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, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that since purchasing the vehicle, the check engine light had remained on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective engine hose. The contact was unable to repair the vehicle. Since the initial failure, the contact stated the engine Auto Stop/Start feature had failed to operate as needed and the engine failed to start as designed while at a stop light. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was jerking upon depression of the accelerator pedal. There was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle had been towed to several dealers where multiple repairs were performed; however, the failure returned after each repair. The vehicle was eventually diagnosed with engine failure and the contact was given an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200.
Power train, Jul 28, 2024
Start transmission bucks under load and stalls out bad clutch forks
Power train, Jul 23, 2024
The car was not picking up speed on the freeway; having issues shifting. Make me stop on the freeway putting me at risk of an accident. I was able to go to the shoulder. on the dashboard, I have a message saying the transmission overheated, wait for 5 minutes. I did wait and the car started again. I took it to the dealer and they told me it was a failure of the Module. AE8Z*7Z369*FMODULE - TRANSMISSION CONTROL. TR26 TCM - Replace/Program DPS6 This should not happen in a car with only 100K miles. Also, there should be a recall because it is dangerous for the people when the car almost stops in the middle of the freeway.
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.
Power train, Jun 26, 2024
I purchased the vehicle in 2019 and noticed significant shuddering almost immediately. This was surprising as the vehicle was only 2 years old at the time. The vehicle has particularly intense shuddering when accelerating from a stop on any slope, sometimes seeming as it can't make it up steeper inclines at all. I took the vehicle to a Ford dealership 3 times within the first year or so of ownership (while it was still under warranty) and they replaced the clutch each time, even though this only helped the suddering for a short period (a month or two) each time. It was after this time (after the warranty had lapsed), that I realised transmission issues with my make and model were very common and similar to what I was experiencing. The shuddering has persisted over the last 5 years, and has worstened in the last couple of years. Lately, the transmission issues have also included Slipping. Frequently, when accelerating, the vehicle will often not respond (or respond very slowly). This is especially true when shifting into or out of reverse. These issues make the vehicle a safety issue and should be addressed by Ford.
Power train, Jun 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly shuddered and hesitated, before returning to normal functionality. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the clutch. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Power train, Jun 10, 2024
I was recently driving on the highway in a 70 speed limit zone when the transmission suddenly failed. One minute I was going 70mph with normal feeling and then suddenly the gas/acceleration stopped working and the car went down to around 20 mph within a second, suddenly it felt like being in neutral and I had no control. It would not respond to pressing the gas pedal. It started to buck and shake. Braking felt really erratic and strange and it lunged as I tried to get off the highway. Red transmission failure light came on with red blinking message to stop car immediately. It was terrifying and I could have been killed. I was thankfully able to get to the shoulder to let it stop. We let it sit for about 15 minutes and turned it on again but it was the same. Gas did not respond normally. It was unable to go over 8mph and Reverse no longer worked. It was towed home. It is dead now, nothing improved after sitting. Not worth the repair. Ford claimed this issue was fixed on the 2017 but clearly not, and some are a ticking time bomb like mine was. There was no prior indication of any problem- no strange feeling, no noises, no warning lights, no acceleration problems, etc. It was obvious that it was the transmission that completely failed. A family member who is a mechanic confirmed it. I had been planning to drive this for several more years. Now I need to suddenly get a new car without getting the benefit of having this as a trade in. But at least I am alive! Never getting a Ford again!!
Power train, May 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle drove rough, and the transmission failed to shift as intended. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where and was diagnosed and determined that the dual-clutch had caused the clutch to slip, and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
Power train, May 13, 2024
8/10/17: Purchased car brand new. 8 miles on car at time of purchase 8/21/17: 11 days after purchase. 405 miles. Rattling/Shuttering, bucking before catching. TCM Failure 5/18/21: 31,985 Miles. Hesitation/shuttering. Faulty Clutch. Clutch assembly replaced. 3/4/22: 36,598 miles: Similiar symptoms to 5/18/21. Sluggish. Revving when not needed. No service. 3/24/24: 47,847 miles: . The car started but vibrated violently as soon as I tried to move forward. It then started bucking & I could not continue forward movement. I had to have the car towed. 3/29/24: Replaced Clutch assembly, actuator motors & related hardware. Assembly parts the same as what was replaced in 2021. There was an active Ford TSB 20B23/NHTSA ID 10178055 valid through 7/2021 to replace both actuator motors on all affected vehicles. This service was not performed at the time the clutch assembly was replaced at the May 2021 service appointment. At no time have I received recall notices for any transmission components for my car. Also, during none of the incidents prior to my car needing transmission service did the car illuminate any warning lights.
Power train, May 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his son was driving at approximately 40 MPH, he observed an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that when his son put the vehicle in reverse, the vehicle failed to reverse as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
Power train, May 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning as the steering wheel would shake before the vehicle would resume normal driving operation. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000(Power Train); however, the contact's vehicle was not included in the recall. Two dealers ( Rowe Ford Sales and Ira Ford Saco) were notified of the failure and both informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 115,100. The contact did not attempt to file a complaint online.
Power train, Apr 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, he observed a humming sound coming from under the front of the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle lost motive power and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,000.
Power train, Apr 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after the vehicle came to a complete stop, the vehicle intermittently shuddered and hesitated to accelerate. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact was informed that the failure was related to the transmission; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.
Power train, Apr 18, 2024
My vehicle is exhibiting the same symptoms associated with the recall that was issued for 2017 Ford Focuses, specifically a stuttering transmission on acceleration. There is also some hesitation in shifting at times.
Power train, Apr 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle started shaking violently. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle stalled and could not be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Power train, Apr 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle stalled and jerked. The failure recurred while the contact was driving at an undisclosed speed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,800.
Power train, Engine, Apr 15, 2024
My car was running fine up till last Wednesday when I got to work and I pulled in and put it in park shut the car off went into work I came out nothing the battery wouldn't crank over nothing I had a jump started once it jump started it wouldn't go in reverse and barely went forward now they're telling me I need a TCM and a clutch and they're quoting me 4,600 but I can't just replace the TCM because the transmission case is cracked and it won't relearn you know I don't know what's what to do anymore I mean this car I only put $44,000 miles on it I mean I bought it used but yeah I had no warning that the battery was bad and they're telling me that that's what caused all this and it caused the TCM to fail which cracked the transmission case you know and I can't drive it they're saying because it's dangerous to drive but I have no choice I don't have a car and I got to get to my job and of course my van isn't covered under this TCM replacement that they got going on with 150,000 miles or 10 years cuz my car only has 144,000 miles on it so now I'm I don't know what to do about thisall I know is that this car was running perfectly fine and shifting perfectly fine all day Wednesday until I got to work and turned it off and went into work and came out that's when I got nothing no battery nothing it just I don't know what happened but it was running perfectly fine before that and there were no indications to me that the battery was bad or anything else was wrong with this car before any of this happened none whatsoever I wouldn't even have known cuz I had no problem it went in reverse just fine went drive just fine cranked up every time there was nothing wrong with the battery that I know of all I know is when it died it's caused all these problems
Power train, Apr 12, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Power train, Engine, Apr 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal squeaking sound and failed to start. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the message "Transmission Overheating" was displayed. The contact stated that upon shifting into neutral, the vehicle started. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart when shifted into neutral(N). 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 not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 164,727.
Power train, Apr 4, 2024
Transmission Clutch Assembly. May not be available for inspection unless submitted by the dealership. Car vibrated violently as soon as pulling forward. Car would not continue forward motion without bucking. Car had to be towed to dealership. Yes Yes. Car passed annual inspection just a month prior. Transmission component inspected by service department at dealership. No warning lights illuminated on dash. The technician stated the vehicle needed a clutch replacement. The paperwork shows the parts replaced were the same parts as the above-mentioned service on May 18th, 2021. Additionally, the clutch actuators were also replaced.
Power train, Mar 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle began to hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The check engine, check oil, and engine overheating warning lights were illuminated. The engine seized while the contact was driving to the residence and the vehicle was towed to the residence. The next day, the contact managed to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective transmission clutch. The dealer was then notified of the failure and the contact was given a diagnostic fee. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and provided the contact a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Power train, Mar 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 15-20 MPH, the vehicle temporarily lost power before and after shifting into gear. Additionally, the transmission was skipping gears. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission dual clutch had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Power train, Mar 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly vibrated before returning to normal functionality, after which the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission and informed the contact that the clutch was slipping. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 96,000.
Power train, Mar 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon shifting into reverse, the gear shifter failed to engage, even though the vehicle was still able to be driven with forward motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the reverse gear. The contact was informed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 61,000.