2009 Ford Explorer: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 33 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is vehicle speed control (17% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 2010
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2020
“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, (205)491-0000) where it was diagnosed that the throttle body failed. The dealer replaced the throttle body, but the vehicle continued to stall while driving various speeds. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 62,684. *tt consumer stated car would stop without any warning. *jb”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2018
“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.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“The shifter does not stay in place. The car does not stay in gear. It will roll backwards because the pin in shifter is not working.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2018
“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 on their books. In all instances the alarm is *** not *** registered in the non-volatile memory (nvm) portion of the on board computer code is b1432 control module failure”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · May 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 that multiple parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. A local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The VIN and failure mileage were not available.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Nov 2017
“Car often fills with a strong sulfur (egg like) smell. Very noticeable after long trips or very hot days. This has been happening for several years.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Feb 2017
“Tl* 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 *bf *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2009 ford explorer. While the vehicle was stationary, the hinges on the rear hatchback window disintegrated and caused the window to detach itself completely from the frame. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 95,000.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Oct 2016
“2009 ford explorer rear window hinge broke, causing the window glass to drop. I was at the rear of the vehicle, pushed the window release button, window started to open, then the hinge gave out. Was able to catch with right hand, pinning my wrist against the glass and rear hatch. I see a similar safety recall 04s20 was issued for 2002 - 2005 vehicles for the same issue, same hinge being used on my 2009.”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2016
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Explorer by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Ford Explorer reliable?
NHTSA has 33 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2009 Ford Explorer. The most complained-about area is vehicle speed control (17% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2009 Ford Explorer problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 81,466 miles or less.
Does the 2009 Ford Explorer have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning equipment. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.