2009 Ford Focus problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Among the better years
The 2009 Ford Focus is among the quieter years of the Focus on NHTSA's books: 323 complaints (72% below the model's median year), no recalls, and no open investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 31 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (47), transmission (39), and tires & wheels (39), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
323
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
39
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
31
Injuries
3
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2009 compare to other Focus years?
What are the most common 2009 Ford Focus problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 47 | 15% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 39 | 12% | — flat |
| Transmission | 39 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 33 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 25 | 8% | — flat |
| Engine | 24 | 7% | — flat |
| Airbags | 22 | 7% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 18 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 17 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Other | 16 | 5% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 12 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 9 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 9 | 3% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 6 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 0% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 50 TO 60 MPH THE TRANSMISSION INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED AND THE VEHICLE RESPONDED AS IF IT WAS STALLING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE…”
“LEFT REAR HUB CAME OFF CAR ON FREEWAY, CROSSED OVER TO OTHER SIDE, AND KILLED ANOTHER DRIVER IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION, AND HE HAD HIS 12 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER NEXT TO HIM. I GUESS THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH THE 2001 FORD FOCUS, FORD KNEW ABOUT IT, BUT YET FAILED TO FIX THE PROBLEM, RESULTING IN THIS MANS…”
“BEFORE TAKING A RIGHT OUT OF THE PARKING LOT, I TURNED MY BLINKER ON (WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE) AND THE CAR ACCELERATED FORWARD INSTEAD OF TURNING. I KEPT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE CAR SPEEDED UP EVEN MORE. I FINALLY CRASHED INTO A FENCE ONTO PRIVATE PROPERTY. THEN I CAME TO A FULL STOP WHEN I…”
“PURCHASED VEHICLE LESS THAN A YEAR AGO, FROM A DEALERSHIP. NEW TIRES WERE PUT ON AT THAT TIME. MILEAGE WHEN PURCHASED WAS 29000. WHILE DRIVING ON SNOW AND ICY ROADS IT WOULD WOBBLE AND GET SQUIRRELLY, WHICH I ATTRIBUTED IT TO THE LIGHTNESS OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO REASON FOR ME TO SUSPECT THE…”
2009 Ford Focus — common questions
Is the 2009 Ford Focus reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 323 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Focus year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 2009 Focus problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (47 complaints), transmission (39 complaints), tires & wheels (39 complaints).
Does the 2009 Ford Focus have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2009 Ford Focus.
Which Ford Focus years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Focus years to avoid are 2000, 2012, 2014, 2013, 2001, 2016, 2015, 2017, 2018. The cleanest record among Focus years belongs to 1999.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.