RoadVitals

2019 Ford Explorer Fuel system Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the fuel system system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Fuel system reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
17
Latest Jul 10, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
6%
of 289 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
0
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
1

What this page shows

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2019 Ford Explorer submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 17 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming fuel system

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

Fuel system
Filed Jul 10, 2026

Fuel pump and module failure. Driving on the highway at 70 miles an hour and the fuel pump failed. Causing me to have zero acceleration. Thus losing speed rapidly in the center lane. No warning lights were present before or after. One previous symptom of a crank no start. Dealership was able to replicate the crank no start situation. Resulting in the problem being a fuel pump failure and module needing replaced, at 83,000 miles on the vehicle. Though I know normal wear and tear can and does happen, there was no warning. And losing engine power at high speeds on a highway is unsafe.

NHTSA ID
11749645
Incident
Jul 8, 2026
EngineFuel system
Filed Apr 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V101000 (Suspension). While retrieving the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact heard the mechanic revving the engine of the vehicle. The dealer determined that the fuel pump and fuel pump module needed to be replaced, and that the failure was not related to the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and determined that the failure was not related to the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ID
11730183
Incident
Apr 6, 2026
Mileage
50,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Mar 11, 2026

Vehicle fails to start intermittently. After having this happen on several occasions and waiting for 1-2 hours it would start. However, the last time, while traveling it would not start after taking brief stop. Had to leave the vehicle overnight and return the next day to haul it back home 300 hundred miles. That was Feb. 23, 2026 and still will not start. Vehicle has 70,000 miles.

NHTSA ID
11723731
Incident
Feb 22, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Feb 16, 2026

Accelerator stuck wide open while entering freeway. I also have a safety recall notice 24S02/NHTSA recall 24V031

NHTSA ID
11718318
Incident
Feb 11, 2026
EngineFuel system
Filed Dec 10, 2025

Blown engine due to ecoboost fuel issues. Vehicle quit and shut off on highway. Multiple issues with 2019 ford explorer that does not get resolved.

NHTSA ID
11704213
Incident
Dec 7, 2025
Fuel system
Filed Dec 5, 2025

The catalytic converters for the Ford Explorer Utility Police Interceptor fail prematurely, degrading the emissions from the vehicle and causing the vehicle to fail emissions testing. Although Ford has implemented a Customer Satisfaction Campaign 22M06, they do not inform owners of the campaign or potential problem. My car was inspected by two Ford dealerships who simply cleared the error code (P0430) and made no mention of Campaign 22M06. The error code persisted as I replaced numerous other components (spark plugs, purge valve, oxygen sensors, Mass air flow sensor) trying to alleviate the problem over the last year. Only if you mention the campaign specifically will they inspect the vehicle for the purpose of replacing the the catalytic converters under warranty. Replacing these failing catalytic converters should be a recall because failure creates substandard emissions for thousands of vehicles.

NHTSA ID
11703219
Incident
Oct 23, 2024
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 4, 2025

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 mileage was 52,000.

NHTSA ID
11678167
Incident
Aug 3, 2025
Mileage
52,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Jul 18, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon acceleration from a stop, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the fuel pump and the fuel injectors were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving 63 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the fuel pump and fuel injectors were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred while driving 72 MPH, and the vehicle lost automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle came to a complete stop and the contact called the Police for traffic control and the vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel pump and the fuel injectors were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA ID
11674610
Incident
Jul 17, 2025
Mileage
60,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jul 14, 2025

Car would not start at certain times without warning. Sometimes putting us in an unsafe location. Finally vehicle was in a public parking and would not start and had to be towed to Ford dealer. The fuel pump and some other issues failed. Repair shop said it would happen with low gas, but we had over a half a tank. Total cost of bill without tow was $2132.02. Vehicle had 45,015 miles.

NHTSA ID
11673441
Incident
Jun 15, 2025
Fuel system
Filed Jul 11, 2025

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. Sluggish at first and then drives normal. It’s giving indications that it could be a defect in the low pressure fuel pump that has been a recall in other 2019 ford explorers, but my vin #is not listed as one of them.

NHTSA ID
11672764
Incident
Jul 7, 2025
EngineFuel system
Filed Jan 26, 2024
1 injury reported

Operator law enforcement was idling for an extended time in this vehicle. He was found unconscious in the vehicle and diagnosed with acute carbon monoxide poisoning. He was hospitalised for 4 days, and suffers continuing neurological deficits. Post-incident testing by engineer instructed by operator indicated two improper or incomplete welds on exhaust system, allowing exhaust to pool under vehicle and enter passenger compartment through HVAC fresh air intake. Post-incident testing recreated rising CO levels in passenger compartment. Vehicle has also been inspected by manufacturer. There were no warning lamps or messages.

NHTSA ID
11568138
Incident
Mar 22, 2021
Fuel system
Filed Aug 18, 2023

When the vehicle is in outside in the direct sunlight, the extreme heat causes the fuel pump driver module to fail. When this module fails, it cause the vehicles fuel pump to stop sending fuel to the motor which causes the vehicle to turn off or run extremely rough, while driving and or stationary. The moduel has been replaced by world ford Pensacola once, and twice by an ASE Certified Master Mechanic, on 3 separate occasions.

NHTSA ID
11539478
Incident
Aug 18, 2023
Fuel system
Filed Jul 10, 2022

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 ID
11473252
Incident
Jun 3, 2022
Fuel system
Filed Jan 31, 2020

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". FOLLOWING THIS CALL, FORD SERVICE CENTER DID THE FOLLOWING (ALL QUOTES ARE FROM SERVICE INVOICE): "REMOVED REAR BUMPER COVER AND INSPECT[ED] AIR EXTRACTORS. INSPECTION FOUND BOTH EXTRACTORS WERE NOT CONNECTED ON THE LEFT REAR CORNER OF BOTH SIDES, LIKE THEY ARE BROKEN WILL NOT PROPERLY SEAT. INSPECTION ALSO FOUND LIFTGATE DRAIN VALVE WAS MISSING AND LR TAILLAMP GROMET WAS NOT SEATED TO THE BODY. REPLACED BOTH EXTRACTORS AND DRAIN VALVE, RESEATED LR TAILLAMP BODY PLUG, REINSTALLED REAR BUMPER AND TEST DROVE." WE HAVE NOT NOTICED THE EXHAUST SMELL SINCE THE FIX ONE WEEK AGO. I AM REPORTING THIS SO THAT NHTSA AND ANYONE READING THIS KNOWS THAT THE FORD EXHAUST ISSUES THAT CAUSED SO MANY PROBLEMS ARE STILL ONGOING THROUGH THE 2019 MODEL, AND ALSO SO THAT CONSUMERS WHO HAVE THIS MODEL KNOW EXACTLY WHAT TO TELL THEIR LOCAL FORD SERVICE CENTERS TO DO TO FIX IT.

NHTSA ID
11306220
Incident
Jan 24, 2020
Mileage
10,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Jul 30, 2019

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 ID
11240611
Incident
Jul 30, 2019
Mileage
700 mi
EngineFuel systemSteering
Filed May 21, 2019

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. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JERRY'S FORD IN LEESBURG VA "UNABLE TO DUPLICATE" THEREFORE NO ACTION WAS TAKEN. THERE ARE PHOTOS OF THIS ISSUE. APRIL 18TH 2019 A STRANGE NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN DRIVING. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO JERRY'S FORD IN LEESBURG VA "UNABLE TO DUPLICATE" THEREFORE AGAIN NO ACTION WAS TAKEN. TO THIS DAY THE VEHICLE STILL MAKES THE NOISE WHICH HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THERE IS VIDEO OF THIS ISSUE

NHTSA ID
11208940
Incident
Mar 2, 2019
Mileage
1,800 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Apr 2, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT SMELLED EXHAUST FUMES AND FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ADVANTAGE FORD (4000 SE FEDERAL HWY, STUART, FL 34997, (772) 287-0955) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE TEST WAS NOT YET COMPLETED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,500.

NHTSA ID
11193405
Incident
Mar 2, 2019
Mileage
4,500 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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