NHTSA lists 10 safety recalls and 906 owner complaints for the 2017 Ford Focus. Most complaints involve power train (456) and engine (233). The EPA rates it 25–107 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Focus model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 3,738 |
| 2001 | 1,790 |
| 2002 | 1,014 |
| 2003 | 1,017 |
| 2004 | 387 |
| 2005 | 441 |
| 2006 | 205 |
| 2007 | 391 |
| 2008 | 250 |
| 2009 | 229 |
| 2010 | 287 |
| 2011 | 113 |
| 2012 | 3,803 |
| 2013 | 2,181 |
| 2014 | 2,584 |
| 2015 | 1,034 |
| 2016 | 1,194 |
| 2017 | 906 |
| 2018 | 837 |
“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 the failure had occurred while on the highway, nearly resulting in a collision. The vehicle was initially taken to a dealer, where the contact was provided an estimate for diagnostic inspection. The vehicle was later taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission was defective and needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 72,339.”
“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 intake again. I haven’t put 12000 on the motor and that’s the warranty. My car was repaired incorrectly. The dealership shows no interest in it. It’s been there since 10/14/2026 and at first they said it was my battery again and my fiancé demanded them to look closer at it then they called about my oil leaking everywhere again. I haven’t received a call since.”
“I am filing this complaint regarding a severe safety hazard and prolonged failure to resolve an official recall repair by the manufacturer and dealership. In April 2026, the vehicle was brought to the dealership for an official recall repair. The repair was delayed for 2 months. In June 2026, after the dealership confirmed completion, I retrieved the vehicle. While driving on the highway, the check engine light suddenly illuminated and the vehicle completely lost power. Pressing the accelerator pedal produced no response, leaving the car unable to accelerate in active high-speed traffic. This created an extreme safety risk that nearly caused a severe highway collision. The vehicle was towed back to the dealership. The dealership returned the vehicle a second time, claiming it was repaired, but the exact same check engine light illuminated immediately with the same loss of power, requiring another tow. As of August 2026, the dealership has retained the vehicle for over 4 months in total due to backordered parts, without providing a clear completion date or loaner/rental transportation support. The dealership and corporate customer care are currently ignoring…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus Electric Auto (A1) · Front-Wheel Drive | 118 | 96 | 107 | $700 | — |
| Focus FWD Man 6-spd, 3 cyl, 1.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 40 | 34 | $1,900 | 264 |
| Focus FWD Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 38 | 31 | $2,050 | 289 |
| Focus FWD Auto (S6), 3 cyl, 1.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 38 | 31 | $2,050 | 284 |
| Focus FWD FFV Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 38 | 31 | $2,050 | 289 |
| Focus FWD Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 36 | 29 | $2,200 | 303 |
| Focus FWD FFV Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 36 | 29 | $2,200 | 303 |
| Focus FWD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 34 | 28 | $2,300 | 314 |
| Focus FWD FFV Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 34 | 28 | $2,300 | 314 |
| Focus ST FWD Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,550 | 356 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
10 safety recalls as of Oct 27, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 906 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (456), engine (233), fuel/propulsion system (117). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2017 Ford Focus at 25–107 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (10 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2017 Ford Focus 5 out of 5 stars overall.