2017 Ford Focus · symptom sheet
Transmission fails or needs replacement
- 52owner reports
- 70,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Aug 29, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026
452 of the 896 complaints on this car are about the transmission and drivetrain. 52 of those describe transmission failure.
Tick what matches of 52 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the transmission (52 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 45,319 and 91,000 miles, from the 42 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“My 2017 Ford Focus transmission failed at 113,000 miles. I was stranded in the middle of nowhere with a flashing warning light and no cell signal.”
Filed Feb 6, 2026 · 113,000 miles
“Engine/transmission has slight shudder sometimes after driving long distances. Transmission had issues with clutch and shift fork with only 56,000 miles. Skipped gears or got stuck when shifting from gear 1 to gear 2 with no warning on the day it needed services. Only way to fix is put a brand new transmission in. Should not be needing a new transmission with such low mileage..”
Filed Nov 25, 2024 · 56,000 miles
“Transmission needs to be replaced at 45,319 miles. Car began jerking at low speeds when accelerating/decelerating. After I noticed the jerking/stuttering the engine light went on. I took it in to an independent service center, they inspected the car and diagnosed the problem. They said I needed a new transmission with TCM and that this is a common problem with this car.”
Filed Sep 13, 2024 · 45,319 miles
“Transmission problems. Transmission went out at 68k miles. Recalls in previous years but not on 2017 but same problem still occurring”
Filed Sep 16, 2023 · 68,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 52 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
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 231 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 207 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 144 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 48 reports