Problems · by component

2017 Ford Focus fuel/propulsion system problems

117 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2017 Ford Focus cite fuel/propulsion system, 13% of all 906 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
117
13% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the fuel/propulsion system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 13, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11756823
“While driving approximately 53 mph on a main road, my 2017 Ford Focus suddenly displayed the message “Engine Fault Service Now.” The vehicle immediately entered limp mode, downshifted into 2nd gear, and would not accelerate above approximately 31 mph. During the event, the engine shook noticeably and made abnormal noises. No check engine light appeared during this initial incident. This problem occurred multiple times over several days, most often when the fuel tank was below approximately half full. Each time, I was able to temporarily restore normal operation by shutting the vehicle off, waiting about one minute, and restarting it. After restarting, the vehicle would drive completely normally until the problem occurred again. A few days later, while sitting in my vehicle during a work break, I started the engine and it immediately entered limp mode without being driven. A check engine light then illuminated, and the engine stalled shortly afterward. The diagnostic trouble codes retrieved were: * P1674 (Stored, Pending, Permanent, and Enhanced) * U0100 (Enhanced ABS Code) A mechanic familiar with Ford vehicles suggested the symptoms could be related to the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 6, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11748428
“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. Shortly after this, I went out of town. During that time, Valley Ford stated they were unable to reach me. After returning, I again contacted Valley Ford and was once more told that the same safety-related part was available. I again traveled to the dealership, taking additional time off work, and once again was told upon arrival that the part was not available. This resulted in the same situation happening twice. Because of this repeated misinformation, I lost wages and hard-earned paid time off (PTO), was delayed in repairing my vehicle, and had to continue driving while waiting for a safety-related component I was told was available. I use my vehicle for work every day for approximately eight hours per day. Being forced to continue operating my vehicle without this…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 23, 2026Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11713003
“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 displaying symptoms of running out of gas, even though the gauge said it had 3/4 tank still. Continued to drive it for a few months, but continued to get worse and the car almost died a couple of times while driving at highway speeds. This could have caused an accident because the engine was stalling while still in gear, causing the vehicle to suddenly jerk and decrease speed rapidly. Brought the vehicle back to Kruse Motors, Ford Service dealership and they found that the fuel tank was collapsing. The technician stated that this was most likely caused by the canister purge valve malfunction that was part of the recall. Because of this, they submitted a request to Ford to replace the tank and any necessary parts and labor as a result of this damage. Ford responded saying that…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 28, 2025Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11696105
“My car has been having on going issue with the canister purge valve causing my vehicle to stall I’ve had this replaced by an emissions approved mechanic and this issue still persists if the fuel isn’t above a half tank of gas it has stalled on highways and put me in dangerous conditions. I have been trying for years to resolve and I can’t”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 20, 2025Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11681772
“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

Showing 6 of 117 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

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