2009 Ford F-250 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2009 Ford F-250 has a Complaint Index of 10, ranking 19th of 21 model years, with a Good verdict capped due to incomplete records for 2005-2009. Suspension, Wheels & Tires (56% of complaints) and Steering (51%) are the top reported problem areas.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 10/100
- #19 of 21 F-250 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 77
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires
Top 2009 Ford F-250 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires43 (56%)
- Steering39 (51%)
- Engine15 (19%)
- Other5 (6%)
- Fuel System4 (5%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (4%)
- Brakes2 (3%)
- Electrical System2 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (3%)
- Seat Belts1 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Automatic transmission slipped briefly and self-corrected, in one case followed by an engine compartment fire while hauling a trailer.
- Engine fires reported while driving, accompanied by smoke and hard-to-apply brakes.
- Headlights turned off unexpectedly while driving at night in extreme cold, then came back on seconds later.
- Exhaust and stop-engine warning lights illuminated with a defective particulate filter chamber suspected as the cause.
- Engine lost power suddenly at highway speed with white and blue smoke from the exhaust, occurring repeatedly despite multiple dealer visits.
- Engine shut down completely multiple times while driving, causing loss of steering and brake control.
2009 Ford F-250 recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2009 compared with other F-250 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Ford F-250 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2009 F-250 a Complaint Index of 10, one of the lowest among the 21 model years tracked, and it ranks 19th worst (meaning it's among the better years). However, its verdict is capped at Good rather than Best or Good with full confidence, because complaint records for 2005-2009 model years are less complete.
- What problems does the 2009 Ford F-250 have?
- Owners most commonly reported issues with Suspension, Wheels & Tires (56% of complaints) and Steering (51% of complaints), followed by Engine problems (19%) at a median mileage of 26,500 miles.
- Does the 2009 Ford F-250 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 0 recalls for the 2009 Ford F-250 in this dataset, with no do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2009 F-250 compare to other F-250 years?
- With a Complaint Index of 10, the 2009 model is far below years like 2019 (100) and 2017 (95), which carry Avoid verdicts, making 2009 one of the lower-complaint years despite the confidence cap.
- What is the top problem area for the 2009 F-250?
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires is the top problem area, accounting for 56% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 89,500 miles.