MYRModel Year Report

2009 Ford Explorer

▲ Better than typical
2009 Ford Explorer
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:12:15.960Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Explorer Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2009 highlighted. 1984: 1 complaints 1984 1985: 1 complaints 1986: 3 complaints 1987: 3 complaints 1988: 4 complaints 1989: 1 complaints 1990: 12 complaints 1990 1991: 609 complaints 1992: 633 complaints 1993: 939 complaints 1994: 1207 complaints 1995: 843 complaints 1996: 1450 complaints 1996 1997: 1731 complaints 1998: 1959 complaints 1999: 1348 complaints 2000: 952 complaints 2001: 375 complaints 2002: 3293 complaints 2002 2003: 1131 complaints 2004: 1304 complaints 2005: 497 complaints 2006: 630 complaints 2007: 208 complaints 2008: 147 complaints 2008 2009: 33 complaints 2009 2010: 115 complaints 2011: 1192 complaints 2012: 820 complaints 2013: 2222 complaints 2014: 1669 complaints 2014 2015: 1748 complaints 2016: 2424 complaints 2017: 1656 complaints 2018: 706 complaints 2019: 281 complaints 2020: 1155 complaints 2020 2021: 393 complaints 2022: 242 complaints 2023: 99 complaints 2024: 19 complaints 2025: 87 complaints 2026: 16 complaints 2026
2009: 33 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19841
19851
19863
19873
19884
19891
199012
1991609
1992633
1993939
19941207
1995843
19961450
19971731
19981959
19991348
2000952
2001375
20023293
20031131
20041304
2005497
2006630
2007208
2008147
200933
2010115
20111192
2012820
20132222
20141669
20151748
20162424
20171656
2018706
2019281
20201155
2021393
2022242
202399
202419
202587
202616

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 15%

15% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171121

ENGINE 12%

12% of complaints: engine — 4 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
WHEELS 9%

9% of complaints: wheels — 3 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

2009 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WHEEL SEPARATION WHICH RESULTED IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT. *LD *JS

NHTSA ODI report, 20180411

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180213

TIRES 6%

6% of complaints: tires — 2 distinct reports on file.

STRUCTURE 6%

6% of complaints: structure — 2 distinct reports on file.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20160708

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20100914 — equipment

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 VE

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.

Campaign 10E043000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2009 Ford Explorer — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for wheels issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 10E043000 (equipment) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2025 ▲ 2023 ▲ 2010

WORST YEARS

■ 2002 ■ 2016 ■ 2013

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2009 Ford Explorer reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Ford Explorer is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Ford Explorer?

The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2009 Ford Explorer have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.