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: engine
304 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The Check Engine Oil warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the VIN not being under recall. The vehicle was towed to the residence. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Engine, Jan 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with oil pump failure. The contact was informed that the oil pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall repair or special warranty programs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Engine, Jan 15, 2025
Dear NHTSA Recall Division, I am writing to bring to your attention a safety and performance issue related to a potential defect in the EVAP canister purge valve of my 2017 ford focus, which may be linked to the previously issued recall for this component. The EVAP canister purge valve in my vehicle has become stuck in the open position, resulting in the engine burning an excessive amount of fuel. This has led to an overly rich fuel mixture, which has placed significant strain on the vehicle's catalytic converter. As a result, the converter is showing signs of damage, including clogging, rough idle, and potential stalling Given the severity of this issue, I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate the potential consequences of this defect and determine if the damage to the catalytic converter—stemming from the malfunctioning purge valve—should be addressed through an expanded recall. The defect appears to not only affect engine performance but could also present long-term risks to vehicle safety, including the possibility of unexpected stalling while driving. I respectfully ask for guidance on the appropriate steps to take in order to address this matter, including whether additional recalls or safety measures will be initiated to cover the catalytic converter damage caused by the faulty EVAP canister purge valve. Additionally, I would appreciate any further instructions on how to proceed with obtaining repairs or replacements for the defective parts. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and assistance in ensuring the safety and performance of affected vehicles.
Engine, Jan 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 25-35 MPH, the oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and waited for a while before restarting the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal after driving a short distance. The oil pressure warning light illuminated again. The vehicle was towed to dealer where it was diagnosed with oil pump failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 3, 2025
Cruise control fails constantly, has trouble picking up speed going up hills. Can't maintain speed on hills and sloaps. Gave to dealership for two months said it was fine only for them to tell me they had no mechanic. Engine continues to fail and they won't check for new recall for free on my car. My check ending light is currently on, I believe it is the same issue with the other Ford Focus recall.
Engine, Dec 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, an abnormal whining sound was coming from the vehicle and the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the “Service Engine Soon” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact used a code reader and retrieved information that the failure was related to the ECU (Engine Control Unit). Due to the failure, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on several occasions where the turbo assembly, purge valve, related hoses, and gaskets, engine mount, coolant expansion tank, and various other parts were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact was provided a case number and was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.
Engine, Dec 27, 2024
not maintaining oil pressure, my ford is a 2017 1.0l ecoboost motor with a stick shift, i found a recall, Recall Reference Number: 23S64. for this motor but it only covers cars with automatic transmission, mine is a manual transmission, from my research they both have the exact same motor, 98500 ish miles. sitting almost 2 years because it wont hold oil pressure. what is the difference between the 2 motors. and why did you not recall all 1.0l ecoboost motors in this recall.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 17, 2024
The contact’s boyfriend owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The owner received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while her boyfriend was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power, and the engine seized. The vehicle was no longer operable and needed to be towed to the dealer. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 52,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Engine, Dec 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to reverse as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was due to the clutch failure. The local dealer was contacted, and diagnostic test was suggested. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to coast the vehicle off to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was initially towed to a friend's residence and then towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the timing belt and the oil pump drive belt had fractured, causing the engine failure. The vehicle remained with the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under recall or warranty. The contact was then referred to the NTHSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 79,503.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Nov 28, 2024, fire
I purchased a 2017 Ford Focus from a car dealership called lion cars on 4201 West Colonial Drive in Orlando Florida the car has a major major electrical issue I was at an intersection and the car went completely dead and turned off and it locked me inside the car I couldn't get out of the car the windows would not roll down the doors were not unlocked and the car started smoking finally I got out then 3 days later I turned around and try to get in the car and the car also locked me in out of the car where I couldn't use my key fob nothing on the car works I did a report on it I found out that the car had been in two major crashes and both reports stated severe damage and when you drive down the road it pulls to the left I brought this attentia attention of lying car dealership they said that they would fix the car or they will replace the car and they never did so now I am without a car I am without my money back and I am without replacement car so
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 22, 2024
My check engine light came on. I stopped at Auto Zone and had the check engine light read. The code came back as P1450 (Canister Purge Valve). Upon checking the Ford Website to run my VIN for recalls, nothing came back for my vehicle. I checked NHTSA and learned there have been 6 recalls, and 2 of those 6 seem to fit the issue I am having. However, since my VIN was not identified as one of the affect VINs, I am not able to take advantage of either recall, Ford's number for this recall is 18S32 and 19S22.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was eventually started, but the failure recurred. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who replaced the engine. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving 35-45 MPH, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant inside the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
Engine, Nov 18, 2024
Transmission clutch issues in 2022 and transmission clutch issues 2024
Engine, Nov 14, 2024
I haven't had the problem yet with the oil pump drive belt tensioner failing but would just like to say that Ford should be forced to buy back the effected vehicles with the 1.0 Ecoboost engine. As the owner of a 2017 Focus I'm stuck with a virtually worthless car that I'm afraid to drive or put my family in. Ford has had more that one year to date to come up with parts to fix this and still nothing. It's outrageous that owners are stuck with these vehicles. Ford's current update on the recall says to drive it and if it fails they'll replace the engine. What if it fails on the interstate doing 70 mph? Oh and the replacement engine still has the defective parts in it so it's a temporary repair.
Engine, Nov 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer for diagnostic testing, the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed engine. The contact was informed that metal shavings were found in the brake booster assembly. The contact stated that the failure started with the engine fault service engine now warning light illuminating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle needed a software update. The software update was performed, however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed brake plug. The contact was informed that the brake plug needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the parts were in backorder. The vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed brake booster assembly. The contact was informed that the brake booster assembly needed to be replaced. The brake booster assembly was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed engine. In addition, the contact was informed that metal shavings were found inside the brake booster assembly. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the failure was a known failure with the year make and model vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle nearly stalled and was losing motive power. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and several unknown parts were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken to another dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon the start of the vehicle, an abnormal cranking noise would emit from the vehicle as several warning lights would appear on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was notified about NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which the mechanic linked to the failure. The contact was then informed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The mechanic referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Oct 7, 2024
The vehicle shutters and has stalled while trying to cross an intersection, almost causing an accident while my children were in the car. It will shutter at take off from a complete stop and will randomly change gears while driving at a constant speed on a level road. When it stalls the wheel locks up as well preventing you from steering off the road and to safety
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the oil pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called another local dealer, New Holland Ford (508 W Main St., New Holland, PA 17557), but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 27, 2024
I was on my way home from work when my oil light came on and I began losing acceleration on a busy highway. It wouldn't let me go above 20 mph which was definitely unsafe due to the nature of traffic on the highway. I managed to pull over and get my car towed to the most recent place I had an oil change. After a few days, they stated that the vehicle had sustained a loss of engine oil pressure and that there was a recall for this issue. They also stated to contact Ford and that the vehicle was undriveable. When I checked the open recalls, I confirmed that there was indeed a recall open for this issue concerning the oil pump, however, Ford Motors state that they will not have the parts available until 1st Quarter 2025. This is puts the timeframe on a remedy at roughly 3-7 months, which is unacceptable as this is my only vehicle and the only way I am able to get to work.
Power train, Engine, Sep 18, 2024
Unknown
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part to repair the vehicle was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 40,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts not being available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Sep 5, 2024
Vehicle has low oil pressure, loss of power and disintegrating oil pump belt. There is a recall on this type of vehicle (23S64) but for automatic transmission only. This vehicle is a standard transmission but with all the same issues. The car has been serviced by an independent service tech. Oil pressure sensor, vacuum pump valve and purge valve have been replaced. The check engine light is on and also when car experiences power loss there is a warning that flashes that says "Engine Fault Service Now"