2009 Ford Focus: won't start

13 of the 229 complaints about the 2009 Ford Focus describe won't start.

owner complaints: 13
of this car's complaints: 6%
typical mileage: 95,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 1 service bulletin covers this area of the car. See below

Won't start by model year

2018
27
2017
25
2016
34
2015
18
2014
50
2013
59
2012
102
2011
3
2010
6
2009
13
2008
7
2007
7
2006
2
2005
8
2004
16
2003
42
2002
47
2001
64
2000
122
1999
1

What owners say

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.

Filed Oct 14, 2019 · Electrical · AR

My ignition is not working. I turn the key over and over and over and the car won't start. The lights come on, the battery is charged, the air works, but the vehicle won't start. I used to be able to get it started but I now have blisters on my hand from trying to start this car.

Filed Jul 24, 2019 · Electrical · 160,000 miles · SC

Third time having a problem with ignition switch! Car will turn on but won't start, costing more to fix than the car is worth.

Filed Jun 5, 2019 · 135,000 miles · MS

Ignition module...ignition switch. Car won't start with key, unless pushed in hard, and even then it takes several times for it to start.

Filed Mar 14, 2018 · Electrical · TX

Insert key, turn to start, will not start, have to push in key hard for the ignition to start car

Filed Dec 27, 2017 · Electrical · NY

The ignition switch is very difficult to turn or start the car. If I do not play with the steering will it will not start. I don't think that it should be this hard to start a car.

Filed Aug 2, 2017 · Airbags, Electrical · 95,000 miles · TX

Air bag light is stuck on randomly makes a "dinging" sound. Tires continue to wear out at a rapid speed, ignition switch will get stuck an engine will not turn over-can't find a cause. And the A/C stopped working this week, mechanic looking for a leak unable to figure out these issues and why they all started with in past month. Each problem they can't find solutions or tell me it's probably a sensor or the heat. They hook it up to the computer and it shows nothing wrong?!?!

Filed Nov 22, 2015 · Electrical · 70,000 miles · CA

Sometimes the car doesn't crank or start and it has happened around 6 times since we bought the car in 2011. It isn't the battery because I have just replaced it but seems like the ignition switch or cylinder is the problem. Any help would be appreciated

Filed Oct 1, 2014 · Electrical · 93,345 miles · CO

On hot days, the ford focus intermittently will not start after shutting off the engine. It takes 30-45 minutes before the car stops again. The engine does not turn over, it acts as though the starter motor is going out. Ford is unable to reproduce this while in the shop, so they are unable to fix it. Investigating, I see that there are a lot of people experiencing the same issue on the internet for 2000-2012 focuses. This problem did not start until the car was 4-5 years old. There are many videos on youtube showing this symptom, I have posted several. I fear that if I am at an intersection and the engine stops that I will be unable to restart the car. Or, in the case of an emergency, the car will not start.

Filed Jul 21, 2014 · Airbags, Electrical · 147,000 miles · MS

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 ford focus. The contact stated that the key failed to turn in the ignition. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer. The technician diagnosed that the ignition switch, ignition cylinder and the housing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The VIN was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 147,000. Updated 9/4/14*cn the consumer stated the key would turn in the ignition but the engine would not crank. Airbag light was always on. Updated 12/16/2014

Filed Apr 6, 2014 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 67,000 miles · TX

Vehicle died in the middle of the road, while daughter was driving. Would not start. This has happened several times now. Took it to ford and they say problem is with the throttle control.

Filed Nov 7, 2012 · Electrical · 42,500 miles · GA

(complaint #1) turning vehicle key to start position glides rather than "clicks" to each position. Ignition key feels and sounds like ignition tumblers are stripped. Delay between start and vehicle engine actually starting when key glides to start position. This delay is a sign that vehicle will not start due to faulty ignition part. Complaint #2 is being submitted as a separate complaint and wanted to include 2nd complaint with the 1st one - difficulty in inserting and removing key from ignition. Repositioning steering wheel sometimes "locks" and "unlocks" ignition keyhole allowing for key insertion and key removal.