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 and engine cooling
81 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 18, 2025
The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the "Service Immediately" message was displayed, and the vehicle started losing motive power and stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle and the vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the oil pump had failed and caused damage to the engine. The dealer related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer informed the contact that the engine and oil pump needed to be replaced; however, the parts to complete the repair were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the check engine and oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to exit the interstate, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine before the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled off the Interstate, turned off, and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired by an independent mechanic. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 69,921.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 3, 2025
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 dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 and engine cooling, Aug 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle failed to accelerate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The dealer failed to honor the vehicle warranty and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where the engine was replaced. The contact then 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 made aware of the issue 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 33,905. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 20, 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. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 5, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 31, 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. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the vehicle was not diagnosed, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,462. VIN tool confirms part not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 15, 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 15, 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 9, 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. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jul 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20-25 MPH, there was a loud clunking sound coming from underneath the front-end of the vehicle. The contact stated that the gear shifter was shifted into reverse(R); however, the vehicle failed to respond. The dashboard displayed the message, "Default of the Transmission". The vehicle had been taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission and catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was 142,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jul 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that the vehicle unexpectedly shifted out of gear. Additionally, the engine was overheating. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed by a mechanic and it was determined that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 2, 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. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 1, 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. 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 lost motive power with the oil pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed as a failure with the long block and metal contamination in the oil pump tensioner which caused the engine to fail. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure The failure mileage was approximately 39,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. Also, while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly began to lose automotive power and the red oil warning light began to flash off and on. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the oil pump drive belt and oil pump tensioner had failed causing severe damages to the engine. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 53,000.