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2017 Ford Focus: complete transmission failure

65 of the 900 complaints about the 2017 Ford Focus describe complete transmission failure.

owner complaints
65
of this car's complaints
7%
typical repair cost reported
$4,000
typical mileage
70,000
recalls
2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 15 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Complete transmission failure by model year

What owners say

Filed Sep 24, 2026 · Transmission · 109,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle jerked unexpectedly. The contact stated that the transmission unexpectedly shifted into other gear and the vehicle failed to accelerate and almost caused the vehicle to be T-boned. The vehicle was taken to a service center where the transmission failure was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure via telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

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 Aug 26, 2026 · Engine · FL

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Transmission failure after 2 recall/warranty repairs, most recently in July 2026. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Vehicle accelerating and then stopping out right on and off the freeway "bucking" on the freeway, fast then slow, with no foot on the accelerator. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? This was immediately noticed when we picked up the vehicle from the dealer after the 2nd Ford recall repair. No, they deny this, and state this is a coincidence when it was not doing this when we dropped the vehicle off to them. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No, but I will be getting police, lawyers and insurance involved since Ford motor company will not help us. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Check engine light and service engine now light on when we picked up the vehicle from the Ford dealership on July 13th, 2026. The day we picked it up, immediately this happened pulling out of the dealership/service department, and on the freeway, 4 times causing close to 4 accidents.

Filed Jul 16, 2026 · Transmission · GA

multiple clutch's have had to be replaced in BOTH of my 2017 Ford Focuses. Had to replace the transmission in my other one. Now this one is having transmission issues again. Dont know if I can handle another $4000 bill because Ford created and sold a defective product and depite several repairs never fixed it as they kept using the same faulty parts. Was told by dealership that they just replace the same parts over and over at Ford's direction until the warrenty expires as Ford was not going to come up with a permanent fix as they were converting to SUV and Truck only. Maybe the federal safety agency

Filed Feb 11, 2026 · CA

I am reporting a safety-related defect in my 2017 Ford Focus equipped with the PowerShift dual-clutch (DPS6) transmission. The vehicle has experienced ongoing transmission and clutch-related issues, including shuddering, jerking, hesitation from a stop, delayed engagement, and unpredictable acceleration behavior. These issues are most noticeable in low-speed driving, stop-and-go traffic, and when accelerating from a complete stop. The clutch has previously required replacement/repair, yet the same drivability problems persist. The vehicle continues to jerk and hesitate in a way that makes it unsafe to enter intersections, merge into traffic, or drive in congested conditions. I have been informed that further repairs are not cost-effective and that the transmission/clutch issues are likely to continue despite repair attempts. Being advised that the vehicle is “not worth repairing” due to this known transmission design is concerning and suggests a systemic defect rather than normal wear. I am aware that Ford has faced widespread complaints, investigations, and class-action litigation related to similar PowerShift dual-clutch transmission failures in earlier model years. Although my 2017 model year was excluded from the settlement, the symptoms and behavior of my vehicle are consistent with the same known defect pattern. The condition appears to be worsening over time and presents a clear safety risk due to hesitation, sudden engagement, and loss of driver control during normal driving situations.

Filed Feb 6, 2026 · Transmission · OH

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 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 Aug 26, 2025 · Transmission · 17,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the check engine warning light illuminated, and the transmission failed to shift to second gear. The vehicle was also unable to shift into reverse(R). The vehicle was taken to an Auto Parts Store, where a handheld scanner retrieved a code indicating that “ Clutch B-Fork Stuck”. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.

Filed Jul 7, 2025 · Transmission · 91,000 miles · IL

The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his friend was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and unexpectedly downshifted. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The owner of the vehicle pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000.

Filed Jun 12, 2025 · Transmission · 80,463 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle had hesitated to start. Additionally, the contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle started sputtering, the RPMs increased, and the vehicle lost drive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The messages "Transmission Overheat" and "Transmission Failure. Could be Overheating - Pull Vehicle over Asap" were displayed. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road. The vehicle was restarted and was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,463.

Filed Jun 9, 2025 · Engine · TX

dual clutch on automatic transmission failure purchase vehicle in 2017 and has had to be replaced 4 times and it is going on its 5th time While driving the vehicle slowed down, check engine came on and off then I lost power completely. I had to pull to side of busy hwy on way home from work. When tried to turn back on again it jerked on and off. I had to figure out how to make it home. The dealership McRee Ford has replaced the clutch on various occasions. No signs prior until the day of when the check engine light flashed on and off.

Filed May 19, 2025 · Transmission · SC

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate after a stop, the vehicle shuddered while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure, and the clutch was replaced. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was repaired approximately 5 times. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Summerville Ford (9700 Dorchester Rd, Summerville, SC 29485), where it was diagnosed with the same failure and the clutch was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the first local dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure, and the clutch was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a third local dealer, Jones Ford, Inc. (5757 Rivers Ave, North Charleston, SC 29406) where it was diagnosed with a transmission failure, and the clutch was replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unavailable.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Power train: manual transmissionReported June 9, 2026 · 5,252 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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
A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
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. Owner notification letters were October 16, 2026. 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 on July 6,2026.

Recall number 26V376000 · Recall details

Power train: manual transmissionReported November 28, 2018 · 2,828 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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
A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
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.

Recall number 18V845000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2017 Ford Focus transmission failure

Is complete transmission failure a common problem on the 2017 Ford Focus?

65 of 900 owner complaints about the 2017 Ford Focus (7%) mention complete transmission failure. The model year with the most reports is 2012.

How much does it cost to fix complete transmission failure on the 2017 Ford Focus?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $4,000 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2017 Ford Focus?

There are 2 recalls and 15 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2017 Ford Focus

Check engine light 201Stalling 165Shudder 117Jerking 98Hesitation 78Slipping 63Overheating 50Engine failure 45Loss of power 37Won't start 25Grinding brakes 24Won't shift 24Misfire 11Harsh shifting 10Sudden acceleration 10No deployment 8Power steering loss 8Knocking 7Fuel pump 7Fuel gauge 6

All model years of the Ford Focus

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