Vehicle report

2017 Ford Focus

Free recalls, owner complaints, and NHTSA safety ratings for the 2017 Ford Focus, plus how to check this specific vehicle before you buy.

The 2017 Ford Focus has 10 NHTSA recalls on record and 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Its overall NHTSA crash-test rating is 5 out of 5. Below is the full breakdown, plus how to check this specific vehicle by VIN before you buy in Alberta.

10

Open recalls

15

Complaints

5

Overall safety

Get the full vehicle history report

SPONSORED

Accident & damage records, liens, title brands, ownership history, and odometer verification.

Get full report →

Provided by our vehicle-history partner. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

2017 Ford Focus recalls (10)

  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

  • POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

  • SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

    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."

    Remedy: 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.

  • LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK

    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."

    Remedy: 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.

  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

  • EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

  • EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

    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.

    Remedy: 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 April 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.

  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:CANISTER

    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.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 6, 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.

  • POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

    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.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 6, 2026. 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.

2017 Ford Focus safety ratings

5

Overall

5

Front

5

Side

4

Rollover

Source: NHTSA NCAP ratings.

2017 Ford Focus owner complaints (15)

  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

    The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power and hesitated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. An unknown warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact used an OBD-2 scanner and retrieved DTC: P00C6. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because the VIN was not under recall. Upon further investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

  • POWER TRAIN

    The vehicle experienced a sudden and total loss of transmission engagement and motive power while driving at highway speeds due to a Transmission Control Module (TCM) failure. The vehicle unexpectedly dropped out of gear into a 'no-power' state, creating an immediate traffic hazard and nearly causing a rear-end collision. The vehicle is hardly functioning at any speed, drops all power then jerks into a higher gear. The vehicle is cutting off in traffic and cannot be started unless a transmission reset is done. The vehicle has lost all reverse causing hazards if reverse is needed. The nearest auto parts diagnosed a failed TCM and clutch but dealership and Ford refuses to replace it because Ford excluded 2017 models from "Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02", despite using the identical defective transmission hardware as the recalled 2012-2016 models.

  • POWER TRAIN

    The symptoms are shuddering (driving and turning corners), delayed acceleration and bouncing from a stop. This has been recalled and the clutch will never stop performing this way. This is the 3rd time I have had an issue. Researching this online, I have found that it is a federal law that it must be fixed free of charge. Dealership has refused to work with me. WHAT DO I DO NOW?

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

    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.

  • ENGINE

    engine failure - coolant entering engine cylinder #2, Internal engine failure. Car was stalled loss of power on highway and almost killed. Towed to nearest mechanic shop. Need to disassemble and confirm failure point. Ford law suits for coolant internal engine damage and failure. This is a known defect with Ford Ecoboost engines. Including coolant/antifreeze entering the engine. Also, the coolant intrusion into cylinders. Requesting good will assistance as unable to use car for over 2 months. Ford headquarters is acting like they know nothing about this.

  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

    ●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.

  • ENGINE

    Ford refuses to respond to emails nor return calls...... Cracked cylinder head caused from a known issue Ford failed to recall. The 2.0L Ecoboost uses an aluminum cylinder head with relatively thin casting areas between the combustion chamber and coolant passages. Coolant passages run very close to the exhaust valve seats. The turbocharged exhaust temperatures are EXTREMELY high. Thin aluminum sections are repeatedly exposed to rapid heating and cooling cycles. Over time this creates micro-fractures int he heat casting, which eventually grow into a crack between the combustion chamber and coolant jacket. This defect tends to occur between 60k - 100k miles. Safety: Car was smoking so bad that it could have caught fire. The car has been inspected by a Ford dealership and declared this to be the problem. The fix is a new engine that costs 12k. There were no warning lamps or symptoms prior to the failure. Car is still deemed inoperable as Ford refuses to help with the fix.

  • ENGINE

    The engine oil light came on during late September or early October of 2024 while on the highway. There was a severe loss of power. I was able to get the car back to my residence and changed the oil filter and oil. The error persisted, I then changed the oil pressure switch to see if that was the issue, but it did not resolve. In approximately December of 2024, a friend who is a mechanic and has thousands of hours of experience offered to look at the issue. He pulled the engine and found that the oil pump belt and timing belt were severely degraded and had clogged the oil screen. He replaced the two belts and cleaned the screen hoping it would resolve the issue. In approximately late may or early June 2025 I got the car back and by the beginning of August the engine had seized due to damage received when the oil pressure had failed due to a clogged screen back in 2024. Thankfully I was not on the highway when the engine seized.

  • POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

    Recall maintenance with regard to NHTSA ID Number: 19V515000 for a Purge Valve was completed 1/9/2025. Starting in October 12, 2025, driving on the freeway, a large "bang" was felt/heard. I pulled over, the dust cover under the car had ripped partially off and took a portion of my grill trim with it. The car still ran perfectly fine, so I continued the mile and a half to my house. I did not see anything that I may have hit on the highway and did not see anything eject behind my car when this incident happened. I noticed the oil light begin to flicker as I was ½ mile from home for maybe a second, then it was off and then flickered again, it did not stay lit. I filed a claim with my insurance-Progressive-they wanted to total my car without inspecting it. I negotiated and they had me take it to The Ford dealer who inspected it visually to see if the cause was internal combustion as my insurance claimed, or external damage. See photos. They recommended a full engine replacement after only a visual inspection and charged me 276.70. I had the oil-pan replaced as shown on my bank statement 1053.77, with Interstate Automotive who verified no engine damage was found. Next the LCD instrument panel showed distorted, or not at all, or perfectly fine at times, which made it hard to read, and no instrument warnings are given for any issue, just the check engine light. As of today, 3/10/26, car will no longer reverse or progress into 2nd gear, is sluggish and feels as though it has no power at all. This happened randomly on 3/9/26 after the car would not start and it was believed to be a battery issue. The battery was replaced 3/9/26 148.08. When the diagnostic codes for the check engine light were tested, they showed a faulty CO2 module issue. New parts will be installed on 3/11/26. All of the above described issues seem as though they could be related to a major safety issue with this vehicle, but Ford insists any courtesy fixes are not available to my VIN.

  • POWER TRAIN

    While driving on the highway, (I-40) my dash lit up with "transmission fault stop car" The it shudders, bounced in and out of gear to finally completely stopped. Although I wasn't killed, my life was in danger. I believe the 2017 dual clutch transmission is faulty and should be added to the 2016 recall.

  • POWER TRAIN

    Driving down the road the car shimmed a couple times I parked it turned it off when I went to turn it back on. It wouldn’t turn over when I finally got it to turn on. It wouldn’t go on reverse sometimes it’ll start sometimes it won’t sometimes it’ll go in reverse and sometimes it won’t.

  • ENGINE

    My vehicles engine died in traffic and left me stranded in the middle of a busy road. Upon a mechanics review the issue is a siezed engine because of the oil pump pickup tube clogged with pieces of the oil pump or timing chain pulleys that had broken off.

  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    I am reporting a safety-related defect in my 2017 Ford Focus equipped with the PowerShift dual-clutch (DPS6) transmission. The vehicle has experienced ongoing transmission and clutch-related issues, including shuddering, jerking, hesitation from a stop, delayed engagement, and unpredictable acceleration behavior. These issues are most noticeable in low-speed driving, stop-and-go traffic, and when accelerating from a complete stop. The clutch has previously required replacement/repair, yet the same drivability problems persist. The vehicle continues to jerk and hesitate in a way that makes it unsafe to enter intersections, merge into traffic, or drive in congested conditions. I have been informed that further repairs are not cost-effective and that the transmission/clutch issues are likely to continue despite repair attempts. Being advised that the vehicle is “not worth repairing” due to this known transmission design is concerning and suggests a systemic defect rather than normal wear. I am aware that Ford has faced widespread complaints, investigations, and class-action litigation related to similar PowerShift dual-clutch transmission failures in earlier model years. Although my 2017 model year was excluded from the settlement, the symptoms and behavior of my vehicle are consistent with the same known defect pattern. The condition appears to be worsening over time and presents a clear safety risk due to hesitation, sudden engagement, and loss of driver control during normal driving situations.

  • POWER TRAIN

    My 2017 Ford Focus transmission failed at 113,000 miles. I was stranded in the middle of nowhere with a flashing warning light and no cell signal.

  • ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

    UNKOWN my rpms rev up randomly I can’t shut my car off when I get gas and makes a raving up sound I can’t reverse

Checking a used Ford Focus before you buy

The recall, complaint, and safety data above describes the 2017 Focus in general. To know the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're looking at, check it by VIN. A VIN check shows whether this particular Focus's recalls are still outstanding, and a full history report adds accident, title, and ownership records the data above can't show.

Before you buy a 2017 Ford Focus in Alberta:

See other model years of the Ford Focus, or browse more Ford models.

2017 Ford Focus — questions and answers

Does the 2017 Ford Focus have any recalls?+

Our check found 10 NHTSA recalls associated with the 2017 Ford Focus. Check the specific vehicle by VIN to see which remain outstanding, since some may already have been repaired. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

How many complaints does the 2017 Ford Focus have?+

NHTSA lists 15 owner complaints for the 2017 Ford Focus in our results. Complaints are problems reported by owners and don't always lead to a recall, but a pattern of similar complaints is worth weighing before you buy.

Is the 2017 Ford Focus safe?+

The 2017 Ford Focus has an overall NHTSA crash-test rating of 5. Review the front-crash, side-crash, and rollover ratings above, and pair safety ratings with a mechanical inspection of the specific vehicle.

How do I check a 2017 Ford Focus VIN?+

Enter the vehicle's 17-character VIN into our free VIN check to see recalls, complaints, and safety ratings for that exact vehicle, then run an Alberta Personal Property Registry (PPR) lien search before you pay.

Are recall repairs on a Ford free?+

Yes. Safety recall repairs are performed at no cost by a franchised Ford dealer, even for a used vehicle and even if you're not the original owner. Confirm the required parts are in stock before relying on the fix.

Get the full vehicle history report

SPONSORED

Accident & damage records, liens, title brands, ownership history, and odometer verification.

Get full report →

Provided by our vehicle-history partner. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.