2009 Ford Expedition: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2009 Ford Expedition? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 28 complaints, with Structural Problems as the top reported area.
2009 Ford Expedition Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2009 Ford Expedition.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2009 Ford Expedition Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2009 Ford Expedition Extended 4-DR. w/SABOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated19.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
19.8% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Ford Expedition has 28 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Structural Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Expedition
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 28
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Structural Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 16
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 14 / 20
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2009 Ford Expedition Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Structural Problems
Electrical Faults
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Structural Problems, Electrical Faults, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2009 Ford Expedition?
The 2009 Ford Expedition shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2009 Ford Expedition
Inspection Focus
- Inspect for structural issues, such as body or frame problems.
- Check electrical systems, including wiring and battery.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, brakes, and visibility components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect for structural issues, such as body or frame problems.
- Check electrical systems, including wiring and battery.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, brakes, and visibility components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Ford Expedition, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 28 NHTSA complaints for the 2009 Ford Expedition, issues appear concentrated in structural problems, electrical faults, and transmission/drivetrain concerns. Crash-related complaints are few, but the overall confidence is low due to limited data.
- Structural problems account for the highest number of complaints (7).
- Electrical faults are the second most reported issue (5 complaints).
- Transmission/drivetrain, brake system, and visibility each have 4 complaints.
- Structural Problems
- Electrical Faults
- Transmission / Drivetrain
All 2009 Ford Expedition Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Ford Expedition. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Problems | 7 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Ford Expedition. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The drive shaft is bad. My expedition is shaking very bad at high speeds it shakes the rear view mirror. I took it back to the dealership where I got it from 3 months after I got it because they thought it was the shocks. They replaced both rear shocks. Contol arms, body mounts. …
I THINK TOO MUCH EXHAUST GAS COMES INSIDE
THE ABS LIGHT STAYS ON AND THE VEHICLE WOBBLES WHEN STOPPING. THE BRAKES LOOK FINE AND THE ROTORS APPEAR TO BE GOOD. *TR
MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN JERRY'S FORD IN ALEXANDRIA, VA FOR OVER 2 WEEKS THIS TIME. OVER A MONTH ALL TOGETHER OVER THE LAST 3 MONTHS. I CAN'T GET THEM TO GIVE ME A SIMILAR VEHICLE AS LOANER OR TELL ME WHEN MY CAR WILL BE FIXED. I CAN'T GET A MANAGER FROM FORD TO CALL ME BACK.
WHILE IAM DRIVING MY 2009 EXPEDITION ON A HIGHWAY ITS GOING TO A LIMP MODE MEANS VECHLE AUTOMATICITY LOSE POWER AND GO DOWN TO 20 MILES PER HOUR. 18 WHEELER ALMOST REAR END ME OTHER DAY . THIS A SAFETY HAZARD FOR ME OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD. CALLED TOWN EAST FORD IN MESQUITE …
REAR AND FRONT DIFFERENTIAL LEAKS CAUSED EXPENSIVE FIXES. FUEL ISSUE IS THAT THE SENSOR DOESN'T WORK CORRECTLY IN VERY COLD WEATHER AND CONSTANTLY SHOWS ZERO MILES TO EMPTY ON INFORMATION PANEL. CAUSED US TO FUN OUT OF FUEL ON A FEW OCCASIONS. ON THE FUEL THIS HAPPENS IN MOTION…
LOWER RETAINING BOLT BETWEEN STRUT AND WHEEL HUB HAS FAILED CAUSING HEAD OF BOLT TO SHEAR OFF (SEE PHOTOS) ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY. BOLT HEAD WAS FOUND LYING IN DRIVEWAY AND SHEARED BOLT WAS FOUND ON INSPECTION OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE MAY HAVE BEEN IN MOTION AT …
TAMARA RECALL I WAS RECENTLY IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE MY VEHICLE WAS TOTALED! I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 67 MPH AND HIT SOMETHING AT A DEAD STOP. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.
AIR CONDITIONER AUTO CLIMATE CONTROL.FRONT BLOWER PERIODICALLY STOPS BLOWING.MAY NOT TURN ON WHEN VEHICLE STARTED OR STOP WHILE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RUNNING, NOTHING SPECIFIC TO RECREATE ISSUE.REAR BLOWER WORKS FINE.BEEN DIAGNOSED 3-4 TIMES WITH TWO DIFFERENT FORD REPAIR FACILITIES A…
PAINT NOT ADHERING TO REAR TAILGATE. DOOR APPEARS TO BE ALUMINUM AND NOT PREPARED PROPERLY. FAULTY WORKMANSHIP BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THERE NEEDS TO CLASS ACTION TAKEN AGAINST FORD.
WHEN DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED, ONCE VEHICLE HAS STOPPED FOR STOP LIGHT IT BEGINS TO SHAKE BADLY.ALSO WHEN IN PARK IT SHAKES, THE MOTOR SEEMS TO BE RATTLED BY STANDING STILL. WE CARRIED IT BACK TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE IT STILL HAS THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE SHAKING.ON CITY STREETS. …
2009 FORD EXPEDITION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO MOON ROOF FAILURE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE ENTERED THE VEHICLE, HE DISCOVERED THE MOON ROOF WAS LEAKING. THE MOON ROOF WOULD NOT FULLY OPEN OR CLOSE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, IT WOULD COST $1994.00 TO REPAIR…
WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC, MY WIFE'S EXPEDITION MADE A LOUD NOISE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. A FEW HUNDRED FEET LATER, IT MADE THE SAME NOISE, LOOSING POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES, CAUSING HER TO HAVE TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH MINIMAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. TH…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HOOD AND THE REAR LIFTGATE ON THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO CORRODE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ALUMINUM CORRODED AND THE PAINT STARTED TO FALL OFF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGN…
THE BRAKE SENSOR HAS MALFUNCTIONED AND I AM NOT ABLE TO TAKE THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK. IF I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL MULTIPLE TIMES, IT WILL FINALLY SENSE THE BRAKES AND LET ME DRIVE. ALSO, SOMETIMES DURING DRIVING THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN PRESSED. FORD HAS IS…
I WAS DRIVING IN A SCHOOL ZONE WHEN A VEHICLE RAN A YIELD SIGN AND HIT ME ON THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT. MY AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. THE IMPACT PUSHED ME THROUGH A FENCE AND INTO A RESIDENTIAL YARD. I HIT MY HEAD ON THE WINDOW AND THE HANDLE THAT WAS MOLDED INTO THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDSH…
LIFT GATE WINDOW EXPLODED AFTER SHUTTING THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR.. VEHICLE WAS IN A GARAGE WITH GARAGE DOOR OPEN. *TR
BACK LIFT GATE WINDOW EXPLODED AFTER SHUTTING THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. VEHICLE WAS IN GARAGE WITH THE GARAGE DOOR OPEN. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN TWO MONTHS TIME. *TR
THE HYDRALIC CONTROLLER WENT OUT AFTER GETTING THE BRAKES REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. THEIR WAS NO WARNING THAT THE PUMP HAD GONE OUT. THIS ALLOWED THE BRAKES TO FAIL MAKING THE CAR A HAZARD ON THE ROAD. I WAS INFORMED BY THE FORD SERVICE TECHNICIAN THERE WAS NOT A WARNING LIGHT OF F…
THE PAINT ON THE FRONT EDGE OF THE HOOD IS SHOWING SIGNS OF BUBBLES, LIKE THERE IS CORROSION UNDER THE BUBBLES. *TR
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Ford Expedition.
2009 Ford Expedition Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Ford Expedition. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2009 Ford Expedition Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Ford Expedition reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 28 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2009 Ford Expedition shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Ford Expedition?▾
#1: Structural Problems (7 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (5 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (4 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Ford Expedition?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Ford Expedition?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Ford Expedition, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 28 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Ford Expedition have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2009 Ford Expedition. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Ford Expedition?▾
The 2009 Ford Expedition shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Structural Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Expedition reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Ford Expedition based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.