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SteeringPart report

2009 Ford Explorer Steering Problems

Complaints
1about this part
Share
3%of 33 total for the year
Median mileage
76,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 1 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Ford Explorer, 3% of the 33 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,000 miles.

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.

“The contact owns a 2009 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle made a loud abnormal noise and suddenly lost control of the steering wheel. The contact mentioned that no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician stated that the failure occurred as a result of the passenger side tie rod end separating form the vehicle. However, the tie rod did not sustain any damages. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 76,000.”

NHTSA complaint #10632457, filed 2014-09, 76,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202612%
202598%
2024210%
20231211%
202293%
202161%
2020282%
201993%
2018213%
2017764%
201653222%
201534819%
201450030%
201383637%
201236043%
201174262%
201043%
200913%
2008139%
2007105%
200691%
2005122%
2004413%
2003272%
20021555%
2001216%
2000404%
1999383%
1998704%
1997332%
1996473%
1995526%
1994242%
1993192%
1992254%
1991102%

Other parts of the 2009 Ford Explorer

Other or unknown
6 complaints
Vehicle speed control
5 complaints
Engine
4 complaints
Seats
3 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
3 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaints
Wheels
3 complaints
Air bags
2 complaints
Brakes
2 complaints
Electrical system
2 complaints
Electronic stability control
2 complaints
Fuel system
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2009 Ford Explorer

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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