2017 Ford Focus · symptom sheet
Transmission slips
- 63owner reports
- 47,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Aug 29, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026
63 of the 231 reports of transmission shudder on the 2017 Focus describe transmission slipping.
Part of Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard (231 reports) · also: jerking or hard shifts, hesitation when accelerating
Tick what matches of 63 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the clutch pack (24 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 24,000 and 68,073 miles, from the 44 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
“While on the freeway theTansmission started slipping and not accelerating properly. Dashboard displayed transmission overheat warnings that require the vehicle to be stoped for at least 5 minutes, only to display overheat error again. Informed Ford and was told”
Filed Oct 9, 2024
“The transmission is slipping on my 2017 Ford Focus. There is delayed braking, acceleration and harsh vibrations. There is already a recall on 2011-2016 ford transmissions. 2017 needs to be included!”
Filed Dec 29, 2023
“Try to accelerate and vehicle transmissions slips and shakes assessively. When it shifts it shakes and slips. Dangerous to move forward from a red light into a intersection. Only 37,000 miles and problem is getting worst. Dealer said it's normal but I have learned it's not and is a big issue.”
Filed Jan 20, 2023 · 37,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 63 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