Research · Compact Cars

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.

Combined MPG
27–28mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
229
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2009 Ford Focus as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

229 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2009 – May 2026
  1. Electrical system45
  2. Power train39
  3. Vehicle speed control33
  4. Suspension25
  5. Wheels22
  6. Air bags22
  7. Latches/locks/linkages18
  8. Tires18
  9. Engine16

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Focus model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20003,738
20011,790
20021,014
20031,017
2004387
2005441
2006205
2007391
2008250
2009229
2010287
2011113
20123,803
20132,181
20142,584
20151,034
20161,194
2017906
2018837
Crashes reported
26
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
21
Deaths reported
3
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

45 reports
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 13, 2021Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11428924

Power train

39 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 12, 2019Power trainODI 11288722

Vehicle speed control

33 reports4 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 15, 2016Vehicle speed controlODI 10896116
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
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.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Focus FWD
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
243528$2,200317
Focus FWD
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
243327$2,300329
  • Focus FWD
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    24 city · 35 hwy · $2,200/yr
    28
    mpg comb.
  • Focus FWD
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    24 city · 33 hwy · $2,300/yr
    27
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Ford Focus as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 5139Vehicle 5138
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

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).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026