2009 Ford Focus Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2009 Ford Focus has a complaint index of 38, ranking 9th of 14 model years, with a Good verdict. It has no recalls, 229 complaints, and its top problem area is the engine at 21% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 38/100
- #9 of 14 Focus years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 229
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 26
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 21
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 27.5
- 24 city / 34 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 21 / 3
Top 2009 Ford Focus problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine49 (21%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires47 (21%)
- Electrical System46 (20%)
- Transmission & Powertrain39 (17%)
- Structure & Body29 (13%)
- Airbags22 (10%)
- Fuel System17 (7%)
- Other16 (7%)
- Brakes9 (4%)
- Steering9 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags fail to deploy in front and rear collisions, sometimes involving multiple front-end crashes with deer or other vehicles.
- Steering wheel and front end vibrate excessively at highway speeds around 65 mph, sometimes paired with a burning odor and a deflated front tire.
- Brakes reportedly lock up or fail at low mileage, causing loss of control and crashes into other vehicles or ditches.
- Structure and seat frame can bend or detach in rear-end collisions, with airbags failing to trigger despite severe impact.
- Engine revs without warning and the vehicle can lurch or jump curbs unexpectedly at low speed.
2009 Ford Focus recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2009 Ford Focus fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 24 MPG
- Highway
- 34 MPG
- Combined
- 27.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,350
- 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 Focus years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Ford Focus reliable?
- Compared to other Focus model years, the 2009 rates Good with a complaint index of 38, ranking 9th out of 14 years. It has no recalls on file with NHTSA.
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Ford Focus?
- NHTSA complaint data shows the engine, suspension/wheels/tires, and electrical system are the top problem areas, each accounting for 20-21% of complaints.
- Does the 2009 Ford Focus have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2009 Ford Focus.
- How does the 2009 Focus compare to later years like 2012-2014?
- The 2009 Focus (complaint index 38) is far lower-risk than the 2012 (100, Avoid), 2013 (85, Avoid), and 2014 (92, Avoid) model years, which carry many more complaints and recalls.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2009 Ford Focus?
- EPA rates the 2009 Focus at 27.5 mpg combined (24 city / 34 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,350.