Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Ford F-150 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact's son owned a 2009 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while approximately 10 MPH, he observed smoke emanating from the glove box and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact steered the vehicle to the side of the road, and he observed a small fire by the accelerator pedal. The contact exited the vehicle and opened the hood. The contact stated that flames erupted from the engine compartment when the hood was opened, and he called 911. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. A police report was taken, but the info was not available at this time. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot where it was deemed totaled. There were no injuries. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 201,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Ford F-150. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, it would not start. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the vehicle fuel pump had failed and determined that it needed to be replaced. The repair was made, however, the failure persisted. The independent mechanic checked the vehicle fuses and replaced a 20 AMP fuse and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure re-occurred and he drove the vehicle to a dealer. The contact had researched that the failure was related to Manufacturer TSB Number: TSB-15-0137 and NHTSA Campaign Number: 10074713 (Engine). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 218,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds and making sharp turns, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road and depressed the brake pedal until the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while making sharp turns and while coming to a stop at traffic lights. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling noise detected. The check engine warning light was flashing on and off. The vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was due to a faulty cam phaser. Additionally, the contact was informed that the timing chain and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred him to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 185,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Ford F-150. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the engine rattled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the cam phasers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was advised to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
This vehicle has been a lemon ever since we purchased it new. To start the 3rd brake light would always leak during rain and ruined the headliner took it back to andy mohr ford were we purchased approx 25 times for this issue. Then we have had oil leaks about a year after purchase and it still leaks. Third the fender wells are rusting. And also all the lights on the dash are lit because the computer board failed. To date the truck only has 147k miles. This truck has been a lemon the whole time we have owned it and i am tired of sinking money in this junker. Ford needs to be held responsible for every vehicle off there assembly line.
My pickup truck at only 23 thousand miles in the engine, it's module went bad and brake and ABS lights came on on the dashboard. I took the car to the dealer and they said that I have to replace it and they are charging me 5,400 dollars. They said that some 2009 F150 module were bad from factory, but there's not recalls for it to be fixed by them.
While in drive at idle speed the trucks RPM jumped to approximately 4000 RPM instantly . I had to push my foot brake as hard as I could and put shifter in neutral then it was OK for a while then this happened again several weeks later took to dealer no check engine light could not find a problem very dangerous situation.
Dropped off vehicle with Ford dealership service adviser and proceeded to waiting area. Vehicle had a steady yellow engine light indicating service is required. Five minutes later, loud engine racing noise, tires squealing and crash impact sound from service bay area. Knowing it was my truck, I went out to the service bay to see it slammed through the far stone wall, about 75 feet from the service desk. Hydraulic fluid was all over the floor, outside and inside of the truck. Service adviser was stunned and crawled out of vehicle claiming it suddenly accelerated and he could not put the vehicle into neutral or park as the engine raced at full RPM. Service adviser was sent to hospital. Ford service manager was concerned and agreed to check engine codes, he talked like he'd seen this happen before. …
Ford motor company has installed defective fasteners on the exhaust manifolds of numerous modular v8 (4.6l & 5.4l) equipped f-150s. This is a well documented issue among several f-150 owners throughout the us and Canada for many model years. The problem with these manifold fasteners (studs) is that after the normal heat cycles of driving and sitting, they begin to deteriorate at an excelled rate. Once a stud or studs have failed, engine emissions leave the exhaust system prior to reaching the catalytic converter. The way to repair this is by removing the exhaust system and manifolds in order to extract the broken stud or studs and replace them with improved parts, in many cases the entire engine must be removed from the vehicle due to clearance issues. …
Engine complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2009 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 51 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2009 Ford F-150, 16% of the model year's 324 complaints. The component named most often is engine (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Ford F-150 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2009 Ford F-150, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2009 Ford F-150 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.