Most common 2009 Ford Focus problems
Share of the 229 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Focus complaints by model year
Best Focus years: 2011, 2006, 2009. Years to avoid: 2012, 2014, 2013, 2016, 2017. Compare all years →
What 2009 Ford Focus owners say
Electrical system all 45 →
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start-up after multiple attempts without warning. The contact initially took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and the ignition switch and housing were replaced. A few months later, the failure recurred, and the contact took the vehicle back to the same mechanic and had the starter replaced. A few months later after the repair, the failure recurred, and the contact took the vehicle to another independent mechanic who replaced the ignition switch and housing for a second time. After the failure occurred for the fourth time, the initial independent mechanic instructed her to place the vehicle in neutral to see if the restarted. The vehicle was started in neutral and the mechanic replaced the neutral safety switch. Despite the repair, the failure recurred. …
Driving on freeway at steady 70mph, engine dropped to idle speed. No prior indication of trouble. Vehicle was slowing down. Wrench light was on. Accelerator pedal had no effect. I put in the clutch pedal, and coasted until I reached an area area where I could pull off to the side. This was in a tight construction area. Fortunately, I was in the right lane and not near other vehicles at the time of the incident. Otherwise the outcome might have been very different. When I was stopped, the engine continued to run, but accelerator had no effect. With no alternative, I shut off the engine. I then started the engine. Operation appeared normal with no wrench light on. I got off the freeway and checked connected my code reader. No diagnostic codes. During some subsequent driving, there have been no further events or indication of problems. …
Transmission & drivetrain all 39 →
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start-up after multiple attempts without warning. The contact initially took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and the ignition switch and housing were replaced. A few months later, the failure recurred, and the contact took the vehicle back to the same mechanic and had the starter replaced. A few months later after the repair, the failure recurred, and the contact took the vehicle to another independent mechanic who replaced the ignition switch and housing for a second time. After the failure occurred for the fourth time, the initial independent mechanic instructed her to place the vehicle in neutral to see if the restarted. The vehicle was started in neutral and the mechanic replaced the neutral safety switch. Despite the repair, the failure recurred. …
I purchased my vehicle in 2010, at the time the vehicle had 37,000 miles. A less than a month later the transmission failed. It would not move in any gear, when I placed my foot on the gas it would not move but then it jolted with great force. It also grinds really hard when you're shifting gears. I called the dealer and they agreed to fix the vehicle. I was told that a new transmission was put in the car. About a year later the same problem with the transmission happened. The car was stopped and would not move in any gear. I took it to Ford again and they said a bolt was loose and they fixed it. A few days later the same problem I took it back to Ford and they found that there were metal shavings in the transmission. Yesterday my wrench light came on and my transmission is doing the same thing it did the first two times. …
Wheels & tires all 34 →
Had and accident after 6 months of paying on the car, which was sept. 2009.. Inside of tired bald, took to Ford to have oil changed, and supposed look over, but was never told about the inside warn tires. Back doors will not open from inside or out, front driver side door will not open from the outside, have had to buy tires every six months, because car wears them out, constant repairs that never seem to fix the car handling issues.. Had far too many repairs for the last 8 years of having the car..
Left rear hub came off car on freeway, crossed over to other side, and killed another driver in the opposite direction, and he had his 12 year old daughter next to him. I guess this has happened with the 2001 Ford Focus, Ford knew about it, but yet failed to fix the problem, resulting in this mans death. I feel they should be held criminaly responsible.
2009 Ford Focus engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 24 / 35 / 28 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 24 / 33 / 27 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Ford Focus a good car?
Based on 229 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Focus rates better than average: 76% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Focus at the same age. It is one of the best Focus years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Ford Focus?
The electrical system — 45 complaints, 20% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (39) and wheels & tires (34).
How many recalls does the 2009 Ford Focus have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2009 Ford Focus. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Focus?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2011, 2006 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2012, 2014, 2013, 2016 and 2017. See the full Ford Focus years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Ford Focus problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 46,000 miles; 52% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.