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, Jul 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 - 40 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle accelerated sluggishly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission control module (TCM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, while leaving the dealer, the failure recurred. The dealer informed the contact that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V169000 (Power Train), however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,123.
Steering, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jul 2, 2023
On MANY multiple occasions the vehicle has undergone a transmission/clutch failure. The worst of which was when passing a vehicle on a busy section of interstate and the car effectively put itself in neutral, unable to accelerate, at which point the vehicle behind us had to swerve to not collide with us or cause an accident. After the third time bringing it back to the dealership for repairs, I looked into it. We have only been able to drive this car LITERALLY HALF of the time we’ve owned it, and poured thousands in repairs for obvious and negligent manufacturing defects that YOU KNOW ABOUT. This is a well known issue, and FAR FAR beyond the reasonable requirements for a recall. I am stuck with this vehicle and am mounting debt because I cannot afford another car. The NHTSA has outright failed in its duties to protect people from Fords clear fraud and negligence. I’m unsure if it’s political pressure to not oust them, or because you’re corrupt. Either way, I’ve decided to mount a campaign to bring light to this issue, and your complete lack of response. Ford is at fault for fraud and endangerment. YOU are at fault for willfully ignoring an issue that has, ON THOUSANDS OF WELL DOCUMENTED OCCASIONS, caused real financial and/or physical harm. Which is literally the exact opposite of your institution’s purpose. I will not be including the paperwork or screenshots of our (currently) 10+ shop visits and bills, because you already have thousands (if not literal millions) of examples. You make me a sick as Ford. Shame on you.
Power train, Jun 26, 2023
Engine rpm’s race wildly when auto trans shifts from 1 to 2 and 3 to 4. Vehicle suddenly will no longer go in Reverse. Dealer says there are no applicable programs affecting my vehicle despite same problems reported on 2012 - 2016 models. Independent transmission shops refuse to attempt repairs on all models of Focus due to widespread knowledge of defective transmission design. I see no reason why my vehicle is excluded! I am told 4-5 month wait to be seen for dealer service.
Power train, Jun 4, 2023
I purchased my car 3 years ago from a dealer. I maintain maintenance on my vehicle faithfully. I was coming from work I had stopped at the stop sign, when I went to accelerate to make a left turn. My car started to decelerate as if I was in the wrong gear. I tried to drive and it would drive to maybe 10/15 mph and sound as if I’m in the wrong gear. The car is automatic so I was completely lost. I’m thankful I was able to make it home. The transmission failure service light came on. The car stopped going in reverse. My mechanic says the transmission alone is about 4500. I’m still making payments on this car to help my credit. I know someone who has the exact same car with the same problem. The transmission. I called different ford places. They were no help. Then getting on here just made me feel worst because ALOT of people are apparently having the same problem with same kind of car. Please help.
Power train, May 28, 2023
I’ve only had the vehicle 1 yr 2 months. Purchased from CMA Honda and the vehicle powered completely off. The battery was replaced and the transmission control module, they are now saying it’s internal. The entire transmission has to be taken apart and they are now saying it will be $5000 or more. Nope trading it.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 26, 2023
This regards my 2017 Ford Focus. The car is 6 years old, I am still making payments on it, has a little over 50,000 miles on it, has been maintained by Ford every year since I bought it, and the transmission and extended warranty had just expired about 2 months ago. A few weeks ago, I'm driving down the freeway around 1pm Pacific, traveling about 60mph when the engine seemed to 'seize up', the engine light came ON, the car jerked several times creating a severely dangerous driving hazard as I tried to keep it under control. It slowly began losing speed, so I made my way off the freeway and made my way to the Ford dealer who had been maintaining the car. It felt like the car was going to stall any minute so I'm lucky I got to the dealer. It took them a few days to get back to me, and they then told me the entire engine and 'boost system' needed to be replaced at a cost of approx. $7,000 (probably just to get another defective engine). They tried to work with Ford to get some financial assistance since this is obviously a defective car, but Ford refused.The dealer suggested I call Ford, so I did, and spoke with a rep and a supervisor on May 22, told them their car was defective and my life had been put in danger, and they both told me they wouldn't help in any way. As I write this, the dealer has ordered parts and am awaiting repairs. I will have been without a car for 3 weeks, paying for Lyft and borrowing cars to get to work. I understand there's a class action lawsuit (Barnes et al vs Ford, US District Court of Delaware Case 1:22-cv-00823). Ford should buy my car back.
Power train, May 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic light, the light turned green and the contact depressed the accelerator however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle revved but failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle started moving forward at a slow speed and was shuddering. The contact stated that she returned to her residence and turned off and restarted the vehicle, however the failure persisted. The contact stated that she also experienced a failure in attempting to shift the vehicle into reverse(R). The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and she had the clutch replaced two more times by the dealer. The contact stated that the dealer had replaced the Transmission Control Module due to the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
Power train, May 22, 2023
Transmission does not shift properly. Vehicle shakes and shudders while accelerating. Noticeable loss of power and acceleration while shaking and shuddering happens.
Power train, May 9, 2023
I recently got this car, seen there was a recall so I took it to get fixed at the dealership. Ever since it got fixed, my car has lost power and the transmission won't shift correctly making me unable to drive.
Power train, May 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking while shifting gear before losing motive power. The vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light illuminated with the "transmission overheating" and "transmission fault" messages displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced but the failure recently reoccurred. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.
Power train, Apr 29, 2023
Fors continues to have the same transmission issues they had in the 2011-2016 ford focus dual clutch transmission. 2017 & 2018 should’ve been recalled. I have approximately 15,000 miles on my 2017 and the car was working fine and one day it suddenly lost some forward gears and reverse leaving the car in limp mode in the middle of the an intersection after starting to drive forward on the road. The lights changed and traffic is moving across leaving me in an unsafe situation and the other drivers having cars traveling 55 nearly rear ending them. There is no warning of this failure they suddenly happen and can cause issues where you’re stuck at a light or cannot get through an intersection. I tried to bring my car in and they told me they had 80,000 focus cars ahead of me and that they wouldn’t be able to fix my car due to a chip shortage. 80,000 other ford focus with this same issue is clear to me they’ve never resolved the matter and continued allowing these unsafe cars to be on the road. If this happens on a busy freeway, intersection, or anywhere on the road its a serious issue. There needs to be a full recall on the transmissions control module, the two clutch actuators, and the shift forks. Because of the design the TCM first fails causing the actuators to rotate and sheer of the pin from the castings, causing the shift forks to come loose. The only way to fix it because of all the diat created when this happens is to replace the dual clutch, TCM, both external actuators and shift fork A and shift fork B. Of course they sold two more years of the same model they’ve previously recalled and were part in a class action settlement that requires they replace these unsafe components. I cannot be the only person to report this safety issue. It nearly caused me to get hit on the road and I’m lucky to be alive. The next person may not be so lucky. Ive only got 15,000 miles on this car it shouldn’t have any issues like this. Recall these now.
Power train, Apr 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to reverse while the transmission was shifted into reverse(R). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the control module needed to be replaced; however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Power train, Apr 14, 2023
The DPS6 dual-clutch transmission shudders and shifts hard during all phases and speeds. Acceleration is unpredictable and feels as though it could stall at any time. Ford wants $3000 - $5000 to repair. They also state the issue is common.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 7, 2023
The vehicle shakes, stalls shuts off when filling up with gas. Once gas is added, you have to keep the feet on the gas (reveing up to ensure it starts), then drive to get the gas flowing into the engine. The vehicle was taken for diagnostic with an Auto Zone and a mechanic and the codes pulled (more than once) was...P1450 and P2196. This was brought to the attention of dealer at time of purchase and requested another vehicle. They ensured it could be fixed; after another yr. or more now the codes are appearing again. I have dates for repair, but will have to get copies of work completed from the dealer.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Apr 2, 2023
I pulled out of my brothers driveway as I pulled out the car failed to go over 10mph and started to lurch back and forth. I almost got in an accident because of this. There was a car coming down the road and they had to swerve to miss me because I couldn’t get the car to go over 10. I promptly pulled the car over after that.The car also would go into reverse but would not move. I had the car towed to a local Ford dealer because I did not feel it was safe to drive. There were no warning lights on the car at the time of the incident. The check engine light did come on later though. The dealership said the TCM had failed and would need to be replaced but I would need to wait for the part because it’s on national factory back order. After waiting 4 months and calling Ford to complain multiple times the part finally came in. They installed the part and told me it did not fix the issue and I would need a replacement transmission. The car has not been fixed, failure date was at 87,300 miles. The car is no longer safe to drive and costs way too much for me to fix.
Power train, Mar 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 98,639.
Power train, Mar 23, 2023
POWER SHIFT TRANSMISSION/DUAL CLUTCH IS SHUTTERING /JERKING WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP OR AND TURNING CORNERS.NOTE THIS HAPPENS REGULARLY. ITS BEEN BACK TO DEALEARSHIP ON 4 OCCASIONS . THEY REPLACED CLUTCH ASSEMBLY ONCE IN FEB 2020,IT WAS TAKEN IN AGAIN IN MAY 2021 FOR SAME ISSUE TOLD IT WAS IN SPEC. THE FOURTH TIME WAS TAKEN IN IN MARCH 2023 TOLD ITS IN SPEC.CAN'T FIND THE DATE FOR TIME NUMBER 3,BUT WAS TOLD THEN IT WAS IN SPEC.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 22, 2023
Ever since purchasing this vehicle 2nd hand, it has had "Fuel Rail Pressure Too Low" and "Lost Communication with Fuel Pump Control Module" intermittently. Attempted to fix with a mechanic, had fuel control module replaced. It occurred again, so had fuel pump replaced. It still randomly stalls out, leaving us in danger on the roadway. Pulling into traffic can be dangerous, since a stall-out would guarantee a collision with on-coming traffic. Engine light stays on when it stalls, eventually will start again, and light disappears. This has been an ongoing problem over the last 2 years. Vehicle can only be used for local driving in the event of being stranded, sometimes on a monthly basis. Recently now, the Transmission Control Module has stopped working and needs to be replaced (as of 3/6/23). Mechanic says these parts are on backorder for 1+ years.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 21, 2023
My vehicle has a faulty transmission problem and a fuel problem, The vehicle has been inspected by personal mechanics and CarX, 5 codes have been scanned and confirmed that their are 2 codes for the transmission and 2 codes for the fuel system. Check engine light is on, the vehicle will no longer go into reverse but can continue to go into drive but does not accelerate rpm when accelerating on the gas.
Power train, Mar 18, 2023
While accelerating from a complete stop, the car frequently jerks and sputters while it appears to be attempting to switch gears. This has been a problem since I bought the car pre-owned in 2020 but it has become much more frequent and instead of doing a single jerk or sputter when stepping on the gas, it does it much more. I did research more and it appears the make, model, and year were part of a recall prior to my owning the vehicle for what seems to be the same issue; however, my VIN was not part of that recall.
Power train, Mar 10, 2023
Transmission shakes when taking off and stumbles to get going. it almost got me hit when turning due to it not wanting to go.
Power train, Mar 8, 2023
The transmission starts to shift too hard. It doesn't accelerate easily, and when it does, it gets very jerky.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Power train, Mar 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the RPM’s started fluctuating before lowering and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to regain motive power by excessively depressing the accelerator. The contact was able to drive approximately 5-10 minutes however, while coming to a stop light the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle drove normal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact, a certified mechanic, retrieved a diagnostic trouble code for a malfunctioning EVAP system and that the O2 sensor had malfunctioned. Additionally, the fuel level was elevated. The dealer was contacted and confirmed the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 56,500.
Power train, Mar 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond while attempting to drive from a complete stop. The contact stated that the vehicle would respond as needed after shifting into a lower gear. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while driving approximately 45 MPH. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the TCM was reset several times. The contact stated that the vehicle was temporarily fixed after resetting the TCM. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the TCM had failed and needed to be replaced. 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. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Mar 6, 2023
I was driving home from my mother's home and the car swerved and was hard to keep control of. The next day I was headed to work and the warning came on that the transmission was too hot. I let it cool down for 15 minutes and the message said it was safe to drive, but the process repeated 4 times.i called for tow to the mechanic and he said it was a transmission control module. The part was on backorder for se eral weeks. When they tried to do the repair it did not work.