2017 Ford Focus
Common Problems
Ranked from 368 federal NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
13 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Dual Clutch Transmission Failure
142complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe dual clutch transmission frequently fails, causing the vehicle to hesitate, shudder, and stall.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V845000, 26V376000
- 2
Transmission slipping and hesitating during acceleration
92complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission slips and hesitates when accelerating, causing the engine to lose power and the car to lurch forward.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V845000, 26V376000
- 3
Check Engine Light Illumination
67complaintsSafety riskEngineThe check engine light illuminates and remains on, indicating potential electrical or engine issues.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 23V905000, 26V011000, 26V012000
- 4
Transmission Shifting Issues
62complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission frequently shifts too hard or jerks, leading to difficulty in accelerating smoothly.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V845000, 26V376000
- 5
Clutch Actuator Failure
59complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe clutch actuator fails, leading to transmission shifting issues and loss of power.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V845000, 26V376000
- 6
Loss of Power and Acceleration Issues
53complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe vehicle experiences a loss of power and acceleration issues, often due to transmission or engine problems.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V845000, 26V376000
- 7
Transmission Shudder and Slippage
51complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission shudders and slips when accelerating from a stop or shifting gears, causing the car to jerk and shake.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V845000, 26V376000
- 8
Transmission Jerking and Sputtering
38complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission frequently jerks and sputters when accelerating from a stop, making it unsafe to drive in traffic.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V845000, 26V376000
- 9
Engine Stall During Operation
35complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine stalls during operation, often at higher speeds, with the check engine warning light illuminated.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 23V905000, 26V011000, 26V012000
- 10
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure
32complaintsSafety riskEngineThe engine frequently stalls at idle, especially during stop-start operation.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 23V905000, 26V011000, 26V012000
- 11
Oil Pump Failure
16complaintsHigh severityEngineThe oil pump fails, leading to low oil pressure and engine misfires, often requiring immediate repair.
Related recalls: 23V905000, 26V011000, 26V012000
- 12
Check Engine Light and Transmission Issues
15complaintsMedium severityEngineThe check engine light frequently illuminates, indicating potential issues with the transmission and engine systems.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 23V905000, 26V011000, 26V012000
- 13
Shuddering and shaking during acceleration
12complaintsHigh severityFuel systemThe car shudders and shakes during acceleration, often due to issues with the fuel system or vacuum lines not allowing proper gas flow.
Related recalls: 18V735000, 19V515000, 26V369000
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.