2009 Ford Explorer

Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues

Vehicle speed control is the leading concern among 33 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 25th highest complaint count among 26 Explorer model years with reports.

Complaints by model year
  1. 33

Of the 2009 reports, 5 involved a crash. 5 people were injured.

Primary concernVehicle speed control5 reports · 15% of complaints
Owner complaints33Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship1 safety recallNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Other or unspecified5
  2. Vehicle speed control5
  3. Engine4
  4. Power train3
  5. Seats3
  6. Wheels3
  7. Air bags2
  8. Electrical system2

Recalls and investigations

  1. EquipmentSep 3, 2010

    MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

    AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.

    MARATHON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE SEAT COVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MARATHON AT 1-800-735-2769.

    Campaign 10E043000 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified

5 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Other or unspecified, Apr 19, 2021

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

  2. Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Sep 17, 2018

    THROTTLE BODY ISSUES, INTERMITTENT STAHLS, PEDAL SURING FORWARD WHEN ACCELERATED. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY RISK AND FROM WHAT I HAVE READ A DEFECT IN THE 2009 FORD MODELS. MY TRUCK IS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE REPAIR AND I DO NOT HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AND I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD PAY FOR THE EXPENSES OF REPAIRING THIS DEFECT.

  3. Other or unspecified, Jul 18, 2018

    THE SHIFTER DOES NOT STAY IN PLACE. THE CAR DOES NOT STAY IN GEAR. IT WILL ROLL BACKWARDS BECAUSE THE PIN IN SHIFTER IS NOT WORKING.

  4. Other or unspecified, Feb 16, 2017

    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.

  5. Visibility, Other or unspecified, Feb 3, 2012

    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 HAPPENED. I CURRENTLY HAVE IT TAPED UP ON DRIVERS SIDE AND NOW IT HAPPENED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. FORD WILL NOT REPLACE WITH ANY DISCOUNT LEAVING THE OWNER IN A PRECARIOUS SITUATION. I GUESS ONCE SOMEONE HAS A WRECK MAYBE THEN FORD WILL DO A RECALL. *KB