2009 Ford Focus Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 10%of 229 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 44,576miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the air bags of the 2009 Ford Focus, 10% of the 229 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 44,576 miles. 13 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The airbag light suddenly came on one day and it does not go out. I researched it on google and it appears to be very common in Ford Focus vehicles. The safety issue is that in my research I learned although this is a common issue, if the light is on the air bag will not work if needed.”
NHTSA complaint #11061141, filed 2018-01, 39,000 miles“The airbag light suddenly came on one day. I researched it on google and it appears to be very common in Ford Focus vehicles. My mechanic is unable to address the issue stating it must be done at a Ford dealetship out and the problem is in the brain /module of the car. For these reasons I thought there would have been a recall. The safety issue is that in my research I learned although this is a common issue, if the light is on the air bag will not work if needed.”
NHTSA complaint #10940380, filed 2017-01, 65,000 miles“I exited the highway via an off ramp and hit the breaks to slow down. My back end spun out of control and I hit the guardrail with the front driver's side of my car. My car was deemed a total loss, my air bag did not deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #10760811, filed 2015-09, 112,000 miles“I was involved in a front end crash this am involving 3 deer. The entire front end of my car is smashed. However the air bags did not activate. This is disturbing to me, and I will never buy a Ford again. My car is a 2009 Ford Focus sel.”
NHTSA complaint #10303547, filed 2010-02, 17,300 miles“I was involved in an accident in which I was rear ended by a vehicle traveling 45 MPH which in turn caused me to slam into the vehicle in front of me. As a result of the accident, the drivers seat I was sitting on was bent and moved back. The air bag device under the seat was detached and damaged as a result of the accident. The accident was severe enough it should have deployed when I hit the car in front of me. When I questioned the dealership they stated it is normal for this to happen to the seat and for airbags not to deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #10355733, filed 2010-09, 22,050 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10038965Apr 1, 2011Comm-trans lund: some 2009-2011 models may have the air bag inicator flashing with a stored trouble code. This is a software problem.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 9 | 1% |
| 2017 | 15 | 2% |
| 2016 | 15 | 1% |
| 2015 | 18 | 2% |
| 2014 | 32 | 1% |
| 2013 | 26 | 1% |
| 2012 | 55 | 1% |
| 2011 | 6 | 5% |
| 2010 | 12 | 4% |
| 2009 | 22 | 10% |
| 2008 | 26 | 10% |
| 2007 | 118 | 30% |
| 2006 | 40 | 20% |
| 2005 | 51 | 12% |
| 2004 | 24 | 6% |
| 2003 | 46 | 5% |
| 2002 | 72 | 8% |
| 2001 | 147 | 8% |
| 2000 | 191 | 5% |
| 1999 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2009 Ford Focus
45 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
39 complaintsVehicle speed control
33 complaintsSuspension
25 complaintsWheels
22 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
18 complaintsFuel system
17 complaintsTires
17 complaintsEngine
16 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsBrakes
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Ford Focus
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