Problems · by component

2017 Ford Focus RS electrical system problems

36 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2017 Ford Focus RS cite electrical system, 4% of all 842 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
36
4% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“I bought my car in early 2022 or 2023 and almost immediately the car started shuddering when accelerating. I took the vehicle in to the place I bought it from and one other Ford Dealer. Neither places could "duplicate the problem." Bith times I had to pay money just to have it looked at, and nothing was ever fixed. My horn keeps quitting and the shuddering has gotten so bad and now there are new issues like loss of power when accelerating. This car is starting to become a safety issue for me as I live in Washington State and the traffic here is very fast. I have almost been hit due to trying to pull out or merge and the car loses power or winds way out. I am a [XXX] who can't afford automotive bills. They will only give me $2700.00 as a trade in and I owe $12,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 31, 2025Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11677672
“Ford Focus 2017 Hatchback causing traffic jams and backup do to low speed, overheating, stalling, jerky shifting, Failure to move or hesitation in the middle of driving, causing the car to stop or slow down in the middle of traffic and blocking exits and cars from moving around the vehicle. Transmission overheating and car says to pull over when driving after a few minutes. Powertrain is affected car not driving at correct speed. Transmission clutch a disengaged and having a hard time engaging. Constant clutch issues. Causing issues to driver safety and others on the road. Ford knows about these models but are failing to fix at affordable price or provide warranty. Not upholding customer satisfactory.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 23, 2025Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed controlODI 11675775
“I purchased a 2017 Ford Focus from a car dealership called lion cars on 4201 West Colonial Drive in Orlando Florida the car has a major major electrical issue I was at an intersection and the car went completely dead and turned off and it locked me inside the car I couldn't get out of the car the windows would not roll down the doors were not unlocked and the car started smoking finally I got out then 3 days later I turned around and try to get in the car and the car also locked me in out of the car where I couldn't use my key fob nothing on the car works I did a report on it I found out that the car had been in two major crashes and both reports stated severe damage and when you drive down the road it pulls to the left I brought this attentia attention of lying car dealership they said that they would fix the car or they will replace the car and they never did so now I am without a car I am without my money back and I am without replacement car so”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 28, 2024Electrical system, Exterior lighting, EngineFire reportedODI 11627831
“The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while at a complete stop at an intersection, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that he was unable to exit the vehicle because the vehicle lost electrical power, and the doors failed to unlock. The contact stated that he smelled smoke in the passenger cabin. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 26, 2024Electrical systemODI 11627403
“Wiring assembly, and tcm are a safety risk because of improper gear shifting and shuttering. The issue is reproduced with a battery swap on the vehicle it’ll cause improper grounding. No inspection, No warning signs until after improper shifting triggered limp mode no reverse and check engine along with transmission service message.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 25, 2024Power train, Electrical systemODI 11610763
“The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that since purchasing the vehicle, the check engine light had remained on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective engine hose. The contact was unable to repair the vehicle. Since the initial failure, the contact stated the engine Auto Stop/Start feature had failed to operate as needed and the engine failed to start as designed while at a stop light. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was jerking upon depression of the accelerator pedal. There was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle had been towed to several dealers where multiple repairs were performed; however, the failure returned after each repair. The vehicle was eventually diagnosed with engine failure and the contact was given an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 5, 2024Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11606431

Showing 6 of 36 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.