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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle shut off without warning. The contact replaced the canister purge valve; however, the failure persisted. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System. Gasoline). The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic and the failure was linked to the recall. The contact was informed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced and was given an estimate for the repair. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 31, 2024
I am the owner of a 2017 Ford Focus vehicle. Recently, I have encountered multiple occurrences of stalling while driving on the highway. In two of these instances, I was in the process of passing a semi-truck and fortunately had no other vehicle behind me, or my safety and that of others may have been put at great risk. After the first incident, the check engine light appeared and was addressed by a mechanic who believed it was likely the result of a vapor lock. The issue later reoccurred and left me stranded on the interstate in a rural location where I had to wait for several hours before being transported to a nearby hotel. The vehicle started again the following morning, and I was able to finish the trip. After conducting some research, I discovered two separate recalls (identified by the NHTSA Campaign IDs 18V735000 and 19V515000) that had been issued for cars of this model and encompassing the year of my vehicle’s construction. The malfunction, as issued by a mechanic, fit the exact specifications of the recall; that is, malfunction of the canister purge valve, causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management systems, that can result in an engine stall while driving and without warning. I was surprised to learn that my vehicle’s VIN was not associated with any such recall; however, I was informed by my mechanic that a software update (18s32) had occurred on June 6, 2019, possibly removing association of the recall statement with my vehicle’s VIN. I am unsure at this time of the extent of damage to the carbon canister, fuel tank, and fuel delivery module. The only issue visible from the exterior is a slight depression of the fuel tank caused by excessive vacuum. The canister purge valve was replaced on September 10, at a cost of $270.03. Due to the nature of the incident and its exact resemblance of the recall issued, I would like to seek compensation for the replacement of the defective purge valve and further inspection of the carbon canister, fuel tank, a
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle nearly stalled and was losing motive power. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and several unknown parts were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken to another dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Power train, Oct 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the transmission failed to shift as needed. The message "Transmission Overheat" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the transmission clutch sensors A and B were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact used a vehicle scanner and retrieved DTC code: P2872; which indicated that the failure was related to the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Power train, Oct 20, 2024
There was a recall on my make and model of car couple years back. My transmission is not receiving any power my gas pedal just revvs with no acceleration when in drive. I have recently replaced the purge valve. Safety is at risk when suddenly decides to accelerate or not. When after stopping at red lights or stops signs than having to accelerate stalls mid intersection. Afraid to drive to ford, will be towing to manufacturer. I took vehicle to a different auto body shop would like to take to specific manufacturer due to transmission issues. Engine light has been on got diagnosis small evap leak with couple codes replaced part engine light still on transmission seems to have issue.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon the start of the vehicle, an abnormal cranking noise would emit from the vehicle as several warning lights would appear on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was notified about NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which the mechanic linked to the failure. The contact was then informed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The mechanic referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. 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 failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Steering, Oct 14, 2024
Power steering without warning turned off, and the dash displayed a "Power Steering Assist Failure - Service Required" message. The steering was difficult to manage and would not turn almost like it was locked. Was in the neighborhood when this happened, so was able to get the vehicle back to the driveway There was no warning prior to this happening.
Power train, Oct 11, 2024
The transmission is experiencing the following: Difficulty shifting gears, Delayed or harsh, shifting, Transmission slipping. I have a 2015 that experienced the same thing and was recalled and fixed. This is not under recall. The vehicle has under 80K mines.
Power train, Oct 9, 2024
While on the freeway theTansmission started slipping and not accelerating properly. Dashboard displayed transmission overheat warnings that require the vehicle to be stoped for at least 5 minutes, only to display overheat error again. Informed Ford and was told
Steering, Power train, Engine, Oct 7, 2024
The vehicle shutters and has stalled while trying to cross an intersection, almost causing an accident while my children were in the car. It will shutter at take off from a complete stop and will randomly change gears while driving at a constant speed on a level road. When it stalls the wheel locks up as well preventing you from steering off the road and to safety
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. 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 vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the oil pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called another local dealer, New Holland Ford (508 W Main St., New Holland, PA 17557), but the vehicle was not diagnosed or 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 70,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 27, 2024
I was on my way home from work when my oil light came on and I began losing acceleration on a busy highway. It wouldn't let me go above 20 mph which was definitely unsafe due to the nature of traffic on the highway. I managed to pull over and get my car towed to the most recent place I had an oil change. After a few days, they stated that the vehicle had sustained a loss of engine oil pressure and that there was a recall for this issue. They also stated to contact Ford and that the vehicle was undriveable. When I checked the open recalls, I confirmed that there was indeed a recall open for this issue concerning the oil pump, however, Ford Motors state that they will not have the parts available until 1st Quarter 2025. This is puts the timeframe on a remedy at roughly 3-7 months, which is unacceptable as this is my only vehicle and the only way I am able to get to work.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound and lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the side of the roadway. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal to resume driving, the vehicle failed to exceed 10 MPH. The check engine warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel tank had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was referred to the dealer for further diagnostic testing. The dealer was contacted for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Power train, Engine, Sep 18, 2024
Unknown
Electrical system, Sep 18, 2024
Unknown
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 18, 2024
2017 Ford transmission, 2017 Ford dashboard
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 18, 2024
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 contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part to repair the vehicle was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 40,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Sep 13, 2024
Transmission needs to be replaced at 45,319 miles. Car began jerking at low speeds when accelerating/decelerating. After I noticed the jerking/stuttering the engine light went on. I took it in to an independent service center, they inspected the car and diagnosed the problem. They said I needed a new transmission with TCM and that this is a common problem with this car.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 10, 2024
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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts not being available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 6, 2024
After filling up the car with gasoline, the car would not start. Once the car started, after several tries, it was shifted into drive. The car would not move, the pedals were all locked up. You could not push on the brake, gas, none of the pedals would work. The car is available to be looked at. It has been looked at by an independent mechanic who determined there was excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system. The check engine light is on, returning the EVAP code. My [XXX] daughter was stranded at night alone with a car that wouldn't start. This issue has happened multiple times. There is a recall in place for the 2017 ford focus that covers this exact issue, but excludes my car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Sep 5, 2024
I bought this vehicle brand new, and shortly after purchase it started to shutter when I accelerated. I had the clutch replaced three times while under warranty. The vehicle is no longer under warranty and recently, it has been having trouble starting and it's been having shifting issues. It's revving and taking longer than it should to shift gears, shifting hard when it does shift, and doesn't act like its going to shift at all. I was on a busy roadway turning right. I made the turn and accelerated to the flow of traffic and the vehicle revved loudly and wouldn't move. I turned on my hazard lights and made my way to the center turning lane. I came to a full stop, put it in park, then back in drive, and proceeded to get back into the driving lane. It delayed shifting and shifted hard the rest of the way, but thankfully I made it home safely. It is at the mechanic shop right now and I'm being told it needs a new transmission. The mechanic also told me that he cannot find a transmission for this vehicle because as soon as they come in, they are bought up due to this reoccurring issue. I have to get this vehicle back to my house to just sit in the driveway until I can figure something out. This vehicle is only 7 years old with 120K miles on it. I just paid this vehicle off last year, and now I have to find a new vehicle. Ford really needs to recall these transmissions!
Engine, Sep 5, 2024
Vehicle has low oil pressure, loss of power and disintegrating oil pump belt. There is a recall on this type of vehicle (23S64) but for automatic transmission only. This vehicle is a standard transmission but with all the same issues. The car has been serviced by an independent service tech. Oil pressure sensor, vacuum pump valve and purge valve have been replaced. The check engine light is on and also when car experiences power loss there is a warning that flashes that says "Engine Fault Service Now"
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle failed to accelerate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The dealer failed to honor the vehicle warranty and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where the engine was replaced. The contact then 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet 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 but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 33,905. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 25, 2024
Wiring assembly, and tcm are a safety risk because of improper gear shifting and shuttering. The issue is reproduced with a battery swap on the vehicle it’ll cause improper grounding. No inspection, No warning signs until after improper shifting triggered limp mode no reverse and check engine along with transmission service message.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 25, 2024
My engine light came on. I went and had it scanned and it said it was the Canister purge valve. I see that 2017 ford focus has a recall on it and was wondering if this is connected to it.