MotorDeets

2009 Ford F-150: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2009 Ford F-150: 2 recalls, 324 owner complaints and up to 17 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
324owner complaints
28mention a crash
17best combined mpg
2009 Ford F-150
Photo: Michael Gil from Calgary, AB, Canada · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Exterior lights Vehicle recall #09V150000 · 2009 · 8,735 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: Delay or loss of brake stop lamp function May increase the risk of an accident.

The fix: 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.

Body & structure Vehicle recall #11V049000 · 2011 · 280,946 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: In the event of a side impact crash, the door handle spring can fail causing the door latch to open.

The fix: 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…

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 8 mention a fire, 21 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Speed control / throttle54
Electrical46
Engine42
Body & structure34
Transmission & drivetrain33
Steering29
Brakes25
Brakes (hydraulic)14

What owners describe

The 2009 Ford F-150 has 324 owner complaints, ranking #32 of 37 F-150 model years for complaints (well below the 1025 average). Complaints peaked in 2010 (40 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 50,525 miles. Neighboring years: 2008 (369 complaints, 1 recalls), 2010 (843 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
4.6 L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive152017Regular
4.6 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive141916Regular
4.6 L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive141916Regular
5.4 L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive142016Gasoline or E85
4.6 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive141815Regular
5.4 L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive141815Gasoline or E85

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2009 Ford F-150.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2009 Ford F-150 manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2009 Ford F-150 manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2009 Ford F-150 manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2009 Ford F-150 manual

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FAQ

Does the 2009 Ford F-150 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2009 Ford F-150. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2009 Ford F-150 problems?

Owners have filed 324 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are speed control / throttle (54), electrical (46), engine (42).

What gas mileage does the 2009 Ford F-150 get?

EPA ratings run up to 17 mpg combined (4.6 L, Automatic 6-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2009 Ford F-150 repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other F-150 years

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