2019 Ford Explorer Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 6%of 300 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 10,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the fuel system of the 2019 Ford Explorer, 6% of the 300 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 10,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Noticed severe exhaust smell when defrost is on while driving, and more moderately when the recirculated air is on. Looked up the issue online and found that our 2019 Ford Explorer is experiencing the same issues that caused a soft recall from Ford for their 2011-2017 models. Took it to local Ford service center, but they could not replicate the issue. However, the tech at Ford service called their hotline, who stated rear air vents were loose causing this concern . …”
NHTSA complaint #11306220, filed 2020-01, 10,000 miles“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 complaint #11240611, filed 2019-07, 700 miles“On march 2nd 2019 Ford Explorer sport with 1,800 miles was towed to thomassen Ford in charles town wv leaving owner stranded. Complained of strong fuel/gasoline odor inside the vehicle. Fuel/gasoline was leaking badly out of the vehicle onto the exhaust pipe. On march 4th notification was provided from service writer that none of the fuel lines or clamps were attached properly from the factory. Vehicle sat at thomassen Ford until march 27th when repairs were complete. April 9th 2019 some form of fluid leaked out of the parked vehicle for 8 hours after a 7 minute drive. …”
NHTSA complaint #11208940, filed 2019-05, 1,800 miles“At 53,000 miles I was driving down the highway and my vehicle sputtered and died leaving me stranded on the side of the road. The vehicle would not start. I took the vehicle to a local repair shop and had to replace the Fuel Pump for the vehicle. That was very low mileage to have an issue with a major part like a fuel pump.”
NHTSA complaint #11473252, filed 2022-07“On 3 separate occasions my car has stalled when driving. All three were after driving for several hours in hot weather. 2 of the times I had a quarter of a tank of gas and pressed on the gas to pass someone and my car stalled out immediately after. Both very dangerous scenarios. 3 time just this week. Driving for over 5 hours in hot weather conditions, but 3 quarters of a tank of gas and stuck in traffic and the car just completely stalled. Again a dangerous scenario on the highway. All three times after waiting for about 45 minutes the car will start again. …”
NHTSA complaint #11672764, filed 2025-07Related service bulletins
- 10199497Jul 1, 2021Some 2019 MKC, 2019-2021 Edge/Nautilus/Escape/Ranger/Explorer, 2020-2021 Corsair, and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.3L EcoBoost engines may exhibit a light…
- 10183569Nov 11, 2020Some 2019 MKC, 2019-2020 Edge/Nautilus/Escape/Ranger, 2020 Corsair, 2019-2021 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.3L EcoBoost engines may exhibit a light to moderate…
- 10159507Apr 11, 2019SSM 47926 - 2018-2019 F-150/Expedition/Navigator/Transit/Explorer - Illuminated MalfunctionIndicator Lamp (MIL) With Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P025A Some 2018-2019 F-150…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 7% |
| 2025 | 3 | 3% |
| 2023 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 37 | 14% |
| 2021 | 28 | 6% |
| 2020 | 42 | 3% |
| 2019 | 17 | 6% |
| 2018 | 23 | 3% |
| 2017 | 49 | 3% |
| 2016 | 112 | 5% |
| 2015 | 94 | 5% |
| 2014 | 72 | 4% |
| 2013 | 153 | 7% |
| 2012 | 34 | 4% |
| 2011 | 40 | 3% |
| 2010 | 9 | 8% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% |
| 2006 | 27 | 4% |
| 2005 | 66 | 13% |
| 2004 | 33 | 3% |
| 2003 | 11 | 1% |
| 2002 | 72 | 2% |
| 2001 | 11 | 3% |
| 2000 | 19 | 2% |
| 1999 | 34 | 3% |
| 1998 | 63 | 3% |
| 1997 | 56 | 3% |
| 1996 | 23 | 2% |
| 1995 | 16 | 2% |
| 1994 | 33 | 3% |
| 1993 | 12 | 1% |
| 1992 | 18 | 3% |
| 1991 | 26 | 4% |
| 1990 | 2 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2019 Ford Explorer
150 complaintsOther or unknown
48 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
35 complaintsElectrical system
20 complaintsEngine
19 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsSeats
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2019 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology