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ProblemsByVinFile / 2009-FORD-F-150NHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Ford
2009 Ford F-150 problems
The 2009 Ford F-150 has 324 NHTSA owner complaints and 2 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2009 Ford F-150 has 324 NHTSA owner complaints and 2 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is cruise control at 47 complaints, typically surfacing around 49,597 miles (~$600 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
1
Severe
1
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2009 F-150?
High-risk ownership
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
Cruise-control: 47 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 14,676–73,000 mi
Electrical system: 40 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 40,000–140,000 mi
Reliability score 7.0/10 — around the segment average
2 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2009 Ford F-150? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
cruise control — 47 owner reports
· tends to show around 49,597 mi · ~$600 to fix
electrical — 40 owner reports
· tends to show around 84,047 mi · ~$850 to fix
engine — 40 owner reports
· tends to show around 93,834 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
powertrain — 30 owner reports
· tends to show around 58,519 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: cruise control is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 49,597 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 2 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 7.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2009 F-150· wheels
I turned my truck on after it sat overnight and the ABS and emergency brake lights were illuminated on the dash cluster. Took the truck into a local part store and had a obd2 reader hooked up and it pulled ABS control module code. I took into a auto shop and they were pull the…
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Ford f-150. The contact stated that the warning indicator flashed for the anti-theft lock. In addition, various needles fluctuated for the gauges. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not…
Power steering hose is leaking fluid. Multiple dealers have stated that the part is on back order and fulfillment of a replacement order will take anywhere from several weeks to almost a year based on previous experiences they've had. They also stated that Ford ordered dealers…
Tl*the contact owns a 2009 Ford f150. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the brakes stopped working. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the technicians stated they could not diagnose the failure. The contact took the vehicle in for a second opinion at another dealer and…
Had a problem with your 2009 Ford F-150?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Ford is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 f-150 vehicles manufactured from january 18, 2008, through november 30, 2009
In the event of a side impact crash, the door handle spring can fail causing the door latch to open.
Fix: Owners will be initially notified and instructed to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln/mercury dealer if any interior door handle is loose or fails to return to the stowed position after activation for replacement of the affect module. Once parts become available, owners will be renotified and instructed to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln/mercury dealer for inspection of each interior door handle. Depending on the results of the inspection, the dealer will either add a spring embossment reinforcement or replace the interior door handle module free of charge. The safety recall began on february 10, 2011. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Ford is recalling 8,735 my 2009 f-150 trucks for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no
Delay or loss of brake stop lamp function may increase the risk of an accident.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and have the brake stop lamp switch removed and reinstalled which will provide proper adjustment. The remedy will be performed free of charge. The recall began on may 13, 2009. Owners may contact Ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332 or through the internet at www.ownerconnection.com.
Common questions
Is the 2009 Ford F-150 reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.0 out of 10 based on 324 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Ford F-150 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2009 Ford F-150?
The 2009 Ford F-150 is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Cruise-control: 47 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 14,676–73,000 mi; Electrical system: 40 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 40,000–140,000 mi; Reliability score 7.0/10 — around the segment average; 2 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2009 Ford F-150?
Inspect the cruise control first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 47 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 49,597 miles. Average repair cost runs about $600 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2009 Ford F-150 a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 324 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is cruise control. Typical failure occurs around 49,597 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2009 Ford F-150?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is cruise control, with 47 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 49,597 miles. Average repair cost runs about $600 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The cruise control is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $600 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 49,597 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Ford F-150 has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2009 Ford F-150?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 324 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $600, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Ford/F-150.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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