2009 Ford Explorer
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.
- Complaints
- 33
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Vehicle speed control
Campaigns on file for 2009
None on file
15% of complaints
Complaints per year
2009: 33 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 3 |
| 1987 | 3 |
| 1988 | 4 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 12 |
| 1991 | 616 |
| 1992 | 640 |
| 1993 | 944 |
| 1994 | 1,231 |
| 1995 | 843 |
| 1996 | 1,450 |
| 1997 | 1,731 |
| 1998 | 1,959 |
| 1999 | 1,348 |
| 2000 | 952 |
| 2001 | 375 |
| 2002 | 3,295 |
| 2003 | 1,131 |
| 2004 | 1,304 |
| 2005 | 497 |
| 2006 | 630 |
| 2007 | 208 |
| 2008 | 148 |
| 2009 | 33 |
| 2010 | 115 |
| 2011 | 1,198 |
| 2012 | 827 |
| 2013 | 2,234 |
| 2014 | 1,684 |
| 2015 | 1,793 |
| 2016 | 2,459 |
| 2017 | 1,695 |
| 2018 | 729 |
| 2019 | 297 |
| 2020 | 1,242 |
| 2021 | 442 |
| 2022 | 270 |
| 2023 | 113 |
| 2024 | 21 |
| 2025 | 105 |
| 2026 | 43 |
| 2027 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Vehicle speed control
15% · 5 reportsShow 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, 2017-11-21
Engine
12% · 4 reportsSeats
12% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing head restraint.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 2009 Ford Explorer. When the contact entered the vehicle, he noticed that the head rest pushes the driver's head towards the windshield due to its perpendicular design.
NHTSA ODI report, 2009-04-03
Wheels
9% · 3 reportsShow complaint excerpts
2009 Ford Explorer. Consumer writes in regards to wheel separation which resulted in an automobile accident.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-11
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, 2018-02-13
Power train
9% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2010-09-14Equipment10E043000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2009 Ford Explorer — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Vehicle speed control: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Seats: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 10E043000 · Equipment
Other years of this model
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.