NHTSA vehicle safety data
2017 Ford Focus Recalls, Ratings & Complaints
The 2017 Ford Focus has 10 NHTSA recall campaigns and 899 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Ford dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2017 Ford Focus, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2017 Ford Focus owner complaints
Owners have filed 899 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Ford Focus, describing incidents dated May 16, 2017 to October 14, 2026.
Most-cited components
- Power Train 454 complaints
- Engine 302 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 177 complaints
- Unknown or Other 81 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 37 complaints
- Electrical System 36 complaints
Of the 899 complaints on file, 18 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 899 complaints, owners report 16 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Newest complaints
ODI #11772048 · Filed
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…
ODI #11770865 · Filed
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…
ODI #11768879 · Filed
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…
Owner-reported
2017 Ford Focus mileage at failure
521 of the 899 complaints on file for the 2017 Ford Focus give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.
| Component | Median | Middle half | Based on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | Median 60,000 miles | Middle half 25,000–85,000 miles | Based on 280 complaints |
| Engine | Median 70,000 miles | Middle half 50,000–95,000 miles | Based on 157 complaints |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | Median 60,000 miles | Middle half 45,000–85,000 miles | Based on 100 complaints |
A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.
Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.
These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.
Most complaints NHTSA received since May 17, 2021 give no mileage. So that they aren't undercounted, each one received since then that gives a mileage also stands in for those that gave none, which can put a component's median above most of the mileages it is based on.
Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2017 Ford Focus in 5 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.
- Engineering Analysis EA26-004: Timing Belt Failure
Open since July 31, 2026
- Preliminary Evaluation PE25-020: Timing Belt Failure
Closed July 31, 2026
- Recall Query RQ23-006: Loss of Motive Power
Closed December 20, 2024
- Preliminary Evaluation PE23-015: Oil Pump Failure
Closed February 14, 2024
- Defect Petition DP22-005: Pedestrian alert sounds
Closed August 7, 2023
Engine Stall From Canister Purge Valve Malfunction
NHTSA #26V369000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Storage — Evaporative Emissions — Canister · NHTSA notice
Reported June 9, 2026 · Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected: 257,868 vehicles
Repair completion: 8.47% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Ford campaign 26S40 · Owners notified July 29, 2026
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
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.
Transmission Clutch May Fracture and Leak Fluid
NHTSA #26V376000 · Power Train — Manual Transmission · NHTSA notice
Reported June 9, 2026 · Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected: 5,252 vehicles
Completion not yet reported (dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Ford campaign 26S43 · Owners notified October 15, 2026
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
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.
Manufacturer remedy
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.
Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire
NHTSA #26V011000 · Equipment — Electrical — Engine Block Heater · NHTSA notice
Reported January 15, 2026 · Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected: 116,672 vehicles
Completion not yet reported (dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Ford campaign 26S01
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Manufacturer 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.
Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire
NHTSA #26V012000 · Equipment — Electrical — Engine Block Heater · NHTSA notice
Reported January 15, 2026 · Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected: 2,403 vehicles
Completion not yet reported (dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Ford campaign 25SA4
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Manufacturer 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 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.
Engine Oil Pump Failure
NHTSA #23V905000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine — Oil/Lubrication — Pump · NHTSA notice
Reported December 22, 2023 · Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected: 139,730 vehicles
Repair completion: 53.98% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Ford campaign 23S64 · Owners notified August 11, 2025 · Vehicles built March 24, 2015 – May 4, 2018 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
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.
Stuck Canister Purge Valve may Cause Stall
NHTSA #19V515000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Storage · NHTSA notice
Reported July 5, 2019 · Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected: 57,488 vehicles
Repair completion: 73.06% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Ford campaign 19S22 · Owners notified July 29, 2019 · Vehicles built August 24, 2016 – April 13, 2017 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
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.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
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.
Transmission Clutch Slip and Fluid Leak
NHTSA #18V845000 · Power Train — Manual Transmission · NHTSA notice
Reported November 28, 2018 · Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected: 2,828 vehicles
Repair completion: 69.23% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Ford campaign 18S07 · Owners notified January 17, 2019 · Vehicles built June 30, 2016 – April 25, 2018 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
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.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
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.
Stuck Canister Purge Valve may Cause Stall
NHTSA #18V735000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Storage · NHTSA notice
Reported October 22, 2018 · Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected: 1,282,596 vehicles
Repair completion: 65.44% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Ford campaign 18S32 · Owners notified August 19, 2019 · Vehicles built August 1, 2010 – February 2, 2018 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
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.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
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.
Insufficient Seat Frame Weld/FMVSS 207, 210
NHTSA #17V528000 · Seat Belts — Rear/Other · NHTSA notice
Reported August 28, 2017 · Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected: 698 vehicles
Repair completion: 57.96% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Ford campaign 17C13 · Owners notified October 10, 2017 · Vehicles built June 7, 2017 – June 12, 2017 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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."
Safety consequence
The reduced seat back strength may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
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.
Hatchback can be Unlatched with One Button Press
NHTSA #16V698000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages — Hatchback/Liftgate — Lock · NHTSA notice
Reported September 28, 2016 · Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected: 64,038 vehicles
Repair completion: 56.02% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Ford campaign 16C13 · Owners notified November 16, 2016 · Vehicles built February 14, 2012 – August 26, 2016 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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."
Safety consequence
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.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
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.
Other Ford Focus model years
Check your 2017 Ford Focus VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Ford Focus at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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