2019 Ford Explorer transmission & drivetrain problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

35 owners have reported transmission & drivetrain problems with the 2019 Ford Explorer, 12% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 83,000 mi.

Transmission & Drivetrain complaints
35
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
83,000 mi

Specific components reported

Transmission & Drivetrain covers: transmission shifting, slipping, axles, driveshaft, transfer case.

ComponentComplaints
Power train31
Power train:automatic transmission:torque converter4
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)1

Transmission & Drivetrain complaints across Ford Explorer years

22005522007212009615201174120134140201512810520174835201949112620216112202311520253
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year. The 2019 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k10k–30k230k–60k960k–100k100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Aug 13, 2026KSTransmission & Drivetrain
    In November 2025 vehicle began experiencing intermittent instances of rough shifting when the engine was under strain due to mountain driving. Since we do not live in the mountains, we returned home and waited to see if it would replicate. Vehicle began intermittently, replicating, hard shifting when coming out of Park. At that time an appointment was made with a local transmission shop in June 2026 to have an evaluation done. No error codes have been thrown at any point in…
    NHTSA complaint #11756722 · source
  2. Filed May 15, 2026MTTransmission & Drivetrain
    I had my transmission replaced in California on Feb 2025. Had failure issues and took it to ford, they found an issue with the torque converter and replaced 7 months after the new transmission, it was cleaned out for debris and contamination. Early this May took it in again for the vehicle violently shaking, the ford Mechanic before inspecting immediately knew what transmission I had and knew what issue was, said all the 6F35 transmissions are failing. Took it to my local…
    NHTSA complaint #11738217 · source
  3. Filed Apr 13, 2026MATransmission & Drivetrain
    I brought my vehicle to Ford Motor Place in Webster Massachusetts to do two recalls, my car was driving normally before the recall service. Immediately after recall work, it does not run properly. The dealer claims transmission failure without prior symptoms. The vehicle only has 70,000 miles.
    NHTSA complaint #11730866 · source
  4. Filed Mar 20, 2026LATransmission & Drivetrain
    Torque converter failed and had to be replaced within 60000 miles. Know issue to ford but they continue to charge $4,000 to have it repaired. Rear main seal leaks oil within 80,000 miles. Know issue to ford and they continue to charge $3,800 to have it repaired.
    NHTSA complaint #11725908 · source
  5. Filed Aug 4, 202552,000 miMITowedEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle suddenly started sputtering and decelerated unintendedly. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure…
    NHTSA complaint #11678167 · source
  6. Filed Jun 23, 2025FLTransmission & Drivetrain
    [XXX] � [XXX] [XXX] ⸻ To Whom It May Concern, My name [XXX], and I am writing to file a formal complaint against Ford Motor Company and multiple associated dealerships for gross negligence, financial harm, and discriminatory practices related to a recall repair that began in 2023 and has yet to be properly resolved. I own a 2019 Ford Explorer, VIN [XXX]. In 2023, I brought my vehicle to Wayne Akers Ford in West Palm Beach due to a torque converter recall. Before the issue…
    NHTSA complaint #11668647 · source
  7. Filed Mar 18, 2025WITransmission & Drivetrain
    The transmission was violently jerking when accelerating to get on the interstate. Our Explorer is available for inspection upon request. It was dangerous in that we couldn't have a consistent speed when joining oncoming traffic on the road. The local Ford dealer did confirm the transmission needed replacement. Ford did an inspection on the original transmission and confirmed it was damaged. It was a sudden failure of the transmission and it included a wrench light on the…
    NHTSA complaint #11649153 · source
  8. Filed Mar 14, 202583,000 miNCTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after shifting to the drive position the vehicle would shake and vibrate. The failure continued while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the torque convert and reprogrammed the PCM but approximately one year later the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the torque converter needed to be replaced a second time. The vehicle…
    NHTSA complaint #11648272 · source
  9. Filed Mar 3, 202599,000 miSCTowedTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, while depressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle failed to respond as needed. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was shielded by a bystander so that the contact would not be rear-ended. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The vehicle was taken not to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact stated that cylinder #2 had been replaced three times and…
    NHTSA complaint #11646052 · source
  10. Filed Feb 6, 2025GATransmission & Drivetrain
    When i go to drive my car in the mornings when it first starts up I have to let it sit or it won't accelerate and if I just try to drive it the powertrane warning light comes on but it will be gone when I let it sit off for a bit. The ford dealership stated it was the torque converter and have replaced it twice in less than two years.
    NHTSA complaint #11641117 · source
  11. Filed Jan 16, 202584,000 miMITransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. While the contact's husband was driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping. The contact stated that the failure mostly occurred while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal with the transmission shifting between second and third gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be…
    NHTSA complaint #11636240 · source
  12. Filed Jan 8, 2025LATransmission & Drivetrain
    Vehicle shutters during acceleration due to torque converter failure. Vehicle shutters while traveling due to torque converter failure. Vehicle jerks when transmission is shifting due to torque converter failure. The vehicle was brought to the Ford dealer without the check engine light or mechanical light on. The Ford dealer was able to verify the above listed issues and deemed the torque converter failed. The ford dealer quoted me $4,000.00 for repairs. The torque converter…
    NHTSA complaint #11634967 · source

Other 2019 Ford Explorer problem areas

  • Body & Structure (150)
  • Other / Unknown (43)
  • Engine (21)
  • Electrical System (17)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (14)
  • Suspension (10)
  • Visibility & Wipers (8)
  • Steering (8)
  • Wheels & Tires (4)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (4)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (4)
  • Brakes (3)
  • Airbags (2)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (1)

Back to all 2019 Ford Explorer problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology