DecodedCars2009 Ford F-150
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.
- Class
- Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
- Body styles
- P/U Reg Cab 6.5-Ft Box 2WD, P/U Reg Cab 6.5-Ft Box 4X4, P/U Reg Cab 8-Ft Box 2WD, P/U Reg Cab 8-Ft Box 4X4
- Engines
- 4.6L 8-cyl, 5.4L 8-cyl
- Horsepower
- 248–320 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 17 combined · 15 city / 21 hwy
- Length
- 209.8–228.7 in
- Curb weight
- 4,760–5,410 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints151 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 20 for similar models — most often about the engine.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 9 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Ford F-150 is a standard pickup truck offered with 2 engines (4.6L 8-cyl and 5.4L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 210 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 126-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,760 lb (P/U Reg Cab 6.5-Ft Box 2WD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 17 MPG combined (15 city / 21 highway), 4% better than the 2009 standard pickup truck average of 16.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,950 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 151 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2009
- Engine dropped: 4.2L 6-cyl
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 F-150 →
Trims, performance & features
Built in: Dearborn, Michigan · Kansas City, Missouri
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2009 F-150 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P/U Reg Cab 6.5-Ft Box 2WD | 209.8 in | 78.7 in | 74.8 in | 126 in | 66.9 / 66.9 in | 4,760 lb | |
| P/U Reg Cab 6.5-Ft Box 4X4 | 209.8 in | 78.7 in | 76 in | 126 in | 66.9 / 66.9 in | 4,989 lb | |
| P/U Reg Cab 8-Ft Box 2WD | 228.7 in | 78.7 in | 76.4 in | 144.9 in | 66.9 / 66.9 in | 4,861 lb | |
| P/U Reg Cab 8-Ft Box 4X4 | 228.7 in | 78.7 in | 76 in | 144.9 in | 66.9 / 66.9 in | 5,108 lb | |
| P/U Super Cab 5.5-Ft Box 2WD | 228.7 in | 78.7 in | 71.7 in | 144.9 in | 66.9 / 66.9 in | 5,181 lb | |
| P/U Super Cab 5.5-Ft Box 4X4 | 228.7 in | 78.7 in | 76 in | 144.9 in | 66.9 / 66.9 in | 5,410 lb |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | +4% | $3,950 | 523 |
| F150 SFE 2WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | +4% | $3,950 | 523 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -2% | $4,200 | 555 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | +3% | $4,200 | 555 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD FFV FFV | 5.4L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -2% | $4,200 | 555 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 18 / 15 | -3% | $4,450 | 592 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD FFV FFV | 5.4L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 18 / 15 | -3% | $4,450 | 592 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Ford F-150 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 standard pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Ford F-150 (this car) | 17 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Toyota Tacoma | 22 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2009 Chevrolet Colorado | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 GMC Canyon | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Nissan Frontier | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2009 Honda Ridgeline | 17 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup | 16 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (1)
Structure › Body › Door · Feb 1, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V049000 · 280,946 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE IMPACT CRASH, THE DOOR HANDLE SPRING CAN FAIL CAUSING THE DOOR LATCH TO OPEN.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2009 Ford F-150 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Ford F-150 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 33 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes — 24 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Electrical System — 23 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 95,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Ford F-150. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other F-150 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 F-150 | 24 | 241.3 in | Not rated | 8 | 18 |
| 2025 F-150 | 23 | 241.3 in | Not rated | 16 | 128 |
| 2024 F-150 | 23 | 241.3 in | Not rated | 11 | 232 |
| 2023 F-150 | 25 | 207.1 in | Not rated | 13 | 511 |
| 2022 F-150 | 25 | 207.1 in | Not rated | 23 | 816 |
| 2021 F-150 | 25 | 207.1 in | Not rated | 29 | 1,302 |
| 2020 F-150 | 24 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 11 | 741 |
| 2019 F-150 | 25 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 9 | 1,342 |
| 2018 F-150 | 25 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 18 | 2,325 |
| 2017 F-150 | 22 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 17 | 1,462 |
| 2016 F-150 | 21 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 13 | 2,086 |
| 2015 F-150 | 22 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 13 | 1,743 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →