KnownCarProblems2009 Ford Explorer Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 33 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Ford Explorer, most often about the speed control (15% of complaints). It is 26th of 27 Explorer model years by number of complaints.
Complaints33
Recalls0
Crashes reported5
Fires reported0
Injuries reported5
Most common 2009 Ford Explorer problems
Speed control
5 complaints · 15%The contact owns a 2009 Ford Explorer. The contact was driving 40 MPH when the accelerator pedal became stuck in the open throttle position, causing the vehicle to abnormally accelerate. The brakes would not stop the acceleration and the contact shifted into neutral to stop the failure. The vehicle was taken to the…
I started the Explorer and went about 300 feet and pulled over to allow an emergency vehicle to pass. The Explorer continued to accelerate but was held back by the brakes until I shut the engine off. Upon restarting the Explorer ran fine until another incident in mid october. I started the Explorer and went about 500…
Other or unspecified
5 complaints · 15%I have found out that it is a common issue that Ford has a problem on several of its models that the sun visor mirror pops out when you try to use it as a shade. This is a dangerous situation for a driver while driving in heavy traffic to have this surprise distraction. My wife almost ran off the road when it…
Car often fills with a strong sulfur (egg like) smell. Very noticeable after long trips or very hot days. This has been happening for several years.
Engine
5 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 85,000 miles.
When first starting the vehicle, there is a loud ticking noise. After researching it online, it appeared to be a very common problem with some of the exhaust manifold bolts snapping off causing a leak of exhaust gases. We took the car to a shop and the problem was confirmed. The repairs will be over $1,000, and this…
Transmission problem: delayed shifting from gear to gear, and incidents of the transmission slipping out of park and into gear, problems also in the transmission's delay in shifting into reverse and out of reverse. Loud thunk when shifting from neutral to reverse. Struggling to reach 50 miles an hour with a whinning…
Wheels and tires
4 complaints · 12%Light was blinking on dash on right side if you tap it would come on now only one side of dash lights up air conditioner blow out frost on compressor right side of truck door lock will not come up when you press locks dealer needs to fix this not the cust it makes you don't want to buy a Ford any more.
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…
Seats
3 complaints · 9%Parts named most often: front assembly.
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front driver side seat independently reclined. The contact inspected the seat and noticed the bolt that detained the back of the seat fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate…
Transmission
3 complaints · 9%Parts named most often: automatic transmission.
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…
Visibility and wipers
3 complaints · 9%Parts named most often: defroster/defogger/hvac system.
I have a 2008 Ford Explorer and the rear defroster wire that was attached to the rear glass door fell off. It is only held on the window by a small weld the size of an eraser head. I called my dealership weisleder Ford in point pleasant nj, said they could not replace it because they said we pulled it off and its not…
I have found out that it is a common issue that Ford has a problem on several of its models that the sun visor mirror pops out when you try to use it as a shade. This is a dangerous situation for a driver while driving in heavy traffic to have this surprise distraction. My wife almost ran off the road when it…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2009 Ford Explorer recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2009 Ford Explorer
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Ford Explorer?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: speed control (5 complaints); other or unspecified (5 complaints); engine (5 complaints, typically around 85,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2009 Ford Explorer have?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2009 Ford Explorer. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
- Is the 2009 a bad year for the Ford Explorer?
- It is 26th of 27 Explorer model years by number of complaints, with 33 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.