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KLUNK

2009 Ford F-150

The Verdict

41 Proceed with Caution

The 2009 Ford F-150 has 324 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (134 complaints) and engine (71 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 41/100, it earns a "Proceed with Caution" rating.

This is the cleanest year on record. Nice pick.

41

Klunk Score: Proceed with Caution

About average for complaint volume. Research the specific issues before buying.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 2

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

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 ...

Risk

IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE IMPACT CRASH, THE DOOR HANDLE SPRING CAN FAIL CAUSING THE DOOR LATCH TO OPEN.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE INITIALLY NOTIFIED AND INSTRUCTED TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A FORD OR LINCOLN/MERCURY DEALER IF ANY INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE IS LOOSE OR FAILS TO RETURN TO THE STOWED POSITION AFTER ACTI...

Reported Jan 2, 2011

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." TH...

Risk

DELAY OR LOSS OF BRAKE STOP LAMP FUNCTION MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND HAVE THE BRAKE STOP LAMP SWITCH REMOVED AND REINSTALLED WHICH WILL PROVIDE PROPER ADJUSTMENT. THE REMEDY WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 13, 200...

Reported May 5, 2009

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
20004688027433747
20015576820144171
20023124314238375
2003141278514365
20041233122155315208
200549310914028593
2006176868619940
2007172375118843
200814934459842
200913433547132

By Category

Body
134
Engine
71
Electrical
54
Brakes
33
Transmission
32

By Severity

1
138
2
152
4
34

Worst Problems

Compare Against

See how the 2009 Ford F-150 stacks up against rivals.

Complaints

Engine 2

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.

10d ago
Engine 4

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.

6mo ago
Brakes 2

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.

7mo ago
Brakes 2

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.

13mo ago
Engine 1

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.

13mo ago
Engine 2

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.

13mo ago
Electrical 1

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

14mo ago
Engine 1

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.

27mo ago
Body 1

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.

32mo ago
Electrical 2

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.

36mo ago
Engine 1

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?

37mo ago
Transmission 1

Random downshift to first gear while traveling down the highway at 70mph resulting in wheel lock-up and engine redline.

38mo ago
Body 2

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.

39mo ago
Engine 2

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.

46mo ago
Engine 2

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.

47mo ago
Body 2

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.

50mo ago
Engine 2

Exhaust gas is leaking into cab from manifold, because several studs broke

52mo ago
Transmission 2

My vehicle occasionally gets stuck in a low gear. It has also stalled in a busy intersection. I have taken it to be diagnosed at an independent service center that specializes in transmissions and was told that the problem was the lead frame which has been recalled on later models of my vehicle.

53mo ago
Electrical 2

Same old fuse issue, with only 56,000 miles. Ford is aware, they have a kit to by pass the problem, how ever they will not pay for repair (no recall). Cost almost $500.00 to fix their poor design issue. Buyers beware.

54mo ago
Electrical 2

Fuel pump fuse failed. Known issue under TSB-15-0137. Failure of the fuel pump at speed can result in a dangerous situation. I feel this should be covered under recall as the attached picture clearly shows an electrical overload condition.

58mo ago

324 total

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