2009 Ford Focus
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 11 |
| 2000 | 3686 |
| 2001 | 1761 |
| 2002 | 939 |
| 2003 | 977 |
| 2004 | 387 |
| 2005 | 440 |
| 2006 | 204 |
| 2007 | 391 |
| 2008 | 250 |
| 2009 | 229 |
| 2010 | 287 |
| 2011 | 113 |
| 2012 | 3755 |
| 2013 | 2103 |
| 2014 | 2586 |
| 2015 | 1007 |
| 2016 | 1174 |
| 2017 | 882 |
| 2018 | 821 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
18% of complaints: electrical system — 41 distinct reports on file.
17% of complaints: power train — 38 distinct reports on file.
14% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 33 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY10% of complaints: suspension — 24 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS A STRONG BURNING ODOR INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120705
10% of complaints: wheels — 22 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
DRIVING AT NORMAL HWY SPEED, THE RENTAL CAR (2009 FORD FOCUS) WANDERED AS IF SOMETHING WAS WRONG IN THE WHEELS OR STEERING WHEEL AND THEN FLIPPED OVER ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD. MY ENTIRE FAMILY ALMOST PERISHED THAT DAY. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20100302
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2009 Ford Focus — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (41 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (38 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (33 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2009 Ford Focus reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Ford Focus is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Ford Focus?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Ford Focus have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.