2016 Ford Focus
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 1,192 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 19 Focus model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 27 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 24 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power train, manual transmissionJun 9, 2026
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.
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.
Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will inspect Focus vehicles and replace the clutch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. 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 NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.
Campaign 26V376000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, evaporative emissions, canisterJun 9, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving.
An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S40. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.
Campaign 26V369000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterJan 15, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed February 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026. This recall expands previous recall number 25V685.
Campaign 26V012000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterJan 15, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
Campaign 26V011000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engine, oil/lubrication, pumpDec 22, 2023
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.
A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt, free of charge. If engine failure occurs due to a damaged oil pump belt and/or oil pump belt tensioner, Ford has authorized dealers to replace the engine assembly as an interim repair before the availability of remedy parts for the final repair. This repair will be free of charge (parts and labor). Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S64.
Campaign 23V905000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, manual transmissionNov 28, 2018
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 18V845000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storageOct 22, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.
The excessive vaccuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Ford Customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S32. Note: Until the vehicle is serviced for this concern, owners are advised to keep the fuel tank at least halfway full.
Campaign 18V735000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, manual transmissionMar 12, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Fusion vehicles equipped with a 1.6L GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission and 2015-2016 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with a 1.0L GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission. Also included are four 2017 Ford Focus vehicles that had clutch replacements with potentially affected parts. 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.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Focus vehicles with software that detects and prevents prolonged clutch slip, and will replace the clutch, as necessary, free of charge. Owners of Fusion vehicles will have their clutch assembly replaced free of charge. The recall began August 3, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S07.
Campaign 18V169000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, bodyJan 24, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 Focus and C-Max vehicles. The floor pan may have improperly welded left-hand apron joints.
Improperly welded apron joints may reduce the front-end structural integrity of the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the apron joints, repairing the vehicle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S03.
Campaign 17V052000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, hatchback/liftgate, lockSep 28, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Ford Focus hatchback vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to August 26, 2016 and equipped with a manual transmission. The hatchback of the affected vehicles may be unlatched with a single press of the interior latch release button. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
With only a single press needed, the driver may accidently unlatch the hatchback, increasing the risk of injury to any unsecured passengers in the back.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Body Control Module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began February 10, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C13.
Campaign 16V698000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
284 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact received notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while his wife was driving 50-55 MPH, the vehicle started shaking and lost motive power. The contact’s wife pulled to the side of the road. The contact’s wife was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine had seized due to the oil pump drive belt failure. The vehicle was repaired, and the engine was replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 84,320.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while at a stoplight, the light turned green, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the RPM revved up, the vehicle lunged forward but did not properly move forward. The general fault light was illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the vehicle fell under the guidelines of the recall and was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V9050000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who performed a diagnostic test and stated that the vehicle failed the oil pressure test and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The service engine soon message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the vehicle lost oil pressure, and the drive belt went into the timing chain. The engine was replaced. The failure recurred and was taken back to the independent mechanic, who replaced the engine. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 82,000.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 24, 2024
I tried taking out the car and It completely stalled and went into neutral when driving . Ford has a recall for ford focus 2014-2016 but apparently mines not one.
Engine, Feb 20, 2024
In December of 2021, my Ford Focus experienced engine failure due to the oil pump belt snapping and the car stalled in the middle of the interstate while my husband was driving it down the road. At the time we spent close to $9,000 replacing the engine. The part that failed has since been recalled but Ford is refusing to reimburse us for any of the costs directly related to this recalled component. Last week my engine filled again on the road while my husband was driving home from work. He was going around 50 miles an hour at the time. This time the car began running rough before the light came on and he immediately pulled off the road and shut it down and left it on the shoulder until a tow truck could arrive.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed oil pump and that the oil pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact was informed that the failure of the oil pump caused significant damages to the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and was advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 13, 2024
My ford focus had experienced a clutch slipping and is stuck in 2 gear. The car also had antifreeze leak during this event. This occurred on January 31,2023. My Ford dealership is quoted a $3,240 repair cost for clutch system on an automatic transmission. Ford case number CXH01481389.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 8, 2024
After receiving a routine oil change in December 2023, my vehicle began malfunctioning. The oil, engine, and battery lights came on abruptly. I returned to the Valvoline location (approx. 1 mile from my home) and they redid the oil change and noted that there were no signs of a leak and advised that I send the car to get a diagnostic done. My car stalled twice as I was driving it home. I then had the car towed to the dealership I purchased it from (Hyundai owned). They advised that an oil tensioner belt near the engine had shredded and pieces had lodged in the engine. Shortly after, the recall was released. Since then Ford has been zero help. I understand that the parts for the new belt are needed, however I need a new engine now due to their negligence. I've contacted Ford directly on numerous occasions as well as my local dealership and they won't release any information because it is in advance notice. I'm expected to wait until April or May for repairs. That will put me at almost six months or more without a vehicle and no viable options. That is not a timely fix for such a dangerous issue.
Engine, Feb 7, 2024
The vehicle went into limp mode while driving. The mechanic says engine needs to be totally replaced at 68,300 original miles. The mechanic originally said it was related to the recall on the 1.0 liter engines and the oil pump. Now they say the head gasket is blown and entire engine needs to be replaced due to overheating. Ford says this failure is not related to the recall and the recall does not affect our car. Our safety was at risk with a catastrophic engine failure while driving. We have only taken it to an independent mechanic. We have to two it to Ford to have them verify and they want to charge to diagnose the issue. There were no warnings prior the malfunction.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle sputtered, and the power steering function was inoperable. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated, along with the battery warning light. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the nearest gas station. The contact parked the vehicle and turned the vehicle off. The contact stated that for a while the vehicle would not restart. The contact charged the battery and the vehicle started with an abnormal sound. The contact turned the vehicle off. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed oil pump tensioner. The vehicle was then towed to a second independent mechanic for a second opinion where the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed oil pump tensioner. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
Engine, Jan 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while her son was driving approximately 70 MPH, the engine revved, and the vehicle started losing motive power. Additionally, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that her son turned on the hazard lights and veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the oil pump drive belt had failed, causing the engine to seize. The dealer determined that the engine and the turbo charger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened; however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated, and the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH while depressing the accelerator pedal. The message "Engine Fault - Service Engine Now" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The mechanic advised the contact to drive to the nearby residence, and to tow the vehicle to the dealer from the residence to the dealer. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the oil pump drive belt was degraded and there were rubber fragments inside the oil, resulting in loss of oil pressure, and engine and turbo charger failure. The dealer determined that the oil pump drive belt, the engine, and the turbo charger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer informed the contact that she could repair the vehicle at her own expense and then be reimbursed. The failure mileage was approximately 134,752.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 20, 2024
Two weeks after an oil change (not by Ford) my 2016 Ford Focus 5dr EcoSport engine lost power climbing a hill outside my home. On inspection two mechanics told me it needed a new engine. $8000 for me to pay. The local Ford dealer replaced the engine and gave me a 3yr unlimited mileage warranty. No symptoms prior to the failure, now that is a recall (Campaign/NHTSA#23S64/23V905) I would like Ford to reimburse all of us who are out of pocket.
Engine, Jan 20, 2024
while driving on the freeway the engine became noisy. I pulled to the shoulder , the brakes hardly worked. I talked to a friend who advised me to drive home . At home I noticed that the oil warning light was on ,engine running. Oil level was checked ,was full. Engine was replaced at a ford dealership and returned to service on 23sep2021 at great expense to me.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while her son was driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle started to shake and vibrate abnormally. The contact stated that the check engine and check oil warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the vehicle engine had seized due to a lack of oil pumping through the engine. The mechanic informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was 66,426. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Dec 29, 2023
[XXX] daughter was driving her car on I87 in Albany NY when oil pressure light went on and car speed dropped from 65 to less than 30 while in middle lane of interstate forcing her to cross over lanes onto shoulder roadway and exit ramp where it lost all power. Have learned that the oil belt system failed without any warning or notice causing incident. Have since learned that vehicle motor has been damaged beyond repair and needs replacement. Contact with 4 separate representatives of FORD Customer Service has resulted in FORD denying our requests for assistance to replace the motor. Car is a 2016 Ford Focus SE with the 1.0 liter motor with 81,000 miles. Well maintained with records as needed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Engine, Dec 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to shift gear while losing motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transmission friction element "A" was stuck in the on position and failed to keep the fork engaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who had not diagnosed the failure. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 82,000.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 1, 2023
•Oil pump failed to send oil to the engine causing the brakes to go out. While trying to pull out into traffic, the engine made a pop sound, and lost the ability to accelerate. Engine and oil light turned on, was then unable to accelerate past 20mph and engine sounded horrible. • Our mechanic looked at the car and said the oil vacuum pump was obliterated inside the engine. He replaced the vacuum pump and said that the timing belt is inside the engine which is causing all the issues. • No warning lamps or messages appeared before this. Had just had an oil change a month before and there were no issues.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 25, 2023
Bought brand new off stevens creek ford frontier, after just 45,000 miles it showed serious transmission issues. At first it would stall and pop up a transmission overheat warning and it would jolt when just trying to step on gas lightly. I brought it in to the dealer service and they said it needed a new clutch and once I got it back it doesn’t start unless I have it in neutral and doesn’t backup. The car is extremely unsafe and stalls on the freeway in front of other cars
Engine, Nov 13, 2023
Clutch and actuator a&b
Engine, Nov 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at 5 MPH, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 7, 2023
2016 Ford Focus with 53,000 miles, driven less than 150 miles per week on average just getting back and forth to work and running errands. Check engine light came on on November 2, 2023. I got a P0344 code from my mechanic who is 5 minutes away from when the check engine light came on. He advised me not to drive the vehicle until he could get my car in on November 7. When I started the car to take it to the mechanic on the evening of November 6 for him to look at the next day, the oil light came on. It was a 5 minute drive from my home to the auto shop. He immediately said Oh, Oh, that's the bad oil light not the low oil light. I have routinely kept up with the recommended maintenance schedule and the car was last serviced on June 7, 2023 with no problems. I was told on the morning of November 7 after he had looked at the car that the engine was shot and the car would need a brand new engine. One of the employees at the shop is a former employee of a Ford dealership and was not at all surprised as he began running down a list of all the times that he had seen this problem. "It always happens right after the warranty expires' were his exact words. I now have to wait for a new engine, which is on back order for up to 2-3 months, which is an indication of how rampant this problem is with this Ford engine, and I will have to figure out how I'm going to get to work as we head into the winter months. One of the last things that the mechanic said to me before I signed the $5400 work order, was how lucky I was that the car didn't die on the road leaving me stranded. I can only attribute that to the short distances that I drive. Please do something for those of us that purchased this vehicle in good faith and are now being told that there is nothing that Ford can do for us because the warranty is expired.
Engine, Oct 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that an unknown software needed to be updated. The software was updated but the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 25, 2023
Have been dealing with error codes for cpv, something about fuel, and air intake. The vehicle continuously stalls. Difficult to get it to start after fueling up. Sputters at various different speeds from 5mph to about 50mph. The vehicle will totally shut down on me out of gas even at over a quarter tank to half tank full according to the gauge. I dont have dates for the incidents because they are consistent at this point.