2009 model year · 2,200+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 2,200+ owner reports, the 2009 Ford Focus has 2 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. The most commonly reported issue is Rear Wheel Bearing Premature Failure with 2,200 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $30 to $500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2000-2018 Ford Focus, the Ford Focus across all generations (2000-2018) is prone to premature rear wheel bearing failure, a problem documented extensively on Focus Fanatics Forum and FocalJet.com. Some owners report recurring failures with bearings needing replacement every 20,000-30,000 miles. The rear wheel bearing is a sealed, non-serviceable unit that cannot be repacked with grease, making it susceptible to moisture infiltration and premature wear. RepairPal estimates replacement cost between $317 and $429 for most Focus model years. One FocalJet forum member reported replacing the passenger side rear bearing at least 10 times in 2 years. The bearings are not adequately protected from road spray and debris, and salt-belt vehicles fail significantly sooner. The 2012-2018 Focus models appear to have a slightly improved bearing design but still experience failures, particularly on vehicles with rear drum brakes.
Replace the rear wheel bearing/hub assembly as a complete unit - the bearing is sealed and non-serviceable. RepairPal estimates $317-429 per side. When replacing, clean the knuckle bore thoroughly and apply anti-seize compound to prevent the new bearing from seizing in the housing (makes future replacement much easier). If the vehicle is in a salt-belt state, replace both rear bearings simultaneously - the other side will likely fail soon after.
Parts and tips from 2,200+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2008-2018 Ford Focus, the Focus door ajar switch integrated into the door latch assembly fails, causing the dash to display a door ajar warning when all doors are closed. This also keeps the interior dome lights on, which drains the battery overnight. The latch switch corrodes or wears out, sending a false open signal to the body control module. Any of the four doors can be affected, though the driver door is most common.
Replace the door latch assembly containing the failed ajar switch. OEM latch assemblies cost $50-100; aftermarket versions are $30-60. Replacement takes 30-60 minutes and requires removing the door panel. As a temporary fix, the interior light fuse can be pulled to prevent battery drain, or the dome light switch can be set to the off position. Spraying WD-40 into the latch mechanism can temporarily restore the switch contact but is not a permanent fix.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 and 2017 Focus vehicles equipped with 2.0L GDI gasoline engines and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles equipped with 2.0L GTDI engines, previously recalled under 18V-735. The affected vehicles did not have the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) updated as intended. Therefore, the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system.
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with a 1.0L Fox GTDI engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Focus vehicles. The rear left side seat back frame may have an insufficient weld between the outboard pivot bracket and the pivot nut joint, resulting in the seat back having reduced strength. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems," and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Ford Focus hatchback vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to August 26, 2016 and equipped with a manual transmission. The hatchback of the affected vehicles may be unlatched with a single press of the interior latch release button. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
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According to Au7o's analysis of 2,200+ owner reports, the 2009-2009 Ford Focus has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Rear Wheel Bearing Premature Failure, Door Ajar Warning False Alarm and Interior Lights Staying On. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
The 2009-2009 Ford Focus has 2 known issues documented across 2,200+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Ford Focus issues range from $30 to $500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The Ford Focus across all generations (2000-2018) is prone to premature rear wheel bearing failure, a problem documented extensively on Focus Fanatics Forum and FocalJet.com. Some owners report recurring failures with bearings needing replacement every 20,000-30,000 miles. The re… Repairs typically run $250-$500. Severity: medium.
The Focus door ajar switch integrated into the door latch assembly fails, causing the dash to display a door ajar warning when all doors are closed. This also keeps the interior dome lights on, which drains the battery overnight. The latch switch corrodes or wears out, sending a… Repairs typically run $30-$200. Severity: low.
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.
