What 842 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Ford Focus RS

Transmission lurches when stopped. Jerks hard enough to move forward. When accelerating, car slips and vibrates. Loses power posing a saftey hazard that is unsafe to drive car. Dealership confirmed its the Transmission dry plates on the DSG automatic transmission. Several times when I been at a red light with a car infront of me, I went to apply gas and the car revs then rapidly engages sometimes. I am paying 4,100 to replace a problem that has existed and been told it's normal bt the dealership. Only 38,712 miles on the car and its out of warranty according to Ford. Currently at the dealership now.

NHTSA ODI 11544763

My focus has been having the same problems with the transmission/power train as other focuses that have already been recalled. My car can’t get out of first gear.

NHTSA ODI 11544355

The car slips going from 1st to 2nd gear when at a complete stop. It is the automatic transmission, and acts as if the car will stall. I just purchased it from an individual, who had stated that is how it has been. I feel this is not normal, and after reading reviews, there has been may issues with this transmission. A lot of reviews have shown people getting the problem fixed, only to experience the same issue 20,000 miles later. It does feel dangerous as I'm completely stopped and start to move and the car wants to jerk, and slip into gear really slow. My model is the 2017 Ford Focus SE with the automatic 6 speed transmission. It is a regular occurrence, and I regret not doing a better job at reviewing this prior. I had a 2009 Ford Focus I had just sold with 219,000 miles on it without any motor or transmission issues. This car has 106,000 miles on it and way it sounds been doing this for a while. Just wondering what to expect, I don't have a check engine light on as of yet.

NHTSA ODI 11543547

In may of 2022, while driving at highway speed (approximately 65 MPH) my engine stopped working overheated and I almost crashed attempting to get off the highway. The vehicle mileage was just over 40,000 miles. The reason was vehicle oil pump stopped working due to pieces of debris from engine rubber drive chain clogged engine oil filter. This has occurred over and over on the 1.6 liter eco boost engine. Engine was replaced under warranty and I was given a 12 month 12,000 mile warranty on replaced engine. During the time of the warranty I on numerous occasions dealt with overheating issues as coolant level was constantly low. On one occasion engine stopped working and steam bellowed out almost again causing a crash at highway speed. Engine was diagnosed in 7/2023 by local Ford dealership of engine block grooves allowing coolant to leak into cylinders which led to catastrophic engine failure. My vehicle now has just over 50,000 miles and Ford states that since I am over my 60 month power train warranty they will do nothing to cover costs on a 3rd engine replace. That is 2 separate instances where engine completely failed and stopped while driving at highway speeds and at least 2 times where engine overheating nearly caused the vehicle to become overheated to the point of causing a fire.

NHTSA ODI 11543172

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle jerked while shifting from first to second gear with the RPM at 3,000. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

NHTSA ODI 11542845

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and started to shake with the RPM increasing. The vehicle was taken to an AutoZone to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved DTC: P0456 (EVAP leak). Additionally, the contact stated that the 02 sensor was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

NHTSA ODI 11542656

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the RPMS were significantly high. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the vehicle was operating as designed. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving, and while at a complete stop, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the RPMs would exceed 1,500 and would then drop to 600-700. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power temporarily while driving on one occasion. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.

NHTSA ODI 11542133

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle would not immediately start. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was a loud revving sound while attempting to accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that while driving the message "Transmission Overheated - Pull Over" was displayed, and the vehicle rolled backwards while on an incline. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 75,460.

NHTSA ODI 11541927

The dealership sold me a car with not hazards lights in it the car is suppose to ha then but it doesn’t there is no button for the hazard lights

NHTSA ODI 11541537

Vehicle stutters while accelerating, constant issue. Recently will not go in reverse problem code showing Clutch B stuck engaged. Trans overheating and rev while accelerating. Told needs new TCM computer. Owned a 2013 Ford Fiesta and this is the same issue, but told it is out of warranty and not covered.

NHTSA ODI 11539764

Changing gears, jerking into gears, jumping into neutral, transmission hot warning light turns on

NHTSA ODI 11536812

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power, with the transmission slipping. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle seemed to return to normal functionality; however, the failure recurred and became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was unable to provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 81,058.

NHTSA ODI 11535792

I took my vehicle to have the recall repaired they did not fix all the issues with the recall as soon as I picked it up it broke down again. They are now charging me for a diagnostic test that I did not ask for they told me the problem they think it is which is covered by the recall but now they refuse to work on my car. The service manager is rude and unprofessional cussing at me and my husband on the phone. Now I'm stuck with a car that doesn't work and they are refusing to replace parts that are covered under the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11533656

Car stutters when accelerating, has very low idle to the point of feeling like stalling, Car has stalled after filling up with fuel. The code that the car is giving is P1450 "Unable to bleed up fuel tank vacuum"

NHTSA ODI 11532795

Driving and car no longer would accelerate, this could have been very dangerous had I been traveling on a fast paced road/highway and even more concerning with my child in the car. oil pressure light and check engine light came on simultaneously when this issue happened. Car was immediately turned off in hopes of not damaging the engine. There was no warning of any type of issue with the car. Has been running fine for almost 6 years, until this. 2017 Ford Focus Ecoboost SE Approx 59,000 miles.

NHTSA ODI 11532866

My car does not turn on immediately after filling my gas tank. The entire car stutters and shakes when I accelerate from a stop. My car is running the fault codes P1450 and P0420, so there is excessive vacuum in my fuel tank/EVAP and low catalyst system efficiency due to the problems with the exhaust or fuel system. It is available for inspection upon request. My safety is out at risk because my car could stall while driving and not start up again, leading to a possible crash. It will be confirmed by a dealer tomorrow, and has not been inspected yet. I have a check engine light and running those codes. The problem progressed from stuttering when accelerated to the vehicle not being able to turn on when filled with gas.

NHTSA ODI 11531982

The vehicle has an intermittent problem that causes it to lose power, become unresponsive, and leave the occupants vulnerable to a collision if it becomes necessary to accelerate from cross traffic or to be rear ended due to rapid deceleration. At random intervals usually daily the check engine light will begin to flash and pressing the throttle the driver will find that the vehicle will not accelerate. This condition last typically 30 seconds, during that time the vehicle is essentially coasting along under simple inertia. Then as suddenly as it began the light turns off and the car returns to normal. My vehicle experienced catastrophic failure during one such episode resulting in a thrown rod in cylinder number 3, the vehicle had the engine replaced under warranty at a cost of $12,000. After the car was returned I found that it continued to experience the same problem, returned to the place that installed the engine and they weren't able to repair the problem. Was directed to take to Temecula Ford, they required I allow their technician to drive the vehicle home nightly over 40 miles each direction and after 2 weeks weren't able to supposedly recreate the problem. I picked the car up with nothing to show but extra miles. Immediately the problem once again began, I scanned the ecu and took screen shots and data recordings to provide the dealer. Directed to return the car, they had it another week and despite having the provided information stated they couldn't duplicate the issue. Decided to take it to another local dealership, they had it a week and stated the problem was caused by using NGK spark plugs instead of MotorCraft plugs. I informed them they were installed with the new engine and they required I purchase their spark plugs. I paid $400 for plugs and picked the vehicle up, the problem persisted. I was however given a refund. Still can't use the car, Ford corporation refused to do anything for me.

NHTSA ODI 11531242

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 - 40 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle accelerated sluggishly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission control module (TCM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, while leaving the dealer, the failure recurred. The dealer informed the contact that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V169000 (Power Train), however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,123.

NHTSA ODI 11530491

Driving 75mph down the frontage road. The car just stopped. No warning no lights just a violent stop. If there were cars behind us or we were on the highway we could be dead right now!! It stopped no lights took us 2 hrs to get the car home with a no service area. It was clicking in the engine. After it was parked for hrs. This is the second time in 7 months this car has had a serious manufacturer problem! It is unsafe and I will never drive it again!!! Bad for having only 63,000 miles on it!! I got it with 52,000 miles and it broke down instantly with a transmission problem. Was in the shop for 4 months and now this. Dangerous

NHTSA ODI 11530135

On MANY multiple occasions the vehicle has undergone a transmission/clutch failure. The worst of which was when passing a vehicle on a busy section of interstate and the car effectively put itself in neutral, unable to accelerate, at which point the vehicle behind us had to swerve to not collide with us or cause an accident. After the third time bringing it back to the dealership for repairs, I looked into it. We have only been able to drive this car LITERALLY HALF of the time we’ve owned it, and poured thousands in repairs for obvious and negligent manufacturing defects that YOU KNOW ABOUT. This is a well known issue, and FAR FAR beyond the reasonable requirements for a recall. I am stuck with this vehicle and am mounting debt because I cannot afford another car. The NHTSA has outright failed in its duties to protect people from Fords clear fraud and negligence. I’m unsure if it’s political pressure to not oust them, or because you’re corrupt. Either way, I’ve decided to mount a campaign to bring light to this issue, and your complete lack of response. Ford is at fault for fraud and endangerment. YOU are at fault for willfully ignoring an issue that has, ON THOUSANDS OF WELL DOCUMENTED OCCASIONS, caused real financial and/or physical harm. Which is literally the exact opposite of your institution’s purpose. I will not be including the paperwork or screenshots of our (currently) 10+ shop visits and bills, because you already have thousands (if not literal millions) of examples. You make me a sick as Ford. Shame on you.

NHTSA ODI 11529956

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start immediately; however, the vehicle restarted after several attempts. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the failure might be due to a stuck canister purge valve; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,989.

NHTSA ODI 11529590

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle and attempting to drive, the vehicle stalled and failed to immediately start-up. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the canister purge valve was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11528815

Engine rpm’s race wildly when auto trans shifts from 1 to 2 and 3 to 4. Vehicle suddenly will no longer go in Reverse. Dealer says there are no applicable programs affecting my vehicle despite same problems reported on 2012 - 2016 models. Independent transmission shops refuse to attempt repairs on all models of Focus due to widespread knowledge of defective transmission design. I see no reason why my vehicle is excluded! I am told 4-5 month wait to be seen for dealer service.

NHTSA ODI 11528963

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while at a stop light and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle started jerking. The contact stated that after several minutes the vehicle operated normally. On another occasion, while at a stop light, the contact started to accelerate however, the vehicle jerked and there was a delay before the vehicle shifted into gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the clutch was replaced, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the clutch needed to be replaced again. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11528529

Driving on 2 lane, car suddenly went dead at 60 mph . Able to get off road. Cranked back up. Checked for code and fuel tank had vacuum lock. Checked with ford. There is a recall on that but not my vin number. Took to Ford garage x4 paid eval. Fee of $159 twice to diagnose. No success. They replace fuel door and clutch total bills approx $500. Last failed attempt to fix the problem revealed more trouble... back end was swerving and jerking.. felt out of control. Somehow when the clutch wS changed out the rear shocks and front struts were busted. And No I didn't take it back after that. Why does mt car show recall code is problem yet vin not covered and garage tries to fix everything but the recall prob and makes everything worse. I do not have the money to throw into these "fixes" I an disabled on tight budget. This is a problem that began on the assembly line at time vehicle was manufactured. I bought I n good faith and ended up with a lemon.

NHTSA ODI 11528368