Is the 2017 Ford FOCUS reliable?

The 2017 Ford FOCUS has 1165 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.9x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: TRANSMISSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2017 Ford FOCUS?

Top problems: TRANSMISSION (446 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (301 complaints, avg repair $500); FUEL SYSTEM (174 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2017 Ford FOCUS?

Yes, there are 10 recall(s): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE, POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION, SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP, EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER, EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:CANISTER, POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION. Contact any Ford dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to charge a 2017 Ford FOCUS?

The 2017 Ford FOCUS has an EPA rating of 107 MPGe. At the current US average residential electricity rate, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $718. State rates vary significantly — see the interactive calculator on this page.

How much does it cost to insure a 2017 Ford FOCUS?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2017 Ford FOCUS is approximately $1,857/year (ev-mainstream class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Does the 2017 Ford FOCUS qualify for tax credits?

The federal EV tax credit (Section 30D) expired for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. If purchased before that date, the 2017 Ford FOCUS may still qualify on the 2025 tax return. State-level incentives remain active in 13+ states — see the incentives section on this page for details.

2017 Ford FOCUS

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2017 Ford FOCUS has 1165 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.9x the segment average of 1308. The most common issue is transmission problems (38% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2017 ford focus. the contact stated that while the vehicle was operated, there was abnormal noise coming from the vehicle and it failed to properly shift when driving up an incline. the contact also stated that the vehicle experienced hesitation while being operated on an incl. There are 10 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.

3 fire reports 23 crash reports 20 injuries

1165

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.9x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

TRANSMISSION

446 complaints

38%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED, THERE WAS ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND IT FAILED TO PROPERLY SHIFT WHEN DRIVING UP AN INCLINE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED HESITATION WHILE BEING OPERATED ON AN INCL
• CAR FAILS TO SHIFT INTO GEAR WHEN ACCELERATING, CAR WILL NOT 'GO' IN SOME INSTANCES WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS PUSHED, 'GRINDING' NOISE COME FROM ENGINE WHEN SHIFTING GEARS, WILL HESITATE OR 'SHUDDER' WHEN YOU ACCELERATE, RPM'S WILL GO VERY HIGH IN THE 7000 RANGE BEFORE SHIFTING INTO GEAR, WILL FAIL TO G
• DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE 97 AT 65 MPH SHIFT TO 6 GEAR AND CLUTCH PETAL STUCK TO FLOOR, SMELL OF CLUTCH BURNING , PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD TURNED CAR OFF. REACH DOWN AND TRY TO PULL CLUTCH PETAL BACK UP AND IT WOULD NOT COME BACK UP. WAITED 30 MIN, TRY AGAIN, COULD NOT PULL IT UP. CALL FOR TOW TRUCK..

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 5 crashes

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED, THERE WAS ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND IT FAILED TO PROPERLY SHIFT WHEN DRIVING UP AN INCLINE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED HESITATION WHILE BEING OPERATED ON AN INCL”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2017 Ford FOCUS

Based on 672 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 53K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

182

30-60K

190

60-100K

219

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

Earlier than typicalmedian 50K mi · 283 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

Earlier than typicalmedian 37K mi · 22 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

Earlier than typicalmedian 24K mi · 17 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

Earlier than typicalmedian 28K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

LIGHTING

Earlier than typicalmedian 125 mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

Reported earliermedian 58K mi · 103 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (10)

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE22/10/2018

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.

Risk: The excessive vaccuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Ford Customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S32. Note: Until the vehicle is serviced for this concern, owners are advised to keep the fuel tank at least halfway full.

Charging Cost Calculator for 2017 Ford FOCUS

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local electricity price)

Per year

$712

Per month

$59

Per mile

5.9¢

kWh/mi

0.31

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2017 Ford FOCUS

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,857

Full coverage / month

$155

Liability only / year

$638

vs US avg

+11%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (ev-mainstream)1.18x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1857

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ford FOCUS Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

IOLM (Intelligent Oil Life Monitor) may signal earlier. Older 5.4L Triton engines have specific service needs — check the manual.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Ford New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Ford. If you're buying a used 2017 FOCUS, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ford dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

EV Incentives for 2017 Ford FOCUS

Updated 2026-07

Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30

Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.

State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)

CaliforniaUp to $12,000

Clean Cars 4 All

ColoradoUp to $5,000

Innovative Motor Vehicle Credit

ConnecticutUp to $4,250

CHEAPR (Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate)

DelawareUp to $2,500

Clean Vehicle Rebate

IllinoisUp to $4,000

Illinois EV Rebate Program

MarylandUp to $3,000

Excise Tax Credit for Plug-in Electric Vehicles

MassachusettsUp to $3,500

MOR-EV

New JerseyUp to $4,000

Charge Up New Jersey

New YorkUp to $2,000

Drive Clean Rebate

OregonUp to $7,500

Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate

PennsylvaniaUp to $3,000

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Rebate Program

Rhode IslandUp to $2,500

DRIVEEV

TexasUp to $2,500

Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive

VermontUp to $5,000

Incentive Program for New Electric Vehicles

See full state-by-state EV incentive details

Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.

Estimated Repair Costs

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 1165 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
TRANSMISSION: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED, THERE WAS ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND IT FAILED TO PROPERLY SHIFT WHEN DRIVING UP AN INCLINE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED HESITATION WHILE BEING OPERATED ON AN INCL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: AS I AM DRIVING AND THE CAR WANTS TO SHIFT GEARS THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS A BIT. THERE IS A LAG FOR THE TURBO TO KICK IN. WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT THE ENGINE TURNS OFF WHICH IS NORMAL, BUT WHEN YOU LET GO OF THE BRAKE FOR THE ENGINE TO START BACK UP, THE CAR JUMPS AS IT I JUST PUSHED THE GAS PEDDL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON I395 SOUTH, THE CAR SUDDENLY STALLED AND WOULDN'T NOT START BACK UP. HAD IT TOWED TO THE CLOSEST FORD DEALER AND IT TURNED OUT TO BE A FUEL BUMP FAILURE.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: A/C VENTILATION IS PRODUCING A MUSTY/ MOLDY SMELL, I HAVE OWNED THE CAR FOR ONLY 4 MONTHS, THE ODOR IS STRONG, AND MAY BE DANGEROUS AS MOLD GROWTH MAY SEEP THROUGH VENTS AND INTO ONES AIRWAYS. I AM CONCERNED FOR MY HEALTH, ALONG WITH WHO EVER ENTERS THE VEHICLE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS FURTHER. INTE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 10 recalls have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)