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2009 Ford Expedition Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2009 Ford Expedition has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Spontaneous rear window and liftgate glass shattering.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2009 Ford Expedition.

Reported to NHTSA

Spontaneous rear window and liftgate glass shattering

VISIBILITY, STRUCTURE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2010-01 → 2014-07

“ON JANUARY 9, 2010 AT APPROXIMATELY 2:00PM, WHILE DRIVING DOWN A STREET NEAR OUR HOME, THE THIRD ROW REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW JUST EXPLODED AND CRUMBLED ON OUR 2009 FORD EXPEDITION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10298934
“LIFT GATE WINDOW EXPLODED AFTER SHUTTING THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR.. VEHICLE WAS IN A GARAGE WITH GARAGE DOOR OPEN. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10607604
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10607608

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Paint peeling and corrosion on hood and liftgate

STRUCTURE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2012-10 → 2016-07

“THE PAINT ON THE FRONT EDGE OF THE HOOD IS SHOWING SIGNS OF BUBBLES, LIKE THERE IS CORROSION UNDER THE BUBBLES. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10480799
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10713053
“PAINT NOT ADHERING TO REAR TAILGATE. DOOR APPEARS TO BE ALUMINUM AND NOT PREPARED PROPERLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10882422

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Service brake system malfunction

SERVICE BRAKES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2012-02 → 2020-06

“THE ABS LIGHT STAYS ON AND THE VEHICLE WOBBLES WHEN STOPPING. THE BRAKES LOOK FINE AND THE ROTORS APPEAR TO BE GOOD. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11327140
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10701106
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10509905

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front seat and headrest support failure

SEATS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2009-01 → 2011-11

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD EXPEDITION. IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE ON DECEMBER 22, 2008, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HEAD RESTS ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES OFFERED NO SUPPORT BETWEEN THE BACK AND SHOULDERS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10254714
“2009 FORD EXPEDITION- FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER HEADREST ARE COMPLETELY INEFFECTIVE AND MISALIGNED. WOULD CAUSE SEVERE INJURY IN AN ACCIDENT AND CURRENTLY CAUSE NECK STRAIN ON A DAILY BASIS. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10437381
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE NOTICED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO ADJUST THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT TO SLIDE BACKWARD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10433949

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Stall with loss of power steering and brakes

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 NHTSA complaints · 2009-05 → 2015-09

“WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE 2005 FORD EXPEDITION LIMITED VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF AND CHECK ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL LIGHT WILL COME ON , BRAKES AND POWER STEERING GOT OUT, HAPPENS AT LEAST TWICE A MONTH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10269340
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10763940

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag non-deployment in frontal crash

AIR BAGS, STRUCTURE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 NHTSA complaints · 2014-09 → 2017-11

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10632581
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11043960

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

On 4x4 models, replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

17 crashes 1990–2024

How the 17 occupant deaths break down

12

driver deaths

5

passenger deaths

17

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2010 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

2

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2009 Ford Expedition reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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