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.
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 12, 2022
I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE CANISTER PURGE VALVE. IN THE NHTSA SAFTY RECALL, IT DECRIBES PERFECTLY WHAT HAS BEEN GOING ON WITH THE CAR AND IS GETTING MUCH WORSE. AFTER PUTTING GAS IT STALLS EVERYTIME. SLUGGESH ACCELERATION..STRONG SMELL OF GAS AS PUTTING GAS IN TANK...EVERYTHING THE SAFETY RECALL DECRIBES IS WHATS HAPPENING. WHY WHY WHY IS MY VIN NOT LISTED WITH THE RECALL???? 2017 FORD FOCUS.
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
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 17, 2022
Faulty purge valve. Vehicle began to struggle restarting after each fuel fill-up. When vehicle had less than half a tank of gas, it would stall in slow traffic leaving the driver stranded on the road amongst moving cars. Contacted Ford dealer and was told that this vehicle was not under recall despite other 2017 Ford Focus being recalled for a problem with the purge valve. Upon further research, the recall addressed safety issues that were the same as what we were experiencing with our vehicle. Our local mechanic identified the problem as a faulty purge valve.
Vehicle speed control, Jan 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving 40-45 MPH with the cruise control engaged and making a turn, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact applied the brake pedal for 30 minutes. The contact called the local dealer and was informed there were no recalls on the VIN. The contact then called Crain Ford of Little Rock (4601 Colonel Glenn Plaza Dr, Little Rock, AR 72210, (501) 436-0341) however, the vehicle was diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact researched the failure and stated that when she placed her foot underneath the accelerator pedal it stopped the vehicle from accelerating. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 23,054. Consumer stated battery corroded and has been replaced.*JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 6, 2022
My 2017 Ford focus, after fill up the gas tank had difficulty to start on. . I went to the dealer about this issue because the check engine light has pop up, and had the issue each time when fill up the tank. They has told me that the issue was with the CANISTER PURGE VALVE, and will need replace it. I did and pay almost $400. I found in internet the below link that show: FORD MOTOR COMPANY ISSUES RECALL IN NORTH AMERICA FOR SELECT 2012-18 FORD FOCUS VEHICLES FOR MALFUNCTIONING CANISTER PURGE VALVE. https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2018/10/25/ford-motor-company-issues-recall-in-north-america-for-select-201.html For me is to much casual that my car in the same range of the year have the issue with the same part reported. Dealer has told me that my car do not have any recall but i think Cars like mine, have the same issue. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Wheels, Jan 1, 2022
Swollen lug nuts and had to pay $120 to replace them. The lug nuts were defected from Ford.
Power train, Dec 30, 2021
The contact's son owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while his son was starting the vehicle, an unknown shift pattern warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to drive the vehicle at 6 MPH to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission control module to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Power train, Nov 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle would hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who referred her to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they were also unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and informed her there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer informed her that they would cover a portion of the repair cost for the transmission; she was also given a case number. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
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.
Power train, Nov 20, 2021
My clutch causes the car to stutter when accelerating. My focus has already had a clutch replacement under warranty. I am now at 76k miles and my car has started stuttering again.
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.
Engine, Nov 18, 2021
My car has been giving me problems from the start. i had to get a new fuel pump and a new clutch at 75,000 miles because my fuel pump was bad and my clutch fractured (Which some 2017 ford focus' have been recalled for this issue, but supposedly mine doesn't have any recalls). I have always done routine maintenance on this car. Now at 91,000 miles my engine has blown up. I was driving and my oil light started to blink and within seconds my car had totally lost its power. This is very unsafe to happen while driving, especially uphill.
Power train, Nov 5, 2021
The contact's mother owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle would hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact's mother initially took the vehicle to the dealer where they informed her that the clutch within the transmission needed to be replaced. Her mother then took the vehicle to Kurtis Chevrolet, Inc. (5369 Hwy 70 W, Morehead City, NC 28557) where the vehicle was purchased and was provided the same information as the other dealer. Her mother was then given an estimate for the cost of a new transmission. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred her to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
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.
Air bags, Oct 20, 2021, crash
I was recently in an accident where at a speed of approximately 50 mph I rear ended someone who was stopped on the highway. At this time my airbags did not deploy, which I believe to be a manufacturing failure. I hit my head on the steering wheel and since the accident have been experiencing major neck and back pain, for which I am seeing a chiropractor. I believe that I should be granted compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial burdens that this total loss accident has put me under.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 18, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving uphill, the RPM increased, and the vehicle independently accelerated. Additionally, while driving the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to accelerate above 5 MPH. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact changed the fuel however, the failure recurred. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact informed the insurance company about the failure she experienced. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was 45,475.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 14, 2021
Car engine light on and vehicle stalling while driving. After fueling car will not stay on, have to be pumping gas pedal and after a few minutes car becomes drivable. Had car engine light check and they indicated a purge valve issue. They informed ne about the ford recall has on certain ford focus. Will be taking vehicle to get service at dealership.
Wheels, Oct 13, 2021
I got a flat tire and the lug nuts were swollen. I was stranded on the side of the road and had to leave the car in traffic on the shoulder. We had to wait a full day to get the proper tool (a special lug nut wrench) to remove the wheel. The wrench that came with the car and the one I had at home would not fit over the swollen lug nuts.
Air bags, Oct 7, 2021, crash
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 mph and making a left turn when another vehicle crashed into the front passenger side of her vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustain a soft tissue bruise on her left knee and did seek medical attention at the emergency room. The contact also stated the other driver sustain a small laceration on his left arm but was not aware of any medical treatment. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,280. The consumer provided photos of the vehicle and injuries.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 5, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service Engine" warning light illuminated. After refueling, the vehicle would not start until after several attempts, with the contact depressing on the accelerator pedal to start the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Power train, Sep 27, 2021
On multiple occasions while driving on highways with speed limits 55 or greater the vehicles suddenly de-accelerated rpm dropping to 1-2 rpms and suddently without warning then accelerating to 7-8 rpms, cars and trucks. Appears that the transmission gears were switching without warning and without operator shifting. Took vehicle into John F. Kennedy Ford in Conshohocken Pa., they replaced clutch plate, then we experience the symptom even words on highway, while operating a 55mph with car suddenly de-accelerating. Car under extended ford warranty 60k miles. John F. Kennedy Ford dealer in Conshohocken and Ford Corporate after calls to customer service corporate line speaking to supervisor refuses to repair the vehicle because they say they can not recreate the problem. (witness was present during each incident other than driver) Incidents occurred 09/05/2021 on NJ Expressway and 09/12/2021 on Pa Highway (09122021 occurred after clutch plate was repaired to "fix the problem" My personal opinion is that Ford customers are going to die on the highways if this problem continues. It is extremely dangerous and unsafe due to uncontrolled rapid de-acceleration on the highways.
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