2009 Ford Explorer: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2009 Ford Explorer: 0 recalls, 33 owner complaints and up to 17 mpg combined.
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Recalls
0 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Equipment Equipment recall #10E043000 · 2010 · 294 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An improperly deployed airbag could result in serious injury.
The fix: Marathon will notify owners of record and replace the seat cover free of charge. The safety recall began on September 14, 2010.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Speed control / throttle (5): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
- Other / unknown (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine (4): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
- Seats (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2009 Ford Explorer has 33 owner complaints, ranking #35 of 38 Explorer model years for complaints (well below the 909 average). Complaints peaked in 2018 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 77,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2008 (148 complaints, 1 recalls), 2010 (115 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.6 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 19 | 15 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2009 Ford Explorer.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2009 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 2009 Ford Explorer, but 1 equipment or tire recalls may apply. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 2009 Ford Explorer problems?
Owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are speed control / throttle (5), other / unknown (5), engine (4).
What gas mileage does the 2009 Ford Explorer get?
EPA ratings run up to 17 mpg combined (4.6 L, Automatic 6-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2009 Ford Explorer repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.