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, Mar 4, 2023
Dual clutch transmission needs replaced and my vehicle only has approximately 44,500 miles on it. Mechanics including Ford mechanics say that it is no fault of my own but a common problem with the 2017 Ford Focus transmission. The automatic transmission loses power, hesitates and shakes between gears sometimes, especially on inclines. It also when going from reverse to drive which started yesterday 03/03/2023 sometime after Ford Services inspected it, now sometimes the vehicle still drives in reverse after shifting to drive until i press my brakes, look to see it is in drive, which it is, then, press the gas pedal again and it moves forward finally as it should. This occurrence is random but mostly an issue when having to reverse on a slight incline out of a parking position, which makes it more dangerous. This is not a one time occurrence but ongoing until i replace the transmission. There are also no service engine lights warning of the transmission or anything else for that matter showing there being an issue even though there is.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 27, 2023
I went to pull into traffic and when I pushed on the gas to hurry it just did a jumping stuttering type of thing. I almost got hit, it’s like it just doesn’t want to engage right away and I don’t know if it’s the clutch or transmission. Hills are also an issue, just jerks and jumps trying to go into a gear. I was told this car would not have the same problem as the previous years but I am very upset and lucky I didn’t get killed. Thank you my number is [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power train, Feb 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormal sounds. Additionally, the transmission was slipping while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with bearing and bushing failure, and the DPS gearbox needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not 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 69,000.
Power train, Feb 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH and shifting from first to second gear, she heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the clutch to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but experience the same failure within two months. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the clutch to be replaced for second time. The vehicle was repaired but experience the same failure a second time. The contact took the vehicle the third time to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the axle to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact purchased the axle from the dealer but took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and had the axle replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure and the contact stated that a control module warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to another independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed and it was determined that the clutch fork needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,838.
Power train, Feb 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and started jerking with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that there was no Extended Warranty on the vehicle. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Power train, Feb 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking, lost motive power, and hesitated while accelerating. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle had been serviced for the same failure previously, and the transmission clutch was replaced on three separate occasions. The failure mileage was 17,500.
Power train, Feb 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate from a stop light, the vehicle failed to accelerate properly with the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train) and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Engine, Feb 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering while shifting from first gear. Additionally, after refueling, the vehicle hesitated to restart. The contact also stated while driving, the transmission was slipping. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that there was an issue with the fuel system. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was due to the purge valve being stuck open. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Power train, Jan 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking and then lost motive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the transmission fault message was displayed. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the TCM and transmission shift forks A and B needed to be replaced; however, the replacement parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and transferred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 38,693.
Power train, Jan 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and the transmission inadvertently downshifted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The transmission was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The transmission was replaced twice after the first failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 67,000.
Power train, Jan 23, 2023
Trans make noise shudders and rolls back ,also had car jump forward at light. For told me they know there a problem had clutch replaced twice in 2 years now out of warranty.
Power train, Jan 20, 2023
Try to accelerate and vehicle transmissions slips and shakes assessively. When it shifts it shakes and slips. Dangerous to move forward from a red light into a intersection. Only 37,000 miles and problem is getting worst. Dealer said it's normal but I have learned it's not and is a big issue.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Jan 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the canister purge valve was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking and hesitating while attempting to accelerate. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) or 18V845000 (Power Train). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recalls. The failure mileage was 100.
Power train, Jan 6, 2023
The car was driving fine but when we had to jump the car off the car would not shift in reverse and also the car was very sluggish when driving it to the dealership. The dealership confirmed that the Transmission Control Module had gone bad on the car and also notified us that this was a recurring problem on other Ford Focus and Fusion models.
Power train, Dec 30, 2022
The contact’s daughter owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after his daughter started the vehicle and attempted to shift into reverse(R) the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the gear shift lever failed to shift into reverse(R). The vehicle was manually pushed into the intended direction and the vehicle was shifted into drive(D). The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating and shaking while driving to an independent mechanic. The contact was unaware of any warning lights being illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,504.
Power train, Dec 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle began to hesitate. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Power train, Dec 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving from a stationary position, the rear wheels were vibrating during acceleration. The contact stated that transmission fault and transmission hot messages were displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,000.
Power train, Dec 6, 2022
My husband and I bought a 2017 Ford Focus in April 2017. It had 9 miles on the car. within 6 months after purchase we had to get the automatic/manual clutch replaced. Then two more times after that within the next year. We still have the problems with that part. Which is recalled but my VIN number does not show it as a recall. Then last year in Fall 2021 we took the car in for oil change and engine light on and found out the Canister Purge Valve for the gasoline had failed and needed to be replaced. Which is also under a recall and of course my VIN number shows nothing. My car will not start after I put gasoline in it and I have to push my gas pedal to rev it up then when I put it in drive and to hit gas pedal it dies. So why cant I get these parts fixed on my 2017 Ford Focus when they are clearly a recall. I also have documentation at home and at the dealership where everything has been completed since we have gotten the car.
Power train, Nov 23, 2022
My car only has 41000 miles on it and there is a transmission issue causing the car to move in unsafe ways, either it doesn’t accelerate to merge safely or it lurches forward sometimes even with the brake applied. My car is only 9 weeks outside the factory powetrain warranty. I don’t feel it is right I need to pay $3000 in repairs for a car with 41K miles and just over 5 years old.
Power train, Nov 20, 2022
2017 Ford Focus SE with automatic transmission. It shutters when taking off from a complete stop or at low speeds shaking the whole car. With it being hesitant taking off it just isnt safe if you're ever in a situation where you need to get out of the way of an incident. The clutch wears out way to fast. It needs a whole different transmission instead of Fords dual clutch powershift transmission that should have been perfected before putting them into so many cars.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Nov 19, 2022, crash
Car was at highway speed and was given light input to change lanes. With light input, the engine accelerated in an uncontrolled manner, revving to maybe 5000 rpm. The driver had to slam on the brakes to counteract. Result was a rear-end collision with the car in front (Route 95 near Laurel, MD). For what it is worth, the car also gave an "overheating" alarm for the Powershift DCT transmission even though no such alarm had ever appeared previously. So first time alarm on the transmission and the following day this incident with the unintended acceleration. These could be unrelated, but could also be related. With the overheating transmission issue, the car was left sit for 10 minutes and then drove normally. Car also drove normally after the accident. No further abnormal acceleration issues.
Power train, Nov 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the "transmission overheating" message was displayed, and the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission control module and transmission 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 local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 118,000.
Power train, Nov 12, 2022
this car with 38k on it has a transmission failure. it was very dangerous. the car lost its reverse gear and won't stay in its forward gears. it will jump in and out of drive down to low and then to nothing. i guess this could happen at any time during owning or driving this car. you could be going 70 and the transmission could fail. it would cause a wreck that might kill many on a busy road. there are no parts for this to be fixed. some back order of the computer chip. now i have a low mile car with no way to fix it. plus, this can happen at any time. ford should look into a fix for this problem. i know that there is a recall for the 2016. it should include the 2017 as well.
Power train, Nov 11, 2022
Hi I have ford focus SEL 2017 which I bought in jan02,2020 and since two week my car not get enough power to run while in drive mode sometimes it’s stop middle of road and when press has paddle it not move forward now since one week it getting transmission is overheating stop for 5 minutes now it’s show engine light on dashboard I think it’s I feel like my car transmission slipping
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Nov 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering while accelerating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed her that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to replicate the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted and referred her to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.