2009 Ford Explorer Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Apr 19, 2021 · 33 owner complaints analyzed

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.

Ford Explorer
A 2025 Ford Explorer Active (facelift) photographed in Fresh Meadows, Queens , New York, USA.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2009 Ford Explorer problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Unknown or Other5 · ~83,500 mi
Vehicle Speed Control5 · ~46,250 mi
Engine4 · ~73,842 mi
Power Train3 · ~78,000 mi
Seats3 · ~70,030 mi
Wheels3 · ~72,260 mi
Air Bags2 · ~50,000 mi
Electrical System2 · ~250 mi
Electronic Stability Control (esc)2 · ~50,125 mi
Seat Belts2 · ~50,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Unknown or Other515%83,500——
Vehicle Speed Control515%46,250——
Engine412%73,842——
Power Train39%78,000——
Seats39%70,030——
Wheels39%72,260——
Air Bags26%50,000——
Electrical System26%250——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)26%50,125——
Seat Belts26%50,000——
Service Brakes26%92,372——
Structure26%105,000——
Tires26%105,508——
Visibility26%50,750——
Child Seat13%———
Engine and Engine Cooling13%88,350——
Equipment13%42,000——
Fuel/propulsion System13%———
Fuel System, Gasoline13%84,931——
Interior Lighting13%169,015——
Steering13%76,000——
Suspension13%———
Visibility/wiper13%95,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2018, with 6 complaints
2009: 4200942010: 1201012011: 3201132012: 4201242013: 2201322014: 2201422015: 1201512016: 4201642017: 3201732018: 6201862020: 1202012021: 220212

n = 33 complaints · Source: NHTSA

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

Unknown or Other · received Apr 19, 2021 · NHTSA complaint 11412923

My car has airbag light on and i have constant problems with the fuel system, and a few electrical problems.

Air Bags · received Jan 24, 2021 · NHTSA complaint 11389683

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…

Service Brakes · received May 14, 2020 · NHTSA complaint 11324598

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…

Engine · received Oct 26, 2018 · NHTSA complaint 11142866

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…

Vehicle Speed Control · received Sep 17, 2018 · NHTSA complaint 11129927

Other Ford Explorer years

← 2008 Explorer · 2010 Explorer →

See all Ford Explorer problems by year, every Ford model, or the Ford VIN decoder.

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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.