What 888 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Ford Focus

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

Wet belt failure due to manufacture decent and design flaw. Wet belt seized up the motor at 80,000 miles no oil went to motor and we had to replace it. Motor cost us 6,000 and we had to buy a used one because ford stopped making them because of the defect. However they refused to help financially with the motor. We were also told that the wet belt can break again so basically the car is useless and we can’t sell it to anyone knowing that it is defective. We want the car purchased back from ford.

NHTSA ODI 11558013

The contact's wife owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound and experienced rough driving. The next day while pulling out of the driveway, the oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 63,000.

NHTSA ODI 11557606

I was headed back home for thanksgiving, traveling down I20 from Birmingham to Anniston AL, when the oil light suddenly came on, then 2 minutes later a "default Engine-service now" warning appeared. The car immediately started making a loud rattling noise, sputtered and stopped accelerating. I almost got rear-ended and was terrified! I managed to exit the interstate and pulled into a gas station. Checked oil levels, which were fine. Got back on I20 and drove slowly (with hazard lights flashing) back to previous exit, where there was an express oil change. They could not identify the exact problem, but mechanic speculated it was the oil pump since he just fixed another ford vehicle with the same issue. I had my car towed back to Pep Boys in [XXX] (where I live). After inspecting my vehicle, I was informed that the oil pump had completely malfunctioned. The whole thing, including belts and tensioner had to be replaced. I'm still waiting to find out if any further damage was caused to the engine. So far, the bill is up to $4000 and I have been without a vehicle for 6 days. I would like to note that I completed regular oil changes and maintenance on this vehicle. Upon searching online, I have seen many other reports of this same issue on Ford Focus models, yet there has been no recall or action taken by ford and no action taken by the NHTSA. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11557621

The oil pressure indicator light came on. Ford dealership inspection concluded an internal belt failure which resulted in a clogged oil pickup screen and engine failure.

NHTSA ODI 11557366

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. While driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle stalled. Upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle stalled again. The contact stated that the fuel gauge was reporting inaccurately. The mileage displayed the wrong reading. The contact was unable to use the specified fuel and had to use a higher-octane fuel. The vehicle failed to accelerate above 30 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the vehicle had failed inspection. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The approximate failure mileage was 42,000.

NHTSA ODI 11554895

On three occasions the engine, on my 2017 Ford Focus, has stalled while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. The 1st two times (Sept 5th and 29th) it stalled the check engine and battery light came on. When it stalled the 3rd time (Oct 28th) only the check engine light came on. I had repairs done to the car when it stalled the 2nd time but after the repair work was complete the car still stalled. I researched online and Ford had recalled the Ford Focus for intermittent stalling but when I called them and gave them my VIN # they said my car was not on the list, but they suggested I contact you to report the safety issue I am having with my car. I am very, very afraid to drive it, since it puts my safety at risk and my husband and children. My car is our main driving source.

NHTSA ODI 11554723

My vehicle has had some trouble turning over recently and my check engine light came on shortly after. I ran a diagnostic and was given the code P1450 and who's symptoms were in line with what my car has experienced. I see that there was a recall for other 2012-2018 Ford Focuses with identical problems with my car also having a 2.0 liter GDI engine and was manufactured in the Michigan Ford plant prior to February 2 2018 (the Ford employee I spoke to confirmed that my Focus was built in January of 2017). My car has yet to stall or fail to turn over completely but the problem is becoming more frequent and I believe that my vehicle is one that should have been part of the recall as I'm experiencing identical problems and my vehicle meets the criteria for other vehicles that were part of the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11550836

The recall that Ford has out on Focus’s between 2012-2018 is exactly the problems my 2017 ford focus is having, where it stalls constantly and won’t turn on after. I’ve tried filing with only premium gas, keeping my tank full and it is still happening. I’ve had my vehicle towed multiple times. I’ve had the canister purge valve replaced and am still having issues.

NHTSA ODI 11548623

Car has 61,000 miles on it, after leaving home and getting on the interstate my wife and I felt the car lurch and the oil light came on. We pulled over and the lifters were ticking and we shut the engine off and had the car towed home(about a mile) I drained the oil and there was rubber chunks in it. Dropped the oil pan and the oil pump belt tensioner is broken, cogs are stripped off the belt and it became apparent that our oil pressure dropped to zero at highway speed, had we not been in the right lane and pulled over quickly the motor would have locked up at 70mph. I did some research and found the problem to be somewhat widespread. I contacted Ford hoping for a goodwill gesture considering the miles and was told there will be nothing they can do about it. We made the last two car payments on it and it has sat untouched on jackstands in the driveway since then.

NHTSA ODI 11548180

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 44,500.

NHTSA ODI 11547323

The purge valve keeps failing causing hard starts and uneven pressure in the fuel tank

NHTSA ODI 11544973

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 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

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

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

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

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

Car is now shutting off while driving. It shut off on me 3 times almost causing several accidents. I called a Ford dealership about current recall and was told I would be charged for a diagnostic and have to pay out of pocket

NHTSA ODI 11525857

This regards my 2017 Ford Focus. The car is 6 years old, I am still making payments on it, has a little over 50,000 miles on it, has been maintained by Ford every year since I bought it, and the transmission and extended warranty had just expired about 2 months ago. A few weeks ago, I'm driving down the freeway around 1pm Pacific, traveling about 60mph when the engine seemed to 'seize up', the engine light came ON, the car jerked several times creating a severely dangerous driving hazard as I tried to keep it under control. It slowly began losing speed, so I made my way off the freeway and made my way to the Ford dealer who had been maintaining the car. It felt like the car was going to stall any minute so I'm lucky I got to the dealer. It took them a few days to get back to me, and they then told me the entire engine and 'boost system' needed to be replaced at a cost of approx. $7,000 (probably just to get another defective engine). They tried to work with Ford to get some financial assistance since this is obviously a defective car, but Ford refused.The dealer suggested I call Ford, so I did, and spoke with a rep and a supervisor on May 22, told them their car was defective and my life had been put in danger, and they both told me they wouldn't help in any way. As I write this, the dealer has ordered parts and am awaiting repairs. I will have been without a car for 3 weeks, paying for Lyft and borrowing cars to get to work. I understand there's a class action lawsuit (Barnes et al vs Ford, US District Court of Delaware Case 1:22-cv-00823). Ford should buy my car back.

NHTSA ODI 11524020

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while at a stop light and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the contact was unsure of the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 92,922.

NHTSA ODI 11524062

The 2017 ford focus had a 2nd engine installed by ford dealer in April '21 at 56,000 miles due to engine malfunction and seizing. The same thing happened three weeks ago at only 38,000 miles on the new engine. The car would not accelerate then all of the lights came on and stalled. Can not drive.

NHTSA ODI 11523590

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was purchased, but they offered no assistance. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11521487

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with needing the purge valve to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The contact was informed that NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) was serviced back in 2019. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,644.

NHTSA ODI 11518588

The vehicle shakes, stalls shuts off when filling up with gas. Once gas is added, you have to keep the feet on the gas (reveing up to ensure it starts), then drive to get the gas flowing into the engine. The vehicle was taken for diagnostic with an Auto Zone and a mechanic and the codes pulled (more than once) was...P1450 and P2196. This was brought to the attention of dealer at time of purchase and requested another vehicle. They ensured it could be fixed; after another yr. or more now the codes are appearing again. I have dates for repair, but will have to get copies of work completed from the dealer.

NHTSA ODI 11515951