2009 Ford FocusRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 229 owner complaints for the 2009 Ford Focus. Most complaints involve electrical system (45) and power train (39). The EPA rates it 27–28 mpg combined.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Electrical system45
- Power train39
- Vehicle speed control33
- Suspension25
- Wheels22
- Air bags22
- Latches/locks/linkages18
- Tires18
- Engine16
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Focus model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 3,738 |
| 2001 | 1,790 |
| 2002 | 1,014 |
| 2003 | 1,017 |
| 2004 | 387 |
| 2005 | 441 |
| 2006 | 205 |
| 2007 | 391 |
| 2008 | 250 |
| 2009 | 229 |
| 2010 | 287 |
| 2011 | 113 |
| 2012 | 3,803 |
| 2013 | 2,181 |
| 2014 | 2,584 |
| 2015 | 1,034 |
| 2016 | 1,194 |
| 2017 | 906 |
| 2018 | 837 |
- Crashes reported
- 26
- Fires reported
- 2
- Injuries reported
- 21
- Deaths reported
- 3
What owners report most
Electrical system
“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…”
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 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.”
Vehicle speed control
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE IDLED AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WOULD OPERATE ONLY IF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE PAST 15 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE WARNING LIGHT DIMMED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,600.”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Manual 5-spd · Automatic 4-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus FWD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 35 | 28 | $2,200 | 317 |
| Focus FWD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 33 | 27 | $2,300 | 329 |
- 28mpg comb.
- 27mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Maintenance basics
| 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 |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
2009 Focus questions
How many recalls does the 2009 Ford Focus have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 2009 Ford Focus problems?
Owners filed 229 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (45), power train (39), vehicle speed control (33). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2009 Ford Focus get?
The EPA rates the 2009 Ford Focus at 27–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).