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.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, May 25, 2022
All lights came on and vehicle immediately slowed down, brakes became hard and it eventually just stalled out. Would not restart. Towed to repair shop . Mechanic found that the oil was full but no oil to engine. Found that the oil pump belt had malfunctioned and tore up leaving debris in the oil pan. Vehicle has approx 66,000 miles on it and manual says this piece if equipment should last until 150,000. Upon research, this is a common occurrence in the 2017, 2018 Ford focus.
Engine, May 24, 2022
Vehicle has become increasingly hard to drive in first and second gear. Has miss-fires and problems with dumping fuel threw code p144c and has already had injectors and spark plugs replaced roughly a year ago. Feels like vehicle is having the same issues. When started from cold vehicle has miss-fires and runs extremely rough.
Engine, May 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while stopped a traffic light, the engine started sputtering. The contact stated that several days later while the vehicle was in park(P) the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed however, the diagnostic result was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,150. Vehicle has been repaired.
Power train, May 17, 2022
Car shutters heavily when approaching 2500-3500 RPM. Mostly felt before shift change out of 1st gear in automatic, but also felt in same range when left in 1st on select shift. Shudder causes slow acceleration from a stop. Very slow acceleration avoids the shutter.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 27, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus ST. The contact stated that when he proceeded to start his vehicle, the vehicle would not start. The contact stated that he then had his vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who was able to start his vehicle by placing air in the fuel tank. The contact stated that once the vehicle started, there was a huge amount of black smoke. The contact stated that he was advised by the mechanic that he had a deforming fuel tank that was causing the failure. The contact stated that no warning lights had illuminated the vehicle at the time. The contact stated that he was able to drive his vehicle back to his residence, however, when he attempted to restart the vehicle, it would not start. The contact stated that he then contacted both the dealer and manufacturer who advised him that there was a recall, however, his vehicle was not a part of the recall NHTSA campaign 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was 83,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 20, 2022
Recalled for fuel system issue. Issue was fixed at dealership. The issue still persists even after problem was “fixed” at ford dealership. Gas is not getting to the engine.
Steering, Apr 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 65-70 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the power steering functionality returned. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle off the lot, the engine fault and the service engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. Additionally, after refueling, the vehicle would inadvertently stall. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that an unknown software update was performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not accelerate properly and a loud rattling sound was present coming from the engine. Upon inspection, it was determined that the antifreeze was very low but no leak was present. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was also notified but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Power train, Apr 8, 2022
The transmission in my 2017 Ford Focus is slipping, shuttering, and jerking. It also will hesitate when accelerating. It has been to the Ford Maintenance Department at least 4 times to have the transmission “fixed”. It will fail with 1000-10000 miles after it supposedly gets fixed. We have also been turned away from Ford, saying that nothing is wrong or it’s within fords criteria. This is not normal for a car!
Power train, Apr 8, 2022
I recently purchased my 2017 Ford Focus from Carmax in August of 2021. At the time it had 52,675 miles on it. I now have 64,000 miles on the vehicle. I began to notice a few weeks after purchase of the vehicle that upon acceleration from a stop sign or red light, the vehicle would shake or shudder slightly but then cease . This only happened upon acceleration and not while idling. However , it was so slight that it didn't seem to be an issue. In the past month , I have noticed now that the shaking and shuddering is getting extremely heavy upon acceleration and it is starting to scare me. I contacted Ford and they told me that there was not a specific recall on my VIN in particular but that they WERE INDEED aware of serious control module issues and clutch issues for the Ford Focus . I also read that Ford had to extend warranties to many of the Ford Focuses from models all the way up to 2016 . Well, my model happens to be a 2017 but is still having the exact SAME issues . Serious shaking, shuddering, and wanting to shut off upon acceleration. This can be very dangerous and I am nervous now to drive my vehicle. I called many shops around the area and was told that the "Ford Focus transmission shudder issue" is very well known but that Ford may not want to help me out. (Which is what im experiencing now) Again, this vehicle shakes and shudders violently upon acceleration and I would like some help please. Thank you kindly.
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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the RPM gauge was fluctuating while starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a canister purge valve failure. The dealer informed the contact that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Air bags, Mar 31, 2022, crash
The contact owned a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH an incoming vehicle ran a stop sign and crashed into the front of the vehicle. The front end of the vehicle was severely damaged due to the impact. The air bags did not deploy. The contact mentioned that her son was in the vehicle at the time of the failure. There were no injuries reported. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was declared a total loss. The other vehicle involved was able to be driven from the scene. A dealer as not contacted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Power train, Mar 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering while decelerating. In addition, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed several times before the vehicle started to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transaxle dash clutch and fly wheel needed to be replace. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 31,000.
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
Engine, Mar 22, 2022
Electric propulsion system shut down while driving on westbound interstate 495 in queens county. Stop Safely Now (SSN) red warning light on the instrument cluster appeared and I was forced to coast down a hill in neutral. Unable to restart car and became stuck in side of parkway exit ramp. Car then had no power with 12v battery going dead just trying to keep radio on. Third time SSN light has come on while driving. First time while actually stuck in traffic that the car shut itself off.
Power train, Mar 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after the battery was replaced, the vehicle cut not reverse when needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission control module failure due to a faulty battery. The dealer repaired the transmission. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Power train, Mar 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The vehicle had previously had two transmissions replaced. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the engine revved, but the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The manufacturer advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 15, 2022
Code p1450 canister value vacuum. I had this fixed last year, and it's back. Other vins for this model recalled but not mine. My Vin should be recalled.
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the purge valve had failed. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, upon replacing the engine coolant, she noticed that the coolant was leaking from the coolant hose. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic who replace the coolant hose. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle a few days later, the vehicle started with delay and the transmission was slipping while driving. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the vehicle was overheating, and the thermostat was replaced. Additionally, the independent mechanic diagnosed that the transmission had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating while driving and smelled very hot. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they had already covered the transmission repair in the past and could not assist as her VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Power train, Mar 1, 2022
The transmission in this car has burned a clutch up at 30k miles and replaced by Ford after having to twist their leg to do it. 10k miles later it was slipping again. Currently it is at 70k miles and the clutch is going out again. Ford refuses to take responsibility for this faulty transmission since it is a 2017 model and not included in the class action suit for the model just a year prior, although it is the same transmission. The slipping, stalling and jerking is a danger when pulling out into traffic and I hope it does not cause me to get in an accident and have to sue them for even more than I need to sue them for now for selling me faulty unsafe junk that doesn't last and puts my families life at risk.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 21, 2022
My check engine light is on, had it diagnosed as P0171, my vehicle has been acting like it's going to stall while driving and consistently stalls after put gasoline in the car. I looked up what the P0171 code meant and it was for the Canister Purge Valve. There is a recall for this problem with the 2012-2017 Ford Focus. My problem is exactly as described by the manufacture in the recall and all the comments on several places where they talk about the exact same issue. I'm worried that my car will stall out while I'm driving it, It does try to stall when stopped at traffic lights. I looked up my VIN#[XXX] under the recall the NHTSA recall 18V735000, but my vin# comes up as no recall. I'm having the exact same problem with my Canister Purge Valve as the recall describes, currently I cannot get my car inspected because of this code. I need my car to get to work every day and also my daughter drives my car sometimes too and I'm worried that this car will stall while she's driving it and cause a serious accident. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power train, Feb 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact, an independent mechanic, examined the vehicle and diagnosed that the powertrain control module (PCM) was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.