2009 Ford F-150 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2009 Ford F-150 has a complaint index of 15 out of 100, ranking 18th of 21 model years, with 324 complaints and 2 recalls. Its verdict is capped at Good rather than Best because complaint records for 2005-2009 are less complete.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 15/100
- #18 of 21 F-150 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 324
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 28
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 8
- Injuries
- 21
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 16
- 14 city / 19 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 21 / 0
Top 2009 Ford F-150 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine97 (30%)
- Electrical System55 (17%)
- Structure & Body46 (14%)
- Brakes41 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain33 (10%)
- Steering29 (9%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires23 (7%)
- Fuel System22 (7%)
- Other15 (5%)
- Airbags12 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some owners report sudden unintended acceleration, with the pedal sticking and the steering column locking during low-speed maneuvers.
- Engine surges have been reported when moving from brake to accelerator, with the engine revving high and the truck lurching forward unexpectedly.
- Brake pedals have reportedly gone completely to the floor, losing power assist and requiring drivers to brace and use excessive force to stop.
- Owners describe airbags failing to deploy in frontal or head-on collisions despite significant crash damage.
- Electrical wiring near the fuel tank has reportedly shorted and ignited fires while the truck was parked.
- The rear bumper has been reported to detach from the frame after low-speed impacts, suggesting a weak structural attachment.
2009 Ford F-150 recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 11V049000Feb 1, 2011Structure & Body280,946 vehicles
Structure:body:door
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 09V150000May 5, 2009Electrical System8,735 vehicles
Exterior lighting:brake lights:switch
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.
Risk: 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.
2009 Ford F-150 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 14 MPG
- Highway
- 19 MPG
- Combined
- 16 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,050
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2009 compared with other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Ford F-150 reliable?
- NHTSA data shows a complaint index of 15, the second-lowest among all 21 F-150 model years tracked, indicating relatively few reported problems compared to other years.
- What is the top problem area for the 2009 Ford F-150?
- Engine complaints are the largest category, making up 30% of all reports (97 of 324 complaints), with a median failure mileage of 60,000 miles.
- Does the 2009 Ford F-150 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists two recalls: one for a fracturing interior door handle spring housing and one for a brake stop lamp switch affecting 8,735 trucks.
- Why is the 2009 F-150 rated Good instead of Best?
- Its verdict is capped at Good because NHTSA complaint records for the 2005-2009 model years are considered less complete, not because of a high complaint index.
- How does the 2009 F-150 compare to later years like 2013 or 2018?
- The 2009 model has a complaint index of 15, far below the 2013 F-150's index of 100 and the 2018's index of 95, both of which carry Avoid verdicts.