Sell your 2009 Ford Explorer for cash
The 2009 Ford Explorer is a pickup truck that came with a choice of 4.0L 6-cyl and 4.6L 8-cyl engines. At 17 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
- Free offer for your 2009 Explorer in about 30 seconds
- Free towing, running or not
- Paid at pickup
2009 Ford Explorer at a glance
| Body style | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD, Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD |
|---|---|
| Engines | 4.0L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 5-spd, Automatic 6-spd |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 13–15 city / 19–21 highway / 15–17 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,950–$4,450 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 523–592 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 8 configurations: Explorer Sport Trac 2WD, Explorer Sport Trac 4WD, Explorer 2WD, Explorer 4WD |
| Age | 17 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
What affects its junk value
- Age: at 17 years old, most of a 2009 Explorer's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
- Weight: as a pickup truck, it's heavier than a typical car, and scrap weight is a big part of any junk offer. See how scrap prices by weight work.
- Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
- Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the unknown or other, typically around 100,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.
2009 Ford Explorer recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2009 Ford Explorer. You can confirm with your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Common 2009 Explorer problems
Owners have filed 33 complaints about the 2009 Ford Explorer with NHTSA. 5 reports involved a crash. Owners reported 5 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Most-reported components
Typical mileage when problems were reported
- Unknown or Other100,000 mi
- Vehicle Speed Control62,000 mi
- Engine85,000 mi
- Wheels103,000 mi
- Power Train184,000 mi
- Seats140,000 mi
2009 Ford Explorer crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Ford Explorer.
| Version | Overall | Frontal crash | Side crash | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Dr, RWD/AWD | Not rated | — | — | ★★★☆☆ | 22.8% |
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP). Ratings from different model years or rating systems aren't directly comparable.
2009 Ford Explorer service bulletins
Manufacturers have filed 20 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2009 Ford Explorer. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Most common bulletin topics
Recent bulletins
Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card cont
All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed i
Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or
Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
Selling a 2009 Explorer: questions
How much is a 2009 Ford Explorer worth for junk?
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. As a heavier vehicle, its scrap weight adds to the offer. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Can I junk a 2009 Explorer that doesn't run?
Yes. We buy 2009 Explorers that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
What paperwork do I need to sell my 2009 Explorer?
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Before you sell
Sources
- EPA fuel economy data (specs and MPG)fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA recallsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA complaints, service bulletins and investigationsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratingsnhtsa.gov
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get cash for your 2009 Explorer today
Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.