2019 Ford Explorer: Keyless key pad has detached from vehicle
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2019 Explorer report: keyless key pad has detached from vehicle. CarComplaints.com lists 1 owner complaints, average mileage 47,500 miles.
NHTSA has 20 owner complaints for the 2019 Explorer in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11768475 (filed 10/02/2026): “The contact owns a 2019 ford explorer. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the radio displayed the rear-view camera image or rebooted. the dealer was notified of the failure by phone and informed the contact that the vin was not included i…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11734634 (filed 04/29/2026): “While driving at highway speeds on the interstate, the b-pillar exterior trim suddenly detached from the vehicle. the trim remained tethered only by the keypad wiring, causing it to flail in the wind and create an immediate road hazard. simultaneously, the veh…”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: need a recall on 2019 to fix the bad tape that holds keypad (1 reports). Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Moderate
Finding and splicing chewed wiring is doable with a multimeter and patience but can be time-consuming; harness replacement is pro work. (Our assessment.)
Cost
CarComplaints.com owners report a typical repair cost of about $850 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
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