Last updated: 2026-08-24

2017 Ford Focus
RELIABILITY SCORE: 58/100 (MIXED)

2017 Ford Focus Reliability Report

The 2017 Ford Focus scores 58/100 ("Mixed"). With 10 recalls and 897 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.

Recalls

10

Complaints

897

Complaint Rate

56.6per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$569

Annual Fuel Cost

$1,800–$3,450

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity34/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact57/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity71/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Caution

Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.

Top Issues to Watch

  • POWER TRAIN (433)
  • ENGINE (116)
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (78)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

2017 is 3 years after the third generation facelift refresh.

  • Year 7 in the Third generation (C346) (2011–2018).
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • 3rd generation Focus (US).

What this means for buyers

Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.

2011: Third generation (C346) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2014: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2017: This Model Year

2017 is 3 years after the third generation facelift refresh.

Should You Buy the 2017 Ford Focus?

A 58/100 score puts the 2017 Ford Focus in the "Mixed" tier. Buyers should approach with eyes open. 2017 is 3 years after the third generation facelift refresh.

Complaint volume sits above average at 897 owner complaints alongside 10 recalls. Issues in power train (433) tend to be the costly ones.

Treat an extended warranty as non-negotiable and put power train (433) at the top of the inspection checklist.

Compared to the 2018 Ford Focus, which scored 1 points higher. See also the 2016 Ford Focus for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • +Low major repair risk (13%)
  • +Complaint rate in line with Sedan segment average (early data)

Cons

  • Below-average reliability score
  • Above-average recall count
  • POWER TRAIN: Dual-clutch transmission system (433 complaints)
  • ENGINE: Several recurring engine issues with the 2017 Ford Focus (116 complaints)

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 10 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • POWER TRAIN (433)
  • ENGINE (116)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

10

recalls on record

The 2017 Ford Focus has 10 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

56.6

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 56.6

LowAvgHigh
High

Safety Incidents

18

Crashes

2

Fires

16

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2017 Ford Focus Recall Details

10 recalls have been issued for the 2017 Ford Focus. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

26V3760002026-06-09

POWER TRAIN

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.

26V3690002026-06-09

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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.

26V0120002026-01-15

EQUIPMENT

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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2017 Ford Focus? Check its history first

Every 2017 Ford Focus has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2017 Ford Focus NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 11.6%

Safety Technologies

Rearview Video Systems (Standard)Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Not Available)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Ford FocusRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$569

vs $526 avg for compact cars

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.3

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

13%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Focus
$569
Category Avg
$526
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

Ford Focus Resale Value

The Ford Focus is estimated to retain about 48.1% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.

This benchmark covers the Ford Focus model overall and is not specific to the 2017 model year.

Value Retained
48.1%

after 5 years

Depreciation
51.9%

over the same period

Listings Analyzed
329

U.S. used-car listings

Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.

Explore Ford Focus depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.com

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

22–34 MPG

Running cost: $2,350–$4,000/yr

Fuel + repair

19–30 city / 25–40 hwy MPG

Electric

115 mi range

Fuel cost: $700/yr

Fuel only

31 kWh/100mi · 5.5 hrs @ 240V

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2017 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Focus FWD 1.0L 3-cylFront-Wheel DriveManual 6-spd304034$1,800
Focus FWD 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM6)263831$2,000
Focus FWD 1.0L 3-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6)273831$2,000
Focus FWD FFV 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM6)263831$2,000
Focus FWD 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S6)263629$2,100
Focus FWD FFV 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S6)263629$2,100
Focus FWD 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveManual 5-spd253428$2,200
Focus FWD FFV 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveManual 5-spd253428$2,200
Focus ST FWD 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveManual 6-spd223025$2,450
Focus RS AWD 2.3L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveManual 6-spd192522$3,450
Electric trims
TrimDriveTrans.RangekWh/100miFuel Cost
Focus ElectricFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A1)115 mi31.0$700

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2017 Ford Focus.

  • Test transmission for shuddering or hesitation during gear shifts

  • Inspect timing belt for wear, especially if near 60,000 miles

  • Check for engine oil leaks or unusual noises

  • Verify if the canister purge valve recall has been completed

  • Test for any unusual vibrations or noises from the power steering

  • Check for any warning lights on the dashboard, especially related to transmission or engine

2017 Ford Focus Common Problems by Component

897 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

433
116
POWER TRAIN (433)ENGINE (116)ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (78)FUEL SYSTEM (59)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (56)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (52)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (26)STEERING (20)Other (57)

POWER TRAIN

433 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2017 Ford Focus frequently report issues with the vehicle's power train, particularly involving the dual-clutch transmission system. Common symptoms include shuddering, hesitation, and failure to shift properly, often accompanied by warning messages like "Transmission Fault Service Now." Many complaints involve the vehicle unexpectedly losing power or entering limp mode, posing significant safety risks, especially at highway speeds. Some owners report these issues occurring as early as 17,000 miles, with transmission failures leading to costly repairs. Additionally, there are reports of crashes and injuries related to these power train failures, highlighting serious safety implications for potential buyers.

433 complaints total5 crashes2 injuries

ENGINE

116 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several recurring engine issues with the 2017 Ford Focus. Complaints frequently mention engine seizure due to oil pump drive belt degradation, leading to oil starvation and subsequent engine failure, often occurring around 40,000 to 70,000 miles. Another common issue involves coolant intrusion into engine cylinders, particularly cylinder #2, causing internal engine damage and stalling. Safety implications include loss of power while driving, with at least two incidents resulting in crashes or near-misses. Buyers should be aware of these patterns, especially concerning the engine's reliability and potential repair costs.

116 complaints total2 crashes

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

78 complaints

Owners report frequent issues with the 2017 Ford Focus related to engine and cooling failures, with common symptoms including overheating, loss of power, and engine stalling. Many complaints describe the vehicle struggling to accelerate or the engine failing completely, often accompanied by warning lights such as the check engine or low oil pressure indicators. These problems typically emerge around 50,000 to 115,000 miles. Some reports indicate safety implications, such as the vehicle stalling at highway speeds or entering limp mode, which could pose a risk in traffic. Buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the potential need for significant repairs, such as engine replacement or oil pump failures.

78 complaints total
FUEL SYSTEM (59 complaints)

FUEL SYSTEM

59 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report that the 2017 Ford Focus frequently experiences issues with the fuel system, particularly involving the canister purge valve and fuel tank. Common symptoms include stalling, loss of power, and difficulty accelerating, often accompanied by the check engine warning light. These issues are typically noted around 50,000 to 100,000 miles. Some complaints also mention problems with refueling and rough idling. One complaint involves a fire, indicating potential safety implications, though crashes or injuries are not widely reported. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these recurring fuel system problems.

59 complaints total1 fire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (52 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

52 complaints

Owners report frequent issues with the fuel/propulsion system in the 2017 Ford Focus, with the canister purge valve being a common point of failure. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as engine stalling, difficulty starting after refueling, and excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system, often leading to error codes like P1450. Many owners experience these issues around 50,000 to 95,000 miles. Safety implications include potential engine stalls while driving, which could lead to loss of control, especially at highway speeds. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these recurring issues and potential repair costs, as some vehicles are not covered under existing recalls.

52 complaints total
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (26 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

26 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2017 Ford Focus frequently report issues related to the electrical system, including the vehicle stalling, loss of power, and unresponsive controls. Symptoms often described include the car stalling while driving, the engine shutting off abruptly, and the inability to unlock doors due to electrical failure. These issues are reported at various mileages, with some occurring around 60,000 to 123,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, with at least one incident involving a fire and another resulting in an injury due to a sudden stop. Buyers should be aware of these potential electrical system problems when considering a used 2017 Ford Focus.

26 complaints total1 fire1 injury
STEERING (20 complaints)

STEERING

20 complaints

Owners report frequent power steering failures in the 2017 Ford Focus, often without warning and accompanied by a "Power Steering Assist Failure" message on the dashboard. The typical symptoms include the steering becoming difficult to maneuver or locking up entirely, which can occur at various speeds, including while parked or driving. Many complaints occur around the 30,000 to 89,000-mile range. These issues carry significant safety implications, as several reports describe near-accidents due to the sudden loss of steering control. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential steering problems, especially since some owners mention repeated failures and costly repairs.

20 complaints total
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (12 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

12 complaints

Owners of the 2017 Ford Focus frequently report issues with vehicle speed control, including sudden acceleration and failure to decelerate when the gas pedal is released. Typical symptoms include the car maintaining speed or accelerating on its own, engine revving abnormally high, and the vehicle failing to shift properly, often accompanied by shuttering or jerking motions. These issues are noted at various mileage points, with some reports as early as 23,054 miles and others occurring around 107,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, as some owners describe scenarios where the car's unexpected behavior could lead to potential collisions or loss of control. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these reported issues, particularly regarding the vehicle's unpredictable acceleration and potential for stalling.

12 complaints total
AIR BAGS (11 complaints)

AIR BAGS

11 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2017 Ford Focus frequently report issues with airbag deployment during crashes, with nine out of eleven complaints involving accidents where airbags did not deploy as expected. Common symptoms include airbags failing to deploy in frontal and side collisions, even at significant impact speeds, and instances where the airbag lights blink or remain illuminated. Complaints often arise around the 25,000 to 60,000-mile range. Safety implications are significant, with multiple reports of injuries, including whiplash, bruises, and spinal issues, highlighting potential risks for buyers considering this model.

11 complaints total9 crashes11 injuries
SERVICE BRAKES (6 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

6 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2017 Ford Focus report several issues related to the vehicle's braking system. A recurring problem involves the brake pedal losing resistance and going to the floor, leading to one reported crash with an injury. Another issue described is the regenerative brake system causing the vehicle to slide on uneven or slippery pavement, as brakes appear to lock up or "skip." Complaints also mention problems with oil pump tensioner belts, though these are not directly linked to braking performance. These issues are reported at varying mileages, with one specific incident occurring at 9,026 miles. Safety implications include potential loss of braking ability and associated accidents, which prospective buyers should consider.

6 complaints total1 crash1 injury

When Do 2017 Ford Focus Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

30,000–50,000 milesTransmission shudder
40,000–70,000 milesEngine failure

Best & Worst Ford Focus Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Ford Focus Years to Buy

The best Ford Focus year is 2018 with a reliability score of 59/100, rated mixed. Other strong picks include 2015 (59/100) and 2017 (58/100).

Ford Focus Years to Avoid

No Ford Focus years are statistical outliers in our data.

All model years score consistently well. The Ford Focus maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.

Ford Focus Reliability Score Trend

Ford Focus reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 56/100.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Ford Focus reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201354/100Mixed
201452/100Mixed
201559/100Mixed
201656/100Mixed
201758/100Mixed
201859/100Mixed

Ford Focus Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
201859/100+1Mixed7825
2017(selected)58/100+2Mixed10897
201656/100-3Mixed111189
201559/100+7Mixed111027
201452/100-2Mixed142651
201354/100Mixed122105

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2017 Ford Focus reliable?
The 2017 Ford Focus has a "Mixed" reliability rating (58/100) and may present some ownership challenges. With 10 recalls and 897 complaints, buyers should research known issues carefully.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ford Focus?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2017 Ford Focus include: POWER TRAIN (433 complaints), ENGINE (116 complaints), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (78 complaints), FUEL SYSTEM (59 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (56 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2017 Ford Focus have?
The 2017 Ford Focus has 10 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2017 Ford Focus expensive to maintain?
The 2017 Ford Focus has estimated annual repair costs of $569/year, which is $43 more than the compact cars average of $526. Its reliability score of 58/100 and 897 owner complaints suggest that unexpected repairs are more likely. Budgeting for maintenance reserves is advisable.

Don’t buy a 2017 Ford Focus without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases via vehicles.dev. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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