2019 Ford Explorer Used Car Review

The 2019 Ford Explorer is one of those vehicles that looks great on paper but has a reputation that deserves a harder look. If you’re shopping for a used three-row family SUV and the Explorer keeps coming up, here’s what you actually need to know before you hand over your money. This review is for families and buyers who need the space, want the comfort, and just want the car to be reliable.

Reliability and Common Issues

Let’s be straight with you: the 2019 Ford Explorer has a reliability record that’s below average. Consumer Reports rates the 2019 Explorer as less reliable than most other vehicles from the same model year. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, ranking it 23rd out of 32 midsize SUVs. That’s not a disaster, but it’s not reassuring either.

The exhaust smell in the cabin is one of the most widely reported and frustrating problems with the fifth generation Explorer. This isn’t a fringe complaint. Owners across the country have reported exhaust fumes leaking into the passenger compartment, and Ford issued technical service bulletins addressing sealing around the rear liftgate and body seams. It’s a comfort and safety concern that you need to take seriously when test driving any 2019 Explorer.

The transmission behavior is another red flag. Some owners of the fifth generation Explorer report harsh shifts, hesitation, and jolting during gear changes. This is particularly common on higher-mileage vehicles where the issue wasn’t caught and addressed early. Ford’s 6-speed automatic in this generation has a documented history of rough performance under certain driving conditions.

The MyFord Touch and SYNC infotainment system also draws consistent complaints. Owners report freezing screens, unresponsive controls, and the system needing resets during drives. Consumer reviews on Cars.com describe the computer problems as recurring even after dealer visits. It’s annoying rather than dangerous, but it does affect everyday comfort and usability.

According to the NHTSA recalls database, the 2019 Ford Explorer has been recalled five times. Known recall areas include issues with the rear axle half shaft, which can fracture and lead to a loss of drive, and concerns with the door latches. These recalls are repairable, but you need to verify they’ve been completed on any specific vehicle you’re considering.

The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine has generally been praised for its performance. Many owners who report good reliability specifically credit the EcoBoost for delivering strong performance without the engine-related drama seen elsewhere. The V6 Sport model’s twin-turbo engine also gets positive marks. The problems with the 2019 Explorer tend to be about the systems around the engine, not the engine itself.

What to Inspect Before You Buy

Get an independent mechanic to look at this car before you buy it. That’s non-negotiable with any used vehicle, but especially with the 2019 Explorer given its reliability history. A dealer inspection isn’t enough. Find a shop that has no financial stake in the sale.

Here’s what to pay close attention to during your own test drive and walk-around:

• Exhaust smell inside the cabin: Run the engine, close all windows, and sit in the third row for a few minutes with the climate system running. Any hint of exhaust smell is a serious warning sign specific to this fifth generation model.
• Transmission shifts: Drive the vehicle through multiple acceleration and deceleration cycles. You’re looking for smooth, confident gear changes. Hesitation, jolting, or clunking when shifting are red flags that could mean expensive transmission work ahead.
• Infotainment and electronics: Test every screen, button, and connection. Cycle through the menus. Connect a phone. If the system freezes during a short test drive, it will only get worse.
• Body seam sealing around the rear liftgate: This is where the exhaust intrusion issue often originates. Look for any signs of aftermarket sealant or repairs in this area, which might indicate a previous owner already dealt with the problem.

Check the free VIN lookup tool before you even visit the seller. Pull the vehicle’s history to see if any of the five NHTSA recalls have been completed, and check for accident reports or title issues that could affect long-term performance and value.

Ask for the full service history. If a 2019 Explorer has records showing transmission service or software updates, that’s actually a good sign. It means the prior owner addressed known issues rather than ignoring them.

Fair Price Range

What you’ll pay for a 2019 Ford Explorer depends heavily on trim level, mileage, and condition. The base Explorer and XLT trims typically land at lower price points, while the Sport and Platinum trims command a premium because of their added comfort features and performance hardware.

For a well-maintained 2019 Explorer with moderate mileage, you’ll often see asking prices that reflect its three-row family SUV status. The XLT is typically the sweet spot for value buyers. It offers the core comfort and performance features without the luxury pricing of higher trims. Vehicles with under 60,000 miles usually sit at one price tier, while those approaching or over 100,000 miles offer better entry pricing but higher risk given the known reliability concerns of this model year.

Use our car loan calculator to work out what different price points actually mean for your monthly budget before you start negotiating. Knowing your number going in keeps the conversation on your terms.

Keep in mind that ownership cost matters as much as purchase price. The 2019 Explorer’s reliability rating means you should budget for possible repairs. Factor that into what you’re willing to pay upfront.

Performance and Comfort: What the 2019 Explorer Actually Delivers

When it’s working well, the 2019 Ford Explorer is genuinely good at what it does. The interior is spacious, and the third-row seat is actually usable for adults on shorter trips, which puts it ahead of plenty of competitors. Comfort is a real strength here, with a smooth ride on the highway and supportive seating throughout the cabin.

The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine delivers solid performance for a vehicle this size, with enough power to feel confident during highway merging and everyday driving. The all-wheel drive system, available on most trims, adds capability and driver confidence in poor weather. Consumer feedback on KBB specifically highlights the EcoBoost’s performance as a highlight of the ownership experience.

Browse used Ford Explorers by model year to compare how the 2019 stacks up against nearby model years. The 2020 Explorer moved to a rear-wheel drive-based platform and addressed some of the fifth-generation issues, so it’s worth considering if your budget allows.

The NHTSA safety ratings for the 2019 Explorer are worth reviewing before you commit. Safety performance is a key factor for family car buyers, and NHTSA’s published ratings give you objective data to work with.

Is the 2019 Ford Explorer Worth Buying Used?

The 2019 Ford Explorer is a capable, comfortable three-row family vehicle that carries real reliability risks. For the right buyer, it makes sense. For others, there are better options.

It’s a good fit if you need three rows, you’re buying from a seller with a full service history, you’ve had a pre-purchase inspection done by an independent mechanic, and you’re getting the vehicle at a price that reflects its reliability rating rather than its best-case scenario value. The exhaust smell issue and transmission concerns are manageable if they’ve already been addressed, and many 2019 Explorers on the used market have had exactly that work done.

Look elsewhere if you want a used car you can set and forget. Consumer reliability data is consistent on this: the 2019 Ford Explorer requires more attention than average. Buyers who want lower maintenance risk should look at the Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot from the same era.

If the Explorer fits your needs and your budget, do the homework. Get the history, get the inspection, and drive it thoroughly before you commit.

A great price on a car with hidden problems isn’t a deal. Spend the time upfront and you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into before the keys change hands.