PROBLEM FAILURE OF FRONT AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. OUR 2009 FORD FOCUS WAS REAR ENDED WHILE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC BY A PT CRUISER TRAVELING APPROX. 35-40 MPH. THE IMPACT PUSHED THE FOCUS INTO THE AUTO IN FRONT SMASHING THE FOCUS FRONT END. THE FOCUS WAS LIKE AN ACCORDION SMASHED ON BOTH ENDS AND HAD TO BE PUT ON A TOW TRUCK FLATBED AS IT WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE CONCERN HERE IS THE AIRBAGS IN THE FRONT DID NOT…
2009 Ford Focus airbags problems
critical 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Crashes
12
Avg fix
$1,100
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
MY 2009 FOCUS SES WAS SEEN BY THE DEALER FOR THE AIRBAG LIGHT BEING CONSTANTLY ON IN NOVEMBER 2011. THEY REPLACED THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG MODULE. THIS WINTER (2012) THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON AGAIN. IT APPARENTLY HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH HOT/COLD TEMPS. *TR
AIRBAG ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE IS BULGING OUT OF THE SEAMS...ON TOP OF THE DASH...I BOUGHT THE CAR USED AND IT WAS FINE...THERE WERE NO ACCIDENTS TO CAUSE THIS, IT JUST STARTED BUSTING THROUGH THE LEATHER SEAMS... *TR
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2009 Ford Focus?
It's a serious issue. 18 complaints have been filed, including 12 reports involving a crash and 2 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
Some links on this page are affiliate links.