2009 Ford Explorer Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Explorer years
- Far fewer complaints than other years 31st of 33 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- None on file
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Ford Explorer. That ranks 31st out of 33 Explorer model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is unknown or other (5 complaints, 15%), typically at around 83,500 miles. Complaints mention 5 crashes, 5 injuries. There are no safety recalls on file for this model year.

- 33owner complaints
- 0safety recalls
- 0NHTSA investigations
- 5complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2009 Ford Explorer problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unknown or Other | 5 | 15% | 83,500 | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 | 15% | 46,250 | — | — |
| Engine | 4 | 12% | 73,842 | — | — |
| Power Train | 3 | 9% | 78,000 | — | — |
| Seats | 3 | 9% | 70,030 | — | — |
| Wheels | 3 | 9% | 72,260 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 2 | 6% | 50,000 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 2 | 6% | 250 | — | — |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 2 | 6% | 50,125 | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 6% | 50,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 2 | 6% | 92,372 | — | — |
| Structure | 2 | 6% | 105,000 | — | — |
| Tires | 2 | 6% | 105,508 | — | — |
| Visibility | 2 | 6% | 50,750 | — | — |
| Child Seat | 1 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 3% | 88,350 | — | — |
| Equipment | 1 | 3% | 42,000 | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 1 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 3% | 84,931 | — | — |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | 3% | 169,015 | — | — |
| Steering | 1 | 3% | 76,000 | — | — |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 3% | 95,000 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2009 Ford Explorer recalls (0)
No safety recalls are on file for the 2009 Ford Explorer.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
Transmission went out while driving on expressway speed limit was75 mph on cruise control
My car has airbag light on and i have constant problems with the fuel system, and a few electrical problems.
Suv seems to be idled during start up or even when driving. Sounds airy like its trying to accelerate. Also i have had break pads replaced more than usual. Mechanic said it was reported that they have gone out more than normal. Each time going out before warranty expired. Today, car was placed in…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE STALLED NUMEROUS TIMES WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOWN AND COUNTRY FORD (5041 FORD PARKWAY, BESSEMER, ALABAMA 35022, [redacted]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY…
Throttle body issues, intermittent stahls, pedal suring forward when accelerated. This is a huge safety risk and from what i have read a defect in the 2009 ford models. My truck is in the middle of the repair and i do not have an extended warranty and i believe ford should pay for the expenses of…
Other Ford Explorer years
← 2008 Explorer · 2010 Explorer →
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 Explorer | 0 | 1 |
| 2026 Explorer | 42 | 14 |
| 2025 Explorer | 103 | 20 |
| 2024 Explorer | 21 | 10 |
| 2023 Explorer | 110 | 15 |
| 2022 Explorer | 269 | 24 |
| 2021 Explorer | 442 | 26 |
| 2020 Explorer | 1,232 | 33 |
| 2019 Explorer | 299 | 6 |
| 2018 Explorer | 733 | 7 |
| 2017 Explorer | 1,699 | 13 |
| 2016 Explorer | 2,461 | 14 |
| 2015 Explorer | 1,806 | 8 |
| 2014 Explorer | 1,679 | 6 |
| 2013 Explorer | 2,236 | 11 |
| 2012 Explorer | 829 | 5 |
| 2011 Explorer | 1,197 | 6 |
| 2010 Explorer | 115 | 1 |
| 2009 | 33 | 0 |
| 2008 Explorer | 148 | 1 |
| 2007 Explorer | 208 | 1 |
| 2006 Explorer | 630 | 1 |
| 2005 Explorer | 497 | 0 |
| 2004 Explorer | 1,304 | 0 |
| 2003 Explorer | 1,131 | 2 |
| 2002 Explorer | 3,295 | 4 |
| 2001 Explorer | 375 | 6 |
| 2000 Explorer | 952 | 9 |
| 1999 Explorer | 1,348 | 9 |
| 1998 Explorer | 1,959 | 9 |
| 1997 Explorer | 1,731 | 7 |
| 1996 Explorer | 1,450 | 6 |
| 1995 Explorer | 843 | 5 |
See all Ford Explorer problems by year, every Ford model, or the Ford VIN decoder.
Similar Ford models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Ford Explorer?
Owners most often report unknown or other, vehicle speed control, engine problems. The top one, unknown or other, accounts for 5 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2009 Ford Explorer?
No safety recalls are on file for this model year.
Was the 2009 Ford Explorer a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Explorer model years, the 2009 has far fewer complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.