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2017
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Ford Focus

EPA MPG: 32 mpg
RECALL ALERT:
There are 10 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
View of 2017 Ford Focus Front 3/4, facing to the left view of 2017 Ford Focus
Rear 3/4, facing to the right view of 2017 Ford Focus Side Profile, facing to left view of 2017 Ford Focus
Front (full) view of 2017 Ford Focus Rear (full) view of 2017 Ford Focus
Front 3/4, facing to the right view of 2017 Ford Focus Drivers Dash view of 2017 Ford Focus

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2017 Focus is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2017 Ford Focus has been recalled 10 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2017 Potential Trouble Spots

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2017 Ford Focus owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Other major transmission & clutch problem

"The module failed which caused it to not start and had to be towed to the dealership to be fixed."

Anonymous, IA (2017 Ford Focus Unsure Unsure)
Transmission rebuild or replacement

""Started at about 85,000 miles and quickly got worse. Not shifting properly, slipping badly and smelling like it was burning up almost everytime I drove it for more then 3 to 5 miles.""

Anonymous A., WA (2017 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Recently, my transmission failed. The cost to replace it is prohibitively expensive, and I need to find a used car to replace it. This is the second time my car has need to be towed to the shop, and as my brother said, I feel like I'm watching the first few dominoes fall, and there are others stacking up. This is an unreliable car that I regret purchasing. The number one quality I want in my next car is reliability, and I trust Consumer Reports to help me find the right fit."

Anonymous, AZ (2017 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

12V battery

"I had to replace my battery already. My Saturn was a better car."

Anonymous, OH (2017 Ford Focus Unsure Unsure)

"The EV OEM 12V battery appears to have a shorter life than 12V batteries installed in ICE vehicles"

Anonymous A., CA (2017 Ford Focus Electric Electric)
Self-turning headlights

"The passenger side headlight unit had to be replaced because it stopped working. It just pointed to the right."

Anonymous A., MI (2017 Ford Focus ST 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Other brakes problem

"Front brake line failure recall replaced"

Anonymous, (2017 Ford Focus SE Unsure)
Premature brake wear

"At first I thought the sqeaking was due to dampness, but the sqeaking got worse. I was worried that my brakes would fail when I needed them."

Anonymous, OH (2017 Ford Focus Unsure Unsure)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Shocks or struts

"Right front shock needs to be repalced."

Anonymous A., CO (2017 Ford Focus RS 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

"I had to replace the entire steering unit. It is electronic."

Anonymous A., CO (2017 Ford Focus RS 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

""Very little cool air, apparently cooling the huge battery is first priority. The cabin does not cool enough or at all""

Anonymous, PE (2017 Ford Focus Electric Electric)
Automatic climate control

"I think this might have been my fault a little bit, as I let my car run low on coolant. Not long after, my temperature control valve sprung a leak, my coolant drained away rapidly, and I found myself stranded with an overheated engine. This has been the first of several problems that have cropped up since then."

Anonymous, AZ (2017 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

What Owners Say

Rough shifting

"It would consistently shift roughly between gears by either a hard shift or bouncing back and forth between gears at all different RPMs and speeds."

Anonymous A., WA (2017 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Transmission computer

"It failed and needed to be replaced for $1000"

Anonymous, IA (2017 Ford Focus Unsure Unsure)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

In-dash navigation system (GPS)

""Occasionally has me off the street Im driving on and says proceed to the route even though Im on a main road,""

Anonymous, MA (2017 Ford Focus RS Unsure)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"I paired my phone. It doesnt store that and now wont pair at all. The only way I can use it is by plugging it in."

Anonymous, MA (2017 Ford Focus RS Unsure)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

What Owners Say

Other engine cooling problem

""During oil change at 59325 odometer, discovered coolant reservoir cap stuck (unable to remove). Checked internet and found this is a common problem and excessive force unscrewing the cap can break it. I elected to replace the whole reservoir & cap assembly.""

Anonymous, AZ (2017 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

""I totaled the car when the car in front of me drove under a semi and I crashed into debris, knocking the engine off the block. I still loved the car and bought another one with a hatchback! I found a Ford Certified with less miles than my original Focus and am still driving it!""

Anonymous A., KY (2017 Ford Focus Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Rust

""The rear hatch is rusted on the bottom the whole length of the hatch. Another bad spot is the front wheel well on the passenger side. Its a spot where the upper panel a lower panel, and the paint is missing and rusting. Its the size of a 50 cent piece.""

Anonymous A., MI (2017 Ford Focus ST 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

2017 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

See How Other Brands Stack up
Reliability History
* Redesign year
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Recalls
PROVIDED BY Provided by NHTSA
POWER TRAIN
Jun 09, 2026
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.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will inspect Focus vehicles and replace the clutch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were October 16, 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.
For more information:
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 26V376000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 5252
Hide Recall Details
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Jun 09, 2026
An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 26V369000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 257868
Hide Recall Details
EQUIPMENT
Jan 15, 2026
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 26V011000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 116672
Hide Recall Details
EQUIPMENT
Jan 15, 2026
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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 December 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.
For more information:
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 26V012000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 2403
Hide Recall Details
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Dec 22, 2023
A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V905000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 139730
Hide Recall Details
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Jul 05, 2019
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.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V515000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 57488
Hide Recall Details
POWER TRAIN
Nov 28, 2018
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.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V845000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 2828
Hide Recall Details
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Oct 22, 2018
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.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V735000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1282596
Hide Recall Details
SEAT BELTS, SEATS
Aug 28, 2017
The reduced seat back strength may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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."
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V528000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 698
Hide Recall Details
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES, STRUCTURE
Sep 28, 2016
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.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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."
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V698000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 64038
Hide Recall Details
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