2009 Ford F-150 Problems: 15 Issues Every Owner Should Know

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150 vehicles. Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture.

Campaign #21V98600016/12/2021

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 and 2020-2021 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting."

Campaign #21V09000018/02/2021

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:SIDE IMPACT

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, 2021 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front-door side impact pressure sensor modules may have been damaged during supplier assembly, which can cause the side impact air bags to not deploy properly in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."

Campaign #21V80500015/10/2021

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Ford F-150 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,203+ owner reports, the 2009-2009 Ford F-150 has 15 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Brake Line Corrosion and Hydraulic Failure (Salt-Belt 11th/12th-Gen F-150), Fuel Pump Driver Module (FPDM) Corrosion and No-Start / Stalling, Internal Radiator Transmission Cooler Fails — Coolant/ATF Cross-Contamination ('Strawberry Milkshake'). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Ford F-150 reliable?

The 2009-2009 Ford F-150 has 15 known issues documented across 1,203+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Brake Line Corrosion and Hydraulic Failure (Salt-Belt 11th/12th-Gen F-150) and Fuel Pump Driver Module (FPDM) Corrosion and No-Start / Stalling and Internal Radiator Transmission Cooler Fails — Coolant/ATF Cross-Contamination ('Strawberry Milkshake') and 5.4L Triton 3-Valve Cam Phaser / Timing Chain "Death Rattle". Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Ford F-150 problems?

Repair costs for known Ford F-150 issues range from $25 to $4,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Brake Line Corrosion and Hydraulic Failure (Salt-Belt 11th/12th-Gen F-150), typically costs $300-$1,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2004-2014 Ford F-150 Brake Line Corrosion and Hydraulic Failure (Salt-Belt 11th/12th-Gen F-150)?

2004-2014 Ford F-150 brake lines, hoses, and ABS hydraulic components corrode aggressively in salt-belt states. Steel brake lines along the frame rust through, causing sudden loss of brake fluid and reduced or no pedal feel. Front and rear hard lines and rear axle flex hoses are… Repairs typically run $300-$1,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2004-2009 Ford F-150 Fuel Pump Driver Module (FPDM) Corrosion and No-Start / Stalling?

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

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Community Reported

765 owners

On the 2004-2014 Ford F-150, 2004-2014 Ford F-150 brake lines, hoses, and ABS hydraulic components corrode aggressively in salt-belt states. Steel brake lines along the frame rust through, causing sudden loss of brake fluid and reduced or no pedal feel. Front and rear hard lines and rear axle flex hoses are most commonly affected. NHTSA has received numerous complaints but no recall has been issued — replacement is owner-paid ($800-$2,000+ depending on which lines need replacing). Most failures occur after 100,000 miles in northern/coastal states; southern-state trucks rarely show the pattern. Inspect annually if you drive in salt regions.

Common Symptoms

Brake pedal fades to the floor
Sudden loss of braking power
Brake fluid loss or leaks
Rear brake hose separation
ABS light on with poor braking

How to Fix

Inspect all steel brake lines, rear flex hoses, calipers, ABS hydraulic components, and the master cylinder/booster interface for leaks or corrosion. Repairs commonly include replacing rusted lines with pre-bent or custom nickel-copper lines, new rear hoses, and sometimes a master cylinder and booster; typical cost is about $300-$1,500 depending on how much of the system is affected. Bleed the full system and verify ABS operation after repair.

What you need to fix it

The exact parts — OEM, plus what owners actually use. Skip the internet hunt.

Rear brake hydraulic hose (at rear axle) — 11th gen 2004-2008
OEMMotorcraft BRHR-8Owners useDorman H-series (verify by config), Raybestos BH-series, Sunsong (F-150 rear axle hose)$18–$48
2004 built on the 11th-gen platform uses the same family; confirm by VIN/production date.
Amazon RockAuto eBay
Front brake hydraulic hose — early 12th gen 2009-2011
OEMMotorcraft BRHF-114Owners useDorman (verify LH/RH by config), Raybestos, Sunsong$18–$50
Verified as a 2010-2011 F-150 FRONT hose (front-left listings confirmed). F-150 front hoses split by LH/RH and by cab/drivetrain (4x2 vs 4x4) — confirm side and config before ordering.
Amazon RockAuto eBay
Front brake hydraulic hose — late 12th gen 2012-2014
OEMMotorcraft BRHF-300Owners useSunsong (2012-2014 F-150 front), Raybestos, Dorman$18–$52
Confirm LH vs RH and cab/drivetrain. This is generation-specific — do not use on 2009-2011 (those use BRHF-114 family) or 2004-2008.
Amazon RockAuto eBay
Nickel-copper (Cu-Ni) brake hard-line repair kit, 3/16 in. — rusted-through steel lines
Owners useAGS CNC-325K (NiCopp 3/16 in. x 25 ft coil + tube-nut/fittin, 4LifetimeLines 3/16 in. x 25 ft Copper-Nickel kit$30–$60
The core repair for the rusted-through frame/axle hard lines. OEM ships only pre-bent line assemblies (rarely stocked, config-specific), so the standard field fix is bendable Cu-Ni (NiCopp) tubing custom-flared to length — corrosion-proo…
Amazon RockAuto eBay
Brake master cylinder (only if leaking/corroded at booster interface) — 2010-2012
OEMMotorcraft BRMC-286Owners useCardone reman (verify F-150 app), Raybestos, Centric$90–$190
2009 F-150 = Motorcraft BRMC-136; 2013-2014 — verify by VIN.
Amazon RockAuto eBay
DOT 3 brake fluid — full system flush & bleed after repair
OEMMotorcraft PM-1-COwners usePrestone DOT 3, Valvoline DOT 3, any DOT 3 meeting FMVSS 116 / ~500°F dry BP$6–$14
Fits all 2004-2014 F-150 (DOT 3 system).
Amazon RockAuto eBay

From owners — upgrades & tips (765+ fixed this)

TipIf the truck has frame rust, inspect brake lines immediately because corrosion-related brake failures are commonly reported together.
UpgradeNickel-copper replacement brake line is more corrosion resistant than plain steel and is a common long-term fix. (Dorman Brake Hydraulic Line Kit)
View on Amazon
UpgradeA leaking master cylinder should be replaced promptly, especially if fluid is entering the booster. (ACDelco Brake Master Cylinder)
View on Amazon

Part links may earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $1,500

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765+ owners have reported this issue

All 15 Known Issues

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Ford F-150 problems?

Is the Ford F-150 reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Ford F-150 problems?

What is the 2004-2014 Ford F-150 Brake Line Corrosion and Hydraulic Failure (Salt-Belt 11th/12th-Gen F-150)?

What is the 2004-2009 Ford F-150 Fuel Pump Driver Module (FPDM) Corrosion and No-Start / Stalling?

2004-2014 Ford F-150: Brake Line Corrosion and Hydraulic Failure (Salt-Belt 11th/12th-Gen F-150)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What you need to fix it

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2004-2009 Ford F-150: Fuel Pump Driver Module (FPDM) Corrosion and No-Start / Stalling#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What you need to fix it

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1997-2010 Ford F-150: Internal Radiator Transmission Cooler Fails — Coolant/ATF Cross-Contamination ('Strawberry Milkshake')#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What you need to fix it

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2004-2010 Ford F-150: 5.4L Triton 3-Valve Cam Phaser / Timing Chain "Death Rattle"#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What you need to fix it

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2004-2020 Ford F-150: Rear Differential Pinion Bearing / Ring-and-Pinion Whine and Howl#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What you need to fix it

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1997-2010 Ford F-150: Transfer Case Shift Motor / Encoder Failure — 'Check 4x4', 4WD Won't Engage#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What you need to fix it

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2004-2024 Ford F-150: IWE (Integrated Wheel End) Failure — Front-End Grinding and Partial 4x4 Hub Engagement#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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1997-2020 Ford F-150: Water Leak at Rear Window / Third Brake Light — Wet Headliner, Carpet, and Cab-Corner Rust#

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What you need to fix it

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2004-2017 Ford F-150: Rocker Panel and Cab-Corner Rust from Clogged Internal Drains#

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2009-2024 Ford F-150: Center High-Mount Stop Lamp (Third Brake Light) Gasket Leak — Water Intrusion into Cab#

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2004-2020 Ford F-150: Exhaust Manifold Studs / Bolts Break — Exhaust Leak and Cold-Start Ticking#

Common Symptoms

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2004-2010 Ford F-150: Catalytic Converter Efficiency Failure — P0420/P0430 (Triton V8)#

Common Symptoms

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2009-2014 Ford F-150: Driver's Door Master Power Window Switch Failure#

Common Symptoms

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What you need to fix it

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1997-2014 Ford F-150: Door Ajar Switch Sticks — Dome Lights Stay On and Battery Drain#

Common Symptoms

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2009-2017 Ford F-150: 6R80 6-Speed Automatic Harsh 1-2 Upshift / Erratic Shifting and Lead-Frame Solenoid Body Failure#

Common Symptoms