2009
New 2021 2020
Used 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Ford F-150 Change Vehicle

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Ford made many revisions to the F-150 over the years. In this version of America's perennially best-selling automobile, braking is improved, a revised six-speed automatic transmission boosts fuel economy, and the cabin is quieter. Standard stability control makes handling more secure. A spacious interior and a deep cargo bed are also pluses. On the other hand, the ride is stiff and the engine sounds unrefined when pressed.
Alerts
There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2009
New 2021 2020
Used 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Ford F-150

Reliability

Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.

Overall Reliability
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2009 Potential Trouble Spots
The 2009 Ford F-150 has been recalled 2 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electric System
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power Equipment
In-car Electronics
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Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 420,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2019 vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2009 Ford F-150 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"Windshield leak on passenger side that I've had for several years. It has caused the headliner to become discolored. I've managed a repair with some flexible sealant"

Ken G., TN (2009 Ford F-150 XL 4.6-L V8)

"The rear sliding window and the sunroof both started leaking when it rains.. sunroof got stuck open, had to have new parts put in"

Anonymous, TX (2009 Ford F-150 Platinum 5.4-L V8)

"water leak around cab brake light"

Anonymous, IL (2009 Ford F-150 FX4 5.4-L V8)

"Back window was leaking around back light"

Anonymous, MO (2009 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4-L V8)
Seals and/or weather-stripping

"Had to have the rear window removed and resealed due to leaks around the upper corners on both sides of the glass"

Anonymous, NC (2009 Ford F-150 STX 4.6-L V8)

"Rear window leaked water into the truck cab. Had to replace due to seal failure"

David P., WI (2009 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4-L V8)

"Front and back windows leak on the passenger side"

Anonymous, MO (2009 Ford F-150 Lariat 5.4-L V8)

"The truck was leaking into the interior by the passenger handgrip. We took it in several times and they would do something and say it was fixed. When the warranty ran out they said that it must be the satellite antenna , they fixed it which cost money of course and it seemed okay in the summer without rain, but come the rainy season it started leaking again. They took it back in and now said it was the sun roof which of course was going to cost more money. We said since it wasn't fixed right in"

Anonymous, WA (2009 Ford F-150 Lariat 4.6-L V8)

"Dripping from the passenger side hand hold"

Carla D., WA (2009 Ford F-150 Platinum)

"Leaking water from windshield top right and thru the third light above/back of cab"

Eduardo C., MO (2009 Ford F-150 King Ranch 5.4-L V8)
Squeaks or rattles

"Get some rattles in the doors more so when it's cold out but seem to go away after driving for 1/2 hour. Some times some thing rattles under the truck when I close the door"

Anonymous, IA (2009 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4-L V8)
Wind noise

"it is a very noisy vehicle to travel in. Sometimes it really bothers me. If I needed a new truck, I would test drive all makes (basic model) and make my selection based on quietness of the cabin"

Charles W., SC (2009 Ford F-150 XLT 4.5-L V8)
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Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"the impeller/compressor grenaded, sending bits throughout the system"

Anonymous, FL (2009 Ford F-150 Lariat 5.4-L V8)

"Failed through the seal"

Anonymous, CA (2009 Ford F-150 King Ranch 5.4-L V8)

"The compressor failed due to old age. Bearings wore out, so the compressor had to be replaced. We caught this when it was only making a bad noise, and before it led to a breakdown"

Thomas M., OH (2009 Ford F-150 Platinum 5.4-L V8)
Automatic climate control

"no heat on passenger side , no air on driver side"

Bill S., MD (2009 Ford F-150 Lariat 5.4-L V8)

"Climate control has failed twice since purchasing the truck"

Todd N., AZ (2009 Ford F-150 Lariat 4.6-L V8)

"Climate controller failed causing system to blow extreme hot air only when on"

George S., ON (2009 Ford F-150 Lariat)
Blower (fan) motor

"Could not adjust blower speed. Blower worked at full speed onky"

Anonymous, TX (2009 Ford F-150 XLT 4.6-L V8)

"Diverter valve malfunction"

Anonymous, CA (2009 Ford F-150 XLT 4.6-L V8)

"Had to be replaced"

Anonymous, ON (2009 Ford F-150 XL 4.6-L V8)
Evaporator

"A sensor attached to the evaporator failed, requiring ten hours of labor to replace because the entire dashboard had to be removed from the vehicle in order to gain access. The repair had to be done TWICE, possible because the tech did not wire in the new one correctly"

Thomas M., OH (2009 Ford F-150 Platinum 5.4-L V8)
Heater system

"The passenger side blew cold air when it was supposed to blow hot air"

Anonymous, KY (2009 Ford F-150 Lariat 5.4-L V8)

"Right side Heather does not work only a/c. Problem is the actuator not working, is 18.00 part but 700.00 to fix"

Eduardo C., MO (2009 Ford F-150 King Ranch 5.4-L V8)
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Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"I have had to replace both the front and rear "Ford" oval badge. All the "Ford" oval badges on the wheels have fallen off"

Anonymous, IN (2009 Ford F-150 FX4)
Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Paint peeling off upper tailgate. Color of truck is white. Peel area is about 12 inches long and 3 inches wide"

Anonymous, MO (2009 Ford F-150 XL 4.6-L V8)

"Peeling on bottom of door"

Anonymous, ON (2009 Ford F-150 XL 4.6-L V8)
Rust

"Rust developing on rear door lower quarter panel"

Anonymous, MB (2009 Ford F-150 Lariat 5.4-L V8)

"Front and rear bumpers have enormous rust coming through the painted surface"

Anonymous, VT (2009 Ford F-150 Lariat 5.4-L V8)

"Rusting on the trim underneath the doors"

Anonymous, SD (2009 Ford F-150 Platinum 5.4-L V8)

"Rust on rear fender"

Anonymous, PA (2009 Ford F-150 STX 4.6-L V8)

"Significant rust damage on rocker panels and around rear fender wells"

Paul M., AB (2009 Ford F-150 FX4 5.4-L V8)

"Had the beginnings of rust/blistering (size of ones fist) above the rear wheel wells on both sides of the vehicle"

Dennis P., NH (2009 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4-L V8)

"Rust Wheel well"

Anonymous, MA (2009 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4-L V8)

"Rusting all over areas of fenders and chrome bumpers pitting"

Anonymous, PA (2009 Ford F-150 STX 4.5-L V8)
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Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

What Owners Say

Emission control devices (includes EGR)

"EVAP Purge valve failed. Replaced myself"

Tom B., TX (2009 Ford F-150 XLT 4.6-L V8)
Fuel injection system

"Throttle control valve had to be replaced"

Anonymous, GA (2009 Ford F-150 Lariat 5.4-L V8)
Fuel pump

"Mounting bracket bent causing fuel gauge to be inaccurate"

Anonymous, MO (2009 Ford F-150 Lariat 5.4-L V8)
Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

"Check engine light resulted in replacement of 4 o2 sensors"

Anonymous, NM (2009 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4-L V8)

""Check Engine" light comes on when there is no problem. Took to dealer and they said I need to replace at $300. After a while the light went off on its own. This cycle has happened twice"

Anonymous, IN (2009 Ford F-150 FX4)

"Had to replace two O2 sensors and one MAF sensor at a cost of $971 to solve engine stalling problem. Having problems with fuel port (cap) sensor giving a check engine light"

Anonymous, TX (2009 Ford F-150 5.4-L V8)
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Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

What Owners Say

Exhaust leaks

"Broken cracked pipe connecting one bank of engine to the other after the cats. Crack produced a whistling noise under load. This is a manufacturing product problem. Otherwise the exhaust looks fine with no rust or damage"

Ken G., TN (2009 Ford F-150 XL 4.6-L V8)
Exhaust manifold

"Passenger side exhaust manifold bolts corroded causing noise. Replaced both manifolds"

Andrew M., BC (2009 Ford F-150 Lariat 5.4-L V8)

"When the sensor was replaced on my exhaust, one of the bolts for my exhaust manifold broke shortly thereafter"

Anonymous, MT (2009 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4-L V8)

"Crack in the manifold, so manifold had to be replaced"

Anonymous, OH (2009 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4-L V8)

"Have had to replace both exhaust manifolds and replace broken manifold bolts"

Sharon P., FL (2009 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4-L V8)

"Exhaust manifold developed a leak"

Anonymous, AZ (2009 Ford F-150 XLT 4.6-L V8)
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Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

What Owners Say

Slipping transmission

"The transmission has gotten stuck in a mid-range gear. If I shut the engine off and restart, it resets and is good to go. This has happened twice over the last few weeks. Have not had repaired yet"

Rick G., VA (2009 Ford F-150 XLT 4.6-L V8)
Transmission computer

"Had a problem with every rough down shifting from 4th to 3rd gear when traveling at apron 30 miles per hour. I was determined that the interactive computer that controls the transmission had written a bad line of code. The software had to be erased and restored to fix the problem. I hate that Ford has an adaptive computer that changes the computer code in my truck... I bought the truck based on how it drives and feels and yet six months down the road, it may be totally different because the c"

Anonymous, AZ (2009 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4-L V8)

"One of 2 wiring harnesses had to be replaced. The vehicleaning had to be taken to dealer about 6 times b4 it was fin ally fixed. A bit over $1500 total cost"

Anonymous, WI (2009 Ford F-150 5.4-L V8)
Transmission leaks

"Within the first week of owning the truck I was having transmission fluid leaking and transmission shifting problems. I took it to my dealer and it was determined that a seal had been installed backwards during the manufacture of the transmission and they fixed it. Six months later I was having similar problems and again the transmission was taken out and it was determined that a different seal had failed. After having the transmission worked on twice, it has helped the problem but it still s"

Anonymous, AZ (2009 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4-L V8)

"Gasket to transmission was replaced as well as the power steering unit gasket"

Anonymous, WI (2009 Ford F-150 5.4-L V8)
Load more

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Ball joints

"Upper ball joints were worn around 140000 km"

Anonymous, BC (2009 Ford F-150 FX4 5.4-L V8)
Shocks or struts

"had to replace front struts"

Anonymous, MN (2009 Ford F-150 XLT 4.6-L V8)
Steering wheel vibration

"Turned out to actually be a brake problem on R Front wheel"

Patricia M., NY (2009 Ford F-150 XL 5.4-L V8)

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Antilock system (ABS)

"Have had to replace ABS hydraulic pump module and ABS electronic module"

Sharon P., FL (2009 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4-L V8)
Calipers

"calipers seized up [closed] and heated up rotor"

Kevin C., VA (2009 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4-L V8)
Rotors

"RIGHT FRONT ROTOR RUSTED IN HALF ON LOCKED UP WHEEL. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT TEN DAYS AFTER OIL CHANGE JOB. THEY GAVE ME ALL GOOD ON BRAKES. DEALER AND FORD COMPANY DID NOT CARE"

Barbara G., OH (2009 Ford F-150 XLT 4.5-L V8)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

What Owners Say

4WD/AWD components

"Truck will not shift into 4x4"

Anonymous, BC (2009 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4-L V8)
Differential

"leaking pinion seal"

Anonymous, TX (2009 Ford F-150 XLT 4.6-L V8)
Driveline vibration

"Have had episodes of shaking and jerking at times. It typically goes away after a few minutes or the next time I drive it. Seems to be transmission or drive train related, though it is difficult to diagnose. No check engine lights have come on"

Brian G., MI (2009 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4-L V8)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

What Owners Say

Cylinder head

"cracked manifold"

Terry L., AZ (2009 Ford F-150 XLT)
Engine rebuild or replacement

"Computer failure appeared to lead to engine replacement"

Anonymous, BC (2009 Ford F-150 XL 4.5-L V8)

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Display screen freezes up

"The clock and radio station display has failed. There appears some incomprehensible display. The radio quality has remained good"

Anonymous, RI (2009 Ford F-150 XL 4.5-L V8)
Radio

"Radio completely failed, dead. Costs for factory unit was unreal so I replaced with aftermarket that had more features for lower price"

Anonymous, TN (2009 Ford F-150 XLT 4.6-L V8)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

What Owners Say

Radiator

"The entire cooling system was filled with rusty water. Took it to a Ford dealership to flush and refill the system. Does not appear that this was done. Billed, but no work done"

Anonymous, FL (2009 Ford F-150 Lariat 5.4-L V8)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

"Had to replace valve body in transmission to correct minor shifting problem"

Anonymous, TX (2009 Ford F-150 XLT 4.6-L V8)

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Locks and latches

"Left rear door lock works one day and not the next"

Anonymous, PA (2009 Ford F-150 STX 4.5-L V8)

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

Compare 2009 Models

No Data Available
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Feb 01 2011
IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE IMPACT CRASH, THE DOOR HANDLE SPRING CAN FAIL CAUSING THE DOOR LATCH TO OPEN.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
FORD'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 11S15.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V049000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 280946
Hide Recall Details
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
May 05 2009
DELAY OR LOSS OF BRAKE STOP LAMP FUNCTION MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF AN ACCIDENT.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
FORD RECALL NO. 09C07.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V150000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 8735
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