2017 Ford Focus
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 903 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 10th highest complaint count among 19 Focus model years with reports.
Of the 2017 reports, 18 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 16 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power train, manual transmissionJun 9, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Focus and 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 18V169 and 18V845. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will inspect Focus vehicles and replace the clutch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S43. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.
Campaign 26V376000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, evaporative emissions, canisterJun 9, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving.
An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S40. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.
Campaign 26V369000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterJan 15, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed February 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026. This recall expands previous recall number 25V685.
Campaign 26V012000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterJan 15, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
Campaign 26V011000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engine, oil/lubrication, pumpDec 22, 2023
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.
A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt, free of charge. If engine failure occurs due to a damaged oil pump belt and/or oil pump belt tensioner, Ford has authorized dealers to replace the engine assembly as an interim repair before the availability of remedy parts for the final repair. This repair will be free of charge (parts and labor). Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S64.
Campaign 23V905000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storageJul 5, 2019
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.
The excessive vacuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began July 29, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S22.
Campaign 19V515000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, manual transmissionNov 28, 2018
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.
A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update vehicles with software that detects and prevents prolonged clutch slip, and will replace the clutch, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S07. Note: This recall is an expansion of Recall 18V-169.
Campaign 18V845000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storageOct 22, 2018
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.
The excessive vaccuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Ford Customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S32. Note: Until the vehicle is serviced for this concern, owners are advised to keep the fuel tank at least halfway full.
Campaign 18V735000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, rear/otherAug 28, 2017
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."
The reduced seat back strength may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the rear second left side rear seat back as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 10, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C13.
Campaign 17V528000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, hatchback/liftgate, lockSep 28, 2016
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."
With only a single press needed, the driver may accidently unlatch the hatchback, increasing the risk of injury to any unsecured passengers in the back.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Body Control Module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began February 10, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C13.
Campaign 16V698000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
39 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Electrical system, Mar 15, 2020
CONSTANT SHUDDER NOISE AND HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES AND I WAS TOLD 'I HAD THE BEST LATEST AND GREATEST CLUTCH IN MY CAR.' I OWN MY CAR NOW AND I DON'T WANT IT. EVERY TIME YOU EXCEL FROM A STOP THE NOISE IS PRESENT.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 10, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD FOCUS. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT. ALSO, THE VEHICLE DID NOT START FOR A FEW DAYS. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED, BUT FAILED AFTER THREE DAYS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED AND UNKNOWN FAILURE CODES APPEARED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE DOOR SENSOR. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 21, 2019
NO OCCURRENCE JUST WORRIED
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 4, 2019
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, 4 DAYS AFTER HAVING THE 2ND CLUTCH REPLACEMENT AT 30,000 MILES, IT WAS ON A STREET NOT HIGHWAY, THE CARS ELECTRONIC DASH DISPLAYED "TRANSMISSION FAULT FIX NOW". THE CAR THEN SLOWED DOWN A BIT LOSING POWER, THEN SEVERAL OTHER SIGNALS APPEARED ON SCREEN, BRAKES AND A FEW OTHERS, THEN THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN AND POWER WENT OUT. THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART AFTER A FEW MINUTES, SO AAA CALLED TO TOW IT BACK TO DEALERSHIP. THIS HAPPENED SUNDAY JULY 28, 2019. MONDAY AFTERNOON, AFTER THEY HAD TIME TO LOOK AT VEHICLE, I RECEIVED A CALL TELLING ME THAT THE "ALTERNATOR " WAS FAULTY AND THEY WOULD GET BACK TO ME WHEN THEY HAD THE REPLACEMENT WHICH TURNED OUT TO BE THE NEXT DAY. THE ISSUE WITH THIS IS MY WIFE HAD BEEN 110 MILES AWAY AND HAD DROVE HOME SATURDAY JULY 27. IF THAT HAD LET GO WHILE SHE WAS TRAVELING THE 70 MPH SPEED LIMIT THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A FATAL ACCIDENT. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF FORD DEALERSHIP 5-6 TIMES FOR SAFETY RELATED ISSUES
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 18, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED AND HESITATED WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, THE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CHIPOLA FORD (4242 LAFAYETTE ST, MARIANNA, FL 32446, (850) 482-4043) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A COMPUTER UPDATE WAS NEEDED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY REPAIRED THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT FELT OTHERWISE BECAUSE SHE WAS NOT PROVIDED A BILL OF SERVICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 10, 2019
MY CAR WAS AT A STANDSTILL AND MY CAR STUTTERED LIKE THE TRANSMISSION WAS GOING TO FALL OUT, I TALK WITH KEVIN AT LIBERTY FORD IN AURORA OHIO AND HE SAID DIDN'T THE SALESMAN TELL YOU ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND I SAID NO. MY RADIO HAS STOPPED WORKING TWICE, I DIDN'T HAVE THIS PROBLEM UNTIL LIBERTY FORD DID MY OIL CHANGE BACK IN MAY 2019, ALSO MY CAR IS MISSING WHILE DRIVING. NOT HAPPY WITH BEING SOLD A LEMON. *TR CONSUMER NO LONGER HAS THE VEHICLE.*JB
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 27, 2019
I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER IN JANUARY 25, 2019. THE RECALL 18532 FUEL TANK INSPECTION. HALLMARK FORD IN BATESVILLE, MS SAID THE INSPECTION PASSED. ON JUNE 10, 2019 THE CAR WOULD NOT START THEY TOWED THE VECHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH 32,573 MILES. ON JUNE 12, 2019 I PICKED THE CAR UP FROM THE DEALERSHIP. THE CAR RAN FROM JUNE 12, 2019 AND IT STOPPED IN THE GARAGE ON JUNE 22, 2019. ROADSIDE SERVICE PICKED-UP THE VEHICLE ON JUNE 23, 2019. 0N JUNE 26, 2019 HALLMARK FORD IN BATESVILLE, MS SAID THE CAR IS READY TO BE PICKED UP. WHEN WE ARRIVED TO PICK THE VEHICLE UP AT THE DEALERSHIP THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THEY HAD TO PUSH THE VEHICLE BACK INSIDE THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND PARTS HAS NOT BEEN PUT BACK ON THE VEHICLE CORRECTLY. THEY TRIED TO JUMP THE VEHICLE OFF BUT IT WOULD NOT START. SO I ASKED FOR A SERVICE VEHICLE TO DRIVE AND I AM A FEMALE AND I WANTED A CAR BUT THEY GAVE ME A PICK UP TRUCK. I FEEL UNSAFE WITH MY CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN IN THIS VEHICLE. CONTACT INFORMATIOM: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT
Electrical system, Engine, May 22, 2019
A MONTH AGO I STARTED GETTING HIGH TEMPERATURE WARNING ON MY CAR, MY COOLANT WAS COMPLETELY EMPTY, SO I REFILLED IT, BUT NOW MY COOLANT IS COMPLETELY EMPTY AGAIN WHICH COULD HAVE RESULED IN A FIRE, I HAVE NO BEEN IN ANY RECENT ACCIDENTS, I'M A VERY DEFENSIVE DRIVER AND I DIDN'T RUN ANYTHING OVER.AND MY BACK BREAK LIGHT KEEPS GOING OUT AND IVE REPLACED IT SEVERAL TIMES
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 11, 2019
CAR WILL NOT START. WILL RESPOND TO A JUMP BUT WILL NOT START AFTER RUNNING FOR AWHILE AGAIN. THEN IT STARTS WITH A BIT OF HESITATION FOR AWHILE AND THEN BACK TO NEEDING A JUMP. WHEN AT A STOP AND ACCELERATING, THERE IS A HUGE PAUSE BEFORE THE RPMS KICK IN THEN IT GOES ALL THE WAY TO MAX BEFORE CALMING DOWN TO WHERE IT SHOULD BE. POWER JUST DOESN'T FEEL RIGHT. ALSO THE SYNC 3 HAS HORRIBLE RESPONSE AND DELAY MOST DAYS. IS IT RELATED TO THE POWER /ELECTRICAL ISSUE? NEW OWNER PURCHASED 2/19.
Power train, Electrical system, Dec 6, 2018
CAR HAS ABOUT 13,000 MILES. SUDDENLY LOST POWER WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. 'STOP SAFELY NOW' WARNING SHOWED ON DASHBOARD. TRIED FOR 10-15 MINUTES TO RESTART, FINALLY RESTARTED AND COMPLETED COMMUTE TO WORK. DROVE THE CAR TO THE DEALER SAME DAY. AFTER ONE WEEK, DEALER HAS NO DIAGNOSIS AND HAS MADE NO REPAIR. I CANNOT DRIVE AN UNSAFE CAR ON MY DAILY COMMUTE, WHICH INCLUDES HIGHWAY DRIVING. FORD IS OBVIOUSLY ON NOTICE THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM AND THEY HAVEN'T FIXED IT.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 22, 2018
UNSAFE CONDITION: WHILE DRIVING AND ACCELERATING UPON SHIFTING THE ENGINE WILL CONTINUE TO ACCELERATE RIGHT TO THE REDLINE THERE IS NO CONTROL OF THE THROTTLE AT THIS POINT ALSO TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY I CAN STEP IN ON THE CLUTH AND RELEASE THE THROTTLE AND THE ENGINE WILL ACCELERATE OR MAINTAIN ITS RPM SPEED YOU CAN SHIRT TO NEUTRL AND COAST TO THE CURB AND IT WILL MAINTIN THE ENGINE SPEED WHEREVER IT DECIDES ON AGAIN THERE IS NO CONTROL OF THE THROTTLE I HAVE BEEN TO THE FORD DEALER TWICE NOW 1ST TIME THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE SECOND TIME AGAIN THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THEY HANDED ME A SHEET STATING IT WAS NORMAL FOR THE ENGINE RPM TO MAINTAIN FOR A FEW SECONDS DURING SHIFT TO EASE THE SHIFTING AND MATCHING OF TRANSMISSION SPEED THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION, WHEN YOU RELEASE THE THROTTE IT SHOULD CLOSE IMMEDIATLY AND RPM SHOULD RETURN TO BASE IDLE. I HAVE BEEN AN ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO AND TRUCK TECHNICIAN FOR 33 YEARS. I HAVE SIT DOWN WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER AND THE GENERAL SALES MANAGER AND I DONT THINK FORD MOTOR COMPANY OR THE DEALER IS TAKING THIS MATTER SERIOUSLY SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET HURT HERE PLEASE HELP
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 21, 2017
BRAND NEW FOCUS ELECTRIC, LESS THAN 3 DAYS OLD FROM DEALER ON 8/17/2017. FOR THE LAST TWO DAYS, I HAVE DRIVEN LESS THAN 100 MILES. CAR WAS CHARGED OVERNIGHT AND SHOWS FULL CHARGE THIS MORNING. I DROVE THE CAR LESS THAN 30 MILES TODAY. IN THE EVENING, WHEN I WAS DRIVING, THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND THE ENGINE STOPPED SUDDENLY ON THE ROAD. THE CAR WAS IN STEADY SPEED ON A CITY STREET IN A STRAIGHT LINE. I WAS NOT ACCELERATING. I WAS NOT BRAKING. ALMOST GOT HIT BY A CAR BEHIND ME. I WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE CAR. BATTERY STILL SHOW 80 MILES CHARGE. INDICATOR WARNING SHOWS: "STOP SAFELY WARNING LAMP" AND "ELECTRIC MOTOR WARNING LAMP". ALL INTERIOR LIGHTS ARE BRIGHT WHEN THE CAR DOOR IS OPENED, IT DOES NOT APPEAR THAT THE BATTERY CHARGE IS LOW. ALSO THERE IS NO WARNING OF "LOW BATTERY" BEFORE THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER. I ALSO NOTICED WHEN I TURN OFF THE "POWER/START BUTTON", THE "INFORMATION AND ENTERTAINMENT DISPLAY/GPS" STAYED ON. EVEN AFTER I HAVE CLICKED THE "LOCK" BUTTON ON THE REMOTE CONTROL KEY. AFTER PRESSING THE "POWER/START/STOP" QUITE A NUMBER OF TIME AND SWITCHING BETWEEN THE TWO KEYS, THEN THE "DISPLAY CENTER" FINALLY TURN OFF. WE HAD TO CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TO HAVE CAR TOWED.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 11, 2017
THIS WILL BE MY SECOND COMPLAINT, AS I HAVE A COMPLAINT # CAS-12526659-Q7S5M2 WITH FORD BUT I AM BEING TOLD THAT THIS IS HOW THE CAR IS. ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. CAN NOT SEE SPEEDOMETER DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS OR DUSK OR DAWN.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 20, 2017
THE TACHOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER HAVE A AUTO DIM AT NIGHT TIME . CAN NOT READ SPEEDOMETER AT DUSK OR DAWN WHEN DRIVING UNDER OVERHEAD LED STREET LIGHTS THAT LEAVE GLARE ON WINDSHIELD. AUTO DIMMER HAS NO ADJUSTMENT TO BRIGHTEN PAST CERTAIN BRIGHTNESS. LIGHTS IN OTHER FORD VEHICLES WORK DIFFERENTLY THEN FOCUS AS BOUGHT 2017 ESCAPE AND DOES NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM