Owners have filed 400 complaints
about the 2009 Ford F-150 with NHTSA between 2009 and 2026.
The largest single group is the acceleration & cruise control.
Across this model's run it ranks 30 of 33 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 14
Against the median year of the Ford F-150. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 72
14% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 60
35% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
2246.8%
Automatic Transmission
919.1%
Door
48.5%
Pressure Monitoring AND Regulating Systems
36.4%
Engine
36.4%
Accelerator Pedal
24.3%
Head Restraint
24.3%
Fuses AND Circuit Breakers
24.3%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
215.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
3911.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
4412.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
6618.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
5515.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3810.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
4913.9%
150,000+ miles
4111.6%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2009peak 8Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2009 Ford F-150
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
11V049000
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
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.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE IMPACT CRASH, THE DOOR HANDLE SPRING CAN FAIL CAUSING THE DOOR LATCH TO OPEN.
09V150000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
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.
Risk: DELAY OR LOSS OF BRAKE STOP LAMP FUNCTION MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF AN ACCIDENT.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201104768,247 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, the interior 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. The door latch will remain fully engaged, however, the handle may be loose, causing a rattle or noise, and the handle may not return to the fully closed position. Depending on spring load force and handle position, the inertial loads experienced by the interior door handle may cause the door latch to open during a side impact crash. If this were to occur and the door opened during a crash, an occupant not wearing a seatbelt could be ejected from the vehicle, increasing the risk of personal injuries. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, either add a spring embossment reinforcement or replace the interior door handle assembly.
Recall 20091281,894 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain vehicles, the brake lamp switch may have been incorrectly installed during vehicle assembly. This may cause a delay in brake stop lamp illumination when the brake pedal is depressed. In situations of light brake pedal application, the stop lamps may not illuminate. Failure of the brake lamps to illuminate when the brakes are applied may result in the following road users being unaware of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury or death. Correction: Dealers will remove the brake lamp switch and re-install it correctly.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 201,000 milesAtwater, MNFire
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11709147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salt Lake City, UTCrashFire10 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
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.
NHTSA complaint #11432816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 183,000 milesFrazier Park, CACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE IN DRIVE AT IDLE SPEED THE TRUCKS RPM JUMPED TO APPROXIMATELY 4000 RPM INSTANTLY . I HAD TO PUSH MY FOOT BRAKE AS HARD AS I COULD AND PUT SHIFTER IN NEUTRAL THEN IT WAS OK FOR A WHILE THEN THIS HAPPENED AGAIN SEVERAL WEEKS LATER TOOK TO DEALER NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #11413711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 183,000 milesFrazier Park, CACrash
ENGINE
WHILE IN DRIVE AT IDLE SPEED THE TRUCKS RPM JUMPED TO APPROXIMATELY 4000 RPM INSTANTLY . I HAD TO PUSH MY FOOT BRAKE AS HARD AS I COULD AND PUT SHIFTER IN NEUTRAL THEN IT WAS OK FOR A WHILE THEN THIS HAPPENED AGAIN SEVERAL WEEKS LATER TOOK TO DEALER NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #11413711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 152,000 milesLeechburg, PACrash1 injured
SEATS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE AT A STANDSTILL, THE CONTACT WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AT MODERATE SPEEDS. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT HAVE A LOW SENSING MECHANISM CAUSING HIM TO JOLT FORWARD AND THE SEAT BELT TIGHTENED TOO TIGHTLY ON HIM RESULTING IN MICRO TEARS OF HIS INTESTINES. THE CONTACT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION THAT LEAD TO SURGERY AND THE REMOVAL OF PORTIONS OF HIS INTESTINES. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN BACK TO THE RESIDENCE OF THE CONTACT WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FRAME CRACK WHICH RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 152,000.
NHTSA complaint #11396688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesHouston, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON SIDE IMPACT FROM DRIVER GOING 40-50MPH AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY FOR FRONT IMPACT INTO POLE. I WAS CROSSING INTERSECTION HAS THE LIGHT TURN GREEN AND WAS HIT BY A DRIVER WHO RAN RED LIGHT. THE CAR PUSH THE TRUCK INTO A LIGHT POLE AND THE ENGINE BAY WRAP AROUND IT.
NHTSA complaint #11377627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Avon, IN
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11749202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Avon, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11749202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Avon, IN
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11749202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 201,000 milesAtwater, MNFire
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11709147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesSan Leon, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2009 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. Additionally, the ABS and TPMS warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle slowed down; however, the brake pedal needed to be depressed to the floorboard to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone and O’Reilly’s where it was diagnosed with a failed ABS module. The contact was informed that the ABS module needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that it was a known failure for similar vehicles. In addition, the contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included in a recall related to the failure. The contact stated that it was difficult to locate the part needed to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
NHTSA complaint #11703324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesSan Leon, TX
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
The contact owns a 2009 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. Additionally, the ABS and TPMS warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle slowed down; however, the brake pedal needed to be depressed to the floorboard to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone and O’Reilly’s where it was diagnosed with a failed ABS module. The contact was informed that the ABS module needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that it was a known failure for similar vehicles. In addition, the contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included in a recall related to the failure. The contact stated that it was difficult to locate the part needed to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
NHTSA complaint #11703324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 183,000 milesEasley, SC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2009 Ford F-150. The contact stated while 45 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and waited for towing assistance to tow the vehicle to the residence. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic and was diagnosed with an ABS module failure. The contact was informed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the Customer Satisfaction Program: 09C07 (Brake Stop lamp Switch Adjustment); however, the VIN was not included in the Customer Satisfaction Program. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact stated that the failure persisted since November 2022. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 183,000.
NHTSA complaint #11668110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, VA
ENGINE
My pickup truck at only 23 thousand miles in the engine, it's module went bad and brake and ABS lights came on on the dashboard. I took the car to the dealer and they said that I have to replace it and they are charging me 5,400 dollars. They said that some 2009 F150 module were bad from factory, but there's not recalls for it to be fixed by them.
NHTSA complaint #11665339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
My pickup truck at only 23 thousand miles in the engine, it's module went bad and brake and ABS lights came on on the dashboard. I took the car to the dealer and they said that I have to replace it and they are charging me 5,400 dollars. They said that some 2009 F150 module were bad from factory, but there's not recalls for it to be fixed by them.
NHTSA complaint #11665339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesLongview, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2009 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds and making sharp turns, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road and depressed the brake pedal until the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while making sharp turns and while coming to a stop at traffic lights. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #11664536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesLongview, TX
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2009 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds and making sharp turns, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road and depressed the brake pedal until the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while making sharp turns and while coming to a stop at traffic lights. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #11664536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Palm Beach, FL
AIR BAGS
My airbag warning light came on. The dealer found 2 codes and replaced the parts. When they were done another code came up for weight sensor which is the seat frame. I was told that the part has been discontinued. I have searched for an aftermarket part with no luck. I purchased a used seat but it was not compatible I have a16 year old truck. The service life is as I understand it is 14-20 years. I don’t understand how the manufacturer can stop making safety parts while the vehicle is still in its service life
NHTSA complaint #11662825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesLexington, TX
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2009 Ford F-150. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the engine rattled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the cam phasers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was advised to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
NHTSA complaint #11585397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesRichmond Hill, GA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2009 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while his son was driving at approximately 25 MPH, the steering wheel detached. The driver was able to reattach the steering wheel and safely pull over. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who referred him to an independent mechanic for assistance. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the standard clockspring in the steering wheel, part number CSP200. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was too old, and no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
NHTSA complaint #11554118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Porterville, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
AC electric wiring becomes hot and only blows at 1 speed, also with time has become corroded diplaying a live open wire under passanger area, seems it is the following Block Heater Cable Splice Connector May Corrode Prolonged corrosion of the connector may cause a resistive short, overheating or melting the wiring and increasing the risk of a fire. safety recall 19V048 below Also I can not find an open recall for the following issue my vehicle still has now that I researched it, it is a recall and my ford has not been fixed inregards to the following, Block Heater Cable Splice Connector May Corrode 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.
NHTSA complaint #11533098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Porterville, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AC electric wiring becomes hot and only blows at 1 speed, also with time has become corroded diplaying a live open wire under passanger area, seems it is the following Block Heater Cable Splice Connector May Corrode Prolonged corrosion of the connector may cause a resistive short, overheating or melting the wiring and increasing the risk of a fire. safety recall 19V048 below Also I can not find an open recall for the following issue my vehicle still has now that I researched it, it is a recall and my ford has not been fixed inregards to the following, Block Heater Cable Splice Connector May Corrode 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.
NHTSA complaint #11533098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oklahoma, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
There's been recalls on the 2009 Ford f150 and my car is having hydraulic pump issues and a couple other issues that were recalled and I was just trying to get some assistance?
NHTSA complaint #11527513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oklahoma, OK
SERVICE BRAKES
There's been recalls on the 2009 Ford f150 and my car is having hydraulic pump issues and a couple other issues that were recalled and I was just trying to get some assistance?
NHTSA complaint #11527513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oklahoma, OK
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
There's been recalls on the 2009 Ford f150 and my car is having hydraulic pump issues and a couple other issues that were recalled and I was just trying to get some assistance?
NHTSA complaint #11527513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Las Vegas, NV
POWER TRAIN
Random downshift to first gear while traveling down the highway at 70mph resulting in wheel lock-up and engine redline.
NHTSA complaint #11525008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Barnstable, MA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Frame of the body is completely rusted through to the point that it is almost unsafe to drive. It was identified when attempting to replace the rocker panel on the passenger side and the list put a hole in the frame. The vehicle has been well maintained but the amount of rust seems unusual for the age of the vehicle. I know the previous owner and he took painstakingly good care of the vehicle and it has been driven very little since I purchased it a couple of years back. The fix is to repair the frame at the cost of $3k plus or let it rust away completely. The amount of rust does not add up and I see similar issues with thousands of comments online.
NHTSA complaint #11516159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 185,000 milesVan Buren, AR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2009 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling noise detected. The check engine warning light was flashing on and off. The vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was due to a faulty cam phaser. Additionally, the contact was informed that the timing chain and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred him to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 185,000.
NHTSA complaint #11487724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 185,000 milesVan Buren, AR
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2009 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling noise detected. The check engine warning light was flashing on and off. The vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was due to a faulty cam phaser. Additionally, the contact was informed that the timing chain and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred him to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 185,000.
NHTSA complaint #11487724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 218,000 milesChesterfield, VA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2009 Ford F-150. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, it would not start. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the vehicle fuel pump had failed and determined that it needed to be replaced. The repair was made, however, the failure persisted. The independent mechanic checked the vehicle fuses and replaced a 20 AMP fuse and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure re-occurred and he drove the vehicle to a dealer. The contact had researched that the failure was related to Manufacturer TSB Number: TSB-15-0137 and NHTSA Campaign Number: 10074713 (Engine). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 218,000.
NHTSA complaint #11478801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Avon Lake, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Door Striker Plate, latching Hook on Rocker Plate, lower side of driver side door frame, between front and rear doors is rusted. This does not allow the doors, front or rear driver side, to close securely. Attempted to contact Ford dealerships with no response. Took to independent Body Shop who said it is definitely a safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11467006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.