2009 Ford F-150 problems: complaints and recalls
The 2009 Ford F-150 has 324 complaints and 2 recalls on file as of 2026-10-16. This page shows which systems the complaints name, how many report a crash or fire, and every recall with what it says.
Complaint figures come from NHTSA's complaints database, downloaded on 2026-10-16.
At a glance
| Measure | 2009 F-150 |
|---|---|
| Complaints on file | 324 |
| Filed within three years of the model year | 119 |
| Complaints reporting a crash | 28 |
| Complaints reporting a fire | 8 |
| Complaints reporting an injury | 11 |
| Deaths reported in complaints | 0 |
| Recalls | 2 |
It ranks 12th of the 12 model years on this site by total complaints and 12th by complaints filed in the first three years. Older trucks have had longer to collect complaints, which is why the first-three-years count is shown next to the total.
Which systems the complaints name
Vehicle speed control leads with 54 complaints (17% of the total), followed by electrical system (46) and engine (42). A complaint can name more than one system, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle speed control | 54 | 17% |
| Electrical system | 46 | 14% |
| Engine | 42 | 13% |
| Service brakes | 39 | 12% |
| Structure | 34 | 10% |
| Power train | 33 | 10% |
| Steering | 29 | 9% |
| Hydraulic | 14 | 4% |
"Unknown or other" means the complaint was not filed under a specific system.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2009 Ford F-150.
| Reported | Campaign | Component | What the recall says |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011-02-01 | 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. IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE IMPACT CRASH, THE DOOR HANDLE SPRING CAN FAIL CAUSING THE DOOR LATCH TO OPEN. |
| 2009-05-05 | 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. DELAY OR LOSS OF BRAKE STOP LAMP FUNCTION MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF AN ACCIDENT. |
Some recalls cover only certain engines, cab styles or build dates, so match each one to the truck in front of you before you count it against the truck.
Before you buy a 2009 F-150
- Run the truck's VIN through the federal recall lookup. A recall is only closed when the repair is done on that truck, so ask the seller for the paperwork.
- Read the recalls above against the engine and options on the truck you are looking at.
- Treat complaints as a list of what to ask about and test-drive for, not as a failure rate. See the method page for what the numbers can and cannot tell you.
- Compare the neighbours: 2010, or see all 12 years side by side.
Sources
- F-150: complaint records for 2009 (JSON).
- F-150 recall records for 2009 (JSON).