2009 Ford F-150

The 2009 Ford F-150 is a popular full-size pickup truck known for its reliability, versatility, and ruggedness. Available engine options include a 4.2L V6 (202 hp, 260 lb-ft), a 4.6L 2V V8 (248 hp, 294 lb-ft), a 4.6L 3V V8 (292 hp, 320 lb-ft), and a 5.4L 3V V8 (320 hp, 390 lb-ft). Transmission options consisted primarily of a 4-speed automatic (4.2L V6 & 4.6L 2V V8) or a 6-speed automatic (4.6L 3V V8 & 5.4L 3V V8). Owners often praise its towing capacity, comfortable ride, and spacious cabin. However, some common complaints include issues with spark plugs in the 5.4L engine, rust on the body, and some electrical glitches.

Engine

4.2L V6

• No Known Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: N/A
  • Solution: N/A
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: N/A
  • Recalls: None Found

4.6L 2V V8

• No Known Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: N/A
  • Solution: N/A
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: N/A
  • Recalls: None Found

4.6L 3V V8

• Spark Plug Breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting, misfires, rough idling, check engine light. The spark plugs are prone to breaking when being removed, often leaving part of the plug in the cylinder head.
  • Solution: Special tools are often required to remove the broken spark plugs. Sometimes the cylinder head needs to be removed to extract the broken spark plug. Replacement with redesigned spark plugs can help prevent future issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+ (depending on the severity and if the cylinder head needs removal)
  • Recalls: None Found

5.4L 3V V8

• Spark Plug Breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting, misfires, rough idling, check engine light. The spark plugs are prone to breaking when being removed, often leaving part of the plug in the cylinder head.
  • Solution: Special tools are often required to remove the broken spark plugs. Sometimes the cylinder head needs to be removed to extract the broken spark plug. Replacement with redesigned spark plugs can help prevent future issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+ (depending on the severity and if the cylinder head needs removal)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Cam Phaser Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Ticking or rattling noise, especially at idle or low RPM, rough running, loss of power, and potential stalling. Worn or damaged cam phasers can cause timing issues.
  • Solution: Replacement of the cam phasers, timing chain, and related components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• No Known Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: N/A
  • Solution: N/A
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: N/A
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard or jerky shifts, especially between certain gears. Transmission slipping or not engaging properly.
  • Solution: Could be due to low fluid, valve body issues, or worn internal components. Requires diagnosis to determine the root cause, potentially including fluid flush, valve body repair/replacement, or transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $3500+ (depending on the severity and required repairs)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Broken Leaf Springs
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, clunking noises when driving over bumps, uneven ride height. Leaf springs can break due to age, corrosion, or excessive load.
  • Solution: Replacement of the broken leaf spring(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per spring (parts and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not operating, making grinding noises, or falling into the door.
  • Solution: Window regulator replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per window.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Blend Door Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Air only blows hot or cold, or only blows on certain vents. Clicking noises from behind the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty blend door actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Lower Body Panels/Wheel Wells
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust developing on the lower body panels, especially around the wheel wells and rocker panels. Common in areas with road salt.
  • Solution: Rust repair, body work, and repainting.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+ (depending on the severity and extent of the rust)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• No Known Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: N/A
  • Solution: N/A
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: N/A
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2009 Ford F-150, while generally reliable, does have some common issues owners should be aware of. The most significant issues revolve around the 4.6L and 5.4L 3V V8 engines with spark plug breakage and cam phaser issues. The 6-speed transmission may exhibit harsh shifting or slipping. Other common problems include broken leaf springs, window regulator failures, and rust formation on the body. Repair costs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor electrical repairs to several thousand dollars for engine or transmission work. It’s advisable to have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic to identify potential problems before buying a used 2009 F-150.