2009 Ford Explorer Problems
Compared with other Ford Explorer years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
0/100 0.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.0× that of a typical Ford Explorer year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 8 of its 33 complaints were filed by the end of 2011.
- Most reported part: Other or unknown (6 complaints, median 83,500 mi).
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 33filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 77,000miles, 26 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 17 mpgcombined, 4.6L 8-cyl RWD · 15 city / 21 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2009 Ford Explorer (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 33 consumer complaints for the 2009 Ford Explorer. The part named most often is other or unknown, with 6 complaints (18% of the total), followed by vehicle speed control (5) and engine (4). 26 of the complaints include a mileage, and 27% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 77,000 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 20 technical service bulletins for this model year. Other or unknown complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part. Compared with the other 15 Ford Explorer model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 0 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Other or unknown6 18%
- Engine4 12%
- Seats3 9.1%
- Wheels3 9.1%
- Air bags2 6.1%
- Brakes2 6.1%
- Electrical system2 6.1%
Also reported: Electronic stability control (2), Fuel system (2), Seat belts (2), Body and structure (2), Tires (2), Engine cooling (1), Equipment (1), Interior lighting (1), Steering (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Other or unknown: “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 repairing this defect.”
NHTSA complaint #11129927, filed 2018-09, 100,000 milesVehicle speed control: “I started the Explorer and went about 300 feet and pulled over to allow an emergency vehicle to pass. The Explorer continued to accelerate but was held back by the brakes until I shut the engine off. Upon restarting the Explorer ran fine until another incident in mid october. I started the Explorer and went about 500 feet to a stop sign and as I slowed down the Explorer wanted to keep going. As I was in a shopping mall parking lot and no one was around (also being the second time this happened) I pushed harder on the brake as the engine surged. …”
NHTSA complaint #10659418, filed 2014-11, 61,500 milesEngine: “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 reverse and car spent out of control spinning around 3 times before it came to a complete stop before crashing into another vehicle. This took place in the parking lot of walmart.”
NHTSA complaint #11324598, filed 2020-05, 184,494 milesSeats: “The contact owns a 2009 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front driver side seat independently reclined. The contact inspected the seat and noticed the bolt that detained the back of the seat fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10496479, filed 2013-02, 140,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
27% of the 26 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 42,000 and 100,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Ford Explorer. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer · sedan RWD/AWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | 3 · 22.8% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2009 Ford Explorer version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Explorer 2WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Explorer 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 13 | 19 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Explorer 4WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2009 Ford Explorer in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 20 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11029052Feb 24, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system, Body and structure. Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code…
- 10254138Apr 24, 2024Equipment. All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should…
- 10156863Feb 7, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white…
- 10155551Feb 7, 2019Body and structure. Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white…
- 10148819Oct 2, 2018Steering. This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly…
- 10143079Jun 1, 2018Equipment, Engine. Various vehicles equipped with a 4.6L, 5.4L, 6.8L modular 3 valve engine built on or before 8-Jan-2016 may exhibit symptoms that may include upper end engine noise, rough running, misfire and/or…
- 10137113Mar 30, 2018Equipment. Replacing the original equipment SYNC/Navigation system with either an aftermarket SYNC/Navigation kit or modifying original SYNC/Navigation parts to provide additional features is not recommended…
- 10140323Jan 10, 2018Equipment. The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad…
- 10138524Jan 10, 2018Equipment. The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad…
- 10099463Mar 14, 2017Transmission and drivetrain. 2009-2017 vehicles equipped with a 6r80, 6r100, 6r140 automatic transmission have an updated main control valve body overhaul procedure. Refer to workshop manual (wsm), section 307-01 for main…
Other model years of the Ford Explorer
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 42 | 2,600 | 14 | 5 | 24 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 107 | 3,000 | 20 | 5 | 21 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 21 | 8,832 | 10 | 5 | 21 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 111 | 17,000 | 15 | 5 | 23 | 19 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 271 | 37,000 | 25 | — | 23 | 39 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 448 | 44,000 | 27 | 5 | 24 | 54 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 1,244 | 23,750 | 34 | 5 | 24 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 300 | 54,000 | 6 | 5 | 20 | 2 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 734 | 50,000 | 7 | 5 | 20 | 42 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 1,704 | 50,000 | 13 | 5 | 20 | 86 · More | Rising |
| 2016 | 2,463 | 48,850 | 14 | 5 | 20 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2015 | 1,812 | 57,000 | 8 | 5 | 20 | 91 · More | Rising |
| 2014 | 1,684 | 66,000 | 6 | 5 | 20 | 71 · More | Rising |
| 2013 | 2,237 | 76,439 | 11 | 5 | 20 | 73 · More | Rising |
| 2012 | 830 | 70,000 | 5 | 4 | 23 | 46 · Typical | Rising |
| 2011 | 1,197 | 70,000 | 6 | — | 20 | 76 · More | Rising |
| 2010 | 115 | 40,707 | 1 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 33 | 77,000 | 0 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 148 | 77,000 | 1 | — | 16 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 208 | 67,250 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2006 | 630 | 55,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 497 | 70,000 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 1,304 | 65,000 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 1,131 | 73,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 3,295 | 79,000 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 375 | 90,000 | 6 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 952 | 77,419 | 9 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 1,348 | 82,193 | 9 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 1,959 | 100,000 | 9 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 1,731 | 99,500 | 7 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 1,450 | 120,208 | 6 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 843 | 121,585 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 1,207 | 99,041 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 939 | 117,494 | 6 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1992 | 633 | 108,065 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 609 | 121,902 | 8 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1990 | 12 | 58,410 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Ford Explorer model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA recorded 33 consumer complaints for the 2009 Ford Explorer as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2009 Ford Explorer is reported most often?
Other or unknown is named most often, in 6 complaints (18% of the total), followed by vehicle speed control with 5.
Has the 2009 Ford Explorer been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2009 Ford Explorer get?
The EPA rates the 2009 Ford Explorer (Explorer 2WD, 4.6L 8-cyl) at 17 mpg combined, 15 city and 21 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,950 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2009 Ford Explorer reported?
Among the 26 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 77,000 miles and the middle half falls between 42,000 and 100,000 miles; 27% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.