2017 Ford Focus Engine Problems
Engine complaints make up 326 of 896 total complaints for the 2017 Ford Focus, or 36% of all filings. NHTSA lists a related recall (23V905000) for oil pump drive belt failure that can cause loss of oil pressure. Median mileage at failure is 66,611.
- Engine complaints
- 326
- 36% of 896
- Crashes reported
- 6
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 3
- Median mileage
- 66,612 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report the engine stalling unexpectedly at low speeds, sometimes requiring a tow to the dealer.
- Some describe the car surging or accelerating on its own while shifting gears, with the throttle failing to respond to driver input.
- Several complaints mention rough, jumping, or clunky shifting behavior tied to the engine and transmission working together, including sluggish acceleration and grinding noises during gear changes.
- Check engine lights tied to camshaft position sensor codes (P0340, P0344) appear along with misfire-like symptoms and burning oil smell.
- A few owners report the clutch pedal losing pressure and dropping to the floor while driving, leaving the vehicle stuck in gear and stalling at highway speed.
When 2017 Ford Focus engine complaints were filed
First complaint Oct 25, 2017, latest Aug 26, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2017 Ford Focus
- NHTSA 23V905000Dec 22, 2023Engine139,730 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pump
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.
Risk: A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt, free of charge. If engine failure occurs due to a damaged oil pump belt and/or oil pump belt tensioner, Ford has authorized dealers to replace the engine assembly as an interim repair before the availability of remedy parts for the final repair. This repair will be free of charge (parts and labor). Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S64.
Engine complaints by Focus model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are engine problems on the 2017 Ford Focus?
- NHTSA lists 326 engine complaints out of 896 total complaints for the 2017 Focus, which is 36% of all complaints filed for that year.
- Is there a recall for the 2017 Ford Focus engine?
- Yes. Recall 23V905000 covers 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles for a failing oil pump drive belt or tensioner that can cause loss of engine oil pressure. Dealers replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and drive belt free of charge.
- At what mileage do 2017 Focus engine problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on the 2017 Focus is 66,611.
- Have engine problems on the 2017 Focus caused crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data tied to this engine complaint category for the 2017 Focus lists 6 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries.
- How does the 2017 Focus compare to other years for engine complaints?
- The 2017 Focus has a 36% share of complaints tied to the engine, higher than 2016 (26%) but lower than 2018 (44%), based on NHTSA complaint data by model year.