Car Yearsto Avoid

2009 Ford Focus Problems

What owners have reported about the 2009 Ford Focus, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2009 Ford Focus a good year?

It's one of the better years for the Focus. Owners have filed 229 complaints with NHTSA, the 10th most of 11 Focus model years. The most reported problems involve the electrical system, transmission and acceleration and speed control.

229 complaints 0 recalls 10th worst of 11 Focus years

Top 2009 Ford Focus problems

1

Electrical problems

45 complaints (20%) name the electrical system, most often the ignition and horn.

Complaints 45 · Usually at 56,000–109,000 miles

2

Transmission problems

39 complaints (17%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission.

Complaints 39 · Usually at 36,000–88,000 miles

3

Acceleration problems

33 complaints (14%) name the acceleration and speed control.

Complaints 33 · Usually at 29,000–75,000 miles

4

Suspension problems

25 complaints (11%) name the suspension, most often the rear.

Complaints 25 · Usually at 17,000–38,000 miles

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Electrical 20%
Transmission 17%
Acceleration 14%
Suspension 11%
Engine 10%
Airbags 10%
Wheels 10%
Door Locks and Latches 8%
Tires 7%
Fuel System 7%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (189 of 229). The amber line is the middle value, about 46,000 miles.

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2009 Ford Focus recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2009 Ford Focus.

Get an email when your 2009 Ford Focus gets a new recall

We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2009 Ford Focus, you'll hear about it the same week.

One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Focus years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

2012 Focus 3,769
2014 Focus 2,603
2013 Focus 2,112
2016 Focus 1,183
2015 Focus 1,022
2017 Focus 899
2018 Focus 837
2010 Focus 287
2008 Focus 250
2009 Focus 229
2011 Focus 113

Common questions

Is the 2009 Ford Focus a reliable year?

It's one of the better years for the Focus. Owners have filed 229 complaints with NHTSA, the 10th most of 11 Focus model years. The most reported problems involve the electrical system, transmission and acceleration and speed control.

What are the most common 2009 Ford Focus problems?

Owners most often report problems with the electrical system, transmission, acceleration and speed control and suspension. 45 complaints (20%) name the electrical system, most often the ignition and horn.

At what mileage do 2009 Ford Focus electrical system problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 56,000–109,000 miles, with a middle value near 83,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2009 Ford Focus have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest.

Should I buy a used 2009 Ford Focus?

Ask for service records covering the electrical system and compare with the 2011, 2009 and 2008 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.