2017 Ford Focus · symptom sheet
Engine stalls or loses power while driving
- 207owner reports
- 60,000median miles
- $3,000median quote
- 3involved a crash
Newest report Aug 13, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
799 of the 897 complaints on this car are about the engine. 207 of those describe stalling. Only transmission shudder is reported more often on this car.
Tick what matches of 207 reports
Stalling 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
Stalling reports are some of the most alarming on the site. The engine quits while the car is moving, sometimes on a highway and sometimes at a stop. Many owners say it restarted right away and the dealer found no stored code, which is part of why these complaints pile up before anything gets fixed.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the battery (7 reports), the engine (5 reports), the fuel pump (4 reports) and the ignition coil or plugs (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
8 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 clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
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 clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
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
18 of the 207 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $400 to $7,400.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 40,000 and 80,000 miles, from the 135 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 3 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.
SSM 47927 2017 F-Super Duty, 2016-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2016-2018 Focus/Fiesta - Radio Reverting To AM Or FM After Vehicle Shut Down and Start Up Some 2017 F-Super Duty, 2016-2017 Expedition/Navigator and 2016-2018 Focus/Fiesta vehicles may exhibit a concern where ...
Some 2016-2018 Escape/Focus/Transit Connect vehicles equipped with a remote start system may exhibit an immediate engine shut off with or without diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P1594 stored in the BCM after using the remote start function to start the engine.
Some 2017-2018 Escape/Focus/Transit Connect vehicles equipped with remote start may exhibit the engine shut off after using the remote start function to start the vehicle with DTC P1594 stored in the BCM.
What owners wrote
“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.”
Filed May 24, 2023 · 56,000 miles
“I recently got this car, seen there was a recall so I took it to get fixed at the dealership. Ever since it got fixed, my car has lost power and the transmission won't shift correctly making me unable to drive.”
Filed May 9, 2023
“The DPS6 dual-clutch transmission shudders and shifts hard during all phases and speeds. Acceleration is unpredictable and feels as though it could stall at any time. Ford wants $3000 - $5000 to repair. They also state the issue is common.”
Filed Apr 14, 2023
“Vehicle stalls after filling tank up with gas either to a full tank or less than a full tank. Vehicle throws code for EVAP issue as well as manufacturer control. Took to a mechanic where I was told there were multiple issues with the fuel system that needed to be replaced.”
Filed Mar 26, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 3 of 207 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 Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 232 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 144 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 53 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 48 reports
- Loses power when accelerating 34 reports