2017 Ford Focus Safety Report
2017 Ford Focus: Excellent Crash Ratings Undermined by Widespread Powertrain and Engine Reliability Issues, Multiple Safety Recalls Issued.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Ford Focus
Reliability Score
The 2017 Ford Focus receives a reliability score of 35 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dps6 Dual-Clutch Transmission Failure Frequent complaints of shuddering, jerking, hesitation, delayed engagement, and complete transmission failure, often leading to loss of motive power while driving. |
High | Common | 50000-120000 miles |
| Engine Stall/Loss Of Power Caused by issues like oil pump drive belt failure (recall 23V905000), cracked cylinder heads, or canister purge valve malfunctions (recalls 18V735000, 17V210000), leading to sudden engine shutdown. |
High | Common | 60000-100000 miles |
| Engine Block Heater Fire Risk Engine block heater may crack and leak coolant, leading to a short circuit and increased risk of fire (recalls 19V870000, 19V515000). |
High | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Clutch Fracture (Manual Transmission) Clutch may fracture, causing transmission fluid leak and increasing fire risk (recall 18V167000). |
High | Rare | N/A miles |
| Canister Purge Valve Malfunction Malfunctioning CPV can cause excessive vacuum in the fuel tank, leading to engine stall and inability to restart (recalls 18V735000, 17V210000). |
Medium | Common | N/A 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:
Dominant issues with the DPS6 dual-clutch transmission, including shuddering, jerking, hesitation, and complete failure, leading to loss of motive power.
Frequent reports of engine stalls, loss of power, and engine seizure, often linked to oil pump issues or cracked cylinder heads.
Problems include coolant leaks, cracked cylinder heads, and issues related to the engine block heater, some leading to fire risk.
Issues primarily related to the canister purge valve causing excessive vacuum and engine stalls.
Problems with fuel storage and the canister purge valve leading to engine stalls.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Ford Focus
Is the 2017 Ford Focus safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Ford Focus received excellent 5-star crash safety ratings. However, its operational safety is compromised by a high volume of complaints (880 total) and 8 recalls, primarily concerning critical powertrain and engine components that can lead to sudden loss of power or fire risks.
What are common problems with the 2017 Ford Focus?
The most reported issues are related to the POWER TRAIN (331 complaints), specifically the problematic DPS6 dual-clutch transmission causing shuddering and failure. ENGINE (93 complaints) and ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (66 complaints) issues, such as stalls and oil pump failures, are also very common.
Has the 2017 Ford Focus been recalled?
Yes, the 2017 Ford Focus has been subject to 8 recalls. These include recalls for engine block heaters posing a fire risk, oil pump drive belt failure leading to engine stalls, canister purge valve malfunctions causing engine stalls, and clutch fracture in manual transmissions with fire risk.
Are there transmission problems with the 2017 Ford Focus?
Yes, transmission problems are a major concern for the 2017 Ford Focus, particularly with the DPS6 dual-clutch automatic transmission. Complaints frequently describe shuddering, jerking, hesitation, and complete transmission failure, often leading to loss of motive power.
What are the risks of the engine block heater recall?
The engine block heater recalls (19V870000, 19V515000) for the 2017 Ford Focus address a defect where the heater may crack and leak coolant. This can lead to an electrical short circuit, significantly increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test scores, the 2017 Ford Focus has significant reliability concerns, particularly with its powertrain and engine; proceed with caution and ensure all 8 recalls have been addressed, especially those related to the transmission and engine.
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.