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, Dec 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound while shifting into the intended gear. The transmission malfunction warning light was illuminated, and the Service Vehicle message was displayed. The contact stated that the failure recurred while coming to a complete stop. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond intermittently while shifting into reverse(R). The dealer was notified of the failure and provided the contact with an estimate for a diagnostic test. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Power train, Dec 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate from a stop light, the vehicle shuddered and hesitated while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission clutch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Power train, Dec 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an engine misfire, and the transmission was slipping gear. The contact stated there was an alert indicating that the transmission was getting hot-illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that when the vehicle was parked, the gear shifter failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift into reverse. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission clutch assembly failure. The contact was informed that the transmission clutch assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V169000 (Power Train). The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,976.
Power train, Dec 17, 2024
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 vehicle shook erratically. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed clutch assembly. The contact was informed that the clutch assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure had occurred previously in 2019 and 2021. The contact stated that the clutch assembly was replaced twice under warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
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.
Power train, Dec 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, and while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered significantly. The contact also stated that while at a complete stop on an incline, the vehicle rolled backwards while the brake pedal was not depressed. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to upshift as needed. The contact stated that upon depressing and releasing the accelerator pedal several times, the vehicle responded as needed occasionally. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Power train, Dec 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon shifting to reverse(R), the vehicle failed to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to D&D Auto, where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was referred to the dealer, who referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to file a report with the NHTSA Hotline for the VIN to be added to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Power train, Dec 3, 2024
While changing a dead battery, the vehicle's transmission control module (TCM) malfunctioned and caused the shift drum to shear off a piece of the aluminum casing inside the gearbox. DTC codes P2837 and P287B were present indicating a shift fork failure. The dual-clutch transmission (DPS6) lost access to reverse, 2nd gear and 4th and 6th gear, but was still able to shift into 1st, 3rd and 5th. Under these conditions, there is the possibility that the sheared off piece of aluminum can enter the gear train and cause the transmission to seize, putting passengers life at risk. The problem is either that the aluminum casing is deficient, or, more likely, that the TCM software is flawed. The problem has been confirmed by the local Ford dealership, who took pictures of the damage, including the piece of aluminum. Judging from Internet search results for the DTCs, the problem is widespread and triggered by a low battery or weak (high impedance) ground condition in the TCM. No warning lights or low battery indications were shown prior to the incident.
Power train, Nov 25, 2024
Engine/transmission has slight shudder sometimes after driving long distances. Transmission had issues with clutch and shift fork with only 56,000 miles. Skipped gears or got stuck when shifting from gear 1 to gear 2 with no warning on the day it needed services. Only way to fix is put a brand new transmission in. Should not be needing a new transmission with such low mileage..
Power train, Nov 25, 2024
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 there was a rumbling sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine and transmission failure warning lights illuminated. The contact attempted to drive the vehicle to the dealer; however, the engine overheated seven times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed transmission clutch assembly. The contact was informed that the transmission clutch assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched and discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V169000 (Power Train) and 18V845000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
Power train, Nov 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving in the higher gears, the vehicle began shaking abnormally. Additionally, the contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, an unknown warning light illuminated and while accelerating the vehicle began jerking. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on three occasions where it was diagnosed that the clutch was faulty needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired twice. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,000.
Power train, Nov 10, 2024
The dual clutch transmission slips, shudders and hesitates in first gear. It will even at times, jerk in other gears. This has been repaired 2 times, but the “fixes” only last maybe 20,000-25,000 miles if I’m lucky. The dealership now refuses to fix this and wants to charge over $4000 to fix this. This is not something I can or am will to pay for every 1.5-2 years.
Power train, Nov 8, 2024
Purchased a 2017 Ford Focus with 30,000 miles on it in July of 2020. This engine was originally a manual transmission and was turned it into an automatic transmission for several years. During this time, there were many issues with the transmission. I knew that when I purchased it, but the 2017 engine was supposed to be the best version now. In June of 2021, I had the the transmission clutch replaced at 33,500 miles. This was covered under the Ford warranty. Now the car's clutch transmission needs to be replaced again -- with only 16,500 miles between the first replacement for a total cost of $3,000. I just passed 50,000 miles this past weekend. I have an extended lifetime powertrain warranty, but this particular part isn't covered. I called Ford Customer Service and they weren't able to help me. I can't believe I'm the only person having this problem with this vehicle since we know it's been an issue with their transmissions for several years (2015 -2017). I think a transmission clutch should last more then 16,500 miles before replacement. As it is, I'm going to have to sell the vehicle and take a loss. I'm [XXX] and this was going to be my last vehicle. It's paid for and looks brand new. Just wanted to make sure that this issue was reported so that maybe others can be helped. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Nov 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic signal, as the signal changed, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle hesitated before moving forward. The contact stated that once the vehicle had forward momentum there was no hesitation. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while cold starting the vehicle and the vehicle hesitated after shifting to drive(D) and depressed the accelerator pedal. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the vehicle had experienced transmission failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Power train, Oct 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the transmission failed to shift as needed. The message "Transmission Overheat" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the transmission clutch sensors A and B were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact used a vehicle scanner and retrieved DTC code: P2872; which indicated that the failure was related to the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Power train, Oct 20, 2024
There was a recall on my make and model of car couple years back. My transmission is not receiving any power my gas pedal just revvs with no acceleration when in drive. I have recently replaced the purge valve. Safety is at risk when suddenly decides to accelerate or not. When after stopping at red lights or stops signs than having to accelerate stalls mid intersection. Afraid to drive to ford, will be towing to manufacturer. I took vehicle to a different auto body shop would like to take to specific manufacturer due to transmission issues. Engine light has been on got diagnosis small evap leak with couple codes replaced part engine light still on transmission seems to have issue.
Power train, Oct 11, 2024
The transmission is experiencing the following: Difficulty shifting gears, Delayed or harsh, shifting, Transmission slipping. I have a 2015 that experienced the same thing and was recalled and fixed. This is not under recall. The vehicle has under 80K mines.
Power train, Oct 9, 2024
While on the freeway theTansmission started slipping and not accelerating properly. Dashboard displayed transmission overheat warnings that require the vehicle to be stoped for at least 5 minutes, only to display overheat error again. Informed Ford and was told
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
Power train, Engine, Sep 18, 2024
Unknown
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 18, 2024
2017 Ford transmission, 2017 Ford dashboard
Power train, Sep 13, 2024
Transmission needs to be replaced at 45,319 miles. Car began jerking at low speeds when accelerating/decelerating. After I noticed the jerking/stuttering the engine light went on. I took it in to an independent service center, they inspected the car and diagnosed the problem. They said I needed a new transmission with TCM and that this is a common problem with this car.
Power train, Sep 5, 2024
I bought this vehicle brand new, and shortly after purchase it started to shutter when I accelerated. I had the clutch replaced three times while under warranty. The vehicle is no longer under warranty and recently, it has been having trouble starting and it's been having shifting issues. It's revving and taking longer than it should to shift gears, shifting hard when it does shift, and doesn't act like its going to shift at all. I was on a busy roadway turning right. I made the turn and accelerated to the flow of traffic and the vehicle revved loudly and wouldn't move. I turned on my hazard lights and made my way to the center turning lane. I came to a full stop, put it in park, then back in drive, and proceeded to get back into the driving lane. It delayed shifting and shifted hard the rest of the way, but thankfully I made it home safely. It is at the mechanic shop right now and I'm being told it needs a new transmission. The mechanic also told me that he cannot find a transmission for this vehicle because as soon as they come in, they are bought up due to this reoccurring issue. I have to get this vehicle back to my house to just sit in the driveway until I can figure something out. This vehicle is only 7 years old with 120K miles on it. I just paid this vehicle off last year, and now I have to find a new vehicle. Ford really needs to recall these transmissions!
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 25, 2024
Wiring assembly, and tcm are a safety risk because of improper gear shifting and shuttering. The issue is reproduced with a battery swap on the vehicle it’ll cause improper grounding. No inspection, No warning signs until after improper shifting triggered limp mode no reverse and check engine along with transmission service message.
Power train, Aug 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate from being idle, the vehicle was lunging forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the contact was unaware of the diagnostic result. The dealer informed the contact that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure occurred approximately 5 years after the repair. While driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle experienced the failure and the transmission started to slip. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had been taken to another dealer where it was diagnosed and DTC code: PO7A3 (Transmission Failure) was retrieved. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 25,000.