2017 Ford Focus Review: Unreliable Compact Car With Transmission & Engine Problems

The 2017 Ford Focus only lasts around 150,000 miles with serious transmission and clutch issues. At $10,375 to $28,300, it’s not worth buying when a lot of the problems cost thousands to fix. The RS model is worth the money, yet it’s rare on the used market.

Is the 2017 Ford Focus a Good Used Car?

• Overall Rating 6/10 – 2017 is a bad year for most Focus models except for the RS since there are a lot of transmission problems. Owner reviews complain about high ownership costs, a plastic-heavy interior, as well as sudden breakdowns.
• Interior, Comfort & Cargo 5/10 – Interior materials are basic across the lineup, the seats are overly firm, cargo space is good in both the trunk and hatchback.
• Reliability 5/10 – There are a lot of transmission problems found on the base models, making the RS the only good model. Avoid Focus models from 2012–2017, and go with a 2018 if you want better reliability.
• Performance 9/10 – The base models offer average performance while the RS model is one of the fastest hatchbacks on the market.
• Safety 8/10 – The 2017 Ford Focus is a safe car, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Standard safety features include a rearview camera as well as Ford MyKey. Optional upgrades include rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, rear parking sensors, as well as blind spot monitoring.
• Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 35 MPG, giving 486 miles of range from the 13.9 gallon tank. Gas costs are $57 cheaper than average at $154 per month.
• Value 6/10 – Extensive mechanical problems make the 2017 Ford Focus a bad value since they cost a lot to own long-term.

What Do Critics Say About the Ford Focus?

• Consumer Reports says the 2017 Ford Focus has a lot of flaws compared to other compact cars with low owner satisfaction scores.
• Edmunds rates the Focus at 2.9/5, praising the comfortable suspension, but doesn’t like the small back seats.
• Kelley Blue Book users give the Focus a 3.7/5, praising the fuel-efficient engines, but owners don’t like the basic interior.

What Common Problems Does the 2017 Ford Focus Have?

Common problems found on the 2017 Ford Focus include the transmission shuddering while changing gears, premature clutch failure, as well as the engine stalling while accelerating. Overall, these problems are more severe than in other compact cars, leading to high repair bills.

The transmission shuddering while changing gears is a common complaint from 2017 Ford Focus owners at around 30,000 miles. Damage to the gears inside the transmission is very common. Owners can rebuild the transmission for around $900, or replace the entire assembly for around $3,000.

Premature clutch failure on manual transmission models has also been reported by owners at around 19,000 miles. The original clutch plates are weaker than many other cars on the market. Many owners choose to put in an aftermarket clutch which lasts longer, for around $1,600, while the original one is about $1,300.

The engine stalling while accelerating also shows up on some 2017 Ford Focus models in the first 35,000 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by a stuck canister purge valve, which will make the engine stall. There is a recall which covers the purge valve, so Ford will replace it for free if it is causing your engine to stall.

There are 5 recalls on the 2017 Ford Focus, which is more than many other compact cars. The most serious recalls cover the canister purge valve as well as a transmission fluid leak. Ford will repair and replace parts on affected models for free. Other recalls cover seat welds, which are only found on about 698 models.

How Long Will the 2017 Ford Focus Last?

A well-maintained 2017 Ford Focus may last around 150,000 miles, which is only half as long as the top-rated Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are more expensive than other small cars, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $553 per year.

As a 2017 Ford Focus reaches 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace the exhaust manifold for $850, transmission oil cooler lines for $200, as well as the fuel sending unit, which costs $950.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is average in the 2017 Ford Focus offering a standard 4.2-inch touchscreen, with an optional upgrade to an 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3.

Safety technology is worse than other compact cars from 2017, only offering a standard rearview camera and Ford MyKey teen driver safety system. Optional upgrades include rear parking sensors, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, as well as high-beam assist.

Is the 2017 Ford Focus a Good Value?

No, the 2017 Ford Focus is not a good value since there are a lot of expensive transmission problems. Blue book fair market prices range from $10,375 to $28,300, making it cheaper than a Honda Civic or Mazda3. When new, the price range was $16,775 to $36,120. Depreciation is worse than average, losing about 15% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Ford Focus?

There are six models of the Ford Focus offered in 2017, from the base S all the way up to the high-performance RS model. The Focus is also offered as a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback.

S is the entry-level model with:

• 15-Inch Steel Wheels
• Cloth Upholstery
• Air Conditioning
• Keyless Entry
• 60/40 Split Folding Rear Seats
• Hill Start Assist
• Rearview Camera
• 2-Inch Screen
• Ford’s MyKey
• Bluetooth
• Four-Speaker Sound System
• Two USB Ports

SE is a step up, adding:

• 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
• Body-Colored Mirrors
• Cruise Control
• Power Rear Windows
• Rear Air Vents
• Heated Steering Wheel
• Satellite Radio
• Six-Speaker Sound System

SEL is next in the lineup with:

• 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
• Rear Disc Brakes
• Foglights
• LED Running Lights
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Dual Zone Climate Control
• Sunroof
• 8-Inch Touchscreen Sync 3 System
• 10-Speaker Sony Stereo System

Titanium has features including:

• Remote Start
• Leather Upholstery
• Keyless Entry
• Rear Spoiler
• Heated Front Seats
• Eight-Way Power Driver Seat

ST is a sportier version which adds:

• 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
• Electronic Limited Slip Differential
• Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
• Recaro Front Sport Seats
• Red-Painted Brake Calipers

RS is the flagship high-performance model adding:

• 19-Inch Alloy Wheels
• Leather & Suede Recaro Seats
• Performance Brakes
• Adjustable Suspension Settings
• Xenon Headlights
• Blind-Spot Mirrors

What Engines Come In the Ford Focus?

• The base engine is an average 2.0L 4-cylinder which produces 160 horsepower at up to 31 MPG. It’s offered with a five-speed manual transmission or six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission.
• There’s a more efficient 1.0L 3-cylinder which generates 123 horsepower while getting 35 MPG. It has a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission.
• Found on the ST model is a powerful 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo which makes 252 horsepower at up to 25 MPG. It’s only offered with a six-speed manual transmission. Performance is good, taking 6.4 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
• The RS model comes with a very strong 2.3L 4-cylinder turbo which has 350 horsepower and gets up to 20 MPG. It also only has a six-speed manual transmission. Performance is fantastic, taking only 4.6 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Ford Focus Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Ford Focus?

The 2017 Ford Focus is a reasonably comfortable compact car with seating for up to five passengers. It’s available as the four-door Focus sedan or five-door hatchback. Seating is firmer than many competitors, with thin cushions.

Passenger room is good in the front seats, although the rear seats are cramped for taller adults with limited legroom.

How Much Storage Space Does the Ford Focus Have?

Cargo space is good in the trunk of the sedan with enough space for 3 to 4 full size suitcases. The hatchback offers more room with enough space for 5-6 suitcases behind the rear seats, and 8-10 with the seats folded flat.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The third generation of the Ford Focus came out in 2012 and was discontinued after 2018 when Ford changed plans to build trucks and SUVs.

2012: Fully redesigned for the third generation with a new exterior, interior, and engines.

2013: Both the SEL model and SE Sport packages discontinued.

2014: No major changes.

2015: More efficient engines offered, minor exterior styling changes, and an upgraded stereo.

2016: Sync 3 stereo system added, new automatic transmission on 1.0L EcoBoost model.

2017: No major changes.

2018: Final model year of the Ford Focus for the US market.

How Does the Ford Focus Compare to the Competition?

The 2017 Ford Focus is one of the worst compact cars you can buy since there are a lot of mechanical problems. Stay away from the Focus unless you’re in the market for the more reliable high-performance RS version.

The Honda Accord is a larger sedan which costs around $6,000 more. Passenger room and standard technology are both better in the Honda Accord, while the Ford Focus is easier to park in large cities since it’s smaller. We recommend the Honda Accord since there are fewer complaints from owners.

The Ford Fiesta is another small car offered by Ford which costs $1,000 less. Steering is more responsive in the Ford Fiesta, while the Ford Focus offers more power and better acceleration. We recommend the Ford Fiesta since there are not as many serious mechanical problems reported.

Do Owners Recommend the Ford Focus?