2009 Ford Focus

The 2009 Ford Focus is a compact car known for its fuel efficiency and nimble handling. Available as a sedan or coupe, it appealed to budget-conscious buyers and those seeking a practical daily driver. The 2009 Focus came with a 2.0L Duratec inline-4 engine producing 140 horsepower and 136 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praised the Focus for its affordability, good gas mileage, and responsive steering. Common complaints included lackluster interior materials, a dated automatic transmission, and some reliability concerns.

Engine

2.0L Duratec I4

• Engine Misfires/Rough Idle
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idle, check engine light illuminated. Often caused by worn spark plugs, faulty ignition coils, or vacuum leaks.
  • Solution: Replace spark plugs, replace faulty ignition coils, repair vacuum leaks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Purge Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light illuminated, difficulty filling the gas tank, rough idle, stalling. Caused by a faulty purge valve in the evaporative emissions control system.
  • Solution: Replace the purge valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $80 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough or jerky shifting between gears, especially when cold.
  • Solution: Fluid flush and filter replacement. More serious cases may require valve body repair or transmission replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250 (flush), $500 - $2500+ (repair/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine revs high without corresponding acceleration, delayed engagement of gears.
  • Solution: May require transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Noises (Clunking/Rattling)
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the front or rear suspension, especially when going over bumps. Often caused by worn sway bar links, ball joints, or struts/shocks.
  • Solution: Replace worn sway bar links, ball joints, struts/shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per component
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Instrument Cluster Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of the instrument cluster, including gauges and displays.
  • Solution: Replacement of the instrument cluster or repair of wiring connections.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows fail to operate or operate intermittently.
  • Solution: Replacement of the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Exterior door handles break or become difficult to use.
  • Solution: Replace the door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The headliner fabric detaches from the roof and sags.
  • Solution: Re-glue or replace the headliner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2009 Ford Focus, while generally reliable, has some common issues that prospective buyers should be aware of. Engine-related problems like misfires and purge valve failures can be relatively inexpensive to fix. Transmission issues, particularly with the automatic, can be more costly. Suspension noises are also a common complaint. Electrical gremlins like instrument cluster and power window motor failures can also occur. While many of these issues are relatively minor, the potential for transmission problems makes it important to thoroughly inspect a used 2009 Focus before purchase. The severity of these issues can range from minor inconveniences to costly repairs.