Model year record
2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac recalls & problems
The 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA, and 6 owner complaints. The most-reported problem area is power train (2 complaints).
Safety recalls
No safety recalls have been filed for the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4-DR. w/SAB
| Frontal crash | Not Rated |
|---|---|
| Side crash | Not Rated |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover risk | 19.8% |
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Explorer Sport Trac 2WD
| City / highway | 15 / 21 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
4.6 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel
Explorer Sport Trac 2WD
| City / highway | 14 / 20 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel
Explorer Sport Trac 4WD
| City / highway | 14 / 19 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
4.6 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel
Explorer Sport Trac 4WD
| City / highway | 13 / 19 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
| Problem area | Complaints | Typical mileage* |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 2 | — |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | — |
| Tires | 1 | — |
| Air bags | 1 | — |
| Electrical system | 1 | — |
| Service brakes | 1 | — |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
- Service brakes
On October 31, 2025, I was backing out of my driveway when multiple lights concerning the brakes came on. There had been no previous warnings about any issue with the brakes. My internet search revealed that it wasn't safe to drive, so I contacted Gary Yeoman Ford and they sent a rollback to pick the truck up. After Gary Yeoman performed tests, they confirmed that the ABS Module was defective and conducted a pinpoint test for code 1342 in system and found internal fault in module. According to Google, code B1342 can cause serious drivability issues. I have printouts from Google and Gary Yeoman Ford to support these statements. I will attempt to upload these documents from my phone. This is…
- Air bags
THE SEAT BELT WARNING LITE WANTS TO STAY ON.
- Power train
WHEN IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE AND PUT IT IN PARK IT LOCKS UP. CAN NOT REMOVE AND GET OUT OF PARK.
- Power train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ENGAGED IN PARK, THE KEY BECAME STUCK INSIDE THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE MANUALLY PUSHED A PIN IN THE SHIFTER TO REMOVE THE KEY. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE GEAR WAS ABLE TO BE REMOVED OUT OF PARK WITHOUT THE KEY BEING IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
- Tires
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE TIRE BLEW UP DUE TO A NAIL EMBEDDED IN THE TIRE. THE TIRE WAS RIPPED AWAY FROM THE RIM. THE SPARE WAS PLACED ON THE VEHICLE AND THEN DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TRUCK WAS PURCHASED. THE TIRE WAS DEEMED DEFECTIVE AS A NAIL EMBEDDED IN THE TIRE SHOULD NOT CAUSE IT TO RIP AWAY FROM THE RIM. *TR
- Vehicle speed control
MY NEW 2009 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS HAS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND BRAKE PEDAL TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. I FIND MYSELF HITTING THE GAS AT THE SAME TIME I AM HITTING THE BRAKE. THIS IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. I ALREADY HAVE RUN INTO AN INTERSECTION ONCE. *TR
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.