2009 Ford Explorer
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine is the largest identified problem area: 5 of 33 complaints (15%) mention it. 6 complaints mention a component NHTSA leaves uncategorised. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (3) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 148 in 2008 to 33 in 2009.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | vs. 2009 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,900–4,150 | 3,900–4,150 | 3,650–4,150 | 3,650–4,150 | 3,100–3,300 | |
| Combined MPG | 15–16 | 15–16 | 15–17 | 15–17 | 19–20 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 13–14 / 18–20 | 13–14 / 19–20 | 13–15 / 19–21 | 13–15 / 19–21 | 17–18 / 23–25 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 555–592 | 555–592 | 523–592 | 523–592 | 444–468 | |
| Complaints filed | 208 | 148 | 33 | 115 | 1,197 | |
| Recalls issued | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 8 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 11 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 30 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 4 | |
| Injuries reported | 9 | 3 | 5 | 13 | 15 | |
| Deaths reported | 2 | 0 | 0 | 50 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2009 Ford Explorer have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What gas mileage does the 2009 Ford Explorer get?
EPA rates it 15–17 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2009 Ford Explorer?
EPA estimates $3,650–$4,150 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (8)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 14 mpg | 20 mpg | 16 mpg | $3,900 | 555 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 6-spd | 8 | 4.6L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 15 mpg (high) | 21 mpg (high) | 17 mpg (high) | $3,650 (low) | 523 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 13 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | 15 mpg (low) | $4,150 (high) | 592 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 6-spd | 8 | 4.6L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 14 mpg | 19 mpg (low) | 16 mpg | $3,900 | 555 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 14 mpg | 20 mpg | 16 mpg | $3,900 | 555 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 6-spd | 8 | 4.6L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 15 mpg (high) | 21 mpg (high) | 17 mpg (high) | $3,650 (low) | 523 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 13 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | 15 mpg (low) | $4,150 (high) | 592 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic 6-spd | 8 | 4.6L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 14 mpg | 19 mpg (low) | 16 mpg | $3,900 | 555 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 5 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 3 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (1)
EQUIPMENT · Campaign 10E043000 · Sep 10, 2010
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.