2017 Ford Focus Safety Report
2017 Ford Focus Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2017 Ford Focus
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2017 Ford Focus. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (8) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (880) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 20 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Power Train | Compare power train issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2018 | Compare against the 2018 Ford Focus with 800 complaints and 5 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2016 | Check the 2016 Ford Focus before buying across this generation. |
Ford Focus Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Ford Focus years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Ford Focus | 800 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Ford Focus | 1174 | 8 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Ford Focus | 1004 | 7 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2017 Ford Focus Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2017 Ford Focus, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Power Train
331 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Ford onlyEngine
93 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Ford onlyEngine And Engine Cooling
66 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine And Engine Cooling issues Ford onlyFuel/Propulsion System
52 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Ford onlyUnknown Or Other
39 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Ford onlyFuel System, Gasoline
39 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel System, Gasoline issues Ford onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Ford Focus
Reliability Score
The 2017 Ford Focus receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2017 Ford Focus
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2017 Ford Focus
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Ford Focus:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Block Heater Recalled for potential issues with the engine block heater, affecting certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer vehicles. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Oil Pump Recalled for loss of oil pressure and engine stall, affecting certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Transmission Faults Recalled for transmission faults, especially with the PowerShift dual-clutch transmission, affecting certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus vehicles. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Block Cracks Known issue of cracked engine blocks, leading to seized engines and transmission failures, affecting certain 2017 Ford Focus vehicles. |
High | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Ford Focus:
Issues with engine block heaters and oil pumps are common, affecting 2016-2018 Focus models.
Transmission faults and failures are reported, especially with the PowerShift dual-clutch transmission.
Fuel system issues, including gasoline storage and engine cooling, are reported.
Recalls for electrical equipment, including engine block heaters, are common.
Recall Details for the 2017 Ford Focus
The following 8 recalls have been issued for the 2017 Ford Focus by NHTSA:
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.
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
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. 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 thi...
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.
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
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...
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.
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.
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 l...
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 th...
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."
Consequence: 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 customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C13.
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."
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.
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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2017 Ford Focus
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2017 Ford Focus with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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 sec...
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 t...
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 a...
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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
I am reporting a dealership conduct issue that directly affected vehicle safety and caused financial loss. Valley Ford of Columbus, Ohio told me by phone that a specific safety-related part for my vehicle was in stock and available. Based on that representation, I traveled to the dealership and took time away from work. When I arrived, I was told the part was not available and had not been there....
I have 2017 Ford Focus that is experiencing transmission issues related to the DPS6 Powershift transmission and TCM recall but my VIN number is [XXX] was not included. I am experiencing issues with the car shifting into 1st and 2nd gears, it will revv up at a stop but not accelerate immediately. I have been to a mechanic multiple times and had the lower actuator replaced, new radiator fan install...
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. While the contact's husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact ws unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. T...
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the engine was previously replaced due to a cracked engine block. The contact was provided a loaner vehicle during the several weeks the vehicle was being serviced. The contact received the recall notice of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000(Engine and Engine Cooling). The local dealer was contacted, and confirmed the parts status. The vehi...
My 2017 Ford Focus is grounded due to the oil pump safety recall involving loss of oil pressure and engine stall. Ford is refusing to provide alternate transportation unless I pay out of pocket. As a result, I am unable to work and have no safe transportation while Ford repairs a known safety defect. I have already missed an entire week of work due to their negligence, and they are unwilling to he...
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the transmission downshifted between first and third gear. An abnormal sound could be heard coming from the transmission. After driving a short distance, the vehicle functioned as intended. The vehicl...
After recall Campaign 23S64 and the engine being replaced with G1FG-6006-DA and traceability Code [XXX] . Incident Description On Saturday [XXX], while driving on the freeway, my vehicle began sputtering and lost power. The RPMs increased but the speed did not. The check engine light illuminated briefly and then went out. This created an Immediate serious safety hazard to me my passenger and oth...
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the temperature gauge was moving into the HOT zone and the speedometer displayed that the vehicle was decelerating. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The contact had tak...
My car has a faulty transmission from factory, having some issues now for some months, Ford advised to change the transmission at 103K miles. My car start becoming very shaky and slow on hills, I was afraid i will remain with in the middle of the street!
Bought this car last June of this year and ever since then. First gear will buck sometime and second gear too. After I gotten to thrird gear it goes away. My local Tires Plus says that's with all Ford focus'es he think I'm crazy but I have let a friend drive it when I there and he says the same thing as me. It bucks..
Received recall notice 24N07 from Ford in December 2024, stating that we should get the canister purge valve replaced if the vehicle ever displayed any of the listed symptoms. The vehicle started displaying symptoms in April 2025. Brought the vehicle to Kruse Motors, Ford Service dealership in Marshall, MN. They replaced the canister purge valve. Shortly after this, the vehicle was still displayin...
Showing 20 of 880 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2017 Ford Focus
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Evaporative Emissions:Canister
Opened 2023-09-15 · Closed 2024-12-20
On September 15, 2023, the Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) opened this Recall Query (RQ) after receiving 98 consumer complaints alleging loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles. The RQ focused on the effectiveness of the remedies of Recall 18V-735 and 19V-515. In October 2018, Ford issued Recall 18V-735, which updated Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software in MY 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with 2.0L GDI engines built prior to April 13, 2017, and th...
Component: Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline:Belts And Associated Pulleys
Opened 2025-12-18
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 44 complaints alleging loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford Fiesta and MY 2015-2018 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company. These vehicles are equipped with a 1.0L engine and manual transmission. Some consumers report a low engine oil pressure warning lamp immediately preceding a complete loss or reduction of motive power while the vehicle is in motion. Based on a preliminary review of data currently availab...
Component: Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Oil/Lubrication:Pump
Opened 2023-09-20 · Closed 2024-02-14
On September 20, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-015 to investigate instances of engine failure due to loss of oil pressure in model year (MY) 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport vehicles. Some consumers reported a low engine oil pressure warning lamp immediately preceding a complete loss or reduction of motive power while the vehicle was in motion. The investigation revealed that the engine oil pump drive belt tensioner arm may fracture, separate from the tensioner backing plate...
Component: Electrical System:Propulsion System
Opened 2023-01-27 · Closed 2023-08-07
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-spe...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Ford Focus
Has the 2017 FORD FOCUS been recalled?
Yes, the 2017 FORD FOCUS has 8 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2017 FORD FOCUS have?
The 2017 FORD FOCUS has 880 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 18 involved crashes. 16 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 FORD FOCUS?
The 2017 FORD FOCUS received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 FORD FOCUS?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2017 FORD FOCUS involve power train (331 complaints), engine (93 complaints), engine and engine cooling (66 complaints). Other affected components include fuel/propulsion system, unknown or other, fuel system, gasoline.
How many crash reports does the 2017 FORD FOCUS have?
There are 18 crash reports associated with the 2017 FORD FOCUS out of 880 total complaints (2.0% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2017 FORD FOCUS have?
There are 2 fire reports for the 2017 FORD FOCUS out of 880 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2017 FORD FOCUS?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 FORD FOCUS.
How many injuries are reported for the 2017 FORD FOCUS?
16 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 FORD FOCUS. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2017 FORD FOCUS?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 FORD FOCUS is proceed with caution. It has 880 complaints, 8 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2017 FORD FOCUS?
The components with the most failures on the 2017 FORD FOCUS are: 1. POWER TRAIN (331 complaints), 2. ENGINE (93 complaints), 3. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (66 complaints), 4. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (52 complaints), 5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (39 complaints). POWER TRAIN is the single most-reported problem area with 331 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2017 FORD FOCUS?
Ensure all recalls are completed promptly to avoid potential engine and transmission failures. Regular maintenance is crucial. The 2017 FORD FOCUS has 880 NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2017 FORD FOCUS?
The 2017 FORD FOCUS receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 880 owner complaints, 8 recalls, and 20 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine Block Heater and Oil Pump.
What are the known issues with the 2017 FORD FOCUS?
Known issues with the 2017 FORD FOCUS include: Engine Block Heater, Oil Pump, Transmission Faults, Engine Block Cracks. These are based on patterns found across 880 NHTSA complaints. 8 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2017 Ford Focus?
Engine and transmission faults are the most common, with recalls for oil pump and engine block heater issues.
Are there any recalls for the 2017 Ford Focus that I should be aware of?
Yes, recalls for oil pump safety, engine block heaters, and transmission faults are ongoing.
What should I do if I experience transmission issues?
Check for recalls and have the transmission and TCM (Transmission Control Module) checked by a professional.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Ensure all recalls are completed promptly to avoid potential engine and transmission failures. Regular maintenance is crucial.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Ford Focus
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Ford Focus. The data includes 880 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 8 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 18 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 16 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Ford Focus an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-15