Most common 2017 Ford Focus Electric problems
Share of the 7 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Focus Electric complaints by model year
Best Focus Electric years: 2016, 2017, 2015. Years to avoid: 2013, 2014, 2012. Compare all years →
What 2017 Ford Focus Electric owners say
Electrical system
While driving around [redacted] PM on Thursday, [redacted], the Focus Electric displayed a "Stop Safely Now" message and proceeded to cut power going to the electric motor, allowing the car only to coast as if it was in neutral. Luckily no vehicles were around in my lanes, as that easily could've caused an accident. Electric steering, regen braking, and air conditioning were all disabled. I was able to coast it into a nearby FireHouse Subs parking lot, and directly into a parking spot. Had to disconnect the 12 Volt battery for 5 minutes and reconnect to hopefully reset the computers in the car. Still displayed SSN message after reconnection. I let the car sit for another 30 minutes and was able to start it up like nothing happened. …
Brand new Focus Electric, less than 3 days old from dealer on 8/17/2017. For the last two days, I have driven less than 100 miles. Car was charged overnight and shows full charge this morning. I drove the car less than 30 miles today. In the evening, when I was driving, the car suddenly lost power and the engine stopped suddenly on the road. The car was in steady speed on a city street in a straight line. I was not accelerating. I was not braking. Almost got hit by a car behind me. I was unable to restart the car. Battery still show 80 miles charge. Indicator warning shows: "stop safely warning lamp" and "Electric motor warning lamp". All interior lights are bright when the car door is opened, it does not appear that the battery charge is low. Also there is no warning of "low battery" before the car suddenly lost power. …
Engine & cooling
Electric propulsion system shut down while driving on westbound interstate 495 in queens county. Stop Safely Now (SSN) red warning light on the instrument cluster appeared and I was forced to coast down a hill in neutral. Unable to restart car and became stuck in side of parkway exit ramp. Car then had no power with 12v battery going dead just trying to keep radio on. Third time SSN light has come on while driving. First time while actually stuck in traffic that the car shut itself off.
Brand new Focus Electric, less than 3 days old from dealer on 8/17/2017. For the last two days, I have driven less than 100 miles. Car was charged overnight and shows full charge this morning. I drove the car less than 30 miles today. In the evening, when I was driving, the car suddenly lost power and the engine stopped suddenly on the road. The car was in steady speed on a city street in a straight line. I was not accelerating. I was not braking. Almost got hit by a car behind me. I was unable to restart the car. Battery still show 80 miles charge. Indicator warning shows: "stop safely warning lamp" and "Electric motor warning lamp". All interior lights are bright when the car door is opened, it does not appear that the battery charge is low. Also there is no warning of "low battery" before the car suddenly lost power. …
2017 Ford Focus Electric engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | Single-speed | FWD | 118 / 96 / 107 MPGe | 115 mi |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Ford Focus Electric a good car?
Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 Focus Electric rates better than average: 74% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Focus Electric at the same age. It is one of the best Focus Electric years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2017 Ford Focus Electric?
The electrical system — 3 complaints, 43% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (3) and transmission & drivetrain (2).
How many recalls does the 2017 Ford Focus Electric have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2017 Ford Focus Electric. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Focus Electric?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2016, 2017 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2014 and 2012. See the full Ford Focus Electric years comparison.
At what mileage do 2017 Ford Focus Electric problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 8,000 miles; 100% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.