VehicleVerdict

2009 Ford F-150 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2009 Ford F-150 sits mid-pack among F-150 years: 397 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 536, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 24 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across speed control (54), engine (51), and electrical system (50), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

397

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

34

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

24

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other F-150 years?

F-150 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted3,920 complaints1955: 1 complaints1966: 1 complaints1968: 1 complaints1973: 0 complaints1975: 1 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 3 complaints1978: 13 complaints1979: 2 complaints1980: 3 complaints1981: 2 complaints1982: 5 complaints1983: 12 complaints1984: 16 complaints1985: 45 complaints1986: 78 complaints1987: 109 complaints1988: 170 complaints1989: 260 complaints1990: 315 complaints1991: 357 complaints1992: 553 complaints1993: 753 complaints1994: 908 complaints1995: 788 complaints1996: 383 complaints1997: 3,285 complaints1998: 1,624 complaints1999: 1,323 complaints2000: 1,274 complaints2001: 1,451 complaints2002: 964 complaints2003: 523 complaints2004: 2,429 complaints2005: 1,364 complaints2006: 741 complaints2007: 623 complaints2008: 455 complaints2009: 397 complaints2010: 1,134 complaints2011: 2,962 complaints2012: 2,431 complaints2013: 3,920 complaints2014: 1,898 complaints2015: 2,129 complaints2016: 2,500 complaints2017: 1,735 complaints2018: 2,758 complaints2019: 1,635 complaints2020: 850 complaints2021: 1,233 complaints2022: 768 complaints2023: 558 complaints2024: 237 complaints2025: 161 complaints2026: 1 complaints
F-150 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-150 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Ford F-150 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control5414%
Engine5113%
Electrical System5013%
Brakes3910%
Body & Structure338%
Transmission338%
Steering297%
Fuel System226%
Tires & Wheels205%
Other144%
Lighting133%
Airbags123%
Seats92%
Visibility & Wipers51%
Latches & Locks51%
Suspension41%
Seat Belts31%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2009 Ford F-150 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

11V049000Body & StructureFebruary 1, 2011 · 280,946 units

Defect

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 F-150 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 18, 2008, THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2009. THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE HOUSING EMBOSSMENT RETAINING THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE SPRING MAY FRACTURE DURING NORMAL USAGE RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT SPRING FORCE TO RETURN THE HANDLE TO THE FULLY STOWED POSITION.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE IMPACT CRASH, THE DOOR HANDLE SPRING CAN FAIL CAUSING THE DOOR LATCH TO OPEN.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE INITIALLY NOTIFIED AND INSTRUCTED TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A FORD OR LINCOLN/MERCURY DEALER IF ANY INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE IS LOOSE OR FAILS TO RETURN TO THE STOWED POSITION AFTER ACTIVATION FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE AFFECT MODULE. ONCE PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE, OWNERS WILL BE RENOTIFIED AND INSTRUCTED TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A FORD OR LINCOLN/MERCURY DEALER FOR INSPECTION OF EACH INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE. DEPENDING ON THE RESULTS OF THE INSPECTION, THE DEALER WILL EITHER ADD A SPRING EMBOSSMENT REINFORCEMENT OR REPLACE THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 10, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

09V150000LightingMay 5, 2009 · 8,735 units

Defect

FORD IS RECALLING 8,735 MY 2009 F-150 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE BRAKE STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY BE IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED. THIS MAY RESULT IN A DELAY IN BRAKE STOP LAMP ILLUMINATION WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. IN SITUATIONS OF VERY MILD BRAKE APPLICATION, THE BRAKE STOP LAMPS MAY NOT ILLUMINATE.

Consequence

DELAY OR LOSS OF BRAKE STOP LAMP FUNCTION MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND HAVE THE BRAKE STOP LAMP SWITCH REMOVED AND REINSTALLED WHICH WILL PROVIDE PROPER ADJUSTMENT. THE REMEDY WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 13, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332 OR THROUGH THE INTERNET AT WWW.OWNERCONNECTION.COM.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The gas pedal got stuck while I was driving. I couldn't stop it and lost control. It caused a horrific car accident. 10 people were involved and I'm currently fighting the case in court to prove I was not reckless. It has been inspected by my insurance but unfortunately it was only for damages and…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · July 21, 2020 · crash · fire

“WHILE IN DRIVE AT IDLE SPEED THE TRUCKS RPM JUMPED TO APPROXIMATELY 4000 RPM INSTANTLY . I HAD TO PUSH MY FOOT BRAKE AS HARD AS I COULD AND PUT SHIFTER IN NEUTRAL THEN IT WAS OK FOR A WHILE THEN THIS HAPPENED AGAIN SEVERAL WEEKS LATER TOOK TO DEALER NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 16, 2021 · crash

“PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE SEAT HEATER. KEPT SMELL A BURNING SMELL AND COULD NOT DETERMINE THE SOURCE. PARKED THE TRUCK AND LOOKED OUTS DE ABOUT AN HOUR LATER. SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE CAB. OPENED THE DOOR AND SAW SEAT ON FIRE. YOU ASSENGER USED THE SEAT HEATER PRIOR. NO ONE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 14, 2019 · fire

“WHEN I WENT TO APPLY BRAKES, PEDAL FELT AWKWARD AND HARD, AS IF NO POWER ASSIST. I WAS CAUGHT BY SURPRISE AND HAD TO SLAM ON BRAKES WITH EXCESSIVE FORCE. I HIT A WALL AT SLOW SPEED AND DAMAGED MY FRONT BUMPER. THIS ISSUE HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES OF NO POWER ASSIST IN MORNINGS WHEN FIRST STARTED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 2, 2012 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD F-150. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN REVERSE, IT ACCELERATED BACKWARDS AND CRASHED INTO A NEIGHBOR'S RESIDENCE WITHOUT WARNING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED, BUT WAS SHAKEN UP AND TRANSPORTED TO THE EMERGENCY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 9, 2017 · crash

2009 Ford F-150 — common questions

Is the 2009 Ford F-150 reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 397 NHTSA complaints, below the typical F-150 year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2009 F-150 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (54 complaints), engine (51 complaints), electrical system (50 complaints).

Does the 2009 Ford F-150 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 Ford F-150. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Ford F-150 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-150 years to avoid are 2013, 1997, 2011, 2018, 2016, 2012, 2004, 2015, 2014, 2017, 2019, 1998, 2001, 2005, 1999, 2000, 2021, 2010, 2002, 1994, 2020. The cleanest record among F-150 years belongs to 1976.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.