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: power train
454 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Jun 16, 2022
I am pretty sure that this is not the battery. I had my vehicle towed to the mechanic and the code that he’s getting from the computer is the transmission. The clutch seems to be stuck somehow and will not engage into gears. I can get it started, but it won’t go anywhere. It will start and the lights come on. The check engine light is on, and it is something regarding the transmission. Changing the battery would make know difference. The car has always stuttered when taking off from a parked position.And makes noises when there’s a change in the “gears “
Power train, Jun 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The vehicle had previously been serviced at the dealer for clutch assembly replacement on two separate occasions; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated during acceleration and experienced rough driving. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
Power train, Jun 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, and the RPM’s decreased. The service transmission warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. The contact was able to drive home. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the clutch needed to be replaced; additionally, there was an issue with the fuel tank. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Power train, Jun 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine revved while the vehicle hesitated during acceleration, causing the vehicle to overheat. The contact turned off the vehicle and waited until the engine cooled down and then restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the clutch arm was stuck. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Power train, Jun 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle would hesitate without warning while driving at various speeds. The contact also stated that unknown warning lights would intermittently flash on the instrument panel while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and no defects were found. One day while driving in reverse, the gear shifter failed to move from the reverse(R) position after multiple attempts. Once the contact was able to shift the vehicle into drive(D), the vehicle would not accelerate above 10 MPH with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Power train, May 17, 2022
Car shutters heavily when approaching 2500-3500 RPM. Mostly felt before shift change out of 1st gear in automatic, but also felt in same range when left in 1st on select shift. Shudder causes slow acceleration from a stop. Very slow acceleration avoids the shutter.
Power train, Apr 8, 2022
The transmission in my 2017 Ford Focus is slipping, shuttering, and jerking. It also will hesitate when accelerating. It has been to the Ford Maintenance Department at least 4 times to have the transmission “fixed”. It will fail with 1000-10000 miles after it supposedly gets fixed. We have also been turned away from Ford, saying that nothing is wrong or it’s within fords criteria. This is not normal for a car!
Power train, Apr 8, 2022
I recently purchased my 2017 Ford Focus from Carmax in August of 2021. At the time it had 52,675 miles on it. I now have 64,000 miles on the vehicle. I began to notice a few weeks after purchase of the vehicle that upon acceleration from a stop sign or red light, the vehicle would shake or shudder slightly but then cease . This only happened upon acceleration and not while idling. However , it was so slight that it didn't seem to be an issue. In the past month , I have noticed now that the shaking and shuddering is getting extremely heavy upon acceleration and it is starting to scare me. I contacted Ford and they told me that there was not a specific recall on my VIN in particular but that they WERE INDEED aware of serious control module issues and clutch issues for the Ford Focus . I also read that Ford had to extend warranties to many of the Ford Focuses from models all the way up to 2016 . Well, my model happens to be a 2017 but is still having the exact SAME issues . Serious shaking, shuddering, and wanting to shut off upon acceleration. This can be very dangerous and I am nervous now to drive my vehicle. I called many shops around the area and was told that the "Ford Focus transmission shudder issue" is very well known but that Ford may not want to help me out. (Which is what im experiencing now) Again, this vehicle shakes and shudders violently upon acceleration and I would like some help please. Thank you kindly.
Power train, Mar 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering while decelerating. In addition, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed several times before the vehicle started to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transaxle dash clutch and fly wheel needed to be replace. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 31,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Mar 28, 2022
TRANSMISSION FAILURE, car shudders when starting from take off, will not go forward while in gear, engine light came on, would not go into reverseye, I could have been rear ended struck, Unknown if anything else was an issue
Power train, Mar 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after the battery was replaced, the vehicle cut not reverse when needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission control module failure due to a faulty battery. The dealer repaired the transmission. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Power train, Mar 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The vehicle had previously had two transmissions replaced. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the engine revved, but the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The manufacturer advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
Power train, Mar 1, 2022
The transmission in this car has burned a clutch up at 30k miles and replaced by Ford after having to twist their leg to do it. 10k miles later it was slipping again. Currently it is at 70k miles and the clutch is going out again. Ford refuses to take responsibility for this faulty transmission since it is a 2017 model and not included in the class action suit for the model just a year prior, although it is the same transmission. The slipping, stalling and jerking is a danger when pulling out into traffic and I hope it does not cause me to get in an accident and have to sue them for even more than I need to sue them for now for selling me faulty unsafe junk that doesn't last and puts my families life at risk.
Power train, Feb 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact, an independent mechanic, examined the vehicle and diagnosed that the powertrain control module (PCM) was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Feb 4, 2022
CAR WILL SHUTTER FROM A STOP TO ACCELERATE TO SPEED. SCARY SOME TIMES THINKING YOUR GOING TO LOSE SPEED AND GET HIT. THIS HAPPENS MANY TIME, BUT BELOW YOU ONLY ALOW FOR ONE DATE OF INCIDENT, HAPPENS ALMOST EVERYDAY I DRIVE
Power train, Dec 30, 2021
The contact's son owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while his son was starting the vehicle, an unknown shift pattern warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to drive the vehicle at 6 MPH to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission control module to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Power train, Nov 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle would hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who referred her to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they were also unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and informed her there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer informed her that they would cover a portion of the repair cost for the transmission; she was also given a case number. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Power train, Nov 20, 2021
My clutch causes the car to stutter when accelerating. My focus has already had a clutch replacement under warranty. I am now at 76k miles and my car has started stuttering again.
Power train, Nov 5, 2021
The contact's mother owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle would hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact's mother initially took the vehicle to the dealer where they informed her that the clutch within the transmission needed to be replaced. Her mother then took the vehicle to Kurtis Chevrolet, Inc. (5369 Hwy 70 W, Morehead City, NC 28557) where the vehicle was purchased and was provided the same information as the other dealer. Her mother was then given an estimate for the cost of a new transmission. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred her to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Nov 3, 2021
My mother, [XXX], purchased this car in 2017 with only 2 miles on it. Shortly after purchasing it, the steering went out. She had it repaired. Then the clutch on the transmission went out. She had to fight with dealership and Ford to get it replaced. Since this, we have had to have six clutches put in. We have also had to have another steering column put in and two purge valves. The car is now back in the shop having the seventh clutch put in. We have contacted Ford several times asking them to do a buyback and they refuse. My mom is a retired 72 year disabled vet and has to have reliable transportation due to her health. Please assist her in getting this issue resolved. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power train, Sep 27, 2021
On multiple occasions while driving on highways with speed limits 55 or greater the vehicles suddenly de-accelerated rpm dropping to 1-2 rpms and suddently without warning then accelerating to 7-8 rpms, cars and trucks. Appears that the transmission gears were switching without warning and without operator shifting. Took vehicle into John F. Kennedy Ford in Conshohocken Pa., they replaced clutch plate, then we experience the symptom even words on highway, while operating a 55mph with car suddenly de-accelerating. Car under extended ford warranty 60k miles. John F. Kennedy Ford dealer in Conshohocken and Ford Corporate after calls to customer service corporate line speaking to supervisor refuses to repair the vehicle because they say they can not recreate the problem. (witness was present during each incident other than driver) Incidents occurred 09/05/2021 on NJ Expressway and 09/12/2021 on Pa Highway (09122021 occurred after clutch plate was repaired to "fix the problem" My personal opinion is that Ford customers are going to die on the highways if this problem continues. It is extremely dangerous and unsafe due to uncontrolled rapid de-acceleration on the highways.
Power train, Aug 29, 2021
The transmission shudders when accelerating, I have also temporarily lost control of my vehicle when merging onto a highway.
Power train, Aug 26, 2021
My transmission has been slipping ever since I bought it a yr ago in 2020. It is a 2017 Ford Focus. A few days ago it started making occassional whining sounds. I drove to work and engine light came on and it wouldn't start. Mechanic got it started, moving shifter and rolling it a bit. I drove to shop and they said transmission problem. My friend showed me her 2015 extd warranty on tranny clutch. Ford must not have fixed the problem. I also rode in a 2018 today which she said was also slipping. Do we need another multi lawsuit?
Power train, Jul 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle would not shift into gear. The contact stated that when she disengaged the accelerator pedal and depressed it again, she was able to drive the vehicle however, the warning message "Transmission Overheating, Stop Safely" appeared on the instrument panel. The contact veered to the side of the road, then the warning message "Transmission Hot, Wait Five Minutes" appeared on the instrument panel. The contact stated she waited and when she drove the vehicle, the warning message "Transmission Hot, Wait Five Minutes" reappeared. The contact stated she veered to the side of the road and waited. The contact stated she was able to drive the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission clutch A and transmission clutch B needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 9,700.
Power train, Jun 29, 2021
The vehicle only has 34,000 miles on it and I have to get the clutch replaced. I was driving on the highway when I suddenly received a "Transmission Fault Service Now" error. The forks also have to be replaced with this. The car has had regular servicing. I purchased it from a ford dealer when it had 17,000 miles on it. Consumer stated vehicle seems to have the same nhtsa campaign 18V845000.