2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Problems
Shopping for a used 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 6 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has 6 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial 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 Explorer Sport Trac has 6 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Good Record.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Explorer Sport Trac
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 6
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 0
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
- EPA MPG combined
- 16
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 14 / 19
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Brake System
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Brake System, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
The 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Inspection Focus
- Inspect Transmission / Drivetrain for any signs of wear or malfunction.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components.
- Have a mechanic inspect before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect Transmission / Drivetrain for any signs of wear or malfunction.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components.
- Have a mechanic inspect before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
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 6 NHTSA complaints for the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, issues are spread across multiple components with no single dominant problem. The low complaint volume and zero recalls limit the strength of any conclusions.
- Transmission / Drivetrain accounts for 2 of 6 complaints.
- No crash-related complaints were reported.
- No recalls were issued for this model year.
- Transmission / Drivetrain issues
- Brake System problems
- Electrical Faults
Full breakdown
All 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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…
THE SEAT BELT WARNING LITE WANTS TO STAY ON.
WHEN IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE AND PUT IT IN PARK IT LOCKS UP. CAN NOT REMOVE AND GET OUT OF PARK.
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 REMO…
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 T…
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.…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac.
Safety recalls
2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac recalls
0 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. No recall campaigns are currently listed for this model year in the dataset, but VIN-level recall checks are still essential. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
No NHTSA recalls were found for this model year. Recalls can be added at any time — confirm open-recall status on the exact VIN or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliable?▾
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 6 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. 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 Explorer Sport Trac?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (2 complaints). #2: Brake System (1 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (1 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 6 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have any recalls?▾
No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.
Should I buy a 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?▾
The 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. 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 Transmission / Drivetrain 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 Explorer Sport Trac reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
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.