THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR LATCHES HAVE STOPPED WORKING. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME WITH MY SON IN REAR SEAT AND THE DOOR CAME OPEN AROUND A TURN. THEY ARE LUBRICATED REGULARLY AND THEY WILL MOVE PROPERLY BUT INTERNALLY THEY WILL NOT LATCH, THEREFORE THEY WILL NOT STAY CLOSED. I HAVE A STRAP HOLDING THE DOORS CLOSED. AT FIRST IT HAPPENED ONCE IN A WHILE. NOW THEY DON'T WORK AT ALL.
2009 Ford Focus body problems
severe 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,500
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER, PASSENGER AND REAR PASSENGER DOORS COULD NOT BE OPENED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT ALL THREE NEW DOORS WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,892.
Common questions
How serious is the body problem on the 2009 Ford Focus?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,500.
At what mileage does the body 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 $1,500 for body 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 body?
No active recalls currently cover body 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.