VehicleVerdict

2009 Ford Explorer problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2009 Ford Explorer is among the quieter years of the Explorer on NHTSA's books: 49 complaints (94% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (6), engine (5), and tires & wheels (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

49

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Explorer years?

Explorer NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted4,096 complaints1977: 2 complaints1984: 1 complaints1985: 1 complaints1986: 3 complaints1987: 3 complaints1988: 7 complaints1989: 1 complaints1990: 12 complaints1991: 764 complaints1992: 848 complaints1993: 1,151 complaints1994: 1,531 complaints1995: 1,048 complaints1996: 1,818 complaints1997: 2,150 complaints1998: 2,374 complaints1999: 1,737 complaints2000: 1,203 complaints2001: 503 complaints2002: 4,096 complaints2003: 1,369 complaints2004: 1,647 complaints2005: 604 complaints2006: 788 complaints2007: 271 complaints2008: 216 complaints2009: 49 complaints2010: 155 complaints2011: 1,494 complaints2012: 1,027 complaints2013: 2,781 complaints2014: 2,038 complaints2015: 2,187 complaints2016: 3,004 complaints2017: 2,010 complaints2018: 859 complaints2019: 327 complaints2020: 1,617 complaints2021: 525 complaints2022: 339 complaints2023: 143 complaints2024: 26 complaints2025: 132 complaints2026: 25 complaints
Explorer NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Explorer years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Ford Explorer problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other612%
Speed Control510%
Tires & Wheels510%
Engine510%
Electrical System48%
Seats48%
Visibility & Wipers36%
Transmission36%
Seat Belts24%
Brakes24%
Fuel System24%
Airbags24%
Body & Structure24%
Suspension12%
Steering12%
Lighting12%
Child Seat12%

Does the 2009 Ford Explorer have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

10E043000OtherSeptember 3, 2010 · 294 units

Defect

MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Consequence

AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.

Remedy

MARATHON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE SEAT COVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MARATHON AT 1-800-735-2769.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 11, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · November 14, 2017 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 14, 2020 · crash

“IN MAY 2017 I HAD SERVICE PERFORMED ON MY 2009 FORD SUV (INCLUDING REPLACEMENT OF FRONT AND REAR BRAKE PADS AND TURN OF ALL FOUR ROTORS) AT MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. ON MAY 13, 2017, MYSELF, MY WIFE, AND OUR TWO CHILDREN (BOTH MINORS, AGES 2 AND 8) WERE INVOLVED IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT DUE TO A WHEEL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 13, 2017 · crash

“FORD: MY 2009 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER V6 EXHIBITS AN INTERMITTENT FAULT/ALARM WITH THE RSC SYSTEM WHILE DRIVING ON PUBLIC ROADS (STREET, FREEWAY, HIGHWAY). ALL THE INSTANCES OCCURRED HAD BEEN PROPERLY DOCUMENTED AND DISCUSSED WITH THE LOCAL FORD DEALER IN REPEATED VISITS THAT SHOULD BE DOCUMENTED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 1, 2018

2009 Ford Explorer — common questions

Is the 2009 Ford Explorer reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 49 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Explorer year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2009 Explorer problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (6 complaints), engine (5 complaints), tires & wheels (5 complaints).

Does the 2009 Ford Explorer have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2009 Ford Explorer. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Ford Explorer years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Explorer years to avoid are 2002, 2016, 2013, 1998, 2015, 1997, 2014, 2017, 1996, 1999, 2004, 2020, 1994, 2011, 2003, 2000, 1993, 1995, 2018, 1992, 1991. The cleanest record among Explorer years belongs to 1989.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.