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, Service brakes, Engine, Mar 28, 2025
Current Ford recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 only includes VINs with automatic transmissions. However, the oil pump belt & timing belt are the same used on the automatic transmissions that are subject of the recall. These components are just as likely to fail on manual transmission VINs but are not included in the current campaign.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a family member's residence, and then towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the tensioner arm had fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost engine power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who determined that all the teeth on the timing belt had sheared off and were in the oil. The contact was informed that the timing belt and oil pump needed to be replaced. The dealer wanted to drop the oil pan to remove all the timing belt material. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact learned of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); which was related to the failure. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and informed the contact that the recall was for vehicles with an automatic transmission, and the contact's vehicle was not included. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Mar 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking. The vehicle rolled backwards while on an incline. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle hesitated and lost motive power. The contact stated that the transmission overheated, and a message to pull over was displayed. The vehicle was slow to move when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed there was no recall coverage on the VIN for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 138,000.
Engine, Mar 25, 2025
The component or system failed or malfunction: The oil pump failed because of the belt the operated the pump. The oil pump drive belt material degraded lost teeth,resulting in a loss of oil pressure and also causing the engine to seize up. Safety or risks: There was no safety risks because I was able to control the vehicle and get it off the road safely. The problem has been reported to the dealer and vehicle is still in possession of the dealer. There was no advance warning lamps or messages prior the the failure.The vehicle just stalled out and could not be re-started. The vehicle has only been inspected by the dealer at this time.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Mar 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the oil light illuminated, and the contact became aware that there was oil leaking from the oil pan. The contact also became aware that there was a rod that had slightly detached from the oil pan. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the failure was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted; however, the contact was unable to speak with a representative. The failure mileage was 114,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced the failure and the vehicle hesitated while accelerating and there was a misfire. The contact stated that the vehicle was shaking abnormally at start-up. The purge valve was replaced by the dealer, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Mar 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 15-30 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle started to stall; however, the failure was not consistent enough for the vehicle to be diagnosed. The contact stated that recently the vehicle started struggling while shifting gear and started to stall more frequently. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with clutch assembly failure. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired because the vehicle was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning and low oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The contact left the vehicle and returned with an independent mechanic who was able to restart the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed that the oil pump had failed but was not able to repair the vehicle due to parts not being available. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Engine, Mar 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly shuddered and jerked before returning to normal functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the clutch position sensor, and the battery monitoring sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 63,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Engine, Feb 25, 2025
The contact’s son owns a 2017 Ford Focus. While the contact’s son was pulling into a parking space, the vehicle lost motive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle then failed to exceed 10 MPH. The vehicle failed to start and was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000.
Engine, Feb 25, 2025
January 2025 Vehicle experienced verified oil belt tensioner failure as the same in the recall #23564 My VIN is not in the recall list even though it is the same make model and year of the effected vehicles. The reason I believe it is not on the recall list is due to that they only included automatic transmissions and not the vin's of manual transmission. I have a manual transmission and so my VIN reflects a manual transmission. The transmission has nothing to do with the oil belt tensioner in this case as the motor/oil belt tensioners are the same design. I am requesting for an expedited review of this information to get all manual transmissions added onto the recall list which I've been told by Ford that only you can add vehicles to that list.
Power train, Feb 24, 2025
Since November 22nd, my 2017 Ford Focus with 79,503 miles has been at a Ford dealership leaving waiting for a motor. My timing belt and oil pump belt snapped, casing my engine to jump timing. When this happened, I had no time to pull over or anything. It was in the middle of the night and broke down in the middle of the road. The real kicker is, ford claims my car isn’t affected by the recall due to my car featuring a manual transmission. This car put my life at risk, and has the exact same issue as the recall and is requiring the same fix. Before my warranty, my engine replacement is over $11,000! I’m still sticking paying a few thousand dollars, and my car has been at the dealership for3 months. Still no updates or engine available. This car should be under the recall.
Seat belts, Feb 22, 2025
Drivers seat belt is hard to latch and comes unbuckled
Suspension, Seat belts, Other or unspecified, Feb 21, 2025
4 issues: 1. The car pulls back under acceleration. 2. The seat moves back suddenly (seat belt issue). 3. When starting the car, The car drives instead of reversing. 4. There is a squeaky noise.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 18, 2025
The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the "Service Immediately" message was displayed, and the vehicle started losing motive power and stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle and the vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the oil pump had failed and caused damage to the engine. The dealer related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer informed the contact that the engine and oil pump needed to be replaced; however, the parts to complete the repair were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
Power train, Feb 17, 2025
I own a 2017 Ford Focus. When I got in my car to leave work for the day, it would not shift into reverse. I was stranded in subzero weather for 2hrs before someone was able to come and get to me. My son-in-law and his friend pushed it out of the parking space and limped it home. They hooked it up to a code reader...TCM failure...but mine is not in the recall?! After SO many people with the same issue on the same car?! I am now stuck with no car that I am still making payments on, no where near a bus route in the dead of winter in the midwest.
Power train, Feb 12, 2025
A "P07A3" code on a 2017 Ford Focus indicates that the transmission's "Friction Element A" is stuck on, meaning a clutch within the transmission is not releasing properly, likely causing issues with shifting and potentially putting the car into limp mode; this is a serious issue that requires professional repair as it usually points towards internal transmission problems. I see slot of people are having the same issue online but yet there is no recall on this issue and there should be.
Power train, Feb 11, 2025
The transmission has been slipping since I got the car.
Engine, Feb 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at slow speeds in stop-and-go traffic, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was unable to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway; however, bystanders assisted in pushing the vehicle to a safe location. The vehicle was unable to be restarted. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel sensor. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 24N07. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,000.
Power train, Feb 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the transmission hesitated while attempting to shift gear. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The contact self-diagnosed the vehicle but provided no result. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the check engine and oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to exit the interstate, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine before the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled off the Interstate, turned off, and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired by an independent mechanic. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 69,921.