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: other or unspecified
81 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Nov 2, 2022
I am requesting an investigation as to the matter at hand; this letter contains all specifics as related to the vehicle and from the time of purchase to now. The vehicle is currently not in operable conditions and it can be identified as a 2017 Ford Focus SE 4 Cylinders 2 2.0L DI DOHC 122 CID. There was a lawsuit for this car prior and there was a judgment rendered for issues with the vehicle, new issues have arisen since the lawsuit. On or about 9/19/2022 however on or about 10/9/2022 Plaintiff began experiencing issues with the car. On or about 10/16/2022 a mechanic diagnosed the car with having issues of P07A3 and P2872 and that labor would be about $600.00 not including parts. Subsequently, the vehicle is not currently running. If you request more information from me I can send it, however, please redact any sensitive information.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 7, 2022
The transmission on this vehicle has failed, due to the computer system, or a small chip part (so I have been told.) I have been told by MUTIPLE mechanics that it is the same Transmission issue that the 2011-2016 Models experienced. I was driving the vehicle when the transmission failed, almost causing me to wreck the vehicle on the interstate.
Wheels, Other or unspecified, Apr 6, 2022
Was advised during service at the Ford dealership that I purchased the vehicle new from, that lug nuts were compromised and needed to be replaced. Was told the lug nuts had expanded and softened and were compromised. This is a safety issue. Wheel could come off of axel at anytime.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Mar 28, 2022
TRANSMISSION FAILURE, car shudders when starting from take off, will not go forward while in gear, engine light came on, would not go into reverseye, I could have been rear ended struck, Unknown if anything else was an issue
Other or unspecified, Mar 4, 2022
There is an app by Ford, its called Ford Pass. When I install the app, I have to provide the VIN of my vehicle. When I open the app, I am told that there is a recall on my vehicle. When I touch the Recall icon, there is text that says that I am to pay to have this recalled performed. This does not seem right to me.
Other or unspecified, Feb 14, 2022
Everytime i press on the gas from a slow speed or from a complete stop, the car shakes and shutters until it finally starts to go. I have brought this to multiple dealers who have told me it is the transmission and that we shouldn’t have the transmission replaced because it will just go bad right after because ford purposely made them this way. My safety is put at risk because as the car struggles to bring itself to speed, i am almost stuck where i am, leaving me vulnerable in intersections for seconds until it catches up. Cars behind me have gotten aggressive and honked before because of how long it takes my car to speed up. They have sped past me, scaring me half to death. I have brought this to individual mechanics and the ford dealer himself who confirmed it’s the transmission. There were never any warning messages ever. This happens everytime i press the gas from a complete stop or a very slow speed, it started aroudn when i got it.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Feb 4, 2022
CAR WILL SHUTTER FROM A STOP TO ACCELERATE TO SPEED. SCARY SOME TIMES THINKING YOUR GOING TO LOSE SPEED AND GET HIT. THIS HAPPENS MANY TIME, BUT BELOW YOU ONLY ALOW FOR ONE DATE OF INCIDENT, HAPPENS ALMOST EVERYDAY I DRIVE
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 24, 2021
11/23/21 With 1/2 tank of gas and auto start/stop engaged vehicle died while stopped at traffic light. Filled tank at station on corner of said traffic light. Car started rough after refueling. Drove 1/4 mile, car died again at traffic light. Drove about one mile, car died while stopped at light. Went another 1/4 mile, stopped at light car died. Each time the battery and other usual icons lit up on dashboard so it was not the auto stop. Disengaged the auto start/stop and car did not die the rest of the way home.This is the second separate stalling issue in less than a week. The code P1450, unable to bleed up fuel tank vacuum / purge valve canister was diagnosed. Car to be repaired on 11/29/21. This is a recall for Ford with 2.0 engines but not 1.0 engines. As this is the exact fuel issue in recalls and nothing to do with engine this should be covered in the recall.
Other or unspecified, Nov 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would independently downshift. The contact also stated that the vehicle would jerk and hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal with the "transmission fault service now," warning message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that on two occasions, the vehicle had stalled while traveling at highway speeds. The first time, the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer; the second failure, the contact was able to slowly drive the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer replaced the transmission fork on the first visit and updated the PCM software on the second; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure but offered no assistance. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Other or unspecified, Nov 19, 2021
Traveling 30-35 mph, car jerked 5-6 times. Approximately 1/8 mile further got in to the middle turn lane and started to turn when car stalled in the middle of the road. Was able to coast into driveway and then I was able to restart car. Check engine light came on and has stayed on. Auto on/off switch was engaged but did not turn off vehicle at stop sign, where I waited to pull out, directly preceding stalling incident. Mechanic pulled the code p1450 for 'unable to bleed up fuel tank vacuum' and also a purge valve issue. I believe both of these issues have been recall items on the Focus but for a 2.0 liter not the 1.0 liter that my vehicle is. I find this issue extremely dangerous & unacceptable that it is not a recall on my car too. I will fix asap as I am scared to drive it now especially on the freeway.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Nov 3, 2021
My mother, [XXX], purchased this car in 2017 with only 2 miles on it. Shortly after purchasing it, the steering went out. She had it repaired. Then the clutch on the transmission went out. She had to fight with dealership and Ford to get it replaced. Since this, we have had to have six clutches put in. We have also had to have another steering column put in and two purge valves. The car is now back in the shop having the seventh clutch put in. We have contacted Ford several times asking them to do a buyback and they refuse. My mom is a retired 72 year disabled vet and has to have reliable transportation due to her health. Please assist her in getting this issue resolved. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, Oct 25, 2021
After a full stop at a high way exit, I turned left into a local road at about 10mph. Suddenly, my vehicle showed a message "Stop safely now", at this same time I found my vehicle completely lost its power. It did not even have the power for me pull over. I had to stop and block the traffic. I tried several times to restart the vehicle by turning off the power and then turning on again, but without success. I waited for another 5 minutes and tried again, suddenly, the engine light was on again and the vehicle gained its power. I resumed my trip. I searched internet, and found that "About 2,600 Focus Electrics built between Sept. 15th, 2011 to Aug. 8th, 2013 at Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne have finally been recalled due to the 'Stop Safely Now' problem." My model is Focus Electrics 2017.
Other or unspecified, Sep 25, 2021
My 2017 Ford Focus engine is stalling without warning. The engine will cut off totally without warning, anytime, anywhere. This is life threatening. So dangerous Also after putting gas in my tank, the car will not start at all And this problem is identical to the cars that are recalled #19S22. My 2017 Ford Focus apparently was build May 2, 2017, Less than a month after the recall cut off date of April 17, 2017. My Ford Focus has all the same problems as the recalled Ford Focus 2017. I could be killed driving my 2017 Ford Focus and I shutter to think about what could happen. My car dealership just keeps repeating that my 2017 Ford Focus is not recalled. Unable to get any serious attention about this problem by the Ford dealership or Ford Motor Company. The fact that my Ford Focus is not included in the really, no one is of any help. I'm reporting it now to you that my 2017 Ford Focus is a life threatening vehicle and needs to be reported as a serious safety hazard immediately
Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle jerked, shuddered, and stalled. The vehicle would not immediately accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, while operating the vehicle the check engine warning light would remain illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact indicated that the transmission had been replaced on three separate occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 46,000.
Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2021
This vehicle has had 3 transmissions replaced within the 36,000/3 year warranty.It now has 46,000 miles on it,no warranty and is need of another transmission replacement,as it shudders violently,stalls or surges upon stopping.i have reached out to Ford Motor Co. And no one will offer any type of help for repairs,or in getting me out of this death trap and into a safer vehicle,as they are well aware of the known issues per class action lawsuits.My only other option at this point is to file bankruptcy on this vehicle unless you can help me.
Power train, Other or unspecified, May 3, 2021
DUAL CLUTCH FAILURE CODE PO706
Other or unspecified, Apr 13, 2021
WHERE THE REAR TAIL-LIGHT ASSEMBLY MATE WITH THE CAR BODY THERE IS A RUBBER SEAL/GASKET IN BETWEEN THE SCREW OF THE ASSEMBLY AND THE HOLE ON THE CAR BODY, TO PREVENT WATER LEAKING INTO THE CAR. THE RUBBER SEAL GOES BAD QUICKLY, AND WATER LEAK INTO THE TRUNK WHILE PARKED AND CAUSE WATER DAMAGE TO ALL THE COMPONENTS AROUND AND IN THE SPARE WHEEL WELLS. THIS ALSO MEAN IT CAN CAUSE WATER DAMAGE TO CAR BODY PREMATURELY. FORD DOES NOT EVEN SELL THIS RUBBER SEAL TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE AND IF WATER LEAK INTO CAR AND CAUSE DAMAGE THE ONLY WAY TO SOLVE IT IS TO BUY A WHOLE BRAND NEW TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY
Wheels, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 9, 2021
THIS IS GETTING RIDICULOUS. MY FORD FOCUS NOT ONLY HAS WHEEL ISSUES EVERY OTHER DAY AFTER REPLACING THE TIRES SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE STUTTERING PROBLEM I'VE REPORTED SEVERAL TIMES IS STILL A PROBLEM AND IS GETTING EVEN WORSE. NO ONE IS HELPING ME WITH THIS ISSUE. WHEN MY VEHICLE IS AT A STOP AND I PRESS THE GAS IS SHAKES AND STUTTERS. I WAS TOLD BY SEVERAL SHOPS THAT FORD HAS HAD LAWSUITS AND SEVERAL RECALLS OVER PEOPLE WHO HAD THE SAME EXACT ISSUE AND THEY REFUSED TO WORK ON THE CAR BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. THEY SAID THERE IS NO PART IS EXISTENCE THAT WILL FIX IT BECAUSE THEY CREATED IT THAT WAY. THIS IS BULL AND NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT.
Other or unspecified, Feb 21, 2021
HAVE CONTACTED SEVERAL PEOPLE WITH NO SOLUTION. SHUDDERING PROBLEM WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP.
Other or unspecified, Feb 18, 2021
BROKE DOWN WOULDN'T START OVERHEATING WOULD GO PAST 30 TOOK TO SHOP SAYING IT'S CLUTCH MOTORS FOR TRANSMISSION 1900.00$
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Jan 14, 2021
TWO THINGS HAPPENS AFTER I WOULD PUSH ON THE BREAK THE CAR WOULD ACCELERATE UNTIL I PUSHED ON THE BREAK AGAIN AND IT SHUTTERS AND ACT AS IF IT WILL STALL OUT WHEN I FIRST START TO DRIVE WHEN I FIRST ACCELERATE FROM ANY STOPPED SITUATION
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 16, 2020
THE CAR IS HAVING TROUBLE SWITCHING GEARS. THE CAR ACTS AS IF IT DID NOT WANT TO ACCELERATE. THEN COMING TO A STOP THE CAR SEEMS TO WANT TO STILL GO AND STOPS VERY HARD WHEN IT WANTS TO. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT AS DONE THIS WITHIN MONTHS. I HAVE READ COMPLAINTS AND THERE ARE MANY MORE SAYING THE SAME THING.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 4, 2020
ON 11/02/2020 I STARTED MY CAR, WARMED IT UP AND THEN STARTED DRIVING. I NOTICED THAT THE CAR SHOOK AND PULLED WHEN SWITCHING GEARS FROM 1ST TO SECOND AND SEEMED TO WANT TO STALL. ALSO, WHEN BREAKING THE CAR WANTED TO KEEP ACCELERATING. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENS IN A MATTER OF A YEAR.
Other or unspecified, Oct 14, 2020
THE BACK UP CAMERA STOPED WORKING. WHEN YOU BACK UP
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 18, 2020
1) BATTERY WAS REPLACED. CORROSION SURROUNDING BATTERY & ALL PARTS OF BATTERY. TOOK THE CAR TO INSPECTION <2 MONTHS LATER AND CORROSION WAS JUST AS BAD. 2) HAVE TAKEN CARE IN EVERY 2-4 MONTHS SINCE PURCHASING NEW IN 2018. UPON ACCELERATION AND TURNING, CAR SHAKES AND STUTTERS. EACH TIME IT IS TAKEN IN, THERE IS NOTHING DONE BECAUSE "IT'S A KNOWN PROBLEM AND THERE'S NO FIX."