Dealer visit checklist
2019 Ford Explorer checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2019 Ford Explorer problems to check
- Transmission hesitation and shudder on the 6-speed automatic, a well-documented issue that may require a fluid change or valve body repair
- Carbon buildup on intake valves of the 3.5L EcoBoost engine due to direct injection, potentially causing rough idle and misfires around 60,000-80,000 miles
- Exhaust fumes intrusion into the cabin, a recall-era issue (covered under NHTSA investigations) that some owners still report on unrepaired units — always verify recall completion
- AC compressor and blend door actuator failures are common and can run $400-$900 to fix
- Rear liftgate strut and power liftgate motor failures reported frequently, typically a $150-$300 repair
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- STRUCTURE:BODY: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles.
- SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms.
- STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles.
- EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer vehicles.
- SUSPENSION:REAR: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles.
- STRUCTURE:BODY: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $26,000 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away