RoadVitals

2009 Ford F-150

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
324
Latest Jul 8, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Feb 1, 2011
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
36
21 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 324 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 Ford F-150, most frequently naming the driver assistance, engine and electrical categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 58 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

Feb 1, 2011
280,946 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE IMPACT CRASH, THE DOOR HANDLE SPRING CAN FAIL CAUSING THE DOOR LATCH TO OPEN.
The 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 ACTIVATION FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE AFFECT MODULE. ONCE PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE, OWNERS WILL BE RENOTIFIED AND INSTRUCTED TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A FORD OR LINCOLN/MERCURY DEALER FOR INSPECTION OF EACH INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE. DEPENDING ON THE RESULTS OF THE INSPECTION, THE DEALER WILL EITHER ADD A SPRING EMBOSSMENT REINFORCEMENT OR REPLACE THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 10, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 11S15View on NHTSA.gov

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

May 5, 2009
8,735 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: DELAY OR LOSS OF BRAKE STOP LAMP FUNCTION MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF AN ACCIDENT.
The 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, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332 OR THROUGH THE INTERNET AT WWW.OWNERCONNECTION.COM.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 09C07View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Body & structureElectricalEngine
Filed Jul 8, 2026

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 ID
11749202
Incident
Nov 10, 2010
Engine
Filed Jan 6, 2026
Fire reported

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 ID
11709147
Incident
Jan 3, 2026
Mileage
201,000 mi
BrakesTires & wheels
Filed Dec 5, 2025

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 ID
11703324
Incident
Sep 10, 2025
Mileage
129,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jun 20, 2025

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 ID
11668110
Incident
Nov 15, 2022
Mileage
183,000 mi
BrakesEngine
Filed Jun 6, 2025

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 ID
11665339
Incident
Jun 6, 2025
BrakesEngine
Filed Jun 3, 2025

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 ID
11664536
Incident
Jun 3, 2010
Mileage
60,000 mi
Airbags
Filed May 23, 2025

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 ID
11662825
Incident
May 23, 2025
Engine
Filed Apr 26, 2024

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 ID
11585397
Incident
Apr 26, 2024
Mileage
115,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SSM 54601

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY

Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k

TSB 24-2188

WHEELS

This article supersedes TSB 22-2219 to update the Parts List and Service Procedure to clarify applicable steps by vehicle application. Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 (non-Raptor) vehicles equipped with 4WD may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated wheel ends (IWE). To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to remove and cap the vacuum supply line or to reprogram the transfer case control module (TCCM) and replace any worn vacuum and/or IWE components.

SSM 52476

EQUIPMENT

All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com > Parts and Service > Parts Product Line Information > Keys/Entry Devices > Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad.

SSM 51536

STRUCTURE

For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are followed when diagnosing the condition prior to all module replacements and only order modules using the correct VIN.

TSB 22-2219

POWER TRAIN

Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 (non-Raptor) vehicles equipped with 4WD may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated wheel ends (IWE). To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to remove and cap the vacuum supply line or to reprogram the transfer case control module (TCCM) and replace any worn vacuum and/or IWE components.

TSB 20-2307

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; WHEELS

Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with TOD transfer cases may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated wheel ends (IWE). To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to remove and cap the vacuum supply line.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford F-150 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026410
202510012062.6
202418310068.1
202339612060.7
202257423268.2
202197429163.2
202070911164.2
20191,3029164.0
20182,26519266.3
20171,40118370.1
20162,01014467.5
20151,67114568.3
20141,5158262.6
20132,9703361.0
20121,7764458.8
20112,1846458.8
20108421042.6
2009Viewing3242050.5
20083681151.0
20074887159.4
200658514263.9
20051,11214362.1
20042,02816460.6
200342211366.8
200282110366.2
20011,23619670.9
20001,07417474.6
19991,04418565.6
19981,381181165.5
19972,758261866.9
19963247267.6
19956267164.4
199467613266.4
199358613260.0
19924709867.2
199130461268.8
199027551168.3
19892244567.8
19881392670.4
1987913271.1
1986611461.0
1985281260.8
1984151255.9
1983101159.8
1982500
1981230
1980340
19792100
19784100
1977360
1976020
1975140
1973010
1968100
1966100
1955100

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.