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Research · Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD

2009 Ford Explorer Sport TracRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 6 owner complaints for the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Most complaints involve power train (2) and service brakes (1). The EPA rates it 15–17 mpg combined.

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Combined MPG
15–17mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
6
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$3,800est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

6 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2009 – Jan 2026
  1. Power train2
  2. Service brakes1
  3. Electrical system1
  4. Air bags1
  5. Tires1
  6. Vehicle speed control1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Explorer Sport Trac model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20023,613
20031,313
20041,408
2005568
2007100
200823
20096
201031
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

2 reports
“WHEN IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE AND PUT IT IN PARK IT LOCKS UP. CAN NOT REMOVE AND GET OUT OF PARK.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 13, 2020Power trainODI 11374539

Service brakes

1 report
“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 being filled out on a desktop and I have no scanner.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 11, 2026Service brakesODI 11710230

Electrical system

1 report
“THE SEAT BELT WARNING LITE WANTS TO STAY ON.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 24, 2021Electrical system, Air bagsODI 11397692
Send a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD, Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
Engines
4.6L 8-cyl · 4.0L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 6-spd · Automatic 5-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Explorer Sport Trac 2WD
Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
152117$3,800523
Explorer Sport Trac 2WD
Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
142016$4,000555
Explorer Sport Trac 4WD
Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
141916$4,000555
Explorer Sport Trac 4WD
Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
131915$4,300592
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 5145
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2009 Explorer Sport Trac questions

How many recalls does the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 30, 2026.

What are the most common 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems?

Owners filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (2), service brakes (1), electrical system (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac get?

The EPA rates the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac at 15–17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026