Home · 2017 Ford Focus Bev · Complaints

What 842 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Ford Focus Bev

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (842)Crash / fire / injury (22)Transmission & drivetrain (428)Engine (206)Fuel system (169)Engine & cooling (70)Speed control (37)Electrical system (36)Steering (20)Airbags (15)Brakes (9)Lights (9)

428 of 842 complaints match · Transmission & drivetrain · clear filters · page 10 of 18

Jun 14, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The vehicle had previously been serviced at the dealer for clutch assembly replacement on two separate occasions; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated during acceleration and experienced rough driving. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

NHTSA ODI 11469121

Jun 6, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, and the RPM’s decreased. The service transmission warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. The contact was able to drive home. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the clutch needed to be replaced; additionally, there was an issue with the fuel tank. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA ODI 11467729

Jun 1, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle would hesitate without warning while driving at various speeds. The contact also stated that unknown warning lights would intermittently flash on the instrument panel while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and no defects were found. One day while driving in reverse, the gear shifter failed to move from the reverse(R) position after multiple attempts. Once the contact was able to shift the vehicle into drive(D), the vehicle would not accelerate above 10 MPH with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11466896

Jun 1, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine revved while the vehicle hesitated during acceleration, causing the vehicle to overheat. The contact turned off the vehicle and waited until the engine cooled down and then restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the clutch arm was stuck. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

NHTSA ODI 11467042

May 17, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

Car shutters heavily when approaching 2500-3500 RPM. Mostly felt before shift change out of 1st gear in automatic, but also felt in same range when left in 1st on select shift. Shudder causes slow acceleration from a stop. Very slow acceleration avoids the shutter.

NHTSA ODI 11464974

Apr 8, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

I recently purchased my 2017 Ford Focus from Carmax in August of 2021. At the time it had 52,675 miles on it. I now have 64,000 miles on the vehicle. I began to notice a few weeks after purchase of the vehicle that upon acceleration from a stop sign or red light, the vehicle would shake or shudder slightly but then cease . This only happened upon acceleration and not while idling. However , it was so slight that it didn't seem to be an issue. In the past month , I have noticed now that the shaking and shuddering is getting extremely heavy upon acceleration and it is starting to scare me. I contacted Ford and they told me that there was not a specific recall on my VIN in particular but that they WERE INDEED aware of serious control module issues and clutch issues for the Ford Focus . I also read that Ford had to extend warranties to many of the Ford Focuses from models all the way up to 2016 . Well, my model happens to be a 2017 but is still having the exact SAME issues . Serious shaking, shuddering, and wanting to shut off upon acceleration. This can be very dangerous and I am nervous now to drive my vehicle. I called many shops around the area and was told that the "Ford Focus transmission shudder issue" is very well known but that Ford may not want to help me out. (Which is what im experiencing now) Again, this vehicle shakes and shudders violently upon acceleration and I would like some help please. Thank you kindly.

NHTSA ODI 11460186

Apr 8, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The transmission in my 2017 Ford Focus is slipping, shuttering, and jerking. It also will hesitate when accelerating. It has been to the Ford Maintenance Department at least 4 times to have the transmission “fixed”. It will fail with 1000-10000 miles after it supposedly gets fixed. We have also been turned away from Ford, saying that nothing is wrong or it’s within fords criteria. This is not normal for a car!

NHTSA ODI 11460217

Mar 30, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering while decelerating. In addition, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed several times before the vehicle started to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transaxle dash clutch and fly wheel needed to be replace. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 31,000.

NHTSA ODI 11459009

Mar 28, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

TRANSMISSION FAILURE, car shudders when starting from take off, will not go forward while in gear, engine light came on, would not go into reverseye, I could have been rear ended struck, Unknown if anything else was an issue

NHTSA ODI 11458613

Mar 18, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after the battery was replaced, the vehicle cut not reverse when needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission control module failure due to a faulty battery. The dealer repaired the transmission. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11457233

Mar 15, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The vehicle had previously had two transmissions replaced. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the engine revved, but the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The manufacturer advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

NHTSA ODI 11456868

Mar 1, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The transmission in this car has burned a clutch up at 30k miles and replaced by Ford after having to twist their leg to do it. 10k miles later it was slipping again. Currently it is at 70k miles and the clutch is going out again. Ford refuses to take responsibility for this faulty transmission since it is a 2017 model and not included in the class action suit for the model just a year prior, although it is the same transmission. The slipping, stalling and jerking is a danger when pulling out into traffic and I hope it does not cause me to get in an accident and have to sue them for even more than I need to sue them for now for selling me faulty unsafe junk that doesn't last and puts my families life at risk.

NHTSA ODI 11454667

Feb 17, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact, an independent mechanic, examined the vehicle and diagnosed that the powertrain control module (PCM) was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11452374

Feb 4, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

CAR WILL SHUTTER FROM A STOP TO ACCELERATE TO SPEED. SCARY SOME TIMES THINKING YOUR GOING TO LOSE SPEED AND GET HIT. THIS HAPPENS MANY TIME, BUT BELOW YOU ONLY ALOW FOR ONE DATE OF INCIDENT, HAPPENS ALMOST EVERYDAY I DRIVE

NHTSA ODI 11450358

Dec 30, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

The contact's son owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while his son was starting the vehicle, an unknown shift pattern warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to drive the vehicle at 6 MPH to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission control module to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

NHTSA ODI 11445631

Nov 29, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle would hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who referred her to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they were also unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and informed her there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer informed her that they would cover a portion of the repair cost for the transmission; she was also given a case number. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11442011

Nov 20, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

My clutch causes the car to stutter when accelerating. My focus has already had a clutch replacement under warranty. I am now at 76k miles and my car has started stuttering again.

NHTSA ODI 11441131

Nov 5, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

The contact's mother owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle would hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact's mother initially took the vehicle to the dealer where they informed her that the clutch within the transmission needed to be replaced. Her mother then took the vehicle to Kurtis Chevrolet, Inc. (5369 Hwy 70 W, Morehead City, NC 28557) where the vehicle was purchased and was provided the same information as the other dealer. Her mother was then given an estimate for the cost of a new transmission. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred her to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11439525

Nov 3, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

My mother, [XXX], purchased this car in 2017 with only 2 miles on it. Shortly after purchasing it, the steering went out. She had it repaired. Then the clutch on the transmission went out. She had to fight with dealership and Ford to get it replaced. Since this, we have had to have six clutches put in. We have also had to have another steering column put in and two purge valves. The car is now back in the shop having the seventh clutch put in. We have contacted Ford several times asking them to do a buyback and they refuse. My mom is a retired 72 year disabled vet and has to have reliable transportation due to her health. Please assist her in getting this issue resolved. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11439289

Sep 27, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

On multiple occasions while driving on highways with speed limits 55 or greater the vehicles suddenly de-accelerated rpm dropping to 1-2 rpms and suddently without warning then accelerating to 7-8 rpms, cars and trucks. Appears that the transmission gears were switching without warning and without operator shifting. Took vehicle into John F. Kennedy Ford in Conshohocken Pa., they replaced clutch plate, then we experience the symptom even words on highway, while operating a 55mph with car suddenly de-accelerating. Car under extended ford warranty 60k miles. John F. Kennedy Ford dealer in Conshohocken and Ford Corporate after calls to customer service corporate line speaking to supervisor refuses to repair the vehicle because they say they can not recreate the problem. (witness was present during each incident other than driver) Incidents occurred 09/05/2021 on NJ Expressway and 09/12/2021 on Pa Highway (09122021 occurred after clutch plate was repaired to "fix the problem" My personal opinion is that Ford customers are going to die on the highways if this problem continues. It is extremely dangerous and unsafe due to uncontrolled rapid de-acceleration on the highways.

NHTSA ODI 11434519

Aug 29, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

The transmission shudders when accelerating, I have also temporarily lost control of my vehicle when merging onto a highway.

NHTSA ODI 11430939

Aug 26, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

My transmission has been slipping ever since I bought it a yr ago in 2020. It is a 2017 Ford Focus. A few days ago it started making occassional whining sounds. I drove to work and engine light came on and it wouldn't start. Mechanic got it started, moving shifter and rolling it a bit. I drove to shop and they said transmission problem. My friend showed me her 2015 extd warranty on tranny clutch. Ford must not have fixed the problem. I also rode in a 2018 today which she said was also slipping. Do we need another multi lawsuit?

NHTSA ODI 11430692

Jul 27, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle would not shift into gear. The contact stated that when she disengaged the accelerator pedal and depressed it again, she was able to drive the vehicle however, the warning message "Transmission Overheating, Stop Safely" appeared on the instrument panel. The contact veered to the side of the road, then the warning message "Transmission Hot, Wait Five Minutes" appeared on the instrument panel. The contact stated she waited and when she drove the vehicle, the warning message "Transmission Hot, Wait Five Minutes" reappeared. The contact stated she veered to the side of the road and waited. The contact stated she was able to drive the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission clutch A and transmission clutch B needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 9,700.

NHTSA ODI 11426666

Jun 29, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

The vehicle only has 34,000 miles on it and I have to get the clutch replaced. I was driving on the highway when I suddenly received a "Transmission Fault Service Now" error. The forks also have to be replaced with this. The car has had regular servicing. I purchased it from a ford dealer when it had 17,000 miles on it. Consumer stated vehicle seems to have the same nhtsa campaign 18V845000.

NHTSA ODI 11422828

Jun 28, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

I have had a problem with my Ford Focus for months. The car jerks, rattles and shakes when I am driving it. I have taken it back to Ford three times. January 2021, I attempted to get an appointment at Autonation Ford on Phillips Highway Jacksonville, FL. I was told that their repairman had COVID-19 and they could not service my car. I called again and was told that their transmission service man quit and that I had to take the car to Autonation Ford in Orange Park on the other side of Jacksonville. Time 1) I took the car to the dealer in Orange Park on March 16, 2021. They told me that it met specifications and they would not fix it under warranty. Time 2) April 14, 2021, I took it to Autonation Ford in Orange Park. I was told the same story. Time 3) June 17, 2021, I took it to Autonation Ford on Phillips highway In Jacksonville, FL. June 19, 2021, My husband [XXX] talked to the general manager [XXX]. He said he would get back to him in writing. He hasn’t. June 21, 2021, I talked to [XXX], the service person at Autonation Ford on Phillips Highway. He said I could pick up the car. He also said that the invoice wasn't complete and he would e-mail it to me. So far, I haven't received it. June 22, 2021, My husband [XXX] contacted Ford Customer Care and obtained a case number from [XXX]. ([XXX]) She said she could not at that time contact [XXX], but she would continue to attempt to contact him and get back to [XXX]. Attempts to contact her at [XXX] and get a written response have also failed. Each time I have been told that it is within specification and fixing it is not under warranty. I also have been told that it can be fixed now if I pay for it. The cost was estimated at $3,000. When it jerks jerks and shutters, it startles me and distracts me from attention on controlling the car. This condition is not safe. I am now mainly using my husband's Tesla. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11422622

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Working with the data? Download all 842 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 23, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2017 Ford Focus Bev verdict →