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, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 30, 2023
I was headed back home for thanksgiving, traveling down I20 from Birmingham to Anniston AL, when the oil light suddenly came on, then 2 minutes later a "default Engine-service now" warning appeared. The car immediately started making a loud rattling noise, sputtered and stopped accelerating. I almost got rear-ended and was terrified! I managed to exit the interstate and pulled into a gas station. Checked oil levels, which were fine. Got back on I20 and drove slowly (with hazard lights flashing) back to previous exit, where there was an express oil change. They could not identify the exact problem, but mechanic speculated it was the oil pump since he just fixed another ford vehicle with the same issue. I had my car towed back to Pep Boys in [XXX] (where I live). After inspecting my vehicle, I was informed that the oil pump had completely malfunctioned. The whole thing, including belts and tensioner had to be replaced. I'm still waiting to find out if any further damage was caused to the engine. So far, the bill is up to $4000 and I have been without a vehicle for 6 days. I would like to note that I completed regular oil changes and maintenance on this vehicle. Upon searching online, I have seen many other reports of this same issue on Ford Focus models, yet there has been no recall or action taken by ford and no action taken by the NHTSA. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Nov 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate while in reverse(R). There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that there was a failure with the TCM (Transmission Control Module). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Power train, Nov 24, 2023
I purchased my 2017 Ford with approximately 300 miles on the speedometer. Have driven my vehicle with care and routine maintenance getting well over 40 miles per gallon. Twice I have had a issue with the clutch and/or transmission under warranty. The car would shutter and vibrate while shifting from 1st gear to 2nd gear and increasingly become worse the more driven. Whether the car is warm or cold, still it would shutter. Was a hassle getting the dealership to fix this issue both times, but got it done. The same issue is starting all over again at 91,000 miles and the warranty is now void. Hoping this repetitive issue can or will be repaired. Thank you
Power train, Nov 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shaking excessively. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to her residence. The contact also stated that the failure had been reoccurring for over a year. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with a failed transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Power train, Nov 5, 2023
Transmission Available for inspection Being able to accelerate and or brake is essential for safety in a vehicle and this is compromised. Nothing has been confirmed but plenty of matching information on vehicle type. Vehicle has not been inspected No warning lights came on and this began this year
Power train, Nov 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered briefly before returning to normal functionality. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the dual-clutch. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 20,000.
Power train, Oct 31, 2023
Driving home from work, the transmission started to shudder and jerk as it shifted. On the highway the vehicle did not shift appropriately. Once home, the vehicle would not go into reverse. After pulling code P287A, the vehicle would no longer start. Ford confirmed it has the same transmission (DPS6) as vehicle mentioned in [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Oct 29, 2023
I've had continuous issues with the DPS6 in my 2017 Focus that is consistent with that from previous model years, which Ford claims has been resolved. It has NOT been resolved. At 62,000 miles, the original transmission blew and had to be replaced in 2021. In spring of 2023, issues with the faulty TCM continually propped up and has been a considerable financial burden, as I've replaced components of the DPS6 to no avail and spent a considerable amount of money trying to resolve the issue. Shifting is challenging, the vehicle does not always turn on consistently and the transmission will occasionally kick into neutral and skip gears. I've replaced the actuators and the "lifetime" A/T fluid (which also should be investigated), and purchased a new TCM, which has been an even bigger arduous expense to get programmed and replaced. Overall, this has just been a huge financial burden and has cost me far more than the vehicle is currently worth. I'm displeased that NHTSA has not yet gotten involved and held Ford accountable for their poor craftsmanship. The TCM issue began in mid-April 2023, starting with skipping gears and jerking of the car. No accident occurred from this, but the car is a hazard to drive, but I rarely have any alternative as it is my daily driver that I pay a lot of money to be stuck with.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Oct 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds after refueling, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road on some occasions. On other occasions, the contact was not able to pull to the side of the road and turned on the hazards lights. The message "Hot" was displayed and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that she turned off and restarted the vehicle after the vehicle had cooled down. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had stalled while driving from a complete stop. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal several times until the vehicle responded. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic several times, where the computer was reset, and the fuel pump was replaced; however, the check engine warning light illuminated a month after the repair, and the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch was stuck. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer then referred the contact to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed that the transmission clutch was stuck. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact followed up with the manufacturer, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 96,500.
Power train, Oct 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. The contact was able to continue driving to her destination. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 19, 2023
My vehicle has had some trouble turning over recently and my check engine light came on shortly after. I ran a diagnostic and was given the code P1450 and who's symptoms were in line with what my car has experienced. I see that there was a recall for other 2012-2018 Ford Focuses with identical problems with my car also having a 2.0 liter GDI engine and was manufactured in the Michigan Ford plant prior to February 2 2018 (the Ford employee I spoke to confirmed that my Focus was built in January of 2017). My car has yet to stall or fail to turn over completely but the problem is becoming more frequent and I believe that my vehicle is one that should have been part of the recall as I'm experiencing identical problems and my vehicle meets the criteria for other vehicles that were part of the recall.
Power train, Oct 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine and transmission warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that there was a warning to pull over due to the engine overheating. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle and waited for approximately 20 minutes before restarting the vehicle. The contact began driving on the highway and the transmission warning light illuminated and the vehicle lost forward momentum. The contact pulled off the highway and drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed by the dealer or a transmission specialist. The contact stated that while driving to the transmission specialist, the vehicle stalled and had to be towed to the transmission specialist. The transmission specialist referred the contact to the dealer due to the transmission failure. The contact was advised by the transmission specialist that there was a recall related to the failure, NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,777.
Power train, Sep 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to shift the vehicle into gear, the transmission erroneously shifted into neutral instead. The transmission fault message was displayed. While the vehicle was idling, the vehicle occasionally lunged forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the clutch was replaced twice; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed the vehicle was not covered under recall or warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.
Power train, Sep 22, 2023
The contact has a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gear shifter was inoperable. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission clutch had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,900.
Power train, Sep 16, 2023
Transmission problems. Transmission went out at 68k miles. Recalls in previous years but not on 2017 but same problem still occurring
Power train, Sep 15, 2023
Transmission lurches when stopped. Jerks hard enough to move forward. When accelerating, car slips and vibrates. Loses power posing a saftey hazard that is unsafe to drive car. Dealership confirmed its the Transmission dry plates on the DSG automatic transmission. Several times when I been at a red light with a car infront of me, I went to apply gas and the car revs then rapidly engages sometimes. I am paying 4,100 to replace a problem that has existed and been told it's normal bt the dealership. Only 38,712 miles on the car and its out of warranty according to Ford. Currently at the dealership now.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Sep 13, 2023
My focus has been having the same problems with the transmission/power train as other focuses that have already been recalled. My car can’t get out of first gear.
Power train, Sep 9, 2023
The car slips going from 1st to 2nd gear when at a complete stop. It is the automatic transmission, and acts as if the car will stall. I just purchased it from an individual, who had stated that is how it has been. I feel this is not normal, and after reading reviews, there has been may issues with this transmission. A lot of reviews have shown people getting the problem fixed, only to experience the same issue 20,000 miles later. It does feel dangerous as I'm completely stopped and start to move and the car wants to jerk, and slip into gear really slow. My model is the 2017 Ford Focus SE with the automatic 6 speed transmission. It is a regular occurrence, and I regret not doing a better job at reviewing this prior. I had a 2009 Ford Focus I had just sold with 219,000 miles on it without any motor or transmission issues. This car has 106,000 miles on it and way it sounds been doing this for a while. Just wondering what to expect, I don't have a check engine light on as of yet.
Power train, Engine, Sep 7, 2023
In may of 2022, while driving at highway speed (approximately 65 MPH) my engine stopped working overheated and I almost crashed attempting to get off the highway. The vehicle mileage was just over 40,000 miles. The reason was vehicle oil pump stopped working due to pieces of debris from engine rubber drive chain clogged engine oil filter. This has occurred over and over on the 1.6 liter eco boost engine. Engine was replaced under warranty and I was given a 12 month 12,000 mile warranty on replaced engine. During the time of the warranty I on numerous occasions dealt with overheating issues as coolant level was constantly low. On one occasion engine stopped working and steam bellowed out almost again causing a crash at highway speed. Engine was diagnosed in 7/2023 by local Ford dealership of engine block grooves allowing coolant to leak into cylinders which led to catastrophic engine failure. My vehicle now has just over 50,000 miles and Ford states that since I am over my 60 month power train warranty they will do nothing to cover costs on a 3rd engine replace. That is 2 separate instances where engine completely failed and stopped while driving at highway speeds and at least 2 times where engine overheating nearly caused the vehicle to become overheated to the point of causing a fire.
Power train, Sep 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle jerked while shifting from first to second gear with the RPM at 3,000. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. 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 53,000.
Power train, Aug 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle would not immediately start. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was a loud revving sound while attempting to accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that while driving the message "Transmission Overheated - Pull Over" was displayed, and the vehicle rolled backwards while on an incline. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 75,460.
Power train, Aug 21, 2023
Vehicle stutters while accelerating, constant issue. Recently will not go in reverse problem code showing Clutch B stuck engaged. Trans overheating and rev while accelerating. Told needs new TCM computer. Owned a 2013 Ford Fiesta and this is the same issue, but told it is out of warranty and not covered.
Power train, Aug 6, 2023
Changing gears, jerking into gears, jumping into neutral, transmission hot warning light turns on
Power train, Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power, with the transmission slipping. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle seemed to return to normal functionality; however, the failure recurred and became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was unable to provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 81,058.
Power train, Engine, Jul 17, 2023
Driving and car no longer would accelerate, this could have been very dangerous had I been traveling on a fast paced road/highway and even more concerning with my child in the car. oil pressure light and check engine light came on simultaneously when this issue happened. Car was immediately turned off in hopes of not damaging the engine. There was no warning of any type of issue with the car. Has been running fine for almost 6 years, until this. 2017 Ford Focus Ecoboost SE Approx 59,000 miles.