2009 Ford Focus
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Ford › Focus › 2009
These records cover every 2009 Ford Focus. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
229 complaints26 involved a crash2 involved a fire21 injuries3 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
incident [XXX], Parking in front of Physical Therapy clinic, suddenly the motor revved and car shot across the sidewalk and went through the wall of the clinic. No one was there and no one was hurt. Insurance was notified. (Hartford) Googling Auro malfunctions for Ford Focus, I come across…
incident [XXX], Parking in front of Physical Therapy clinic, suddenly the motor revved and car shot across the sidewalk and went through the wall of the clinic. No one was there and no one was hurt. Insurance was notified. (Hartford) Googling Auro malfunctions for Ford Focus, I come across several things which could have malfunctioned and caused "unpredictable acceleration. Car had within 2 weeks had been to automotive shop for maintenance. I think this was a serious malfunction and should have been noticed. thanks, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Structure › Body
Rocker panels rust out and cause the lifting points on the car unable to be used. Mechanics refuse to work on my car due to not being able to lift the vehicle per manufacturer lifting points.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Focus. The contact stated while parked in the driveway, the contact opened both rear doors; however, while attempting to close the doors, the doors failed to latch securely. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be…
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Focus. The contact stated while parked in the driveway, the contact opened both rear doors; however, while attempting to close the doors, the doors failed to latch securely. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic determined that the latch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Service brakes
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the contact felt the front passenger’s side brake was seizing. The contact stated there was smoke coming from the brakes. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and waited…
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the contact felt the front passenger’s side brake was seizing. The contact stated there was smoke coming from the brakes. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and waited for the vehicle to cool down and the vehicle started operating normally. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact had the brakes replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 80,000.
- Unknown or other
My car started to rough idle, when I go to press the gas pedal there is no rev or acceleration or anything. It came up with a code for the throttle body and had it replaced and it worked fine for a while and then it happened again, so I replaced the throttle body again and it started happening…
My car started to rough idle, when I go to press the gas pedal there is no rev or acceleration or anything. It came up with a code for the throttle body and had it replaced and it worked fine for a while and then it happened again, so I replaced the throttle body again and it started happening right away again. This has happened at 80 MPH and almost caused an accident! I just want this to be understood, and I am not the only other person having this issue!!
- Electrical system › Ignition · Engine · Power train
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…
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. A dealer was notified of the failure and a representative acknowledged that the failure was a known issue; however, there were no recall for the failure. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was provided the same information as the dealer. The manufacturer was then referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system
The fuel pump keep disabling! When trying to crank the car it will continue to turn over after the key has been pulled back out of the start position
- Electrical system
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…
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.
- Power train
The transmission started to hesitate shifting then wouldnt go past third shift and then completely stopped working while driving on the road.
- Electrical system
When I try to start my car, sometimes it won't turn over when turning the key. I have to try a few times if not multiple times in order for it to start and it just keeps getting worse over time.
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2009 ford focus. The contact stated that the vehicle would intermittently shift into neutral at various speeds. The contact had to wait until he could shift into the correct gear in order to continue driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vin was not included…
TL* the contact owns a 2009 ford focus. The contact stated that the vehicle would intermittently shift into neutral at various speeds. The contact had to wait until he could shift into the correct gear in order to continue driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 04v176000 (power train). The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.
- Electrical system · Structure › Body
My car was stationary. The doors lock and do not unlock. After hours of searching the manual and google I figured out how to bypass the automatic lock and turned that off so my doors would not lock while I drove. That worked for a while but, then the doors just stopped opening from the outside. I have been told by several mechanics this IS an issue with this year focus.
- Latches/locks/linkages
TL* the contact owns a 2009 ford focus. The contact stated that the rear doors failed to lock and unlock and were inoperable. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that a module needed to be reset. The local dealer was not…
TL* the contact owns a 2009 ford focus. The contact stated that the rear doors failed to lock and unlock and were inoperable. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that a module needed to be reset. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to nhtsa. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
- Electrical system
My ignition IS not working. I turn the key over and over and over and the car won't start. The lights come on, the battery IS charged, the air works, but the vehicle won't start. I used to be able to get it started but I now have blisters on my hand from trying to start this car.
- Electrical system
Third time having a problem with ignition switch! Car will turn on but won't start, costing more to fix than the car IS worth.
- Unknown or other
The throttle control light has begun going off ( twice now) but once turned off and turned back on it does not come on. When it comes on it looses power and there are issues with acceleration. It has only done it after a long drive and going (moving) at a normal pace of about 45 to 55 miles and…
The throttle control light has begun going off ( twice now) but once turned off and turned back on it does not come on. When it comes on it looses power and there are issues with acceleration. It has only done it after a long drive and going (moving) at a normal pace of about 45 to 55 miles and hour. It has not gone off at a time that allows it to be diagnosed by a professional and they have not been able to get it to register when hooked to the computer,. The light IS no longer on and does not not illuminate in around town driving.
- Seat belts
My seat belt on the drivers side would not unlock after several minutes I looked more closely and I was able to unlock it...but now it will not lock ...it IS not latching like a spring or something isnt working...i was stationary trying to exit my car at my apartment
- Unknown or other
Ignition module...ignition switch. car won't start with key, unless pushed in hard, and even then it takes several times for it to start.
- Latches/locks/linkages
TL* the contact owns a 2009 ford focus. The contact stated that the rear driver's door would not lock and the rear passenger door would not unlock. Ed mullinax ford (8000 leavitt rd, amherst, oh 440011, 440-296-3021) stated that there was no recall on the vehicle. An independent mechanic was…
TL* the contact owns a 2009 ford focus. The contact stated that the rear driver's door would not lock and the rear passenger door would not unlock. Ed mullinax ford (8000 leavitt rd, amherst, oh 440011, 440-296-3021) stated that there was no recall on the vehicle. An independent mechanic was contacted and quoted a repair cost that was less than the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 101,000.
- Power train
I had just got in my car to go grocery and I started up my engine and shifted into drive. However, I was going up to 5000 rpms just to go 30mph and it didn't feel right when I was driving, so I pulled over and stopped the car. When I did this, I noticed that the car was only functional in drive. I…
I had just got in my car to go grocery and I started up my engine and shifted into drive. However, I was going up to 5000 rpms just to go 30mph and it didn't feel right when I was driving, so I pulled over and stopped the car. When I did this, I noticed that the car was only functional in drive. I wouldn't allow me to reverse and the wheels were locked in neutral. So, I called for my parents for help. we knew there was something wrong with the transmission, so we used a code reader to see if the car was giving an error message but it didn't have one and put in new transmission fluid. After looking online, we noticed that the ford focuses from 2010-2015 were also have transmission issues. So we had it towed to a ford dealer and service center location. we told them the issues we were have and paid for diagnostics but they do anything different from what we had done. I was told my year was not one of the recalled ones, so I would have to pay about 5,00 to replace it. However, I told them that it had less than 50,000 miles and a transmission should at least be able to last until 50,000 but they said they couldn't help me and I would have to pay full price.
- Suspension
I have had the motor and transmission mounts replaced twice in the last two years on this vehicle. I was told to report it as that should never happen.
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 2009 ford focus. The contact stated that the passenger seat belt would not lock and remain secure. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 187,000.
- Electrical system
Ignition not working properly.key has to be turned several times to start car when parked.
- Wheels
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.
- Unknown or other
The ignition IS going out..really have to jam key into the colum to get it to start
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10254138All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com > Parts and Service > Parts Product Line Information > Keys/Entry Devices > Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad.
- 10140323The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDealer - Parts and Service - Parts Product Line Information - Keys/Entry Devices - Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Access to this site is granted through Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES) and Dealer Principal, General Manager or Parts and Service Director can authorize users. Once authorized the retrieval process for master code can be obtained. The master code for the Accessory Keyless Entry Keypad cannot be retrieved from the body control module(BCM) with a diagnostic tool.
- 10138524The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDealer - Parts and Service - Parts Product Line Information - Keys/Entry Devices - Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Access to this site is granted through Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES) and Dealer Principal, General Manager or Parts and Service Director can authorize users. Once authorized the retrieval process for master code can be obtained. The master code for the Accessory Keyless Entry Keypad cannot be retrieved from the body control module(BCM) with a diagnostic tool.
- 10109070The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited refresh rate when reading these PIDs and cannot display quickly enough to validate a concern. The PCM automatically monitors these inputs more accurately and will set diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) when appropriate. Using these PIDs for diagnostics will lead to inaccurate results and improper ETB replacements. If a concern is intermittent and no DTCs are present, refer to historical DTCs and the PC/ED, Section 3 No DTCs Present Index chart for further information.
- 10095184Replacing the original equipment sync/navigation system with either an aftermarket sync/navigation kit or modifying original sync/navigation parts to provide additional features IS not recommended nor supported on any ford, mercury or lincoln vehicle. Only approved genuine ford accessories or originally installed systems are supported and certified to function correctly with other vehicle systems. If you suspect a system has been modified, the following resources can be used to verify original equipment: monroney label (window sticker), professional technician society (pts) oasis tab select sync or hvbom. For genuine ford accessories use: pts workshop tab select dealer installed accessory or accessory installation.
- 10091151Some 2008-2017 ford/mercury/lincoln vehicles equipped with sync may generate a vhr that identifies a concern with the brakes and suspension category indicating service IS required due to a brake system warning lamp being illuminated. If the park brake was applied when the vhr was gathering data from the major vehicle systems, the brakes and suspension message will be reported as the vhr looks for any warning lamps illuminated in the instrument cluster. Rerun the vhr with the engine on and vehicle in park, and ensure the park brake IS disengaged. If the sync vhr IS still reporting a concern to the customers sync owners account, refer to the appropriate workshop manual section for diagnosis by dtc or symptom. Starting in 2015 not all sync equipped vehicles support vhr, refer to the owners manual for vhr operation.
- 10090681Some 2008-2017 ford/mercury/lincoln vehicles equipped with sync may generate a vhr that identifies a concern with the brakes and suspension category indicating service IS required due to a brake system warning lamp being illuminated. If the park brake was applied when the vhr was gathering data from the major vehicle systems, the brakes and suspension message will be reported as the vhr looks for any warning lamps illuminated in the instrument cluster. Rerun the vhr with the engine on and vehicle in park, and ensure the park brake IS disengaged. If the sync vhr IS still reporting a concern to the customers sync owners account, refer to the appropriate workshop manual section for diagnosis by dtc or symptom. Starting in 2015 not all sync equipped vehicles support vhr, refer to the owners manual for vhr operation.
- 10057865Ford: after powertrain control module reprogramming, the malfunction indicator lamp (mil) IS on with several diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) p06b8, p068a, p2610, if key not left for 30 seconds in off position following programming on some model 2009-15 vehicles.
- 10057723Ford: a job aid was developed and now available for the ptu internal or external fluid leakage for all wheel drive vehicles.
- 10039053Ford: if there IS an intermittent lack of power, surge, or hesitation while driving the brakes will override acceleration.
- 10038965Comm-trans lund: some 2009-2011 models may have the air bag inicator flashing with a stored trouble code. This IS a software problem.
- 10037092Ford: one some 2008-2010 focus vehicles there may be an inoperable speed control.
- 10034586Ford: equipped with 17 inch wheels only; steering follows road irregularities and/or ruts. Vehicles may exhibit the vehicle's steering seems to follow road irregularities. First, compare to a similar vehicle under the same road conditions. If comparable performance IS evident, consider this normal characteristic of the vehicle and no repairs should be performed.
- 10034585Ford: premature front/rear tire wear and/or vehicle drift on wet or snow covered roads. If performing an alignment, record all align-ment angles prior to any adjustments, and enter in warranty claim if applicable.
- 10030834Ford: some vehicles may exhibit a parts no crank/no start condition with diagnostic trouble codes 9DTC) p1260 in the powertrain control module (pcm) and u0100 in the instrument cluster (ic).
- 10027986Ford: some vehicles built on or after 10/3/05 may experience a customer concern of the power steering (p/s) system leaking and/or system noisy.
- 10027912Ford: vehicles may exhibit a malfunction indicator light (mil) on with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0456 (very small evaporative emission system leak detected; very small leak 0.020" (0.51 mm) diameter).
Every Ford Focus model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.