2017 Ford FOCUS: complaints, problems and recalls

THE TACHOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER HAVE A AUTO DIM AT NIGHT TIME . CAN NOT READ SPEEDOMETER AT DUSK OR DAWN WHEN DRIVING UNDER OVERHEAD LED STREET LIGHTS THAT LEAVE GLARE ON WINDSHIELD. AUTO DIMMER HAS NO ADJUSTMENT TO BRIGHTEN PAST CERTAIN BRIGHTNESS. LIGHTS IN OTHER FORD VEHICLES WORK DIFFERENTLY THEN FOCUS AS BOUGHT 2017 ESCAPE AND DOES NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM

Owner-reported narrative. 25 miles reported. Look up ODI 11000318 at NHTSA ↗

THIS WILL BE MY SECOND COMPLAINT, AS I HAVE A COMPLAINT # CAS-12526659-Q7S5M2 WITH FORD BUT I AM BEING TOLD THAT THIS IS HOW THE CAR IS. ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. CAN NOT SEE SPEEDOMETER DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS OR DUSK OR DAWN.

Owner-reported narrative. 6 miles reported. Look up ODI 11004684 at NHTSA ↗

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED, THERE WAS ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND IT FAILED TO PROPERLY SHIFT WHEN DRIVING UP AN INCLINE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED HESITATION WHILE BEING OPERATED ON AN INCLINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LENIORE CITY FORD DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO THE NHTSA HOTLINE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXI…

Owner-reported narrative. 1,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11006697 at NHTSA ↗

A/C VENTILATION IS PRODUCING A MUSTY/ MOLDY SMELL, I HAVE OWNED THE CAR FOR ONLY 4 MONTHS, THE ODOR IS STRONG, AND MAY BE DANGEROUS AS MOLD GROWTH MAY SEEP THROUGH VENTS AND INTO ONES AIRWAYS. I AM CONCERNED FOR MY HEALTH, ALONG WITH WHO EVER ENTERS THE VEHICLE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS FURTHER. INTERNET RESEARCH AS ALLOWED ME TO VIEW VARIOUS IDENTICAL CASES WITH MOLD ODOR & A/C VENTS ON FORD VEHICLES, THERE MIGHT BE AN ISSUE AT FORD MANUFACTURERS. THE ISSUE MAY OCCUR AT ANY TIME BUT IS MORE PROMINENT WHEN TURNING ON THE A/C.

Owner-reported narrative. 1,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11019332 at NHTSA ↗

THE LEFT REAR TIRE LEANS IN AT TOP 2-3 DEGREES. DEALER CHECKED, IT SHOWED OUT OF CAMBER/ALIGNMENT, BUT WAS "WITHIN SPECS". AT UNDER 1200-MILES, TIRE IS ALREADY SHOWING UNEVEN INSIDE TREAD WEAR. DEALER KNOWS BUT REFUSES TO CORRECT IT UNLESS FORD AUTHORIZE. I FOUND THIS ON FORD WORLD; "FORD MOTOR COMPANY TOLD DEALERS THAT THEY MAY NEED TO REPLACE THE REAR UPPER CONTROL ARMS ON FORD FOCUS MODELS. THE MODELS INCLUDE: FOCUS SEDAN SE SERIES, WAGON, ZX3 AND ZX5 SERIES. ACCORDING TO FORD, CONSUMERS HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING MORE THAN NORMAL WEAR TO TH…

Owner-reported narrative. 13 miles reported. Look up ODI 11033134 at NHTSA ↗

THE CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING CORRECTLY, THE DEALER HAS HAD THE CAR FOR A MONTH AND A HALF, FORD TOLD THE DEALER THEY NEW THE PROBLEM BACK IN FEBURARY 2017, I BOUGHT THE CAR IN JUNE 2017, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR THE CAR AND FORD TOLD THE DEALER THAT THEY TURNED OFF THIS FEATURE FOR AN UNKNOWN REASON, I PAID FOR THIS EXTRA FEATURE AND THEY STILL SOLD THE CAR KNOWNING THIS FEATURE WASN'T WORKING

Owner-reported narrative. 789 miles reported. Look up ODI 11034025 at NHTSA ↗

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON I395 SOUTH, THE CAR SUDDENLY STALLED AND WOULDN'T NOT START BACK UP. HAD IT TOWED TO THE CLOSEST FORD DEALER AND IT TURNED OUT TO BE A FUEL BUMP FAILURE.

Owner-reported narrative. 49,100 miles reported. Look up ODI 11039162 at NHTSA ↗

AS I AM DRIVING AND THE CAR WANTS TO SHIFT GEARS THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS A BIT. THERE IS A LAG FOR THE TURBO TO KICK IN. WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT THE ENGINE TURNS OFF WHICH IS NORMAL, BUT WHEN YOU LET GO OF THE BRAKE FOR THE ENGINE TO START BACK UP, THE CAR JUMPS AS IT I JUST PUSHED THE GAS PEDDLE. THIS RECENTLY HAS STARTED TO HAPPEN. I BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF A DEALERSHIP WHERE MY CAR IS SERVICED BUT THEY CAN'T FIND THE ISSUE AS TO WHY.

Owner-reported narrative. 25,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11039629 at NHTSA ↗

Reported: 2016-09-28 (September 28, 2016)

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.

Reported: 2017-08-28 (August 28, 2017)

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.

Reported: 2018-10-22 (October 22, 2018)

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 this recall is 18S32. Note: Until the vehicle is serviced for this concern, owners are advised to keep the fuel tank at least halfway full.

Reported: 2018-11-28 (November 28, 2018)

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.

Reported: 2019-07-05 (July 5, 2019)

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 recall is 19S22.

Reported: 2023-12-22 (December 22, 2023)

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 letters were mailed August 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S64.

Reported: 2026-01-15 (January 15, 2026)

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 once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.

Reported: 2026-01-15 (January 15, 2026)

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. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. 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 October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026. This recall expands previous recall number 25V685.

Reported: 2026-06-09 (June 9, 2026)

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.

Consequence: An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S40. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.

Reported: 2026-06-09 (June 9, 2026)

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.

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: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will inspect Focus vehicles and replace the clutch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S43. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.