2009 Ford Explorer
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2009 Ford Explorer. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2009 Ford Explorer. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
An improperly deployed airbag could result in serious injury.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
33 complaints5 involved a crash5 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
Transmission went out while driving on expressway speed limit was75 mph on cruise control
- Air bags · Fuel/propulsion system · Seat belts
My car has airbag light on and I have constant problems with the fuel system, and a few electrical problems.
- Engine · Power train · Service brakes
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…
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. *tr
- Engine
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, (205)491-0000) where it was diagnosed that the throttle body…
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, (205)491-0000) 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. *Tt consumer stated car would stop without any warning. *Jb
- Unknown or other · Vehicle speed control
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.
- Unknown or other
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.
- Electronic stability control (esc)
Ford: my 2009 ford explorer eddie bauer V6 exhibits an intermittent fault/alarm with the rsc system while driving on public roads (street, freeway, highway). All the instances occurred had been properly documented and discussed with the local ford dealer in repeated visits that should be documented…
Ford: my 2009 ford explorer eddie bauer V6 exhibits an intermittent fault/alarm with the rsc system while driving on public roads (street, freeway, highway). All the instances occurred had been properly documented and discussed with the local ford dealer in repeated visits that should be documented on their books. In all instances the alarm IS *** not *** registered in the non-volatile memory (nvm) portion of the on board computer code IS b1432 control module failure
- Wheels
2009 ford explorer. Consumer writes in regards to wheel separation which resulted in an automobile accident. *Ld *js
- Wheels
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…
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. as of may 30, 2017, no investigative findings were reported to me; and I again requested an investigation into the cause of mechanical failures in june 2017, and july 2017. as of august 2017, no investigative report nor findings were provided to me. I contacted ford motor company and requested an investigation into the cause of mechanical failures of my ford SUV including a vehicle accident reconstruction because ford motor company publicly references corporate policies and directives related to product quality, safety and environmental matters applying to its global operations. as of november 2017, no reconstruction report nor investigative report nor findings were provided to me by either ford motor company or my local ford dealership. I provided notice to ford motor company and my local ford dealership I would contact the nhtsa requesting an investigation into this event(s) asserting my consumer protected rights to information, honest services, safety, choice, and equal protection had been violated. I request my safety complaint be received and reviewed for further investigative action.
- Vehicle speed control
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…
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.
- Unknown or other
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 · Vehicle speed control
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…
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 *bf *tr
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes
Ford: my 2009 ford explorer eddie bauer V6 exhibits an intermittent fault/alarm with the rsc system while driving on public roads (street, freeway, highway). all the instances occurred had been properly documented and discussed with the local ford dealer in repeated visits that should be…
Ford: my 2009 ford explorer eddie bauer V6 exhibits an intermittent fault/alarm with the rsc system while driving on public roads (street, freeway, highway). all the instances occurred had been properly documented and discussed with the local ford dealer in repeated visits that should be documented on their books. in all instances the alarm IS *** not *** registered in the non-volatile memory (nvm) portion of the on board computer (as evidenced by dealer records to me). this should be investigated by ford and this agency. date below IS the latest instance of this event. it had been observed, recorded and discussed with ford in at least 5 other times. on all instances but one, the alarm (visual and sound chime) repeats for at least 2 minutes within an interval of 5 minutes and for as long as the car IS driven. this IS very annoying and prone to distraction of the driver. there IS no known override button to disarm the alarm/annunciation. at one instance I had my own OBD2 device connected to the OBD2 port to capture these events when it happened. this third party divide did not register a fault code. I find this (but mainly the official dealer technical experts lack of recorded fault code) highly disturbing giving the implication that a failure of the roll-stability-control (rsc) can impart to the vehicle and its occupants. *tr
- Visibility/wiper
TL* the contact owns a 2009 ford explorer. While the vehicle was stationary, the hinges on the rear hatchback window disintegrated and caused the window to detach itself completely from the frame. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 95,000.
- Electrical system · Structure › Body · Suspension
Please keep anonymous and referenced under j9el1, mc32sz, kyh2u as the person or persons responsible for the vehicle with rear license plate tag# obx90432 may be an isis/isil member leader and or both and has sexually assayed and abused me since 1993. Her car has no vin number on it because it has…
Please keep anonymous and referenced under j9el1, mc32sz, kyh2u as the person or persons responsible for the vehicle with rear license plate tag# obx90432 may be an isis/isil member leader and or both and has sexually assayed and abused me since 1993. Her car has no vin number on it because it has been sawed off. I checked myself. She works at diamond shoals restaurant in buxton, nc 27920 and she breaks into my home at night when I'm sleeping. She IS associated with devil worshiping, drinking blood, and she's a well known IV drug user in dare county and has been since 1977. She violates my privacy and civil rights every day and constantly harasses me and my family. She drives a greenish blue ford explorer that's probably been wrecked numerous times and put back together and taken apart to sell its parts for drug money several times. I have written complaints to the dept of education, the dept of justice, the dept of health and human services, the dept of homeland security and the dept of housing and urban development and sherri thomas breaks boundaries with her vehicle in the road every day under the privacy act of 1974 5U.S.C. 552A, the freedom of information act 5U.S.C. 552, and 34 c.f.r 5B.9(B)
- Structure › Body
2009 ford explorer rear window hinge broke, causing the window glass to drop. I was at the rear of the vehicle, pushed the window release button, window started to open, then the hinge gave out. Was able to catch with right hand, pinning my wrist against the glass and rear hatch. I see a similar safety recall 04s20 was issued for 2002 - 2005 vehicles for the same issue, same hinge being used on my 2009.
- Air bags · Seat belts
TL* the contact owned a 2009 ford explorer. While driving approximately 50 mph, the vehicle unexpectedly traveled off the road and crashed into a tree. The air bags failed to deploy and the front driver's seat belt buckle failed to lock properly. The driver suffered a fractured rib, bruised lung…
TL* the contact owned a 2009 ford explorer. While driving approximately 50 mph, the vehicle unexpectedly traveled off the road and crashed into a tree. The air bags failed to deploy and the front driver's seat belt buckle failed to lock properly. The driver suffered a fractured rib, bruised lung, and a broken tooth. In addition, the contact sustained an injury to the forehead. Medical attention was received. A police and a fire report were filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
- Vehicle speed control
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…
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 feet to a stop sign and as I slowed down the explorer wanted to keep going. As I was in a shopping mall parking lot and no one was around (also being the second time this happened) I pushed harder on the brake as the engine surged. This time I hit the cruise control off button on the steering wheel and the surge stopped. Neither time was the cruise control on. Also each time the explorer had just been started. No lights indicating a failure on the dash. No chance I hit the cruise button. *tr
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2009 ford explorer. the contact stated that while driving approximately 10 mph, the vehicle made a loud abnormal noise and suddenly lost control of the steering wheel. the contact mentioned that no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent…
TL* the contact owns a 2009 ford explorer. the contact stated that while driving approximately 10 mph, the vehicle made a loud abnormal noise and suddenly lost control of the steering wheel. the contact mentioned that no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. the technician stated that the failure occurred as a result of the passenger side tie rod end separating form the vehicle. However, the tie rod did not sustain any damages. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 76,000.
- Engine
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 same issue has been reported in online forums quite frequently. *tr
- Seats
TL* 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 failure mileage was 140,000.
- Power train
When coming to a stop, the car lurches and lights come on signaling powertrain issue. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
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 sound from the transmission when shifting gears. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
The fuel pump failed as a result of corroded exposed wires under the car. The wires had no protective covering and were corroded and partially melted. The wires are under the rear tire near the fuel pump and are not protected against dirt, grime, salt. They caused 2 pumps to fail and many fuses to…
The fuel pump failed as a result of corroded exposed wires under the car. The wires had no protective covering and were corroded and partially melted. The wires are under the rear tire near the fuel pump and are not protected against dirt, grime, salt. They caused 2 pumps to fail and many fuses to be blown before they were found. The car just dies while driving.the mechanic spent hours going over everything to find the source of the pump failure. I have contacted ford motor company, as this IS a safety issue, but to no avail. *tr
- Unknown or other · Visibility
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…
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
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10254138All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com > Parts and Service > Parts Product Line Information > Keys/Entry Devices > Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad.
- 10156863Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition
- 10155551Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition
- 10148819This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly. Excessive friction in the ball joint assembly may cause a perceptible increase in steering effort.
- 10143079Various vehicles equipped with a 4.6L, 5.4L, 6.8L modular 3 valve engine built on or before 8-Jan-2016 may exhibit symptoms that may include upper end engine noise, rough running, misfire and/or engine damage. If diagnosis leads to only camshaft/camshaft roller follower(s) requiring replacement, replace all of the camshaft roller followers on both banks/cylinder heads with part number 3L3Z-6564-A, not just the faulty roller follower(s). When replacing the camshaft roller followers, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-01.
- 10140323The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDealer - Parts and Service - Parts Product Line Information - Keys/Entry Devices - Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Access to this site is granted through Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES) and Dealer Principal, General Manager or Parts and Service Director can authorize users. Once authorized the retrieval process for master code can be obtained. The master code for the Accessory Keyless Entry Keypad cannot be retrieved from the body control module(BCM) with a diagnostic tool.
- 10138524The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDealer - Parts and Service - Parts Product Line Information - Keys/Entry Devices - Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Access to this site is granted through Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES) and Dealer Principal, General Manager or Parts and Service Director can authorize users. Once authorized the retrieval process for master code can be obtained. The master code for the Accessory Keyless Entry Keypad cannot be retrieved from the body control module(BCM) with a diagnostic tool.
- 10137113Replacing the original equipment SYNC/Navigation system with either an aftermarket SYNC/Navigation kit or modifying original SYNC/Navigation parts to provide additional features is not recommended nor supported on any Ford, Mercury or Lincoln vehicle. Only approved Genuine Ford accessories or originally installed systems are supported and certified to function correctly with other vehicle systems. If you suspect a system has been modified, the following resources can be used to verify original equipment: Monroney Label (Window Sticker), Professional Technician Society (PTS) OASIS tab select SYNC or HVBOM. For Genuine Ford accessories use: PTS Workshop Tab select Dealer Installed Accessory or Accessory Installation.
- 10109070The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited refresh rate when reading these PIDs and cannot display quickly enough to validate a concern. The PCM automatically monitors these inputs more accurately and will set diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) when appropriate. Using these PIDs for diagnostics will lead to inaccurate results and improper ETB replacements. If a concern is intermittent and no DTCs are present, refer to historical DTCs and the PC/ED, Section 3 No DTCs Present Index chart for further information.
- 100994632009-2017 vehicles equipped with a 6R80, 6r100, 6r140 automatic transmission have an updated main control valve body overhaul procedure. Refer to workshop manual (wsm), section 307-01 for main control valve body (7a100) overhaul procedures. Not all valve bodies require replacement. Inspect the valve body bores, springs and valves as directed during diagnosis and repair. Refer to general service bulletin (gsb) g0000093 automatic transmission main control inspection for a video clip to aid in the diagnosis of these repairs.
- 10095858Some 2007-2016 edge/mkx/flex/mkt/mkz/mks/taurus/taurus police/explorer/explorer police equipped with all wheel drive (AWD) and built on or before 30-jun-2016 may exhibit a ticking and/or knocking noise coming from the driveline area. To identify this noise, refer to workshop manual (wsm), section 100-04, and follow the symptom chart. If the source of the noise IS identified as the ptu and/or internal to the ptu, disassemble ptu assembly. Refer to updated wsm, section 308-07. If the ptu IS determined to be repairable, utilize kit gb5z-7p258-a and the included instruction sheet. For claiming, use causal part 7p258 and applicable labor operations in section 07 of the service labor time standards (slts) manual.
- 10091151Some 2008-2017 ford/mercury/lincoln vehicles equipped with sync may generate a vhr that identifies a concern with the brakes and suspension category indicating service IS required due to a brake system warning lamp being illuminated. If the park brake was applied when the vhr was gathering data from the major vehicle systems, the brakes and suspension message will be reported as the vhr looks for any warning lamps illuminated in the instrument cluster. Rerun the vhr with the engine on and vehicle in park, and ensure the park brake IS disengaged. If the sync vhr IS still reporting a concern to the customers sync owners account, refer to the appropriate workshop manual section for diagnosis by dtc or symptom. Starting in 2015 not all sync equipped vehicles support vhr, refer to the owners manual for vhr operation.
- 10090681Some 2008-2017 ford/mercury/lincoln vehicles equipped with sync may generate a vhr that identifies a concern with the brakes and suspension category indicating service IS required due to a brake system warning lamp being illuminated. If the park brake was applied when the vhr was gathering data from the major vehicle systems, the brakes and suspension message will be reported as the vhr looks for any warning lamps illuminated in the instrument cluster. Rerun the vhr with the engine on and vehicle in park, and ensure the park brake IS disengaged. If the sync vhr IS still reporting a concern to the customers sync owners account, refer to the appropriate workshop manual section for diagnosis by dtc or symptom. Starting in 2015 not all sync equipped vehicles support vhr, refer to the owners manual for vhr operation.
- 10055783Lincoln/mercury/ford: there IS fluid leaking around the transmission bulkhead connector sleeve, from the transmission. Model 2009-10 expedition, explorer, explorer sport trac, F-150, navigator, mountaineer.
- 10055318Ford/mercury: to prevent harness damage, on some vehicles, resulting in contact with tire or suspension components, proper routing of wiring harness for wheel speed sensor IS key. 2006-2010 explorer, mountaineer, explorer sport trac.
- 10052803Ford: see search button for owner letter. On some vehicles, the instrument cluster indicator light illuminates service engine soon due to leakage in evaporative emissions (evap) system, if easy fuel capless fuel fill pipe flap IS bent on pivoting axis. Models 2008-2010 explorer, mountaineer.
- 10039053Ford: if there IS an intermittent lack of power, surge, or hesitation while driving the brakes will override acceleration.
- 10038965Comm-trans lund: some 2009-2011 models may have the air bag inicator flashing with a stored trouble code. This IS a software problem.
- 10029565Ford/mercury: some vehicles may exhibit a no crank, crank no start, driveability symptom, or idle concern with or without mil illumination/dtc's due to the pcm engine harness chaffing against the pcm mounting bracket.
Every Ford Explorer model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.