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, 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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Feb 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after her daughter refueled the vehicle, there was an abnormal rumbling noise detected and the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed her about the codes regarding the canister purge valve. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
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.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 18, 2023
Engine light just went on
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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle needed to be refueled more frequently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where various fuel system failure codes were retrieved, and it was determined that the canister purge valve, carbon canister, and fuel tank needed to be replaced. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. 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 approximate failure mileage was 65,200.
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.
Back over prevention, Jan 30, 2023
back-up camera fails intermitadey, about 70% of the time. Failure of the camera increases risk to pedestrians and rear cross traffic. Independant service center confirms the failure and thinks this should be a recall. There are no warning lamps when the camera fails. The problem started in 2019.
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.
Engine, Jan 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while her son was driving approximately 45 MPH, he depressed the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle failed to respond. The driver attempted to depress the brake pedal, but the brake pedal was rigid and was unable to properly stop the vehicle. The contact stated several unknown warning lights were illuminated intermittently. The driver used the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
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.
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Jan 21, 2023
Unknown at this moment but I known I have to buy a fuel pump and also now it's something eles is wrong with it and we just got this car 5 months ago and now we don't have no warranty because it passes the warranty date and also we didn't want this car but they did had the car we was approved for
Other or unspecified, Jan 21, 2023
Good morning this is my ford focus car VIN 1FADP3K2XHL247975 i am in Iraq I checked my car recalls and it has one reacall, But when i went to the ford dealer named Alkasid in iraq locayed in Erbil it says we won't fix it because your car warranty cancelled and what i know is that even after warranty the recall is is still available.
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/propulsion system, Jan 16, 2023
Service engine light is on and code reader indicates the Canister purge valve is malfunctioning causing excessive vacuum in the fuel management system. Ford has recalled certain 2012-2018 Ford focus vehicles for this. Recall is 18S32. My vin is not on their list for a recall but obviously should have been. Car idles rough and after refueling is hard to start... I have to try 3 or 4 time before it starts.
Steering, Jan 16, 2023
2017 Ford Focus with only 6400 miles on it - Power steering without warning turned off, and the dash displayed a "Power Steering Assist Failure - Service Required" message. The steering was difficult to manage. Was in the neighborhood when this happened, so was able to get the vehicle back to the driveway however, if this occurred in an intersection, freeway, etc risk of an accident would have been high. There was no warning prior to this happening. Reading forums, this appears to be a common issue with Ford Focus's steering, so was very surprised not to see a recall already issued on this major safety concern.
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.
Air bags, Service brakes, Jan 4, 2023, crash
I was moving my car in a gas station parking lot and went to stop the car to go in reverse and the breaks went to the floor and I pushed them about five times and still no breaks. I hit a concrete column and air bags didn't deploy and the airbag lights were blinking on and off and speedometer needle was going crazy. Officer went to assist with moving the car to a curbside and in neutral the car was trying to go forward then when it was put in park it continued to try to go forward. We were not on a hill, it was flat in the parking lot. If this would have happened on the main roads my son, nephew and myself could have been hurt and if I had hit someone else they could have been hurt as well. I know have a adjusting checking the vehicle and a mechanics shop as well. Before this happened I had absolutely no warning.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and at various speeds, the check engine warning light would illuminate. The contact stated that she noticed a drop in fuel economy. Additionally, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle would hesitate. The contact stated that whenever the vehicle was refueled, the vehicle would not immediately start as needed. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that once she drove the vehicle a few miles the shaking would stop. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that there might be water in the gasoline. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the mechanic retrieved codes: P2196 and P1450. The independent mechanic advised the contact that the codes were symptoms of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,138.
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.
Electrical system, Dec 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while leaving a stop light, the vehicle started shuddering while shifting gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the clutch was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred several times. The contact stated that the clutch was replaced several times. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under recall and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 10,000.