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: fuel system
61 reports, newest first. Show all
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the RPM gauge was fluctuating while starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a canister purge valve failure. The dealer informed the contact that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 6, 2022
My 2017 Ford focus, after fill up the gas tank had difficulty to start on. . I went to the dealer about this issue because the check engine light has pop up, and had the issue each time when fill up the tank. They has told me that the issue was with the CANISTER PURGE VALVE, and will need replace it. I did and pay almost $400. I found in internet the below link that show: FORD MOTOR COMPANY ISSUES RECALL IN NORTH AMERICA FOR SELECT 2012-18 FORD FOCUS VEHICLES FOR MALFUNCTIONING CANISTER PURGE VALVE. https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2018/10/25/ford-motor-company-issues-recall-in-north-america-for-select-201.html For me is to much casual that my car in the same range of the year have the issue with the same part reported. Dealer has told me that my car do not have any recall but i think Cars like mine, have the same issue. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 18, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving uphill, the RPM increased, and the vehicle independently accelerated. Additionally, while driving the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to accelerate above 5 MPH. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact changed the fuel however, the failure recurred. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact informed the insurance company about the failure she experienced. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was 45,475.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 5, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service Engine" warning light illuminated. After refueling, the vehicle would not start until after several attempts, with the contact depressing on the accelerator pedal to start the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 14, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine had experienced rough idling and stalling. On several occasions, the vehicle would not immediately restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a local dealer who both diagnosed that the canister purge valve was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle was included in the NHTSA campaign number 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Aug 25, 2021
The contact's girlfriend owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his girlfriend was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle would idle and stalled. The fuel gauge was faulty, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the stuck canister purge valve had deformed fuel tank. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 49,500.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 19, 2021
Once, my Ford Focus stalled while driving at about 35 mph. Good thing I was in a neighborhood. It could of been worse. I know it wasn’t the battery because I had just replaced it. Also at a later time after refueling it didn’t want to restart. Then the check engine light turned on. Code read P1450. I took it to the dealership and they said the purge valve needed to be replaced. I did some homework and read that Ford, in 2018 issued a recall for approximately 1.5 million select 2012-18 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with 2.0-liter GDI and 2.0-liter GTDI engines for a malfunctioning canister purge valve. However, my Ford Focus didn’t have that recall.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Apr 6, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED AND HESITATED WHILE ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WOULD ATTEMPT TO RESTART THE VEHICLE 15-20 TIMES AND THEN ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO REV FOR 2-3 MINUTES BEFORE THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL TANK HAD EXCESSIVE VACUUM PRESSURE. THE FUEL TANK NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V845000 (POWER TRAIN) AND 18V735000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AS POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. JOE COTTON FORD, INC. (5 W. NORTH AVE, CAROL STREAM, IL 60188, (630) 682-9200) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 52,800.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 21, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO KORF MOTORS FORD (520 E CHESTNUT ST, STERLING, CO 80751, (970) 522-1500) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND DETERMINED THAT THE PCV NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V735000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE, HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL TANK SHOWED NO MAJOR DEFECTS AND THAT THE DEALER WAS NOT OBLIGATED TO CHANGE THE FUEL TANK AND THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 81,000.*DT CONSUMER STATED NO PARTS WERE REPLACED AND FORD WOULD NOT HONOR THE RECALL.*JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, May 15, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MOVING OFF FROM A STOPPED POSITION, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. A DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V515000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 16, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V515000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AT SHOTTENKIRK FORD JASPER (868 GA-515, JASPER, GA 30143), HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STAND STILL, THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER THE FOURTH ATTEMPT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SAME DEALER AND WAS DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PCV VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 56,120.