KnownCarProblems2009 Ford Focus Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 229 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Ford Focus, most often about the electrical (20% of complaints, typically around 83,000 miles). It is 17th of 19 Focus model years by number of complaints.
Complaints229
Recalls0
Crashes reported26
Fires reported2
Injuries reported213 deaths reported
Most common 2009 Ford Focus problems
Electrical
45 complaints · 20%Half of these problems showed up before 83,000 miles. Parts named most often: ignition, horn.
The doors become locked and you cannot open them from the inside or outside. All unlocking devices to unlock the doors will not unlock them. Took to a mechanic and he got locked inside the car and could not get out. This is an extremely hazardous situation.
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Focus. While attempting to start the vehicle, the key failed to turn in the ignition. The contact had to make several attempts before the ignition would turn and start the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the ignition switch failed and needed…
Transmission
39 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 57,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission.
On cold start RPM's fluctuate several hundred RPM's. Brought to dealership but no codes were present. Tech suspected dirty throttle body. Part not under warranty because no codes when scanned. Problem continues especially on cold start but occasionally while in drive at a stop.
I was driving approximately 60 MPH on the highway (in the far left lane) with cruise control on when my car suddenly appeared to die and the wrench light came on.the car began to decelerate and would not accelerate regardless of how hard I pressed down on the gas pedal. I then had to dodge traffic as I attempted to…
Wheels and tires
34 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 27,000 miles. Parts named most often: pressure monitoring and regulating systems, tread/belt.
2009 Focus left rear tire has severe cupping after only 26000 miles. Suspension defect per discount tire mechanics. Had to replace all the tires because the fronts also worn down to the steel plies. Sbn: tb-21399, NHTSA item no. 10034585. Big problem!
I purchased a Ford Focus 2009 a yr ago from the kia dealer ship in rapid city sd. The car had about 18,000 miles on the car. It was in excellent shape. I have had the car just over a yr and it has 28,000 miles on it. I was traveling to aberdeen sd , got an oil change and was told that all 4 tires were wore out. The…
Speed control
33 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 59,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the power train warning lamp illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the electronic throttle body sensor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did…
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while traveling various speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost acceleration power. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was found that the throttle had seized in the closed position. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted…
Suspension
25 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 25,000 miles. Parts named most often: rear.
Pre mature tire wear, right rear tire wore out at 25,000 mi. Wore out in 3 areas diagonally across tire face. Excessive vibration at highway speeds. Tires have been balanced 3 different times. New tires rebalanced twice. 45,000 mi. On vehicle now.
I have changed tires on this car 3 times since I bought it april 5, 2010. I have taken the car in to our local Ford dealer and they informed me the last time I put tires on the car that the Focus cars have this type of problem. I asked how they could fix it and they informed me that they would have to remove the rear…
Engine
23 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 51,500 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system.
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. The failure mostly occurred when accelerating. The contact stated that the vehicle would also suddenly decelerate while the accelerator pedal was being depressed with the illumination of the wrench warning icon. The…
I was driving on the freeway at approximately 65mph, when the car lost power. Stepping on the gas pedal had no response. I put the car in neutral and coasted out of traffic and onto the shoulder. When I stopped on the side of the road, the car was shaking violently as if it was getting ready to stall. I tried…
Air bags
22 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 44,500 miles. Parts named most often: frontal.
Problem failure of front airbags to deploy. Our 2009 Ford Focus was rear ended while stopped in traffic by a pt cruiser traveling approx. 35-40 MPH. The impact pushed the Focus into the auto in front smashing the Focus front end. The Focus was like an accordion smashed on both ends and had to be put on a tow truck…
My 2009 Focus ses was seen by the dealer for the airbag light being constantly on in november 2011. They replaced the passenger side airbag module. This winter (2012) the airbag light has come on again. It apparently has something to do with hot/cold temps.
Doors and locks
18 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 42,000 miles. Parts named most often: doors.
Power door locks do not unlock and stay locked not able to get them to work correctly. I believe this to be a safety issue due to the fact that if you needed to get out of this vehicle in an emergency you would not be able to.
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Focus. The contact noticed that both passenger side doors, the rear driver side door, and the exterior door handles malfunctioned. The door handles could not be used to open the doors. The rear driver and passenger side doors would not unlock properly nor would they unlock when using the…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2009 Ford Focus recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2009 Ford Focus
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Ford Focus?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (45 complaints, typically around 83,000 miles); transmission (39 complaints, typically around 57,500 miles); wheels and tires (34 complaints, typically around 27,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2009 Ford Focus have?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2009 Ford Focus. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
- Is the 2009 a bad year for the Ford Focus?
- It is 17th of 19 Focus model years by number of complaints, with 229 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.