RoadVitals

2017 Ford Focus Driver assistance Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the driver-assistance system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Driver assistance reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
43
Latest Apr 3, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
5%
of 889 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
2
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2017 Ford Focus submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 43 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming driver-assistance

The 25 most recent of 43, in the owner's own words

Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Apr 3, 2026

●Unknown- transmition seem to slip or acted like stalling or about to die. Would jerk forward and shutter till finally would not start after being turned off. So had it towed because would not start again. ●myself and others in my 2017 Ford Focus titanium edition were traveling over a bridge at the time of the incident and very well have stalled out or quit running in the middle of traffic on a bridge causing a collision or worse loss of life ●No- no service center has addressed the issue not due to me not trying but merely, nothing's been done from where I've taken it to ●No- at the moment that is not required as of yet. ●Yes- the forward jerking and shuttering started a couple of years every now and then, until it turned into such a severe situation. ●No - no signs signals lights or anything on the dash showed any kind of sign of anything wrong with the vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11728958
Incident
Jan 10, 2026
Driver assistanceElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 23, 2025

Ford Focus 2017 Hatchback causing traffic jams and backup do to low speed, overheating, stalling, jerky shifting, Failure to move or hesitation in the middle of driving, causing the car to stop or slow down in the middle of traffic and blocking exits and cars from moving around the vehicle. Transmission overheating and car says to pull over when driving after a few minutes. Powertrain is affected car not driving at correct speed. Transmission clutch a disengaged and having a hard time engaging. Constant clutch issues. Causing issues to driver safety and others on the road. Ford knows about these models but are failing to fix at affordable price or provide warranty. Not upholding customer satisfactory.

NHTSA ID
11675775
Incident
Apr 1, 2025
Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 7, 2025

On July 2nd my daughter was driving her car and the engine slowed and turned off. She tried to out it in reverse and it would not function. We took it to our mechanics and he got a P287A - code - I then spoke with Ford Customer Service and they stated the extended warranty on that same issue expired June 30th and advised me to reach out to you as the extended warranty was not listed for our vehicle I am hoping someone can help us since we are under the mileage and it was only a few days past the time frame. Thank you

NHTSA ID
11671640
Incident
Jul 7, 2025
Driver assistanceFuel system
Filed May 5, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle lost automotive power and shuddered abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the there was an unknown part in the fuel tank that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ID
11659095
Incident
Dec 5, 2024
Mileage
90,000 mi
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed 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.

NHTSA ID
11650692
Incident
Mar 9, 2025
Mileage
138,000 mi
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 31, 2025

Rpm going to high and irregular shifting .This happened after I replaced the part for the 24n07 campaign

NHTSA ID
11639796
Incident
Jan 30, 2025
Driver assistanceFuel system
Filed Jan 17, 2025

I was getting off of work to go home when I got on the main hwy my car just started to slow down and would not go over 10 mph and the speed limited on that hwy is 45 mph so I had to get off the road before I was hit from behind.

NHTSA ID
11636655
Incident
Nov 18, 2024
Driver assistanceEngineFuel system
Filed Jan 3, 2025

Cruise control fails constantly, has trouble picking up speed going up hills. Can't maintain speed on hills and sloaps. Gave to dealership for two months said it was fine only for them to tell me they had no mechanic. Engine continues to fail and they won't check for new recall for free on my car. My check ending light is currently on, I believe it is the same issue with the other Ford Focus recall.

NHTSA ID
11633798
Incident
Jan 1, 2025
Mileage
269,573 mi
AirbagsDriver assistance
Filed Jul 19, 2024

my transmission started slipping like it was in neutral and coming to a stop when it downshifted to low gear it would lunge forward the ford garage said it was tcm but didnt have the part i dont know what to do i need a car

NHTSA ID
11603434
Incident
Jul 15, 2024
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Apr 10, 2024

The clutch on my 2017 Ford focus needs to be replaced due to it slipping/shuttering when I go to accelerate.

NHTSA ID
11582169
Incident
Apr 6, 2024
Driver assistanceFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 17, 2024

I have a recall on my 2017 ford focus that is for the gas tank deformation , this happens because the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system. It jerks , excels and dies when low on or getting gas mostly . Recently it wouldn’t reverse or go over 15 miles and would limp only , not drivable . Codes say it’s clutch b stuck engaged . I took it to the ford dealership and they gave me a 8000 repair bill when I told them I mainly wanted the recall fixed on it and I’d figure out the rest later . They said the recall is not a safety issue and doesn’t have anything to do with the car having issues or driving at all and they are charging me half of the bill for things related to the recall , claiming it isn’t part of the recall (canister purge valve , canister vent , fuel injection cleaning , check engine light being on) . They said they had to redo my appointment for me over the phone because I didn’t put it under the recall appointments and they didn’t include anything about the recall in it . The other half of the bill is them claiming they need to replace the entire clutch .

NHTSA ID
11565901
Incident
Jan 10, 2024
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 29, 2023

Yes it is available for inspection if you choose to do so. Roughly a month ago my transmission shifted into neutral while trying to merge onto the interstate. It bucked around and eventually caught the right gear, and the problem persisted the next 15 miles to my destination, as well as the 15 miles home. I couldn't afford to take it to the shop, so I didn't drive it for a couple weeks. I then had some responsibilities to take care of, and the car was so much worse this time. Trying to accelerate from 0mph was hit or miss, and any time I went over 10 mph it would shift back and forth from neutral to a lower gear than it should have for the speed I was going, then back to neutral. It loses power or shifts into neutral driving down the interstate sometimes, or going up hills. I almost slid down a hill backwards the other day because I was in neutral (even tho my gear shift was in Drive). Sometimes when trying to stop, the car lunges forward while my foot is on the brake. It felt like I was driving a standard again - not safe at all. My check engine light has been on for a month or two due to an O2 sensor issue, but otherwise I had no warning lights displayed. I had a mechanic hook up a code reader a few days ago and the code that popped up is P07A3. I have yet to take it in for repairs, as I cannot afford to pay thousands of dollars for Ford's intentional manufacture of faulty machinery. I still owe $11,000 on this car, there is no way I can afford to buy another one, or to fix this piece of junk. Happy 2024.

NHTSA ID
11562691
Incident
Nov 25, 2023
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Jul 2, 2023

On MANY multiple occasions the vehicle has undergone a transmission/clutch failure. The worst of which was when passing a vehicle on a busy section of interstate and the car effectively put itself in neutral, unable to accelerate, at which point the vehicle behind us had to swerve to not collide with us or cause an accident. After the third time bringing it back to the dealership for repairs, I looked into it. We have only been able to drive this car LITERALLY HALF of the time we’ve owned it, and poured thousands in repairs for obvious and negligent manufacturing defects that YOU KNOW ABOUT. This is a well known issue, and FAR FAR beyond the reasonable requirements for a recall. I am stuck with this vehicle and am mounting debt because I cannot afford another car. The NHTSA has outright failed in its duties to protect people from Fords clear fraud and negligence. I’m unsure if it’s political pressure to not oust them, or because you’re corrupt. Either way, I’ve decided to mount a campaign to bring light to this issue, and your complete lack of response. Ford is at fault for fraud and endangerment. YOU are at fault for willfully ignoring an issue that has, ON THOUSANDS OF WELL DOCUMENTED OCCASIONS, caused real financial and/or physical harm. Which is literally the exact opposite of your institution’s purpose. I will not be including the paperwork or screenshots of our (currently) 10+ shop visits and bills, because you already have thousands (if not literal millions) of examples. You make me a sick as Ford. Shame on you.

NHTSA ID
11529956
Incident
May 4, 2023
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 2, 2023

I pulled out of my brothers driveway as I pulled out the car failed to go over 10mph and started to lurch back and forth. I almost got in an accident because of this. There was a car coming down the road and they had to swerve to miss me because I couldn’t get the car to go over 10. I promptly pulled the car over after that.The car also would go into reverse but would not move. I had the car towed to a local Ford dealer because I did not feel it was safe to drive. There were no warning lights on the car at the time of the incident. The check engine light did come on later though. The dealership said the TCM had failed and would need to be replaced but I would need to wait for the part because it’s on national factory back order. After waiting 4 months and calling Ford to complain multiple times the part finally came in. They installed the part and told me it did not fix the issue and I would need a replacement transmission. The car has not been fixed, failure date was at 87,300 miles. The car is no longer safe to drive and costs way too much for me to fix.

NHTSA ID
11515009
Incident
Dec 5, 2022
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Mar 20, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle also failed to shift into reverse. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who scanned the vehicle who informed her there was small leak in the fuel line. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.

NHTSA ID
11512750
Incident
Mar 19, 2023
Mileage
107,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Jan 30, 2023

back-up camera fails intermitadey, about 70% of the time. Failure of the camera increases risk to pedestrians and rear cross traffic. Independant service center confirms the failure and thinks this should be a recall. There are no warning lamps when the camera fails. The problem started in 2019.

NHTSA ID
11504370
Incident
Jan 31, 2019
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 19, 2022
Crash reported

Car was at highway speed and was given light input to change lanes. With light input, the engine accelerated in an uncontrolled manner, revving to maybe 5000 rpm. The driver had to slam on the brakes to counteract. Result was a rear-end collision with the car in front (Route 95 near Laurel, MD). For what it is worth, the car also gave an "overheating" alarm for the Powershift DCT transmission even though no such alarm had ever appeared previously. So first time alarm on the transmission and the following day this incident with the unintended acceleration. These could be unrelated, but could also be related. With the overheating transmission issue, the car was left sit for 10 minutes and then drove normally. Car also drove normally after the accident. No further abnormal acceleration issues.

NHTSA ID
11494225
Incident
Nov 16, 2022
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 3, 2022

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering while accelerating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed her that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to replicate the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted and referred her to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA ID
11492153
Incident
Jan 1, 2019
Mileage
70,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistanceEngine
Filed May 25, 2022

All lights came on and vehicle immediately slowed down, brakes became hard and it eventually just stalled out. Would not restart. Towed to repair shop . Mechanic found that the oil was full but no oil to engine. Found that the oil pump belt had malfunctioned and tore up leaving debris in the oil pan. Vehicle has approx 66,000 miles on it and manual says this piece if equipment should last until 150,000. Upon research, this is a common occurrence in the 2017, 2018 Ford focus.

NHTSA ID
11466132
Incident
May 21, 2022
Driver assistance
Filed 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

NHTSA ID
11446936
Incident
Dec 27, 2021
Mileage
23,054 mi
Driver assistanceFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Feb 15, 2021

I PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW AND WITHIN A WEEK IT BEGAN SHUDDERING, STUDDERING, JERKING DURING ACCELERATION. FOR A WHILE I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST ME GETTING USED TO THE CAR AND PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL ODDLY. OVER THE YEARS THE PROBLEM HAS BECAME WORSE AND APPROXIMATELY 12-15 MONTHS AGO I TOOK IT IN TO BE CHECKED OUT. I HAD TO CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP AND COMPLAIN ABOUT THE WAY MY CAR WAS DRIVING NUMEROUS TIMES BEFORE THEY ALLOWED ME TO BRING IT IN. I CANNOT REMEMBER IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE TRANSMISSION OR IF THE "REPAIR" WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. EITHER WAY, THE DEALERSHIP TRIED EVERYTHING THEY COULD TO AVOID ME- SO MUCH THAT I PASSED THE MAXIMUM MILES COVERED IN THE MANUFACTURER WARRANTY BEFORE I WAS ALLOWED TO BRING IT IN BUT THEY DID STILL HONOR IT, CONSIDERING MY COMPLAINT WAS WELL BEFORE THE THRESHOLD WAS SURPASSED. WHEN I PICKED MY CAR UP I WAS TOLD A NEW ELECTRONIC COMPONENT WAS INSTALLED IN(?) THE TRANSMISSION THAT WOULD RECORD AND ADAPT TO MY DRIVING STYLE, ALLOWING A MUCH SMOOTHER TRANSITION BETWEEN GEAR SHIFTS, SOLVING THE SHUDDERING. WHATEVER THEY DID WORKED FOR ABOUT A WEEK, JUST LONG ENOUGH TO ENSURE THE MANUFACTURER WARRANTY EXPIRED. NOW IT IS WORSE THAN EVER- SEVER SHUDDERING AND JERKING BETWEEN GEARS, TAKING LONGER THAN IT SHOULD TO SHIFT GEARS, EVEN SLIPPING GEARS SOMETIMES, OCCASIONAL UNINITIATED ENGINE REVVING AND BOGGING DOWN, HESITATING TO ACCELERATE- BOTH AT A STOP AND WHILE IN MOTION, ROLLING BACKWARDS ON AN INCLINE WHILE IN DRIVE. I'M AFRAID TO PULL OUT ONTO A ROAD IF THERE'S ANY TRAFFIC COMING, AFRAID TO CROSS AT A MEDIAN, MERGE INTO TRAFFIC FROM AN OFF RAMP. I'VE KNOWN FROM THE BEGINNING THAT SOMETHING ISN'T RIGHT WITH THIS CAR, AND READING THROUGH THE CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST FORD FOR THIS SAME MODEL CAR YEARS 2012-2016, I BELIEVE FORD KNOWS, TOO.

NHTSA ID
11396316
Incident
Feb 1, 2018
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Jan 14, 2021

TWO THINGS HAPPENS AFTER I WOULD PUSH ON THE BREAK THE CAR WOULD ACCELERATE UNTIL I PUSHED ON THE BREAK AGAIN AND IT SHUTTERS AND ACT AS IF IT WILL STALL OUT WHEN I FIRST START TO DRIVE WHEN I FIRST ACCELERATE FROM ANY STOPPED SITUATION

NHTSA ID
11388150
Incident
Jan 13, 2021
Mileage
65,000 mi
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 6, 2020

I PUT MY VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND IT WOULDN'T MOVE, IT FELT LIKE I WAS PRESSING ON THE GAS WHILE THE BRAKES WERE ON, THEN I WAS LEAVING A STORE WHEN MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT REVERSE AND A MESSAGE WOULD POP UP SAYING TRANSMISSION NOT IN PARK. IT FINALLY STARTED BUT WOULDN'T GO OVER 11 MILES THEN IT DROPPED DOWN TO 4 MILES. SO, I HAD PARKED IT AND WENT TO TURN IT BACK ON BUT IT WOULDN'T TURN ON, IT WAS LIKE MY BATTERY HAD DIED.

NHTSA ID
11373537
Incident
Oct 5, 2020
Mileage
75,000 mi
Driver assistanceFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 18, 2020

THERE IS 2,800 DOLLARS WORTH OF WORK I'VE TAKEN IT IN TWICE FOR THE SAME THING IT COMES OUT WORSE EVERYTIME IT WAS BUILT IN DECEMBER 2016 IT LEAVES ME SITTING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD THEN DRIVES FINE IT'S CRAZY I NEED HELP IT HAS DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION

NHTSA ID
11350041
Incident
Jun 30, 2020
Mileage
80,974 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalSteering
Filed Jun 6, 2020

CAR HAS 71000 MILES AND JUNE 3RD 2020, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND WAS HARD TO TURN (LIKE POWER STEERING WITH NO FLUID), TURNED THE CAR OFF FOR 30 SECONDS AND BACK ON AND IT WORKED FINE. STOPPED FOR FOOD AND TURNED CAR BACK ON AND A WARNING CAME UP "STEERING ASSIST FAULT". TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THERE'S NO LOOSE WIRES OR BAD FUSE. WILL REQUIRE TO HAVE THE STEERING MOTOR REPLACED. *TR

NHTSA ID
11327506
Incident
Jun 3, 2020
Mileage
71,053 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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