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.
Engine, Sep 17, 2021
sputtered and stalled out on me multiple times on highway and side roads.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 14, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine had experienced rough idling and stalling. On several occasions, the vehicle would not immediately restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a local dealer who both diagnosed that the canister purge valve was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle was included in the NHTSA campaign number 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle jerked, shuddered, and stalled. The vehicle would not immediately accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, while operating the vehicle the check engine warning light would remain illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact indicated that the transmission had been replaced on three separate occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 46,000.
Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2021
This vehicle has had 3 transmissions replaced within the 36,000/3 year warranty.It now has 46,000 miles on it,no warranty and is need of another transmission replacement,as it shudders violently,stalls or surges upon stopping.i have reached out to Ford Motor Co. And no one will offer any type of help for repairs,or in getting me out of this death trap and into a safer vehicle,as they are well aware of the known issues per class action lawsuits.My only other option at this point is to file bankruptcy on this vehicle unless you can help me.
Power train, Aug 29, 2021
The transmission shudders when accelerating, I have also temporarily lost control of my vehicle when merging onto a highway.
Power train, Aug 26, 2021
My transmission has been slipping ever since I bought it a yr ago in 2020. It is a 2017 Ford Focus. A few days ago it started making occassional whining sounds. I drove to work and engine light came on and it wouldn't start. Mechanic got it started, moving shifter and rolling it a bit. I drove to shop and they said transmission problem. My friend showed me her 2015 extd warranty on tranny clutch. Ford must not have fixed the problem. I also rode in a 2018 today which she said was also slipping. Do we need another multi lawsuit?
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Aug 25, 2021
The contact's girlfriend owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his girlfriend was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle would idle and stalled. The fuel gauge was faulty, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the stuck canister purge valve had deformed fuel tank. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 49,500.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 10, 2021
Every time I stop the vehicle to fill up the gas tank there are massive issues getting it restarted I am being told it is a faulty cpv valve and there are a huge amount of Fords that are being recalled for these bad cpv valves also occasionally happens while driving
Power train, Jul 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle would not shift into gear. The contact stated that when she disengaged the accelerator pedal and depressed it again, she was able to drive the vehicle however, the warning message "Transmission Overheating, Stop Safely" appeared on the instrument panel. The contact veered to the side of the road, then the warning message "Transmission Hot, Wait Five Minutes" appeared on the instrument panel. The contact stated she waited and when she drove the vehicle, the warning message "Transmission Hot, Wait Five Minutes" reappeared. The contact stated she veered to the side of the road and waited. The contact stated she was able to drive the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission clutch A and transmission clutch B needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 9,700.
Power train, Jun 29, 2021
The vehicle only has 34,000 miles on it and I have to get the clutch replaced. I was driving on the highway when I suddenly received a "Transmission Fault Service Now" error. The forks also have to be replaced with this. The car has had regular servicing. I purchased it from a ford dealer when it had 17,000 miles on it. Consumer stated vehicle seems to have the same nhtsa campaign 18V845000.
Power train, Jun 28, 2021
I have had a problem with my Ford Focus for months. The car jerks, rattles and shakes when I am driving it. I have taken it back to Ford three times. January 2021, I attempted to get an appointment at Autonation Ford on Phillips Highway Jacksonville, FL. I was told that their repairman had COVID-19 and they could not service my car. I called again and was told that their transmission service man quit and that I had to take the car to Autonation Ford in Orange Park on the other side of Jacksonville. Time 1) I took the car to the dealer in Orange Park on March 16, 2021. They told me that it met specifications and they would not fix it under warranty. Time 2) April 14, 2021, I took it to Autonation Ford in Orange Park. I was told the same story. Time 3) June 17, 2021, I took it to Autonation Ford on Phillips highway In Jacksonville, FL. June 19, 2021, My husband [XXX] talked to the general manager [XXX]. He said he would get back to him in writing. He hasn’t. June 21, 2021, I talked to [XXX], the service person at Autonation Ford on Phillips Highway. He said I could pick up the car. He also said that the invoice wasn't complete and he would e-mail it to me. So far, I haven't received it. June 22, 2021, My husband [XXX] contacted Ford Customer Care and obtained a case number from [XXX]. ([XXX]) She said she could not at that time contact [XXX], but she would continue to attempt to contact him and get back to [XXX]. Attempts to contact her at [XXX] and get a written response have also failed. Each time I have been told that it is within specification and fixing it is not under warranty. I also have been told that it can be fixed now if I pay for it. The cost was estimated at $3,000. When it jerks jerks and shutters, it startles me and distracts me from attention on controlling the car. This condition is not safe. I am now mainly using my husband's Tesla. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power train, Jun 25, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate after stopping for a while at a stoplight or in traffic. Additionally, the engine overheated on occasion. The contact turned off the vehicle and waited for the engine to cool down before restarting the vehicle in order for the vehicle to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed that the transmission fluid was burnt and had metal shavings in the fluid. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 120,095.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 19, 2021
Once, my Ford Focus stalled while driving at about 35 mph. Good thing I was in a neighborhood. It could of been worse. I know it wasn’t the battery because I had just replaced it. Also at a later time after refueling it didn’t want to restart. Then the check engine light turned on. Code read P1450. I took it to the dealership and they said the purge valve needed to be replaced. I did some homework and read that Ford, in 2018 issued a recall for approximately 1.5 million select 2012-18 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with 2.0-liter GDI and 2.0-liter GTDI engines for a malfunctioning canister purge valve. However, my Ford Focus didn’t have that recall.
Power train, Jun 17, 2021
The Transmission is slipping and car won't reverse. This is practically a new car. I had it for only two years and it's not drivable.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 29, 2021
My car stalled unexpectedly when I was parking it. For a while now, my car has jerked when I accelerate and sometimes shudders. My car stalled and died a few months back so I took it to the dealership and had it fixed. I soon realized,however, that the problem remained. I ignored it but my car stalled on me again and I had a hard time restarting it. I had just filled my gas tank up when it was running low and drove it for a while when the incident happened.
Power train, May 26, 2021
2017 Ford Focus. Less than 80,000 Miles. Without warning the vehicle losses power while driving and RPM's go up over 4000. Additionally as I approach intersections with my foot on the break preparing to stop, the RPM's, again go up over 4000 and the car lurches forward with foot on break. Emergency Transmission Fault, Service now - RED - on dash, came on after the second incident listed, does not stay on, comes on intermittently. Vehicle no longer goes into reverse. Contacted Ford Corporate 3 times. Opened Case CAS31827768J5S7L3 Known Transmissions issues with these model Fords
Air bags, Seat belts, May 25, 2021
My 2017 Focus RS (build date 20 March 2017, purchase date 16 June 2017; 30234 miles) had the SRS light illuminated on the dashboard. This started as an intermittent issue about a year ago, and progressed to the point that recently the light is always illuminated. Ford provides for a "Safety Restraint System" warranty period of 5 years/60 k miles; my car is still within this coverage period. I decided to bring in the car to my local dealership Gosch Ford Escondido in Escondido, CA to have it inspected and repaired. A technician evaluated the issue and provided the following diagnosis on the service report: "VERIFIED AIRBAG LIGHT, CHECKED CODES, FOUND B0061:13 IN OSCM FOR PASSENGER PRETENSIONER, PERFORMED PPT, FOUND PRETENSIONER TO BE INTERNALLY OPEN. NEED TO REPLACE PRETENSIONER." However, the service department contacted me to inform that the repair would not be covered under warranty and that repairs would be at my cost. I have contacted Ford corporate customer service to escalate and am awaiting a response.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 15, 2021
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON CODES 1450 AND 0456. HAD DEALER REPAIR. IT WAS CANISTER PURGE VALUE. THEY HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH A DIFFERENT BUILD DATE BUT STATED THAT MINE WAS NOT A RECALL. I STILL HAVE CODE 0456 SHOWING.
Power train, May 11, 2021
TRANSMISSION WILL CHATTER AND CLANK AT TIMES WHEN SHIFTING OUT OF FIRST GEAR. BOUGHT THIS CAR IN 2019 AND STARTED MAKING SMALL CLANKING NOISES A FEW DAY AFTER BUYING IT.
Power train, May 10, 2021
WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS. MUCH LIKE A SIMILAR RECALL WITH THE ISSUE OF TRANSMISSION SEALS GOING BAD AND WETTING THE DRY CLUTCH PACK.
Visibility/wiper, May 6, 2021
THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COME BY THEMSELVES AND STAYS ON AFTER PARKING THE CAR, STATIONARY, ENGINE TURNED OFF FOR APPROX 30 MIN. 3 DAYS IN A ROW. DEALERSHIP REPAIRED IT FOR LABOR $450!! THE SAME FAULTY SYSTEM WAS IN A RECALL IN THIS TYPE OF CAR SOME YEARS AGO.
Power train, Other or unspecified, May 3, 2021
DUAL CLUTCH FAILURE CODE PO706
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 20, 2021
FAILED REPAIRS FOR RECALLS ON THE CAR. CODES SHOWING IN MY CAR ARE RELATED TO THE 02 SENSOR AND CANISTER PURGE VALVE. FORD HAS SERVICED MY VEHICLE BEFORE. HOWEVER, FOR THE 02 SENSOR ONLY A SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS DONE. THE CANISTRR PURGE VALVE WAS FIXED BEFORE I OWNED THE CAR BUT POTENTIALLY BOTH REPAIRS HAVE DAILED. IVE CONTACTED TWO DIFFERSNT DEALERSHIPS AND FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE. THEYVE ALL REFUSED TO DO THE WORK. IVE HAD TO DRIVE MY CAR AS MINIMALLY AS POSSIBLE.
Other or unspecified, Apr 13, 2021
WHERE THE REAR TAIL-LIGHT ASSEMBLY MATE WITH THE CAR BODY THERE IS A RUBBER SEAL/GASKET IN BETWEEN THE SCREW OF THE ASSEMBLY AND THE HOLE ON THE CAR BODY, TO PREVENT WATER LEAKING INTO THE CAR. THE RUBBER SEAL GOES BAD QUICKLY, AND WATER LEAK INTO THE TRUNK WHILE PARKED AND CAUSE WATER DAMAGE TO ALL THE COMPONENTS AROUND AND IN THE SPARE WHEEL WELLS. THIS ALSO MEAN IT CAN CAUSE WATER DAMAGE TO CAR BODY PREMATURELY. FORD DOES NOT EVEN SELL THIS RUBBER SEAL TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE AND IF WATER LEAK INTO CAR AND CAUSE DAMAGE THE ONLY WAY TO SOLVE IT IS TO BUY A WHOLE BRAND NEW TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY
Power train, Apr 10, 2021
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND IT SAYS TRANSMISSION HOT THAN SHUTS OFF. I GOT IT TOWED TO THE DEALER.I GOT A DIAGNOSTIC DONE TOO IT STATES IT'S THE CLUTCH