illumination.
  • Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1200 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (All Engine Options)

• Rough Shifting/Harsh Engagement
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard shifts between gears, clunking noises during shifting, hesitation when accelerating.
  • Solution: Fluid change, software update, or replacement of valve body or entire transmission depending on severity.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (fluid change) - $4000+ (transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Suspension Noise
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises coming from the rear suspension, especially when going over bumps.
  • Solution: Replacing worn bushings, links, or shocks in the rear suspension.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting the vehicle, warning lights illuminating. Can be caused by a module not going to sleep.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the parasitic drain. This may involve software updates or replacement of a faulty module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ (depending on the source of the drain)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The Ford Sync system freezes, is slow to respond, or crashes completely, sometimes requiring a restart.
  • Solution: Software updates to the Sync system. If the problem persists, module replacement may be needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update if available) - $800+ (module replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Liftgate Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Power liftgate not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, or making unusual noises.
  • Solution: Replacing the liftgate motor, struts, or latch mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Airbag Warning Light
  • Description/Symptoms: Airbag warning light illuminated on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the airbag system, which may involve replacing sensors, modules, or wiring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ (depending on the cause)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2019 Ford Explorer, while offering a comfortable and spacious ride, suffers from a range of potential issues across its various engine options and components. Engine problems, particularly turbocharger failure and carbon buildup on the EcoBoost engines and water pump failure on the V6, can lead to substantial repair costs. Transmission issues, suspension noises, electrical glitches, liftgate malfunctions, and airbag warning lights add to the list of potential headaches for owners. While some issues can be addressed with relatively inexpensive fixes like software updates or fluid changes, others may require costly repairs or replacements, making it crucial for potential buyers to have a thorough inspection performed and be aware of these common problems.