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2017 Ford Focus Transmission Problems

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

How common are transmission problems on the 2017 Ford Focus?

455 owners have reported transmission problems on the 2017 Ford Focus, 51% of all complaints for this year and the most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 22,000–80,000 miles. 2 recalls cover this area.

455 complaints 51% of all 2017 complaints 51,000 miles typical

Which parts fail

The specific part named in each complaint.

Clutch assembly 7
Automatic transmission 7
Control module (TCM / PCM / TECM) 6
Clutches / bands 3
Pedal / hand lever(MOTORCYCLE) 1

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (278 of 455). The amber line is the middle value.

When problems were reported

Transmission complaints by the year the problem happened.

Transmission complaints by Focus year

2008 Focus 23
2009 Focus 39
2010 Focus 45
2011 Focus 20
2012 Focus 1,446
2013 Focus 1,102
2014 Focus 1,576
2017 Focus 455

Related recalls

Manual transmission

Fire risk

The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak. 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.

Fix: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will inspect Focus vehicles and replace the clutch assembly as necessary, free of charge.

Recall 26V376000 · Jun 2026

Manual transmission

Fire risk

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. 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.

Fix: 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. Note: This recall is an expansion of Recall 18V-169.

Recall 18V845000 · Nov 2018
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Other 2017 Ford Focus problems

Common questions

What are common 2017 Ford Focus transmission problems?

Complaints most often name the clutch assembly, automatic transmission and control module (TCM / PCM / TECM).

At what mileage do 2017 Ford Focus transmission problems happen?

Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 22,000–80,000 miles. The middle value is about 51,000 miles.

Is there a recall for 2017 Ford Focus transmission problems?

Yes: 26V376000, 18V845000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Which Focus year has the most transmission complaints?

The 2014 Focus, with 1,576 complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.