2009 Ford F-150 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 4%of 324 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 39,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2009 Ford F-150, 4% of the 324 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I bought a preowned 2009 Ford F-150 in november 2011 with 49000 miles on the odometer. I had always complained the instrument gauges were difficult to see. I finally investigated and realized that the instrument panel is not illuminated under daylight conditions. It is only illuminated when the parking lights or headlights are on. The only way to get illumination during daylight is to cover the light sensor thus simulating darkness. This,however, only illuminates the gauges at the lower setting for nighttime driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #10524142, filed 2013-07, 55,000 miles“Water has been found building up under the plastic kickplate in the right rear passenger door of my 2009 f150 supercrew model. I have taken it twice to the dealer and both times they have ordered a new third brake light as condensation was forming. They stated the seal wasn't strong enough and wasn't sealing properly. Also said this is common with f150s. They said they have replaced this numerous times on different f150s, and sooner or later Ford would issue a recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #10329060, filed 2010-05, 3,000 miles“At around 3500 miles on my 2009 Ford f150 supercrew, I noticed a mildew smell and condensation forming on the inside of my windows. I did some research and found it is due to liquid in the cab somewhere. I pulled up each kickplate and found the problem to be under my right rear cab kickplate. Water was accumulating down there with all the electrical wires. I took it to the dealer and they stated it was due to the third brake light. It was replaced. At 5000, I noticed the smell again and knew right where to look. I did and had the same problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10340315, filed 2010-06, 3,500 miles“While driving in a rainstorm a passenger in the right rear seat noticed water pouring in from the headline onto her shoulder. First glance we thought maybe the window seal was leaking. Called the dealership and started explaining the situation and before I could complete my sentence they replied ...oh yes its the third brake light seal, bring it in and we'll replace it. Wow a known issue and I was never informed of the problem. When replacing the seal I had requested that the headliner be removed and inspected for mold and any rust that may have formed, or any damage to electrical components. …”
NHTSA complaint #10336579, filed 2010-06, 14,000 miles“Foul odor developed in vehicle, consistent with mold and mildew. Entire carpet pad found to be wet. Inspection at dealer revealed leaking third tail light. Dealer noted this is a common problem. Clearly this situation is a public health hazard due to the resulting environmental hazard from mold growth.”
NHTSA complaint #10511764, filed 2013-05, 40,000 milesRelated recalls
- 09V150000May 5, 2009Ford is recalling 8,735 my 2009 f-150 trucks for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective…Covers: Ford F-150 2009
Related service bulletins
- 10051724Nov 1, 2012Ford: due to an open headlight switch, the headlamps, park lamps or lamps are inoperative and headlamps will remain on because of aftermarket or genuine ford accessories (gfa)…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 6% |
| 2024 | 50 | 26% |
| 2023 | 23 | 6% |
| 2022 | 66 | 11% |
| 2021 | 116 | 11% |
| 2020 | 5 | 1% |
| 2019 | 11 | 1% |
| 2018 | 23 | 1% |
| 2017 | 5 | 0% |
| 2016 | 16 | 1% |
| 2015 | 17 | 1% |
| 2014 | 8 | 1% |
| 2013 | 17 | 1% |
| 2012 | 9 | 1% |
| 2011 | 30 | 1% |
| 2010 | 28 | 3% |
| 2009 | 12 | 4% |
| 2008 | 5 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 1% |
| 2006 | 11 | 2% |
| 2005 | 5 | 0% |
| 2004 | 17 | 1% |
| 2003 | 6 | 1% |
| 2002 | 10 | 1% |
| 2001 | 11 | 1% |
| 2000 | 22 | 2% |
| 1999 | 16 | 2% |
| 1998 | 13 | 1% |
| 1997 | 34 | 1% |
| 1996 | 5 | 2% |
| 1995 | 9 | 1% |
| 1994 | 7 | 1% |
| 1993 | 10 | 2% |
| 1992 | 5 | 1% |
| 1990 | 2 | 1% |
| 1988 | 1 | 1% |
| 1984 | 1 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2009 Ford F-150
54 complaintsElectrical system
46 complaintsEngine
42 complaintsBrakes
39 complaintsBody and structure
34 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
33 complaintsSteering
29 complaintsFuel system
22 complaintsTires
13 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Ford F-150
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology