RoadVitals

2017 Ford Focus Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints 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.
889
Latest Aug 11, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
20

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 Ford Focus, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

426
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering and sputtering while driving. While accelerating, the vehicle hesitated. The vehicle failed to shift into gear properly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID 11751096 · filed Jul 17, 2026

multiple clutch's have had to be replaced in BOTH of my 2017 Ford Focuses. Had to replace the transmission in my other one. Now this one is having transmission issues again. Dont know if I can handle another $4000 bill because Ford created and sold a defective product and depite several repairs never fixed it as they kept using the same faulty parts. Was told by dealership that they just replace the same parts over and over at Ford's direction until the warrenty expires as Ford was not going to come up with a permanent fix as they were converting to SUV and Truck only. Maybe the NHTSA

NHTSA ID 11750753 · filed Jul 16, 2026
All 426 reports naming powertrain (other)

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

297
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after approximately 45 minutes after each failure. The vehicle was towed to the neighbor's house approximately seven times and was taken once to an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that on one occasion while attempting to restart the vehicle, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the engine revved; however, the vehicle lost power and stalled. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,226.

NHTSA ID 11756238 · filed Aug 11, 2026

Timing belt came apart and my engine blew in the middle of driving. I contacted ford and they said i had to deal with it. So I have had it repaired. I have invoices. Warning light came on seconds before it died. I only have 40,000 miles on my car.

NHTSA ID 11754853 · filed Aug 4, 2026
All 297 reports naming engine

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

176
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) in 2019. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed, but the manufacturer confirmed the dealer's information. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ID 11748475 · filed Jul 6, 2026

While driving approximately 53 mph on a main road, my 2017 Ford Focus suddenly displayed the message “Engine Fault Service Now.” The vehicle immediately entered limp mode, downshifted into 2nd gear, and would not accelerate above approximately 31 mph. During the event, the engine shook noticeably and made abnormal noises. No check engine light appeared during this initial incident. This problem occurred multiple times over several days, most often when the fuel tank was below approximately half full. Each time, I was able to temporarily restore normal operation by shutting the vehicle off, waiting about one minute, and restarting it. After restarting, the vehicle would drive completely normally until the problem occurred again. A few days later, while sitting in my vehicle during a work break, I started the engine and it immediately entered limp mode without being driven. A check engine light then illuminated, and the engine stalled shortly afterward. The diagnostic trouble codes retrieved were: * P1674 (Stored, Pending, Permanent, and Enhanced) * U0100 (Enhanced ABS Code) A mechanic familiar with Ford vehicles suggested the symptoms could be related to the EVAP canister purge valve issue that has been investigated on similar Ford Focus models. He recommended keeping the fuel tank above half full as a test. Since keeping the fuel tank full, the limp mode condition has not reoccurred. I took the vehicle to a Ford dealership to have the purge valve issue evaluated. The dealership declined to perform any purge valve-related repairs because they believed the problem was transmission-related and stated the engine issue would need to be repaired first. I am submitting this report because the vehicle unexpectedly loses power while driving, creating a significant safety hazard when traveling at normal traffic speeds.

NHTSA ID 11748428 · filed Jul 6, 2026
All 176 reports naming fuel system

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

43
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

●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 · filed Apr 3, 2026

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 · filed Jul 23, 2025
All 43 reports naming driver assistance

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

35
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after approximately 45 minutes after each failure. The vehicle was towed to the neighbor's house approximately seven times and was taken once to an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that on one occasion while attempting to restart the vehicle, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the engine revved; however, the vehicle lost power and stalled. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,226.

NHTSA ID 11756238 · filed Aug 11, 2026

The block heater on this car is leaking. The recall 26V011 does not apply to this VIN, even though it falls under the year, make, model category. How can I get my vehicle to have the recall done when it shows that it is not affected, even though it is clearly leaking.

NHTSA ID 11731612 · filed Apr 16, 2026
All 35 reports naming electrical

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

25
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle misfired. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID 11666628 · filed Jun 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond, and jerked abnormally. The contact stated that the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, and the RPM fluctuated, causing the vehicle to lose motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted while driving. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

NHTSA ID 11652166 · filed Apr 1, 2025
All 25 reports naming transmission

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

20
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11619747 · filed Oct 14, 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

NHTSA ID 11618372 · filed Oct 7, 2024
All 20 reports naming steering

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 19, 2024

The contact owned a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated her son was driving the vehicle and while depressing the brake pedal to switch to the right lane, the engine RPMs revved and the vehicle unintendedly accelerated. As a result, the driver crashed into the rear of the vehicle in front. The navigation display turned black and no warning light was illuminated. The air bag underneath the steering wheel was deployed, but all other air bags in the vehicle failed to deploy. The contact who was the front passenger at the time of the incident sustained bruises on her stomach. The contact's son sustained bruises on his legs. No medical attention was sought. The vehicle was towed and deemed destroyed. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

NHTSA ID 11579240 · filed Mar 25, 2024
All 15 reports naming airbags

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I am reporting a dealership conduct issue that directly affected vehicle safety and caused financial loss. Valley Ford of Columbus, Ohio told me by phone that a specific safety-related part for my vehicle was in stock and available. Based on that representation, I traveled to the dealership and took time away from work. When I arrived, I was told the part was not available and had not been there. Shortly after this, I went out of town. During that time, Valley Ford stated they were unable to reach me. After returning, I again contacted Valley Ford and was once more told that the same safety-related part was available. I again traveled to the dealership, taking additional time off work, and once again was told upon arrival that the part was not available. This resulted in the same situation happening twice. Because of this repeated misinformation, I lost wages and hard-earned paid time off (PTO), was delayed in repairing my vehicle, and had to continue driving while waiting for a safety-related component I was told was available. I use my vehicle for work every day for approximately eight hours per day. Being forced to continue operating my vehicle without this safety-related repair places myself and other motorists at risk. After these incidents, I contacted Germain Ford of Columbus, Ohio in an effort to resolve the issue. I was informed that the same safety-related part could take up to eight weeks to become available. This extended delay has further prolonged my inability to complete necessary safety-related repairs and has continued to place me in a potentially unsafe driving situation. I believe this repeated misinformation and prolonged unavailability of a safety-related vehicle component is dangerous and unacceptable. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA is aware of the actions of Valley Ford of Columbus, Ohio and the ongoing delay reported by Germain Ford of Columbus, Ohio.

NHTSA ID 11713003 · filed Jan 23, 2026

Ford oil pump tensioner belt failed

NHTSA ID 11677025 · filed Jul 29, 2025
All 10 reports naming brakes

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I purchased a 2017 Ford Focus from a car dealership called lion cars on 4201 West Colonial Drive in Orlando Florida the car has a major major electrical issue I was at an intersection and the car went completely dead and turned off and it locked me inside the car I couldn't get out of the car the windows would not roll down the doors were not unlocked and the car started smoking finally I got out then 3 days later I turned around and try to get in the car and the car also locked me in out of the car where I couldn't use my key fob nothing on the car works I did a report on it I found out that the car had been in two major crashes and both reports stated severe damage and when you drive down the road it pulls to the left I brought this attentia attention of lying car dealership they said that they would fix the car or they will replace the car and they never did so now I am without a car I am without my money back and I am without replacement car so

NHTSA ID 11627831 · filed Nov 28, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, he became aware that the headlamp was not illuminating properly. The contact stated that the bulbs inside headlamp housings were overheating, causing the headlamps to become burned. The headlights and bulbs were replaced by the contact however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the failure with headlamps were very concerning while driving the vehicle. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

NHTSA ID 11587284 · filed May 6, 2024
All 9 reports naming exterior lighting

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

At 31,500 miles, the Ford dealer said the lug nuts were swollen and had to be replaced, because the wheels would not be safe to drive. No warning lights of signals prior to this problem.

NHTSA ID 11496531 · filed Dec 8, 2022

Ford owners have been plagued with the issue of poorly designed lug nuts that expand with age. My service center just informed me that most or all of my lug nuts need to be replaced, so I have authorized that to complete the service. I have read that the problem is caused partly because of improper tightening. When I purchased my Ford in 2018(a one year leftover) the Ford dealer had to resurface the rotors twice because of pulsation. I've since had oil changes done at another Ford dealer that supposedly included tire rotation, so it seems that Ford could be at fault for bad lug nuts and reinstalling them as well. I think that a recall is justified. What is odd is that this issue has been around for quite some time, but they are still selling the same part. How is that?

NHTSA ID 11477742 · filed Aug 5, 2022
All 8 reports naming other / unspecified

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE HOOD RELEASED AND CRACKED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE FACE AND NECK HOWEVER NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 26,000. *DT*JB*DT*JB*DT*JB

NHTSA ID 11403093 · filed Mar 15, 2021

THE BACK DRIVERS SIDE DOOR NO LONGER CLOSES. NO DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE CAR, IT JUST STOPPED LATCHING. THE DOOR BOUNCES BACK INSTEAD OF CLOSING. CAR WAS UNLOCKED, OFF, AND PARKED AT HOME. *TR

NHTSA ID 11329828 · filed Jun 20, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Drivers seat belt is hard to latch and comes unbuckled

NHTSA ID 11644237 · filed Feb 22, 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.

NHTSA ID 11644226 · filed Feb 21, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

1) A bracket that connects the seat to the rails that are attached to the floor had a weld break. Photos provided below. 2) The seat is no longer attached to the car in this particular part 3) No 4) I took the car to my dealer who did not physically look at it but refused to do anything to help me because the car was no longer within warranty period. They could provide me a quote only after I paid a $220 diagnosis fee. The part to repair is $1,020 before diagnosis charge, labor, and tax. 5) There were no warning or symptoms prior to the failure.

NHTSA ID 11471895 · filed Jun 30, 2022

Back latch that makes the seat fold down won’t snap back into place.

NHTSA ID 11470991 · filed Jun 25, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11415474 · filed May 6, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE HOOD RELEASED AND CRACKED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE FACE AND NECK HOWEVER NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 26,000. *DT*JB*DT*JB*DT*JB

NHTSA ID 11403093 · filed Mar 15, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My car has a faulty transmission from factory, having some issues now for some months, Ford advised to change the transmission at 103K miles. My car start becoming very shaky and slow on hills, I was afraid i will remain with in the middle of the street!

NHTSA ID 11700711 · filed Nov 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.

NHTSA ID 11644226 · filed Feb 21, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

225/50/17 have had one tire completely tear at the rim& cause chaos on the road. And another that that I have to put air in twice a day.

NHTSA ID 11593233 · filed Jun 8, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .