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
903 reports, newest first.
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.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 6, 2023
The recall that Ford has out on Focus’s between 2012-2018 is exactly the problems my 2017 ford focus is having, where it stalls constantly and won’t turn on after. I’ve tried filing with only premium gas, keeping my tank full and it is still happening. I’ve had my vehicle towed multiple times. I’ve had the canister purge valve replaced and am still having issues.
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.
Engine, Oct 4, 2023
Car has 61,000 miles on it, after leaving home and getting on the interstate my wife and I felt the car lurch and the oil light came on. We pulled over and the lifters were ticking and we shut the engine off and had the car towed home(about a mile) I drained the oil and there was rubber chunks in it. Dropped the oil pan and the oil pump belt tensioner is broken, cogs are stripped off the belt and it became apparent that our oil pressure dropped to zero at highway speed, had we not been in the right lane and pulled over quickly the motor would have locked up at 70mph. I did some research and found the problem to be somewhat widespread. I contacted Ford hoping for a goodwill gesture considering the miles and was told there will be nothing they can do about it. We made the last two car payments on it and it has sat untouched on jackstands in the driveway since then.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to jerk and jolted before losing motive power. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure had since become a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 46,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Sep 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 44,500.
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.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 16, 2023
The purge valve keeps failing causing hard starts and uneven pressure in the fuel tank
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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Sep 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and started to shake with the RPM increasing. The vehicle was taken to an AutoZone to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved DTC: P0456 (EVAP leak). Additionally, the contact stated that the 02 sensor was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the RPMS were significantly high. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the vehicle was operating as designed. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving, and while at a complete stop, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the RPMs would exceed 1,500 and would then drop to 600-700. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power temporarily while driving on one occasion. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.
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.
Exterior lighting, Aug 29, 2023
The dealership sold me a car with not hazards lights in it the car is suppose to ha then but it doesn’t there is no button for the hazard lights
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 21, 2023
I took my vehicle to have the recall repaired they did not fix all the issues with the recall as soon as I picked it up it broke down again. They are now charging me for a diagnostic test that I did not ask for they told me the problem they think it is which is covered by the recall but now they refuse to work on my car. The service manager is rude and unprofessional cussing at me and my husband on the phone. Now I'm stuck with a car that doesn't work and they are refusing to replace parts that are covered under the recall.
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.