What 842 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Ford Focus RS

I bought this car a few months ago with no problems from a used car dealership in Kentucky. A few days later the check engine light came on and the turbo was not working. Turbo was replaced and the vacuum lines were found to be full of oil and rubber causing the waste gate actuator to not release vacuum which in turn burnt up the turbo. It's been about 1,000 miles and now I getting an underboost code while driving of P0299. The turbo appears to be failing again. I have found more rubber and oil in the vacuum lines along with buildup inside the vacuum pump. This appears to be coming from the wet rubber belt inside the engine. I have stopped driving it while waiting on the oil pump wet belt recall. The turbo failure is related directly to this problem with the oil pump belt due to clogging up the vacuum pump and vacuum lines.

NHTSA ODI 11567565

I acquired the Ford Focus 2017 from Envision Toyota in Milpitas, California, in November 2022. In August 2023, the vehicle experienced an engine failure at 53,000 miles. Subsequently, the car was at the Ford dealership for an extended period until the engine replacement was completed by the end of October 2023. Upon retrieving the car on [XXX], 2023, I encountered various issues, including coolant leakage, problems with coolant pressure, braking issues (resulting in extensive vibrations), and the engine stalling in traffic. While the coolant problem was eventually resolved after four additional visits to the dealership, involving adjustments to pressure, replacement of thermostats, sensors, and the cooling reservoir, the persistent issues with the engine stalling and braking were not addressed, even after multiple extended visits to the dealership. Despite having the car for several weeks during each visit, the problems persisted. We retrieved the car before Christmas and reported the ongoing issues to the dealership, but due to international travel plans, I was unable to return the car for further inspection. We have returned from our travels on [XXX] 2024. On [XXX], 2024, my son was driving to the gym with friends when, while in a central left turn lane to enter the gym, the engine failed again. Unfortunately, another vehicle approaching from the right side collided with him, while he was stationary, resulting in the total loss of the car. In November 2023, I initiated a case with Ford, requesting them to repurchase the vehicle due to numerous safety concerns, and the case number is [XXX]. Despite reporting issues to both Ford and the dealership (which was able to reproduce them), resolution has been delayed, and Ford seems to be procrastinating in addressing the situation. It is crucial to note that the Ford Focus SE 2017 model appears to have inherent issues with gaskets, and it appears that Ford may be concealing these concerns. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11567264

Good Morning, I hope you are having an amazing day , I first financed this car in 2018 but the car was made in 2017. I searched my vin number to see if my car was a part of the recall list and was not. I have been getting a code P1450 since about 40,000 miles, my car has been stalling upon acceleration since I got it. and I had the part replaced, a year and a half later the code popped up again and I got the part repaired and still the same issues, after the part has been repaired as well as a PCM issue is now happening. My car shudders between the 1 and 2 on the acceleration , this has been happening since I got the car but the salesman told me that this was not an issue and it was normal for the fords to do this. I have been having issues with my car starting up in the mornings mainly a lag in the ignition. I believe my car should have been a part of that list but was not. Please investigate

NHTSA ODI 11567319

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly shut off. After restarting the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated before the vehicle stalled again. The vehicle was eventually towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty, and the engine long block and turbo charger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 66,533.

NHTSA ODI 11566549

I have a recall on my 2017 ford focus that is for the gas tank deformation , this happens because the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system. It jerks , excels and dies when low on or getting gas mostly . Recently it wouldn’t reverse or go over 15 miles and would limp only , not drivable . Codes say it’s clutch b stuck engaged . I took it to the ford dealership and they gave me a 8000 repair bill when I told them I mainly wanted the recall fixed on it and I’d figure out the rest later . They said the recall is not a safety issue and doesn’t have anything to do with the car having issues or driving at all and they are charging me half of the bill for things related to the recall , claiming it isn’t part of the recall (canister purge valve , canister vent , fuel injection cleaning , check engine light being on) . They said they had to redo my appointment for me over the phone because I didn’t put it under the recall appointments and they didn’t include anything about the recall in it . The other half of the bill is them claiming they need to replace the entire clutch .

NHTSA ODI 11565901

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Transmission Overheating" was displayed, and the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started shuddering, vibrating and failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who replaced the transmission clutch. The contact stated that the transmission clutch had been replaced on five separate occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 11565924

The belt to open oil pressure valve had all the teeth worn away. No oil was getting to the engine. Where it is located no one could ever check when doing my regular oil changes. Engine had to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11565595

I was driving on a highway during rush hour and as I attempted to slow how ever the engine was not responding. The car then alerted me to stop the car as there is issue with the engine and I need to “stop for safety” I pull the call over immediately on the side of a highway & was met by high patrol and a tow company.

NHTSA ODI 11565623

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while accelerating the vehicle was shuddering. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the seal and clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the warranty had expired. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission, clutch, and valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11564366

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 30 MPH, the engine overheated. The contact stated that the transmission overheated message was displayed. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and allowed the engine and the transmission to cool down before driving to the residence. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with stage-2 clutch failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and suggested that the contact call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 89,252. The contact noticed that the code on the vehicle before repairing P0805 and were part of recall # 18V845000, wondering why when contacting Ford, they said there was not a recall for the transmission.

NHTSA ODI 11564477

My 2017 Ford focus oil light came on. I took the car to brad manning Dealership in Dekalb, Illinois. They charged me 160.00 to diagnose the problem. They said that there is an advance recall on my vehicle and Ford knows about the problem with the oil injectors. They reached out to Ford as I also did and was told that they would repair the issue in the second quarter which is from April 2024 to June 2024. The only recourse they offered was to pay the 8,000 plus to replace the engine and get reimbursed in the second quarter. I was told not to drive the car because the engine will lock up and stop wherever. I don't have 8,000 dollars and I can't drive a car that I purchased for Ford that they know is a problem and refuse to fix my car. So, I am without a car to get to work or anywhere else because of Fords manufacturing issues

NHTSA ODI 11564230

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gear shifter failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed to shift into reverse. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with failed clutch accelerator sensor and the contact was informed that the clutch accelerator sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

NHTSA ODI 11563050

The transmission is slipping on my 2017 Ford Focus. There is delayed braking, acceleration and harsh vibrations. There is already a recall on 2011-2016 ford transmissions. 2017 needs to be included!

NHTSA ODI 11562673

Yes it is available for inspection if you choose to do so. Roughly a month ago my transmission shifted into neutral while trying to merge onto the interstate. It bucked around and eventually caught the right gear, and the problem persisted the next 15 miles to my destination, as well as the 15 miles home. I couldn't afford to take it to the shop, so I didn't drive it for a couple weeks. I then had some responsibilities to take care of, and the car was so much worse this time. Trying to accelerate from 0mph was hit or miss, and any time I went over 10 mph it would shift back and forth from neutral to a lower gear than it should have for the speed I was going, then back to neutral. It loses power or shifts into neutral driving down the interstate sometimes, or going up hills. I almost slid down a hill backwards the other day because I was in neutral (even tho my gear shift was in Drive). Sometimes when trying to stop, the car lunges forward while my foot is on the brake. It felt like I was driving a standard again - not safe at all. My check engine light has been on for a month or two due to an O2 sensor issue, but otherwise I had no warning lights displayed. I had a mechanic hook up a code reader a few days ago and the code that popped up is P07A3. I have yet to take it in for repairs, as I cannot afford to pay thousands of dollars for Ford's intentional manufacture of faulty machinery. I still owe $11,000 on this car, there is no way I can afford to buy another one, or to fix this piece of junk. Happy 2024.

NHTSA ODI 11562691

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that vehicle intermittently hesitated while in second gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where a diagnostic test was performed; however, the mechanic was unable to diagnose the failure. The failure persisted, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where a service tech drove with the contact. The service technician witnessed the vehicle jerking while in second gear. The service tech informed the contact that the clutch assembly needed to be repaired. The contact was also informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired but remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11562344

This year make and models have an recall #19v51500 due to this recall their is a canister purge valve need to be replace. so i buy a vehicle and its has a problem with purge valve and the Ford company refuse it to fix this issue under the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11562406

My car is takes a while to pick up speed when pressing on the accelerator. Also when pressing on the accelerator my car jerks. I took it to the dealership and they said it’s my transmission. I didn’t receive a warning light.

NHTSA ODI 11561503

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for an oil change, the mechanic discovered fuel in the oil. The dealer was alerted of the failure and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. A test was performed on the vehicle and the contact was instructed to drive the vehicle for 700 miles to test the fuel system. The contact's father then tested the vehicle after 700 miles and confirmed that a fuel odor was coming from the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and remained in the dealer's possession. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

NHTSA ODI 11560654

I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of significant concern regarding the transmission system in Ford Focus vehicles, and I kindly request that you consider issuing a recall for the affected models. I am the owner of a Ford Focus [2017], and unfortunately, I have experienced a critical issue with the transmission. After conducting thorough research, it has come to my attention that a substantial number of Ford Focus owners are grappling with similar transmission failures. This widespread problem is causing distress among Ford customers and has the potential to pose serious safety hazards. The transmission failures in Ford Focus vehicles have been well-documented, and the frequency of reported incidents indicates a systemic issue that warrants immediate attention. As a loyal customer of Ford, I believe it is crucial for the company to take responsibility for these recurring problems and take proactive measures to rectify them. Several reasons support the urgent need for a recall: Safety Concerns: The transmission failures in Ford Focus vehicles can result in sudden loss of power, delayed acceleration, and unpredictable shifts. These issues pose a significant safety risk, especially during highway driving or in emergency situations. The potential for accidents and injuries is alarming and demands swift action. In light of these concerns, I urge Ford Motor Company to initiate a recall for Ford Focus vehicles affected by transmission failures. By taking proactive steps to address this issue, you will not only ensure the safety and satisfaction of your customers but also uphold the integrity of the Ford brand.

NHTSA ODI 11560742

While driving on interstate, an oil light came on and vehicle slowed rapidly causing a very unsafe situation with attempting to safely pull over. Once pulled over, I did not want to risk further engine damage, so I shut off immediately and had vehicle towed to dealer. Even though I placed a large sign on steering wheel and keys not to run engine, dealer states test driving. Further examination reveals the oil pump is seized and my only option for repair is a new engine. The recommended maintenance for the oil pump is 150,000 miles and it failed at 69,000 miles without any warning or recommendation for service by Ford. This is a know issue that is putting hundreds of thousands drivers world wide at risk of a potential serious accident if power loss occurs at an inopportune time!

NHTSA ODI 11560438

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after her daughter refueled the vehicle at the gas station, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the vehicle started after several attempts. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing rough idling. Additionally, the contact stated that while her daughter was making a right turn and merging onto a ramp, the vehicle stalled inadvertently in the middle of the road. The contact's daughter was unable to pull to the side of the roadway. The contact stated that her daughter was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact's daughter then pulled to the side of the road. The contact stated that her daughter was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the purge valve had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11559716

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted on several occasions however, on other occasions the vehicle would not restart. Additionally, the contact stated that the coolant reservoir had to be topped several times. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the PATS transceiver module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not able to start, and the contact was informed that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ODI 11559444

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while attempting to reverse, the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he could shift into drive(D); however, the vehicle failed to shift into reverse(R) after several attempts. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact the VIN was not covered under an unknown recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

NHTSA ODI 11559154

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was later driven to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the failure was related to an emissions failure. No further information was provided. The contact stated that the vehicle had stalled on multiple occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 103,000.

NHTSA ODI 11558491

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving in stop-and-go traffic, the vehicle would hesitate or stall without warning. The vehicle had been serviced on three separate occasions under warranty by Asheville Ford (611 Brevard Rd, Asheville, NC 28806) and Frederick Motor Company (1 Waverley Drive, Frederick, MD 21702) where the dual-clutch system was replaced. The contact stated that after each repair, the failure returned within 6-8 months after the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.

NHTSA ODI 11558333