2017 Ford Focus · symptom sheet
Transmission hesitates when accelerating
- 61owner reports
- 44,500median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Aug 29, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026
61 of the 231 reports of transmission shudder on the 2017 Focus describe hesitation when accelerating.
Part of Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard (231 reports) · also: jerking or hard shifts, transmission slipping
Tick what matches of 61 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the transmission (45 reports).
Recalls and investigations
2 recalls on the transmission and drivetrain cover the 2017 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 16,525 and 80,000 miles, from the 51 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“The dual clutch transmission slips, shudders and hesitates in first gear. It will even at times, jerk in other gears. This has been repaired 2 times, but the âfixesâ only last maybe 20,000-25,000 miles if Iâm lucky. The dealership now refuses to fix this and wants to charge over $4000 to fix this. This is not something I can or am will to pay for every 1.5-2 years.”
Filed Nov 10, 2024 · 25,000 miles
“My vehicle is exhibiting the same symptoms associated with the recall that was issued for 2017 Ford Focuses, specifically a stuttering transmission on acceleration. There is also some hesitation in shifting at times.”
Filed Apr 18, 2024
“The transmission in my 2017 Ford Focus is slipping, shuttering, and jerking. It also will hesitate when accelerating. It has been to the Ford Maintenance Department at least 4 times to have the transmission âfixedâ. It will fail with 1000-10000 miles after it supposedly gets fixed. We have also been turned away from Ford, saying that nothing is wrong or itâs within fords criteria. This is not normal for a car!”
Filed Apr 8, 2022 · 10,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 61 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.
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 207 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 144 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 52 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 48 reports
- Loses power when accelerating 33 reports