NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 324 owner complaints for the 2009 Ford F-150. Most complaints involve vehicle speed control (54) and electrical system (46). The EPA rates it 15–17 mpg combined.
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 F-150 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 18, 2008, THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2009. THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE HOUSING EMBOSSMENT RETAINING THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE SPRING MAY FRACTURE DURING NORMAL USAGE RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT SPRING FORCE TO RETURN THE HANDLE TO THE FULLY STOWED POSITION.
FORD IS RECALLING 8,735 MY 2009 F-150 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE BRAKE STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY BE IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED. THIS MAY RESULT IN A DELAY IN BRAKE STOP LAMP ILLUMINATION WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. IN SITUATIONS OF VERY MILD BRAKE APPLICATION, THE BRAKE STOP LAMPS MAY NOT ILLUMINATE.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each F-150 model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 360 |
| 1997 | 2,855 |
| 1998 | 1,418 |
| 1999 | 1,121 |
| 2000 | 1,206 |
| 2001 | 1,340 |
| 2002 | 955 |
| 2003 | 464 |
| 2004 | 2,036 |
| 2005 | 1,121 |
| 2006 | 589 |
| 2007 | 492 |
| 2008 | 369 |
| 2009 | 324 |
| 2010 | 851 |
| 2011 | 2,137 |
| 2012 | 1,717 |
| 2013 | 2,796 |
| 2014 | 1,362 |
| 2015 | 1,425 |
| 2016 | 1,798 |
| 2017 | 1,148 |
| 2018 | 1,929 |
| 2019 | 1,021 |
| 2020 | 562 |
| 2021 | 1,042 |
| 2022 | 605 |
| 2023 | 419 |
| 2024 | 195 |
| 2025 | 119 |
| 2026 | 0 |
“The gas pedal got stuck while I was driving. I couldn't stop it and lost control. It caused a horrific car accident. 10 people were involved and I'm currently fighting the case in court to prove I was not reckless. It has been inspected by my insurance but unfortunately it was only for damages and not for mechanical issues regarding the gas pedal.”
“This vehicle has been a lemon ever since we purchased it new. To start the 3rd brake light would always leak during rain and ruined the headliner took it back to andy mohr ford were we purchased approx 25 times for this issue. Then we have had oil leaks about a year after purchase and it still leaks. Third the fender wells are rusting. And also all the lights on the dash are lit because the computer board failed. To date the truck only has 147k miles. This truck has been a lemon the whole time we have owned it and i am tired of sinking money in this junker. Ford needs to be held responsible for every vehicle off there assembly line.”
“The contact's son owned a 2009 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while approximately 10 MPH, he observed smoke emanating from the glove box and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact steered the vehicle to the side of the road, and he observed a small fire by the accelerator pedal. The contact exited the vehicle and opened the hood. The contact stated that flames erupted from the engine compartment when the hood was opened, and he called 911. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. A police report was taken, but the info was not available at this time. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot where it was deemed totaled. There were no injuries. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 201,000.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F150 Pickup 2WD Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 |
| F150 SFE 2WD Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | $3,900 | 555 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD FFV Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $3,900 | 555 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | $3,900 | 555 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | $4,150 | 592 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD FFV Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | $4,150 | 592 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 324 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are vehicle speed control (54), electrical system (46), engine (42). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2009 Ford F-150 at 15–17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (7 versions rated).