How common are transmission problems on the 2017 Ford Focus?

NHTSA lists 452 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 Focus, which is 50% of the 896 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a transmission recall for the 2017 Ford Focus?

Yes. Recall 18V845000, reported in 2018, covers clutch fracture risk on 2016-2018 Focus models with the 1.0L Fox GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission. Recall 26V376000, reported in 2026, addresses vehicles that were incorrectly repaired under that earlier recall and 18V169.

At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2017 Focus?

The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2017 Focus is 50,000 miles.

Did the 2017 Focus transmission issues cause crashes?

NHTSA data links 5 crashes and 2 injuries to Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2017 Focus, with no fires reported.

How does the 2017 Focus compare to other years for transmission complaints?

The 2017 Focus's Transmission & Powertrain complaints make up 50% of its total complaints, lower than 2014's 61% and 2016's 57%, but higher than 2018's 38%.

2017 Ford Focus Transmission & Powertrain Problems

Transmission & Powertrain issues account for 452 of 896 total complaints (50%) on the 2017 Ford Focus, with a median failure mileage of 50,000 miles. Two related recalls (18V845000 and 26V376000) address clutch fracture problems tied to the dry-clutch automatic transmission.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 452; 50% of 896
Crashes reported: 5
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 2
Median mileage: 50,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report the clutch pedal sticking to the floor or failing to release, sometimes leaving the transmission stuck in gear or unable to move.
Drivers describe shuddering, clunking, or jumping sensations when accelerating from a stop, with some saying it feels like the transmission is falling out.
Owners report the transmission hesitating or failing to shift, with RPMs climbing as high as 7000 before a gear change finally occurs.
Some report grinding noises during shifting along with high-incline hesitation and abnormal noise while driving.
Owners describe the car lurching or jumping in and out of gear at low speed, sometimes triggering a transmission fault warning.

When 2017 Ford Focus transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 21, 2017, latest Aug 29, 2026.

452 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2017 Q3 to 2026 Q3; peak 2019 Q3 (31).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2017 Ford Focus

NHTSA 26V376000Jun 9, 2026Transmission & Powertrain5,252 vehicles
Power train:manual transmission
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Focus and 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 18V169 and 18V845. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
Risk: A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will inspect Focus vehicles and replace the clutch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S43. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.
NHTSA 18V845000Nov 28, 2018Transmission & Powertrain2,828 vehicles
Power train:manual transmission
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with a 1.0L Fox GTDI engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
Risk: A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update vehicles with software that detects and prevents prolonged clutch slip, and will replace the clutch, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S07. Note: This recall is an expansion of Recall 18V-169.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Focus model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201045 (16%)
201120 (18%)
20121,445 (38%)
20131,101 (52%)
20141,576 (61%)
2015558 (55%)
2016673 (57%)
2017452 (50%)
2018319 (38%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems on the 2017 Ford Focus?: NHTSA lists 452 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 Focus, which is 50% of the 896 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2017 Ford Focus?: Yes. Recall 18V845000, reported in 2018, covers clutch fracture risk on 2016-2018 Focus models with the 1.0L Fox GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission. Recall 26V376000, reported in 2026, addresses vehicles that were incorrectly repaired under that earlier recall and 18V169.
At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2017 Focus?: The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2017 Focus is 50,000 miles.
Did the 2017 Focus transmission issues cause crashes?: NHTSA data links 5 crashes and 2 injuries to Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2017 Focus, with no fires reported.
How does the 2017 Focus compare to other years for transmission complaints?: The 2017 Focus's Transmission & Powertrain complaints make up 50% of its total complaints, lower than 2014's 61% and 2016's 57%, but higher than 2018's 38%.