2009 Ford Explorer problems and complaints

Owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Ford Explorer. The most-reported areas: Unknown Or Other (5), Vehicle Speed Control (5), Engine (4).

Key takeaways

  • 33 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 5 involve a crash, 0 a fire, 5 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Unknown Or Other515%
Vehicle Speed Control515%
Engine412%
Power Train39%
Wheels39%
Seats39%
Air Bags26%
Seat Belts26%
Service Brakes26%
Electronic Stability Control (esc)26%
Electrical System26%
Structure26%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2009 Ford Explorer 4-DR. w/SABNot ratedNot ratedNot rated3/5

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Unknown Or Other - filed 2021-04-19

TRANSMISSION WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY SPEED LIMIT WAS75 MPH ON CRUISE CONTROL

Air Bags,seat Belts,fuel/Propulsion System - filed 2021-01-24

MY CAR HAS AIRBAG LIGHT ON AND I HAVE CONSTANT PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM, AND A FEW ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS.

Power Train,service Brakes,engine - filed 2020-05-14

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...

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More for the 2009 Ford Explorer

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.