2009 Ford Expedition Problems & Complaints

Better than average89% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Expedition at the same age

Owners have filed 28 complaints about the 2009 Ford Expedition with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 89% fewer than a typical Expedition model year at the same age, making the 2009 one of the better Expedition years. The most reported problem area is the body & structure (7 complaints, typically around 68,000 miles). One recall covers this model year.

28complaints
1recalls
2crashes
0fires
2injuries
1deaths

Most common 2009 Ford Expedition problems

  • Body & structure~68,000 miles
    725%
  • Electrical system~66,000 miles
    518%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof~63,000 miles
    414%
  • Brakes~66,000 miles
    414%
  • Transmission & drivetrain~66,000 miles
    414%
  • Seats~58,000 miles
    311%
  • Other / not specified~81,000 miles
    311%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~118,000 miles
    27%
  • Engine & cooling~110,000 miles
    27%
  • Lights~9,000 miles
    14%
  • Air bags~60,000 miles
    14%
  • Stability & traction control
    14%
  • Speed control & acceleration
    14%
  • Suspension~169,000 miles
    14%
  • Steering
    14%

Share of the 28 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Ford Expedition complaints by model year

’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’26’27853836946890578340615297315299215146285871118927216421735738251842523811665783810
Owner complaints per model year, Ford Expedition. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Expedition years: 2014, 2013, 2012. Years to avoid: 2019, 2020, 2024, 2017, 2018. Compare all years →

2009 Ford Expedition recalls (1)

Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch

NHTSA recall 09V-232 · Jun 24, 2009 · 1,357 vehicles

Ford is recalling 1,357 my 2009 expedition and navigator vehicles for failing to comply with the federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the brake stop lamp switch May be improperly adjusted.

Remedy: Dealers will adjust the brake stoplamp switch free of charge. The recall began on July 6, 2009. Owners May contact Ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332 or www.ownerconnection.com.

What 2009 Ford Expedition owners say

Body & structure

I was driving in a school zone when a vehicle ran a yield sign and hit me on the drivers side front. My airbags didn't deploy. The impact pushed me through a fence and into a residential yard. I hit my head on the window and the handle that was molded into the drivers side windshield. The left side of my body took the impact and I was wearing my seatbelt. I suffered a tbi and have been unable to work, drive, and function for a year.

Body · 60,000 miles · Sep 2013 · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the hood and the rear liftgate on the vehicle began to corrode. The contact stated that the aluminum corroded and the paint started to fall off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 152,000.

Body › Hood · 152,000 miles · Mar 2015

Electrical system

Air conditioner auto climate control.front blower periodically stops blowing.May not turn on when vehicle started or stop while vehicle has been running, nothing specific to recreate issue.rear blower works fine.been diagnosed 3-4 times with two different Ford repair facilities and not able to identify issue cause.vehicle under an extended service plan that covers all air conditioner and heater parts.some parts have been replaced.very frustrating because each time vehicle is turned in its a few days for them to do a diagnostic and monitor and return with no results.I have cycled the vehicle off and back on, sometimes this will engage blower. …

81,000 miles · Sep 2014

The brake sensor has malfunctioned and I am not able to take the vehicle out of park. If I depressed the brake pedal multiple times, it will finally sense the brakes and let me drive. Also, sometimes during driving the brake lights will not illuminate when pressed. Ford has issued a recall for this problem based on the date of manufacture. However, my model was not included as it was build 6 months prior to the timeframe outlined by Ford. Clearly the recall needs to be expanded since the problem is occurring in a wider timeframe than was determined by Ford.

66,000 miles · Jan 2015

Windows, wipers & sunroof

On January 9, 2010 at approximately 2:00 pm, while driving down a street near our home, the third row rear passenger side window just exploded and crumbled on our 2009 Ford Expedition. Nothing impacted the window from inside or out. We have only had this new vehicle for 4 months. We can only ascertain that the glass had a defect. This happened yesterday (a Saturday) and we will be taking it to the dealer first thing tomorrow (Monday) morning, but anticipate they will not take responsibility after speaking to the service department.

8,000 miles · Jan 2010

2009 Ford Expedition. Consumer writes in regards to moon roof failure. The consumer stated when he entered the vehicle, he discovered the moon roof was leaking. The moon roof would not fully open or close. The dealer informed the consumer, it would cost $1994.00 to repair it. The dealer informed the consumer, the track moon roof was an aluminum frame with plastic parts, which was attached to a steel body.

Sun/moon roof assembly · Dec 2014

2009 Ford Expedition engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
5.4L 8-cyl6-speed automaticRWD14 / 20 / 16

EPA ratings. Class: SUV.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 Ford Expedition a good car?

Based on 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Expedition rates better than average: 89% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Expedition at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2009 Ford Expedition?

The body & structure — 7 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body. Next are the electrical system (5) and windows, wipers & sunroof (4).

How many recalls does the 2009 Ford Expedition have?

There is 1 recall for the 2009 Ford Expedition, the most recent from June 24, 2009 (switch). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Ford Expedition?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2013 and 2012. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2019, 2020, 2024, 2017 and 2018. See the full Ford Expedition years comparison.

At what mileage do 2009 Ford Expedition problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 62,000 miles; 35% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.