Most common 2009 Ford Explorer problems
Share of the 33 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Explorer complaints by model year
Best Explorer years: 2024, 2023, 2019. Years to avoid: 2016, 2017, 2020, 2013, 2015. Compare all years →
What 2009 Ford Explorer owners say
Speed control & acceleration
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the wrench warning indicator illuminated. The contact had to coast to the shoulder with no power brake or steering ability. The contact waited for approximately two minutes and started the vehicle normally, but the warning indicator was still illuminated. The dealer diagnosed that the throttle body failed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 31,000. ...updated 02/22/17
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. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that multiple parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. A local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The VIN and failure mileage were not available.
Engine & cooling
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 out of control spinning around 3 times before it came to a complete stop before crashing into another vehicle. This took place in the parking lot of walmart.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the engine stalled numerous times without warning while driving various speeds. The vehicle was taken to town and country Ford (5041 Ford parkway, bessemer, alabama 35022, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the throttle body failed. The dealer replaced the throttle body, but the vehicle continued to stall while driving various speeds. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 62,684. Consumer stated car would stop without any warning.
Wheels & tires
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. On May 13, 2017, myself, my wife, and our two children (both minors, ages 2 and 8) were involved in a vehicle accident due to a wheel separation of my serviced Ford SUV. My Ford SUV was towed back to my local Ford dealership for repairs. I was told damage to my Ford SUV included: 1) a failed wheel bearing and 2) all five lug nuts on the driver side had sheered off. I was told all previous work performed on my Ford SUV followed procedures established by Ford motor company. I requested an investigation (by my local Ford dealership) into the cause of mechanical failures resulting in the vehicle accident. …
Within the first 12 months and less than 25K miles had to replace both front Firestone tires due to the inside wearing bald on my 2009 Ford Explorer. June 2011, 23 months old and with 42K miles right rear tire wearing differently than the others, came off while driving through parking lot. All 5 wheel studs had gradually broke off over a few months time. Ford motor company states that the maintenance of the vehicle was not maintained is the reason for this malfunction. This is a family car that is driven back and forth to work and misc driving, no towing or hot rodding, and a fairly low mileage. Ford never returned my complaint of any other reasoning, only replaced the wheel studs on damaged wheel and charged me $165 because warranty expired 7K before. Also had to replace the back tire at 42K miles. Damage to my rear wheel hub and paint. …
2009 Ford Explorer engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 19 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Ford Explorer a good car?
Based on 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Explorer rates better than average: 97% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Explorer 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 Explorer?
The speed control & acceleration — 5 complaints, 15% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (5) and wheels & tires (4).
How many recalls does the 2009 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2009 Ford Explorer. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Explorer?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2024, 2023 and 2019. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2016, 2017, 2020, 2013 and 2015. See the full Ford Explorer years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Ford Explorer problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 78,000 miles; 27% 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.