2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Problems & Complaints

Better than average90% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Explorer Sport Trac at the same age

Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 90% fewer than a typical Explorer Sport Trac model year at the same age, making the 2009 one of the better Explorer Sport Trac years. The most reported problem area is the transmission & drivetrain (2 complaints, typically around 102,000 miles).

6complaints
0recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems

  • Transmission & drivetrain~102,000 miles
    233%
  • Speed control & acceleration~1,000 miles
    117%
  • Wheels & tires~20,000 miles
    117%
  • Air bags~1,000 miles
    117%
  • Electrical system~1,000 miles
    117%
  • Brakes
    117%

Share of the 6 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Ford Explorer Sport Trac complaints by model year

19971998200120022003200420052006200720082009201065167144788666510023631
Owner complaints per model year, Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Explorer Sport Trac years: 2006, 2009, 1997. Years to avoid: 2001, 2002, 2007, 2004, 2003. Compare all years →

2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
4.6L 8-cyl6-speed automaticRWD15 / 21 / 17
4.0L 6-cyl5-speed automaticRWD14 / 20 / 16
4.6L 8-cyl6-speed automatic4WD/AWD14 / 19 / 16
4.0L 6-cyl5-speed automatic4WD/AWD13 / 19 / 15

EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac a good car?

Based on 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Explorer Sport Trac rates better than average: 90% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Explorer Sport Trac at the same age. It is one of the best Explorer Sport Trac years by this measure. 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 Explorer Sport Trac?

The transmission & drivetrain — 2 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the speed control & acceleration (1) and wheels & tires (1).

How many recalls does the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2006, 2009 and 1997. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2001, 2002, 2007, 2004 and 2003. See the full Ford Explorer Sport Trac years comparison.

At what mileage do 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 20,000 miles; 60% 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.