What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ford Focus?

Owners name the power train group most often with 457 complaints, then the engine group with 305.

Does the 2017 Ford Focus have recalls?

Yes. The by-year fact lists 10 recalls for this model year. The full list is in the Recalls section of this page.

How many complaints are there for the 2017 Ford Focus?

NHTSA has 907 owner complaints on file. They are unverified reports from owners.

What is the gas mileage of the 2017 Ford Focus?

See the fuel economy section of this page for the EPA figures.

Is the 2017 Ford Focus a reliable car?

Owner complaints cluster in the power train and engine groups. See the safety and by-year sections of this page for more context.

2017 Ford Focus Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 907 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Ford Focus^[1]. The power train group is the biggest, with 457 complaints^[2].

907owner complaints^[1]

10recalls^[3]

22–34MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

5★NHTSA overall rating^[5]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Here are the complaint groups owners name most often, biggest first.

Power Train. 457 complaints^[2]. In the stories we read, owners describe rough or hesitant shifting, odd noises when pulling away, and a clutch pedal that stopped returning.
Engine. 305 complaints^[6]. Owners describe warning lights that keep coming back, sudden loss of power, and a car that keeps revving when the driver lifts off the throttle.
Fuel/Propulsion System. 117 complaints^[7]. Owners describe stalling, stuttering at low speed, and a car that surges or revs on its own.
Unknown Or Other. 82 complaints^[8]. These reports do not fit a named component group.
Fuel System, Gasoline. 61 complaints^[9]. Owners describe jerking when moving off, stalling, and trouble restarting after a fill-up.
Electrical System. 39 complaints^[10].
Speed Control. 38 complaints^[11].
Steering. 20 complaints^[12].

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2017 Focus is necessarily included.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Canister (26V369), June 2026. About 257,868 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, stalling. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[13]
Power Train › Manual Transmission (26V376), June 2026. About 5,252 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[14]
Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater (26V012), January 2026. About 2,403 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[15]
Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater (26V011), January 2026. About 116,672 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[16]
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication › Pump (23V905), December 2023. About 139,730 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, stalling, reduced braking, loss of power. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[17]
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Canister (19V515), July 2019. About 57,488 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, stalling.^[18]
Power Train › Manual Transmission (18V845), November 2018. About 2,828 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[19]
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Canister (18V735), October 2018. About 1,282,596 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, stalling.^[20]
Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly (17V528), August 2017. About 698 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[21]
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hatchback/Liftgate › Lock (16V698), September 2016. About 64,038 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[22]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
Focus RS AWD, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive^[23]	19 / 25 / 22	$3,750
Focus FWD, 1.0L 3-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[24]	27 / 38 / 31	$2,150
Focus FWD, 1.0L 3-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[4]	30 / 40 / 34	$1,950
Focus FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[25]	26 / 38 / 31	$2,150
Focus FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM-S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[26]	26 / 36 / 29	$2,300
Focus FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[27]	25 / 34 / 28	$2,400
Focus FWD FFV, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6), Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive^[28]	26 / 38 / 31	$2,150
Focus FWD FFV, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM-S6), Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive^[29]	26 / 36 / 29	$2,300
Focus FWD FFV, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive^[30]	25 / 34 / 28	$2,400
Focus ST FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[31]	22 / 30 / 25	$2,700
Focus Electric, electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity^[32]	118 / 96 / 107	n/a

Safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
4 DR FWD^[5]	5	5	5	4	11.6%
5 HB FWD^[33]	5	5	5	4	11.6%
5 HB AWD^[34]	5	4	5	4	11.1%

Engine and size

Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.

Engine	Horsepower
2017 Ford Focus with electric motor^[35]	143 hp
2017 Ford Focus with 1.0L 3-cylinder^[36]	123 hp
2017 Ford Focus with 2.0L 4-cylinder^[37]	160 to 247 hp
2017 Ford Focus with 2.3L 4-cylinder^[38]	350 hp

How 2017 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Focus model year. The 2017 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
2000	3,686	11
2001	1,761	7
2002	971	2
2003	977	1
2004	387	1
2005	441	1
2006	205	0
2007	391	0
2008	250	1
2009	229	0
2010	287	0
2011	113	0
2012	3,803	10
2013	2,181	14
2014	2,659	14
2015	1,034	11
2016	1,194	11
2017	907	10
2018	837	7

NHTSA's counts for the Focus show 907 complaints and 10 recalls for 2017^[3]. Among the 19 model years listed, 9 have fewer complaints than 2017 and 9 have more^[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2011 (113) and the most are for 2012 (3,803)^[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2017 Focus?

The 2017 Ford Focus has a clear pattern in owner reports. The power train and engine groups account for the largest share of the 907 complaints^[1]^[2]^[6]. A small number of complaints mention a crash or an injury, and none report a death^[1]. These are unverified owner reports and they are not adjusted for sales^[1]. Check the recalls and fuel sections on this page before you decide, and look at how the car has been serviced.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ford Focus?: Owners name the power train group most often with 457 complaints^[2], then the engine group with 305^[6].
Does the 2017 Ford Focus have recalls?: Yes. The by-year fact lists 10 recalls for this model year^[3]. The full list is in the Recalls section of this page.
How many complaints are there for the 2017 Ford Focus?: NHTSA has 907 owner complaints on file^[1]. They are unverified reports from owners.
What is the gas mileage of the 2017 Ford Focus?: See the fuel economy section of this page for the EPA figures.
Is the 2017 Ford Focus a reliable car?: Owner complaints cluster in the power train and engine groups^[2]^[6]. See the safety and by-year sections of this page for more context.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Ford Focus

2010 287 complaints, 0 recalls
2012 3,803 complaints, 10 recalls
2013 2,181 complaints, 14 recalls
2014 2,659 complaints, 14 recalls
2015 1,034 complaints, 11 recalls
2016 1,194 complaints, 11 recalls
2017 this page
2018 837 complaints, 7 recalls

Compare all model years of the Ford Focus

Other Ford models from 2017

2017 Ford Fusion 1,202 complaints, 4 recalls
2017 Ford Mustang 268 complaints, 6 recalls
2017 Ford Edge 1,374 complaints, 8 recalls
2017 Ford Escape 2,700 complaints, 4 recalls
2017 Ford Expedition 357 complaints, 4 recalls
2017 Ford Explorer 1,712 complaints, 14 recalls

All Ford models

Similar cars from 2017: compact cars

2017 Kia Forte 305 complaints, 3 recalls
2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 1 complaints, 1 recall
2017 Nissan Versa 72 complaints, 3 recalls
2017 Toyota Yaris 31 complaints, 3 recalls
2017 Volkswagen Golf/GTI 301 complaints, 7 recalls
2017 Volkswagen Jetta 160 complaints, 6 recalls

All compact cars we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 907 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Ford Focus (18 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 16 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
457 complaints name the power train component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,000). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Focus model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Focus FWD, 1.0L 3-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 30 city / 40 highway / 34 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 11.6%. NHTSA vehicle records
305 complaints name the engine component group (4 crashes, 1 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 67,000). NHTSA vehicle records
117 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,450). NHTSA vehicle records
82 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,000). NHTSA vehicle records
61 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
39 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 21,750). NHTSA vehicle records
38 complaints name the speed control component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 35,728). NHTSA vehicle records
20 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 61,800). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 26V369, filed June 9, 2026: Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Canister. NHTSA recall database
Recall 26V376, filed June 9, 2026: Power Train › Manual Transmission. NHTSA recall database
Recall 26V012, filed January 15, 2026: Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater. NHTSA recall database
Recall 26V011, filed January 15, 2026: Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater. NHTSA recall database
Recall 23V905, filed December 22, 2023: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil / Lubrication › Pump. NHTSA recall database
Recall 19V515, filed July 5, 2019: Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Canister. NHTSA recall database
Recall 18V845, filed November 28, 2018: Power Train › Manual Transmission. NHTSA recall database
Recall 18V735, filed October 22, 2018: Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Canister. NHTSA recall database
Recall 17V528, filed August 28, 2017: Seats › Mid / Rear Assembly. NHTSA recall database
Recall 16V698, filed September 28, 2016: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Hatchback / Liftgate › Lock. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Focus RS AWD, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 25 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Focus FWD, 1.0L 3-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 38 highway / 31 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Focus FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 38 highway / 31 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Focus FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM-S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 36 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Focus FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 34 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Focus FWD FFV, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6), Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 38 highway / 31 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Focus FWD FFV, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM-S6), Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 36 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Focus FWD FFV, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 34 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Focus ST FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Focus Electric, electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 107 MPGe combined, 115 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 5 HB FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 11.6%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 5 HB AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 11.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
EPA Test Car List, 2017 Ford Focus with electric motor: rated 143 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2017 Ford Focus with 1.0L 3-cylinder: rated 123 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2017 Ford Focus with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 160 to 247 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2017 Ford Focus with 2.3L 4-cylinder: rated 350 hp. www.epa.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2017 Ford Focus: problems, recalls and fuel economy