Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Ford Focus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
Okay the vehicle is 2009 but only has 58,000 miles. Sometimes I have difficulty inserting the key into the ignition and trying to start car. I sometimes have to try and jiggle the steering wheel. Yesterday I turned the vehicle off , took the keys out of the ignition, opened the door to exit the car and the alarm or warning wouldn't shut off. I got back in the car, shut the door, it still wouldn't shut off, so I put the key back in the ignition to turn it on then off again, and that worked but I still have occasional issues with starting the car.
Tl* the contact's son owns a 2009 Ford Focus. The contact son stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle loss motive power without warning. The vehicle was jump started and resumed normal vehicle operation. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. An unknown dealer was contacted however, no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,827.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The contact mentioned that while having the repairs performed, the technician notified him that the ignition housing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000. Updated 02/19/16; updated 05/02/18
Rear doors are jammed or stuck on lock, for no reason. Power locks will not unlock them and doing so manually does not work either. These doors cannot be opened from the inside nor the outside. My child locks are not on. I also keep my car dust free and lubricated. This could be a huge safety concern if I were to get into an accident and were to be locked in my car. My car should be able to be unlocked and locked whenever I please and whenever is needed. The fact that I cannot even unlock them manually is dangerous.
Air bag light is stuck on randomly makes a "dinging" sound. Tires continue to wear out at a rapid speed, ignition switch will get stuck an engine will not turn over-can't find a cause. And the A/C stopped working this week, mechanic looking for a leak unable to figure out these issues and why they all started with in past month. Each problem they can't find solutions or tell me it's probably a sensor or the heat. They hook it up to the computer and it shows nothing wrong?!?!
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Ford Focus. While attempting to start the vehicle, the key failed to turn in the ignition. The contact had to make several attempts before the ignition would turn and start the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the ignition switch failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
Rear door locks appear to be jammed or permanently locked. Will not unlock with power locks or manually. This happened randomly out of nowhere. My drivers side door handle also broke so I am only able to use one door on my vehicle right now. The rear doors will not open from inside or outside hence why I said they appear to be jammed for no reason. This is a huge safety concern if I were to be in an accident and get locked inside my car.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Ford Focus. The contact stated that both rear passenger side doors would not open when the unlock button was depressed. The contact stated that she had to depress the unlock button several times before the doors would unlock. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. No further details were available on the repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,700.
Electrical complaints in other Focus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2009 Ford Focus?
NHTSA has 45 complaints about the electrical system of the 2009 Ford Focus, 20% of the model year's 229 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Ford Focus electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2009 Ford Focus. 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 Focus electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 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.