Car Yearsto Avoid

2009 Ford Explorer Problems

What owners have reported about the 2009 Ford Explorer, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2009 Ford Explorer a good year?

It's one of the better years for the Explorer. Owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA, the 18th most of 18 Explorer model years. The most reported problems involve the acceleration and speed control, engine and seats.

33 complaints 1 recall, 1 injury risk 18th worst of 18 Explorer years

Top 2009 Ford Explorer problems

1

Acceleration problems

5 complaints (15%) name the acceleration and speed control.

Complaints 5 · Usually at 26,000–71,000 miles

2

Engine problems

5 complaints (15%) name the engine.

Complaints 5 · Usually at 63,000–88,000 miles

3

Seat problems

3 complaints (9%) name the seats, most often the head restraint.

Complaints 3 · Usually at 140,000–140,000 miles

4

Transmission problems

3 complaints (9%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission.

Complaints 3 · Usually at 45,000–131,000 miles

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Acceleration 15%
Unknown or Other 15%
Engine 15%
Seats 9%
Transmission 9%
Wipers and Visibility 9%
Wheels 9%
Tires 6%
Fuel System 6%
Seat Belts 6%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (25 of 33). The amber line is the middle value, about 78,000 miles.

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2009 Ford Explorer recalls

Seat covers may block side airbag deployment

Injury risk

The seat covers use heavier thread and are not compatible with seats that have side airbags. The heavier cover could interfere with the airbag fully deploying in a crash, which could cause serious injury.

Fix: The dealer will replace the seat cover free of charge, and Marathon will notify owners of record.

Recall 10E043000 · Sep 2010
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Explorer years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

2016 Explorer 2,461
2013 Explorer 2,236
2015 Explorer 1,807
2017 Explorer 1,700
2014 Explorer 1,679
2020 Explorer 1,233
2011 Explorer 1,197
2012 Explorer 829
2018 Explorer 733
2021 Explorer 444
2019 Explorer 299
2022 Explorer 269
2008 Explorer 148
2010 Explorer 115
2023 Explorer 111
2025 Explorer 103
2026 Explorer 42
2009 Explorer 33

Common questions

Is the 2009 Ford Explorer a reliable year?

It's one of the better years for the Explorer. Owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA, the 18th most of 18 Explorer model years. The most reported problems involve the acceleration and speed control, engine and seats.

What are the most common 2009 Ford Explorer problems?

Owners most often report problems with the acceleration and speed control, engine, seats and transmission. 5 complaints (15%) name the acceleration and speed control.

At what mileage do 2009 Ford Explorer acceleration and speed control problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 26,000–71,000 miles, with a middle value near 46,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2009 Ford Explorer have?

1. Seat covers may block side airbag deployment (10E043000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2009 Ford Explorer?

Ask for service records covering the acceleration and speed control, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2009, 2026 and 2025 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.