Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 Ford Focus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving 40-45 MPH with the cruise control engaged and making a turn, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact applied the brake pedal for 30 minutes. The contact called the local dealer and was informed there were no recalls on the VIN. The contact then called Crain Ford of Little Rock (4601 Colonel Glenn Plaza Dr, Little Rock, AR 72210, [phone]) however, the vehicle was diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact researched the failure and stated that when she placed her foot underneath the accelerator pedal it stopped the vehicle from accelerating. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 23,054. Consumer stated battery corroded and has been replaced.
Car was at highway speed and was given light input to change lanes. With light input, the engine accelerated in an uncontrolled manner, revving to maybe 5000 rpm. The driver had to slam on the brakes to counteract. Result was a rear-end collision with the car in front (Route 95 near Laurel, MD). For what it is worth, the car also gave an "overheating" alarm for the Powershift DCT transmission even though no such alarm had ever appeared previously. So first time alarm on the transmission and the following day this incident with the unintended acceleration. These could be unrelated, but could also be related. With the overheating transmission issue, the car was left sit for 10 minutes and then drove normally. Car also drove normally after the accident. No further abnormal acceleration issues.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking. The vehicle rolled backwards while on an incline. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle hesitated and lost motive power. The contact stated that the transmission overheated, and a message to pull over was displayed. The vehicle was slow to move when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed there was no recall coverage on the VIN for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 138,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering while accelerating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed her that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to replicate the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted and referred her to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle also failed to shift into reverse. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who scanned the vehicle who informed her there was small leak in the fuel line. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle lost automotive power and shuddered abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the there was an unknown part in the fuel tank that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
On MANY multiple occasions the vehicle has undergone a transmission/clutch failure. The worst of which was when passing a vehicle on a busy section of interstate and the car effectively put itself in neutral, unable to accelerate, at which point the vehicle behind us had to swerve to not collide with us or cause an accident. After the third time bringing it back to the dealership for repairs, I looked into it. We have only been able to drive this car LITERALLY HALF of the time we've owned it, and poured thousands in repairs for obvious and negligent manufacturing defects that YOU KNOW ABOUT. This is a well known issue, and FAR FAR beyond the reasonable requirements for a recall. I am stuck with this vehicle and am mounting debt because I cannot afford another car. The NHTSA has outright failed in its duties to protect people from Fords clear fraud and negligence. …
Yes it is available for inspection if you choose to do so. Roughly a month ago my transmission shifted into neutral while trying to merge onto the interstate. It bucked around and eventually caught the right gear, and the problem persisted the next 15 miles to my destination, as well as the 15 miles home. I couldn't afford to take it to the shop, so I didn't drive it for a couple weeks. I then had some responsibilities to take care of, and the car was so much worse this time. Trying to accelerate from 0mph was hit or miss, and any time I went over 10 mph it would shift back and forth from neutral to a lower gear than it should have for the speed I was going, then back to neutral. It loses power or shifts into neutral driving down the interstate sometimes, or going up hills. I almost slid down a hill backwards the other day because I was in neutral (even tho my gear shift was in Drive). …
I have a recall on my 2017 ford focus that is for the gas tank deformation , this happens because the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system. It jerks , excels and dies when low on or getting gas mostly . Recently it wouldn't reverse or go over 15 miles and would limp only , not drivable . Codes say it's clutch b stuck engaged . I took it to the ford dealership and they gave me a 8000 repair bill when I told them I mainly wanted the recall fixed on it and I'd figure out the rest later . They said the recall is not a safety issue and doesn't have anything to do with the car having issues or driving at all and they are charging me half of the bill for things related to the recall , claiming it isn't part of the recall (canister purge valve , canister vent , fuel injection cleaning , check engine light being on) . …
I pulled out of my brothers driveway as I pulled out the car failed to go over 10mph and started to lurch back and forth. I almost got in an accident because of this. There was a car coming down the road and they had to swerve to miss me because I couldn't get the car to go over 10. I promptly pulled the car over after that.The car also would go into reverse but would not move. I had the car towed to a local Ford dealer because I did not feel it was safe to drive. There were no warning lights on the car at the time of the incident. The check engine light did come on later though. The dealership said the TCM had failed and would need to be replaced but I would need to wait for the part because it's on national factory back order. After waiting 4 months and calling Ford to complain multiple times the part finally came in. …
Acceleration complaints in other Focus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 2017 Ford Focus?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 2017 Ford Focus, 4% of the model year's 900 complaints. The component named most often is accelerator pedal (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2017 Ford Focus acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 2017 Ford Focus, though it has 10 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2017 Ford Focus acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 36,000 miles, and 43% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to speed control & acceleration problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.