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KLUNK
KLUNK

2017 Ford Focus

The Verdict

5 Total Klunk

The 2017 Ford Focus has 903 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (423 complaints) and transmission (370 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 5/100, it earns a "Total Klunk" rating. If you're shopping for a Ford Focus, consider the 2011 model year which has 87% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2011 has 87% fewer complaints

View the 2011 Ford Focus dashboard →

5

Klunk Score: Total Klunk

Among the most complained-about vehicle years on record. Strongly consider alternatives.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 2

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

17V528000 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, res...

Risk

The reduced seat back strength may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

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 cus...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

19V515000 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 recal...

Risk

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.

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 insp...

Reported May 7, 2019

Get notified if a recall hits this car.

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
200010293361419853174
200142916558955068
20023626633019166
2003254545619749
200494342004712
2005173281465143
20067513802512
2007119171813340
200811912752519
20091028563726
20101315497131
201156427719
20121566312387561206
201351816123559895
2014445171317421322
2015202345309473
2016125247450570
201782424423370
201877517475249

Investigations 10

NHTSA defect investigations for this vehicle.

DP26003 Open Defect Petition

Fuel smell and loss of motive power

Opened Mar 30, 2026

EA26002 Open Engineering Analysis

FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions

Opened Mar 18, 2026

DP26001 Open Defect Petition

All wheel drive allegation

Opened Mar 6, 2026

DP26002 Open Defect Petition

Redundant wheel fastener locking mechanism

Opened Mar 4, 2026

PE26002 Open Preliminary Evaluation

Loss of Power Steering Assist

Opened Mar 2, 2026

EA26001 Open Engineering Analysis

Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up

Opened Jan 30, 2026

PE26001 Open Preliminary Evaluation

Waymo AV striking a child in the area of a school.

Opened Jan 29, 2026

RQ26002 Open RQ

Momentary increase in steering effort after recall remedy

Opened Jan 26, 2026

RQ26001 Open RQ

Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy

Opened Jan 16, 2026

DP25002 Open Defect Petition

Emergency egress controls are not readily accessible and clearly identifiable.

Opened Dec 23, 2025

By Category

Engine
423
Transmission
370
Body
82
Electrical
24
Brakes
4

By Severity

1
456
2
425
3
2
4
20

Worst Problems

Complaints

Engine 1

I had a recall on my vehicle in June of last year for a new motor. I had oil leaking all in my intake. I didn’t get my car back till December with a new motor. As soon as I left the check engine light came back on. I took it back and they said it was my battery. Now my oil is leaking all in my intake again. I haven’t put 12000 on the motor and that’s the warranty. My car was repaired incorrectly. The dealership shows no interest in it. It’s been there since 10/14/2026 and at first they said it was my battery again and my fiancé demanded them to look closer at it then they called about my oil leaking everywhere again. I haven’t received a call since.

7d ago
Transmission 1

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that an abnormal, burnt rubber odor was emitted from the vehicle while driving at various speeds. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal as the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while on the highway, nearly resulting in a collision. The vehicle was initially taken to a dealer, where the contact was provided an estimate for diagnostic inspection. The vehicle was later taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission was defective and needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 72,339.

13d ago
Transmission 2

I am reporting severe, life-threatening pre-existing safety defects involving the mechanical braking system and the dual-clutch transmission assembly on my 2017 Ford Focus. After purchasing the vehicle from a dealership under the fraudulent written assurance that a safety inspection was completed, I was forced to drive the vehicle a long distance across state lines with my pregnant fiancée and my [XXX] daughter inside. Immediately upon arrival, a certified multi-point mechanical safety inspection at a Ford facility uncovered that the vehicle was completely unroadworthy and posed an immediate hazard to public safety. The safety inspection documented a catastrophically failing transmission clutch assembly, completely rusted-out and failing rear brake rotor/pad assemblies, bad wheel hub bearings, and severely degraded drive belts. The immediate degradation of the dual-clutch power train and the mechanical brake failures under highway conditions created an extreme physical safety risk, including potential wheel lockup and immediate power loss on the highway. I request that this failure list be officially attached to the ongoing federal defect investigation for this vehicle model's power train and braking components to protect other consumers from fatal highway failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

22d ago
Transmission 2

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle jerked unexpectedly. The contact stated that the transmission unexpectedly shifted into other gear and the vehicle failed to accelerate and almost caused the vehicle to be T-boned. The vehicle was taken to a service center where the transmission failure was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure via telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

1mo ago
Body 1

We have a recall for our car. The recall is 18532A. In this recall it states that if there are drivability issues with this car they are to replace the canister purge valve. We have complained of these exact issues which include complete loss of power while driving and they have refused to replace the CPV. They are attempting to get us to agree to running diagnostics and will only replace the part if it comes back bad or charge us $200. But as I mentioned, if we are having complaints they are just supposed to replace the part and diagnostics are not necessary. There’s also another notice which is 24N07, that also states if there are driving issues, as a courtesy from Ford, they are to replace the canister purge valve. This car poses a huge safety risk and they are refusing to address the issue.

1mo ago
Transmission 1

The transmission on my 2017 Ford Focus started not shifting correctly. It would shudder, slip and hesitate when shifting. At times when it did get up to speed it would unexpectedly downshift and go into limp mode. The automobile is not safe to drive and is now parked at my residence. A warning would flash up on the dash that stated the transmission was overheating and for me to pull over to a safe location as I recall. On October 22, 2025 the automobile was delivered to a local Ford dealership for a diagnostic system check. Per the diagnostic test report a PPT G was performed and found it necessary to replace the transmission due to a failed B clutch shift fork. The estimate quote for a transmission replacement along with some other repairs was $10,000.00. I had the car towed to my home and it now sits in my driveway until and if a recall is issued. According to an article published by MSN. com that enough complaints were filed that Ford extended warranty coverage, issued a long series of software and hardware fixes, and settled a class action covering roughly two million Focus an Fiesta cars. I have in my possession the invoice for the diagnostic testing which was performed. I however do not know how to upload the invoice for your review, but would be willing to take it to the service department for them to do it.

1mo ago
Engine 1

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Transmission failure after 2 recall/warranty repairs, most recently in July 2026. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Vehicle accelerating and then stopping out right on and off the freeway "bucking" on the freeway, fast then slow, with no foot on the accelerator. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? This was immediately noticed when we picked up the vehicle from the dealer after the 2nd Ford recall repair. No, they deny this, and state this is a coincidence when it was not doing this when we dropped the vehicle off to them. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No, but I will be getting police, lawyers and insurance involved since Ford motor company will not help us. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Check engine light and service engine now light on when we picked up the vehicle from the Ford dealership on July 13th, 2026. The day we picked it up, immediately this happened pulling out of the dealership/service department, and on the freeway, 4 times causing close to 4 accidents.

2mo ago
Transmission 2

2017 focus slow down for traffic go to accelerate and nothing like it wasn’t in gear had to jump out and push car out of intersection told the clutch stuck or tcm but ford won’t fix their mistakes and nobody makes them stand behind their mistake it bad when nobody cares after the sale and they have ur money. Someone help

2mo ago
Engine 2

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer for a recall repair associated with an engine oil failure and tensioner replacement. The contact stated that after the recall repair, while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking and then unintendedly accelerated. The "Service Engine" light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

2mo ago
Engine 2

I was driving and during the drive I realized that if the accelerator pedal was pressed more than the lightest touch the car would stop accelerating. I decided that I had to turn back to go home, and during my return trip the engine oil pressure lamp started flashing at me. Soon after, I entered a roundabout and pressed the clutch. At this moment the engine stopped working (tach to 0 rpm) and I had to coast and pull over. The starter worked but the engine did not turn over--it was seized. Prior to that day, it seemed like the car was having trouble with its turbocharger--boost was delayed at first and later intermittent. Since I was on a mostly empty road this did not pose a safety threat to others, though I did slow down traffic as I pulled over on a two-lane road. If this same issue had happened later into my drive on a busier road or highway, mine and others' safety would have been put at risk due to my car suddenly not working with little warning. The engine is seized and needs to be replaced. It would be available for inspection as I have not yet replaced it. The current cost to repair has been quoted to me at between $9000 and $10000.

2mo ago
Engine 1

I am filing this complaint regarding a severe safety hazard and prolonged failure to resolve an official recall repair by the manufacturer and dealership. In April 2026, the vehicle was brought to the dealership for an official recall repair. The repair was delayed for 2 months. In June 2026, after the dealership confirmed completion, I retrieved the vehicle. While driving on the highway, the check engine light suddenly illuminated and the vehicle completely lost power. Pressing the accelerator pedal produced no response, leaving the car unable to accelerate in active high-speed traffic. This created an extreme safety risk that nearly caused a severe highway collision. The vehicle was towed back to the dealership. The dealership returned the vehicle a second time, claiming it was repaired, but the exact same check engine light illuminated immediately with the same loss of power, requiring another tow. As of August 2026, the dealership has retained the vehicle for over 4 months in total due to backordered parts, without providing a clear completion date or loaner/rental transportation support. The dealership and corporate customer care are currently ignoring attempts to communicate. The recurring loss of engine power on the highway and unresolved recall defect pose a direct and imminent risk to public road safety. The components involved are currently at the dealership for inspection.

2mo ago
Engine 1

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.

2mo ago
Engine 2

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.

2mo ago
Engine 1

I presented my vehicle to Oliver Ford-Lincoln in Plymouth, IN for inspection under recall 23S64 / NHTSA 23V-905. The dealership confirmed that the oil pump drive belt degraded, clogging the oil pickup pump screen and causing engine oil starvation and complete engine failure. The dealership subsequently denied recall coverage claiming "bad maintenance history". Under NHTSA Campaign 23V-905, Ford explicitly acknowledges that the wet belt and tensioner are defective by design and cause oil starvation. Denying a safety recall remedy for the exact failure mechanism detailed in the federal recall notice based on discretionary maintenance rules violates federal safety recall requirements. Furthermore, I attempted to escalate this denial to Ford Corporate. Ford Corporate refused to generate an official case number, promised a callback, and abandoned the request. I am requesting NHTSA intervention to compel Ford Motor Company to honor the remedy mandated under Safety Recall 23V-905.

3mo ago
Transmission 1

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.

3mo ago
Transmission 1

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

3mo ago
Engine 1

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low engine oil pressure warning light illuminated, and the contact stopped driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the engine oil pump, the engine, and the coolant gasket housing were replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the vehicle started overheating. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer several times, and the contact was eventually informed that diagnostic trouble codes indicating an overheating failure were retrieved when the vehicle was initially taken to the dealer. The contact stated that the dealer stated that the overheating failure was not related to the recall repair. No further assistance was provided. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed; the contact was advised to take the vehicle to another dealer for a second assessment, and the manufacturer would follow up with the initial dealer based on the assessment. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.

3mo ago
Engine 1

See attached document for complaint.

3mo ago
Engine 2

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.

3mo ago
Engine 2

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.

3mo ago

903 total

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