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
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 22, 2023
1st Started having issues with advancing, at idle stops,when engaging fuel, it will hesitate and run poorly. after a week, engine light started turning on, and stating that transmission, was running hot, and need it to stop and cool down. after the 2nd time, the vehicle runs rought, and grinding can be heard by shifting gear. An off duty Ford worker, checked vehicle with a computer and stated that the transmission clutch had gone out. checked the internet and stated that Ford Focus from 2012 to 2016 had a recall. yet I enter my vin number and nothing is said. I am currently paying my vehicle and can not drive it, have 3 children, and no money to repair. can you please help.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jan 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stated shaking. The contact stopped in a parking lot and turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact was able to drive to a dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the mechanic stated that coolant was leaking from the vehicle. The contact stated that an unknown valve was replaced; however, the failure continued. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under recall and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Jan 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. While attempting to accelerate, the vehicle exhibited a slight hesitation with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the purge valve failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was confirmed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Engine, Jan 7, 2023
The oil pump failed while driving causing the engine to seize up. This occurred moments after the oil light came on giving the driver little time to react. The only lights indicated on the dash panel were the oil pressure and check engine lights. The engine seized and the car died while driving through a busy metropolitan area. The vehicle had to be physically pushed out of a busy intersection to get it out of the way of traffic. The vehicle was taken to the dealership where they found no oil in the filter, but plenty of oil in the pan. There were remnants of metal and belt material in the pan as well.
Engine, Dec 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure and no error codes were retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Engine, Dec 13, 2022
Driving on the highway the engine stopped with no indications of an issue from the control panel warnings. The car would not restart, even after cooling down. The car was looked at by multiple mechanics before towing to a Ford dealership. Their diagnostics indicated that the cylinder block assembly and the starter motor would need to be replaced. There was no mention of what the cause was. The oil had been replaced a month prior.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 8, 2022
I got my 2016 Ford Focus in the summer of 2019 and from the start i had issues. The first issue was my car overheating the coolant tank kept getting a hole burned in it and the coolant would leak leaving my car to overheat I've had the tank replaced twice. The second issue was my car just kept turning off still don't know what that was about. Third issue was the vehicle not telling me the correct amount of gas i had it would say i would have a good amount of gas, but it really had little to no gas. The last issue was the Transmisson the car was stalling and gave me kick back that's the only way i can describe it I took it to my mechanic because there was no recall when i looked up my VIN, I paid almost $4000 for the transmission to be fixed to just bring it back to the mechanic because the transmission started giving me problems again. My mechanic told me that Hes having problems figuring out the programming. Today 12/08/2022 I read an article talking about how thousands of Ford Focus owners are having the same issue. I was never contacted by Ford. I called my local ford dealership, and they told me the part that my vehicle needs are on back order and they can't even look at my car until February.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 20, 2022
I am getting a check engine light. P01450 which is the Stuck canister purge valve issue. NHTSA Campaign number 18V735000. 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. Dealer said my Ford was not part of recall. Ford Recall number is 18S32. Can you assist with this? It's my son's car and needs it for college. Want to make sure it is safe. Thank you.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 15, 2022
I was exiting Parking lot into busy intersection when vehicle suddenly hesitated and stalled completely. Was hard to restart and kept stalling after that. Very dangerous when traveling on busy streets when it stalls and steering wheel locks up. As I accelerate the car violently jerks and has hard time shifting and getting up to speed maybe a “slipping” feeling and engine is constantly misfiring and stalling. Idles very rough when stopped RPM jumps all over the place. No warning lights on dash whatsoever. Had this problem and took to ford about 2 years ago they said they fixed it but the problem still persists. I can see there are various recalls for this vehicle for the exact things that are happening to me. Huge safety concern. Seems to me it’s something to do with fuel tank and transmission.
Engine, Oct 6, 2022
The contact leased a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while driving, the vehicle intermittently lunged forward and hesitated. The contact then stated that while the brake pedal was depressed, the engine revved, the RPM’s increased and the wheels started to spin without the accelerator pedal being depressed. No warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that prior to the failure, a software update was performed on the vehicle. The contact inquired from the dealer if there were any recalls on the vehicle and was informed that they would be in contact. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was transferred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Sep 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the canister purge value on the fuel tank was stuck or was sticking. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle was not covered under a recall and informed her about scheduling an appointment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another local dealer, Crossroads Ford of Apex (1501 N Salem St, Apex, NC 27502) but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided a case number but no additional assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was similar to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Sep 2, 2022
Engine seized up. Going 70MPH on the highway and suddenly I'm losing speed. I get pulled over to the side of the road and shut the car off. So I start the car and notice my oil light is on. I shut it back off and check the oil. Levels are good. Turn the car back on and got back up to 35 MPH and it just wouldn't go anymore. Engine wouldn't turn back over. Mechanic confirmed engine was seized up and wasn't because of lack of oil. He told me others have had complaints on this issue as well. Only 60k miles on the car and had to get the engine replaced.
Power train, Engine, Aug 22, 2022
The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact's granddaughter attempted the start the vehicle when and heard an abnormal noise. The vehicle failed to start. No warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the spark plug was blown. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to another auto body mechanic where it was also diagnosed that the spark plug was blown. The contact was informed that the spark plugs and ignition coils needed to be replaced. Additionally, a rethread kit was needed to repair damages to cylinder #4. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure however, the contact was informed there was no recall associated with the failure. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,105.
Power train, Engine, Aug 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 90,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Aug 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle occasionally was unable to restart right after refueling. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Engine, Jul 23, 2022
My car is a 2016 Ford Focus that was manufactured in Wayne, Michigan at the Michigan Assembly Plant. My car has a 2.0 L GDI engine. These are the qualifications for the 18S32 Ford recall, but I’ve been told my car does not qualify. The canister purge valve is broken. It has caused my car to stall while driving, and it has deformed my fuel tank. My car stalled on July 8th, 2022. The check engine light came on July 23rd, 2022. On July 23rd, I took the car to an auto shop and they said the canister purge valve needed to be replaced. When looking at my fuel tank, it has caved in about half an inch. I have also opened a case with the Ford Service Help. The case number is CAS-37755602
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 20, 2022
In the last 6 months my car has been to Rottet Ford in Tamaqua. My car Failed to start after driven had towed to dealer, replaced TCM, paid $200. 2nd time car system shut off everything and engine while driving. Started after hour, dealer replaced TCM paid $200 3rd time car failed to start after driven, even within 24hours from leaving dealership being fixed, waiting to see WHY. But assuming TCM again. Ford customer experience specialist [XXX] ext [XXX] [XXX] Recall on 2016 ford focus, but not her VIN. All 3repairs were the TCM (transmission control module) Ford customer service told me to report this and ask it be added to recall list. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power train, Engine, Feb 3, 2022
•Car has problems upshifting/downshifting gears, especially going at high speeds. When braking it takes a while to downshift in result the car tries to maintain the speed resulting in a hard jerk in the car. •since the car has a problem shifting gears especially braking could end up resulting in rear ending or being rear ended. •A dealer has confirmed the transmission issue. •UNKNOWN •There weren’t any warning lamps for the SE the problem appeared 3 weeks after I bought the vehicle. The dealer tried to charge me over $4000 for a new transmission.
Engine, Jan 24, 2022
I have had this car since it was new, it has had 3 clutches installed and now needs another one, I am told the car has no extended warranty even with 3 clutches being replaced and dozens of trips to the dealership, the cost of a new one is $2700 and they say it is not covered. I'm wondering how a 2016 with all the trips to the dealership regarding the clutch and 3 clutches being put on this car, the car only having 35,000 miles, why is this not covered under the extended warranty? In my opinion these cars that were manufactured for 10 years KNOWING that they had faulty clutches/transmissions should be covered for the life of the car.
Power train, Engine, Jan 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was slipping. The contact was informed by his wife that while driving the vehicle stalled. While adding fuel the vehicle failed to start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with the clutch actuator, purge valve canister, and purge valve failure which needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.
Engine, Nov 27, 2021
Oil pump failure 2 times in a role within 75,000 miles. Had to have a brand new engine replacement each time.
Engine, Oct 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle shut off with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer where they diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The contact had the engine replaced. A year later as her son was driving 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's son added antifreeze to the reservoir and drove the vehicle home. Once the vehicle was home, the vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure for a second time. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the engine would be covered under warranty. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 5, 2021
A stuck CPV is leading to excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor system, causing the plastic fuel tank to deform, resulting in an inaccurate or erratic fuel gauge indication, inaccurate distance to empty (DTE), and/or other drivability concerns. The vehicle also is exhibiting an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0420, P1450, P0443, P0452, P0456, P0460 and/or P2196
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 21, 2021
Engine recently came on, and the codes are saying factory recall
Engine, Jun 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced due to a leaking gasket. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact learned that the repair was no longer covered under warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.