2017 Ford Focus: stuck in gear or won't shift

Filed Aug 29, 2026 · Transmission · GA

The transmission on my 2017 Ford Focus started not shifting correctly. It would shudder, slip and hesitate when shifting. At times when it did get up to speed it would unexpectedly downshift and go into limp mode. The automobile is not safe to drive and is now parked at my residence. A warning would flash up on the dash that stated the transmission was overheating and for me to pull over to a safe location as I recall. On October 22, 2025 the automobile was delivered to a local Ford dealership for a diagnostic system check. Per the diagnostic test report a PPT G was performed and found it necessary to replace the transmission due to a failed B clutch shift fork. The estimate quote for a transmission replacement along with some other repairs was $10,000.00. I had the car towed to my home and it now sits in my driveway until and if a recall is issued. According to an article published by MSN. com that enough complaints were filed that Ford extended warranty coverage, issued a long series of software and hardware fixes, and settled a class action covering roughly two million Focus an Fiesta cars. I have in my possession the invoice for the diagnostic testing which was performed. I however do not know how to upload the invoice for your review, but would be willing to take it to the service department for them to do it.

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · NJ

While driving approximately 53 mph on a main road, my 2017 Ford Focus suddenly displayed the message “Engine Fault Service Now.” The vehicle immediately entered limp mode, downshifted into 2nd gear, and would not accelerate above approximately 31 mph. During the event, the engine shook noticeably and made abnormal noises. No check engine light appeared during this initial incident. This problem occurred multiple times over several days, most often when the fuel tank was below approximately half full. Each time, I was able to temporarily restore normal operation by shutting the vehicle off, waiting about one minute, and restarting it. After restarting, the vehicle would drive completely normally until the problem occurred again. A few days later, while sitting in my vehicle during a work break, I started the engine and it immediately entered limp mode without being driven. A check engine light then illuminated, and the engine stalled shortly afterward. The diagnostic trouble codes retrieved were: * P1674 (Stored, Pending, Permanent, and Enhanced) * U0100 (Enhanced ABS Code) A mechanic familiar with Ford vehicles suggested the symptoms could be related to the EVAP canister purge valve issue that has been investigated on similar Ford Focus models. He recommended keeping the fuel tank above half full as a test. Since keeping the fuel tank full, the limp mode condition has not reoccurred. I took the vehicle to a Ford dealership to have the purge valve issue evaluated. The dealership declined to perform any purge valve-related repairs because they believed the problem was transmission-related and stated the engine issue would need to be repaired first. I am submitting this report because the vehicle unexpectedly loses power while driving, creating a significant safety hazard when traveling at normal traffic speeds.

Filed Dec 11, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 50,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the transmission downshifted between first and third gear. An abnormal sound could be heard coming from the transmission. After driving a short distance, the vehicle functioned as intended. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH on a separate occasion, the transmission downshifted between third and fourth gear, and the vehicle went into limp mode. In addition, an abnormal sound could be heard coming from the transmission, and the vehicle jerked. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle most recently, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone for a diagnostic test, and the contact was informed that the failure may be related to the transmission clutch. Additionally, the contact stated that the fan had turned on independently, and had failed to turn on while driving on other occasions, causing the vehicle to overheat. The vehicle was taken to a collision center, where the contact was informed that the transmission was failing. The cooling system was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown sensor had failed, and the sensor was replaced. The contact stated that the transmission failure was worsening. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Filed Feb 17, 2025 · Transmission · IL

I own a 2017 Ford Focus. When I got in my car to leave work for the day, it would not shift into reverse. I was stranded in subzero weather for 2hrs before someone was able to come and get to me. My son-in-law and his friend pushed it out of the parking space and limped it home. They hooked it up to a code reader...TCM failure...but mine is not in the recall?! After SO many people with the same issue on the same car?! I am now stuck with no car that I am still making payments on, no where near a bus route in the dead of winter in the midwest.

Filed Feb 12, 2025 · Transmission · FL

A "P07A3" code on a 2017 Ford Focus indicates that the transmission's "Friction Element A" is stuck on, meaning a clutch within the transmission is not releasing properly, likely causing issues with shifting and potentially putting the car into limp mode; this is a serious issue that requires professional repair as it usually points towards internal transmission problems. I see slot of people are having the same issue online but yet there is no recall on this issue and there should be.

Filed Jan 7, 2025 · Transmission · 70,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving on the highway at various speeds, the vehicle would not shift properly, the transmission would make a loud scooting vibration sound, and it was very evident that the transmission struggled to get into the next gear. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the transmission was replaced under warranty on two occasions, and out of pocket on the third occurrence, this was now the fourth incident where the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

Filed Aug 25, 2024 · Electrical, Transmission · AZ

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 it’ll 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 Jul 3, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · 79,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that the vehicle unexpectedly shifted out of gear. Additionally, the engine was overheating. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed by a mechanic and it was determined that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

Filed Oct 31, 2023 · Transmission · PA

Driving home from work, the transmission started to shudder and jerk as it shifted. On the highway the vehicle did not shift appropriately. Once home, the vehicle would not go into reverse. After pulling code P287A, the vehicle would no longer start. Ford confirmed it has the same transmission (DPS6) as vehicle mentioned in [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 22, 2023 · Transmission · VA

Transmission does not shift properly. Vehicle shakes and shudders while accelerating. Noticeable loss of power and acceleration while shaking and shuddering happens.

Filed May 9, 2023 · Transmission · MO

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 Apr 29, 2023 · Transmission · CO

Fors continues to have the same transmission issues they had in the 2011-2016 ford focus dual clutch transmission. 2017 & 2018 should’ve been recalled. I have approximately 15,000 miles on my 2017 and the car was working fine and one day it suddenly lost some forward gears and reverse leaving the car in limp mode in the middle of the an intersection after starting to drive forward on the road. The lights changed and traffic is moving across leaving me in an unsafe situation and the other drivers having cars traveling 55 nearly rear ending them. There is no warning of this failure they suddenly happen and can cause issues where you’re stuck at a light or cannot get through an intersection. I tried to bring my car in and they told me they had 80,000 focus cars ahead of me and that they wouldn’t be able to fix my car due to a chip shortage. 80,000 other ford focus with this same issue is clear to me they’ve never resolved the matter and continued allowing these unsafe cars to be on the road. If this happens on a busy freeway, intersection, or anywhere on the road its a serious issue. There needs to be a full recall on the transmissions control module, the two clutch actuators, and the shift forks. Because of the design the TCM first fails causing the actuators to rotate and sheer of the pin from the castings, causing the shift forks to come loose. The only way to fix it because of all the diat created when this happens is to replace the dual clutch, TCM, both external actuators and shift fork A and shift fork B. Of course they sold two more years of the same model they’ve previously recalled and were part in a class action settlement that requires they replace these unsafe components. I cannot be the only person to report this safety issue. It nearly caused me to get hit on the road and I’m lucky to be alive. The next person may not be so lucky. Ive only got 15,000 miles on this car it shouldn’t have any issues like this. Recall these now.