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2009 Ford Focus problems

The most common problem on the 2009 Ford Focus is electrical system, typically around 85,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Focus model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Year score
84/100
Owner complaints
229
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
18
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
27-28mpg

The worst 2009 Ford Focus problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 Ford Focus

Door locks 25Won't start 13Stalling 12Loss of power 11Check engine light 10No deployment 8Airbag light 7Ball joint 7Tire blowout 6Adaptive cruise 5Key fob 5

Trouble codes owners of the 2009 Ford Focus mention

P2111 2P2112 2

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2009 Ford Focus 18

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 18 bulletins for the 2009 Ford Focus

2009 Ford Focus fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylFWD2433-3527-28

What 2009 Ford Focus owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 24, 2026 · Fuel system · WA · crash

incident [XXX], Parking in front of Physical Therapy clinic, suddenly the motor revved and car shot across the sidewalk and went through the wall of the clinic. No one was there and no one was hurt. Insurance was notified. (Hartford) Googling Auro malfunctions for Ford Focus, I come across several things which could have malfunctioned and caused "unpredictable acceleration. Car had within 2 weeks had been to automotive shop for maintenance. I think this was a serious malfunction and should have been noticed. thanks, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 10, 2023 · Body · MI

Rocker panels rust out and cause the lifting points on the car unable to be used. Mechanics refuse to work on my car due to not being able to lift the vehicle per manufacturer lifting points.

Filed Aug 29, 2023 · Locks · PA

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Focus. The contact stated while parked in the driveway, the contact opened both rear doors; however, while attempting to close the doors, the doors failed to latch securely. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic determined that the latch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jul 13, 2023 · Brakes · 80,000 miles · RI

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the contact felt the front passenger’s side brake was seizing. The contact stated there was smoke coming from the brakes. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and waited for the vehicle to cool down and the vehicle started operating normally. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact had the brakes replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Sep 14, 2021 · PA

My car started to rough idle, when I go to press the gas pedal there is no rev or acceleration or anything. It came up with a code for the throttle body and had it replaced and it worked fine for a while and then it happened again, so I replaced the throttle body again and it started happening right away again. This has happened at 80 MPH and almost caused an accident! I just want this to be understood, and I am not the only other person having this issue!!

Filed Aug 13, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · 170,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start-up after multiple attempts without warning. The contact initially took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and the ignition switch and housing were replaced. A few months later, the failure recurred, and the contact took the vehicle back to the same mechanic and had the starter replaced. A few months later after the repair, the failure recurred, and the contact took the vehicle to another independent mechanic who replaced the ignition switch and housing for a second time. After the failure occurred for the fourth time, the initial independent mechanic instructed her to place the vehicle in neutral to see if the restarted. The vehicle was started in neutral and the mechanic replaced the neutral safety switch. Despite the repair, the failure recurred. A dealer was notified of the failure and a representative acknowledged that the failure was a known issue; however, there were no recall for the failure. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was provided the same information as the dealer. The manufacturer was then referred to the federal safety agency for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Filed Aug 13, 2020 · Electrical, Fuel system · 130,000 miles · GA

The fuel pump keep disabling! When trying to crank the car it will continue to turn over after the key has been pulled back out of the start position

Filed Jun 22, 2020 · Electrical · 122,827 miles · TN

Tl* the contact's son owns a 2009 ford focus. The contact son stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle loss motive power without warning. The vehicle was jump started and resumed normal vehicle operation. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. An unknown dealer was contacted however, no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,827.

Filed Feb 18, 2020 · Transmission · 150,000 miles · WI

The transmission started to hesitate shifting then wouldnt go past third shift and then completely stopped working while driving on the road.

Filed Jan 23, 2020 · Electrical · 120,000 miles · IN

When I try to start my car, sometimes it won't turn over when turning the key. I have to try a few times if not multiple times in order for it to start and it just keeps getting worse over time.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2009 Ford Focus before you buy

Compare the 2009 Ford Focus

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Other model years

19992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018

Questions about the 2009 Ford Focus

Is the 2009 Ford Focus reliable?

Owners have filed 229 complaints about the 2009 Ford Focus, fewer than a typical Focus model year.

What is the 2009 Ford Focus year score?

The 2009 Ford Focus scores 84 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford Focus: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2009 Ford Focus?

Electrical system, with 45 complaints, typically around 85,000 miles. Next is transmission (39).

How many recalls does the 2009 Ford Focus have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 2009 Ford Focus get?

Official estimates for the 2009 Ford Focus range from 27 to 28 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 24 city and 33-35 highway.

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