2009 Ford Explorer Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 12%of 33 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,842miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine of the 2009 Ford Explorer, 12% of the 33 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,842 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“When first starting the vehicle, there is a loud ticking noise. After researching it online, it appeared to be a very common problem with some of the exhaust manifold bolts snapping off causing a leak of exhaust gases. We took the car to a shop and the problem was confirmed. The repairs will be over $1,000, and this same issue has been reported in online forums quite frequently.”
NHTSA complaint #10554409, filed 2013-12, 85,000 miles“The contact owns a 2009 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the wrench warning indicator illuminated. The contact had to coast to the shoulder with no power brake or steering ability. The contact waited for approximately two minutes and started the vehicle normally, but the warning indicator was still illuminated. The dealer diagnosed that the throttle body failed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 31,000. ...updated 02/22/17”
NHTSA complaint #10939256, filed 2017-01, 31,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10143079Jun 1, 2018Various 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…
- 10109070Sep 21, 2016The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 14% |
| 2025 | 8 | 7% |
| 2024 | 1 | 5% |
| 2023 | 10 | 9% |
| 2022 | 30 | 11% |
| 2021 | 50 | 11% |
| 2020 | 117 | 9% |
| 2019 | 19 | 6% |
| 2018 | 96 | 13% |
| 2017 | 241 | 14% |
| 2016 | 382 | 16% |
| 2015 | 227 | 13% |
| 2014 | 198 | 12% |
| 2013 | 225 | 10% |
| 2012 | 79 | 10% |
| 2011 | 83 | 7% |
| 2010 | 14 | 12% |
| 2009 | 4 | 12% |
| 2008 | 21 | 14% |
| 2007 | 28 | 13% |
| 2006 | 58 | 9% |
| 2005 | 17 | 3% |
| 2004 | 44 | 3% |
| 2003 | 22 | 2% |
| 2002 | 49 | 1% |
| 2001 | 6 | 2% |
| 2000 | 9 | 1% |
| 1999 | 4 | 0% |
| 1998 | 6 | 0% |
| 1997 | 4 | 0% |
| 1996 | 2 | 0% |
| 1995 | 2 | 0% |
| 1993 | 1 | 0% |
| 1992 | 3 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2009 Ford Explorer
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Ford Explorer
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology