2017 Ford Focus · symptom sheet
Check engine light or misfire
- 144owner reports
- 66,533median miles
- $430median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Aug 26, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
433 of the 897 complaints on this car are about the engine. 144 of those describe misfire.
Tick what matches of 144 reports
Misfire on other Focus years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them.
What this problem usually is
These reports start with the check engine light. Many describe the engine running rough or shaking at idle, a P0300-series code, or a catalytic converter code. A worrying number say the light was flashing. Owners often list ignition coils or spark plugs already replaced, and the light coming back afterward.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the sensor (9 reports) and the spark plugs (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
6 recalls on the engine cover the 2017 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving.
The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.
The affected vehicles did not have the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) updated as intended. Therefore, the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system.
The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.
All 10 recalls on the 2017 Ford Focus, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Focus
Timing belt failure. Open.
Timing belt failure. Closed jul 31, 2026.
Oil pump failure. Closed feb 14, 2024, led to recall 23V-905.
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 20, 2024.
Pedestrian alert sounds. Closed aug 7, 2023, led to recall 22V-063.
Engine stalling. Closed jan 16, 2004, led to recall 03V-482.
Engine compartment fires. Closed nov 13, 2002, led to recall 02V-288.
Engine stalling. Closed sep 9, 2002.
Engine compartment fires. Closed jul 31, 2002, led to recall 02V-288.
What owners paid
11 of the 144 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $276 to $1,800.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 50,150 and 92,000 miles, from the 101 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 10 service bulletins or notices for the 2017 Ford Focus that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025.
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025.
In some of the affected vehicles, customer may report erratic shifting, missed gear shifting, vibration, and check engine light illumination with one or more of the following codes P0809, P0805, P087A, P087B, P0806, P0900, or P090D, due to the clutch actuator ...
Some 2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a EVDC air conditioning (A/C) compressor may exhibit poor A/C performance/improper climate function and/or a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P06A0 in the powertrain control module (PCM).
6 more on the 2017 Ford Focus page.
What owners wrote
“Wiring assembly, and tcm are a safety risk because of improper gear shifting and shuttering. The issue is reproduced with a battery swap on the vehicle itâll cause improper grounding. No inspection, No warning signs until after improper shifting triggered limp mode no reverse and check engine along with transmission service message.”
Filed Aug 25, 2024
“After fuel up the vehicle will stall when attempting to start and throw codes: p1450 and p0456. As well as try to stall and slower speeds and stops. After the engine light turns on the fuel gauge seems to have an incorrect reading.”
Filed Feb 29, 2024
“Upon stopping to fill up with gas once the gas tank is either full or not all the way full, the car has trouble starting and will stall. The vehicle will begin to run after pressing the gas pedal multiple times with the ignition still on. The check engine light is illuminated. I was made aware of a previous recall that I feel my car shouldâve been involved in. The approximate mileage is 95000.”
Filed Mar 26, 2023
“My vehicle has a faulty transmission problem and a fuel problem, The vehicle has been inspected by personal mechanics and CarX, 5 codes have been scanned and confirmed that their are 2 codes for the transmission and 2 codes for the fuel system. Check engine light is on, the vehicle will no longer go into reverse but can continue to go into drive but does not accelerate rpm when accelerating on the gas.”
Filed Mar 21, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 144 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Which lights mean pull over now? Warning lights by color and urgency
Other problems on this car
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 232 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 207 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 53 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 48 reports
- Loses power when accelerating 34 reports