There are no safety recalls for the 2009 Ford Explorer, but owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA.
2009 Ford Explorer problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 | |
| Unknown or Other | 5 | |
| Seats | 4 | |
| Engine | 4 | |
| Power Train | 3 | |
| Wheels | 3 | |
| Tires | 2 | |
| Visibility | 2 | |
| Seat Belts | 2 | |
| Air Bags | 2 | |
| Structure | 2 | |
| Electrical System | 2 | |
Most reported parts
- Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint — 2
- Structure › Body — 2
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
- Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 78,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2009 Ford Explorer complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Service Brakes · at 184,494 miles · reported May 14, 2020
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.
Vehicle Speed Control · at 100,000 miles · reported Sep 17, 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.
Unknown or Other · at 135,000 miles · reported Jul 18, 2018
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.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · at 100,000 miles · reported May 3, 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
Wheels · at 102,520 miles · reported Feb 11, 2018
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 separation of my serviced ford SUV. My ford SUV was towed back to my local ford dealership for repairs. I was told damage to my ford SUV included: 1) a failed wheel bearing and 2) all five lug nuts on the driver side had sheered off. I was told all previous work performed on my ford SUV followed…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2009 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2009 Ford Explorer as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Ford Explorer?
Owners report vehicle speed control problems most often (5 reports), followed by unknown or other (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 78,000 miles.
Are Ford recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.