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: power train
677 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Apr 8, 2023
At 85000 miles the dual clutch failed. At 88,219 miles the transmission failed. The car had started to shudder when it shifted when the dealership told me the clutched need to be replaced. The transmission died with no warning on a sub-zero night. I'm lucky that it died in my driveway rather than someplace out of the way. The failure of the transmission was confirmed by an independent service center. The clutch was replaced by a Ford dealership
Power train, Apr 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission control module (TCM) to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact towed the vehicle back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the clutch, and transmission module to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Power train, Mar 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle would hesitate to respond while accelerating from a complete stop. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, there was a warning light indicating that the engine was overheating. The contact also stated that the vehicle would start after several attempts. The contact stated that the failures had been reoccurring increasingly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the clutch shift had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 104,470.
Power train, Mar 27, 2023
There are roughly 55k miles on this vehicle and the engine is revving really high but the car is having issues accelerating from a stop and in traffic. It's almost as if the transmission is already going out. The car sputters. It's scary because when I need the accelerate the car hesitates.
Power train, Mar 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle was making abnormal clunking sounds while shifting into gear. The contact did not recall whether a warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialist, where the transmission clutch was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred a year and a half later. Additionally, the contact stated that while reversing on an incline, the vehicle failed to respond. The message “Transmission Overheating. Pull Over Immediately” was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle responded as needed the following day; however, the failure reoccurred on another occasion. The contact also stated that the vehicle made an abnormal sound while coming to a complete stop. The vehicle was taken back to the transmission specialist, where the failure could not be duplicated; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics, where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module (TCM) had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the part was on back order. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle in for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Mar 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that he noticed that the vehicle was experiencing excessive fuel consumption. The contact stated that after fueling the vehicle, the vehicle consumed three quarts of fuel within 20-30 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) was malfunctioning, causing an excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) as the VIN was not included. The canister purge valve was replaced at the contact's expense. Additionally, the contact stated while reversing out of the driveway, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that upon attempting to reverse out of the driveway on another occasion, the gear shifter was moved into reverse (R), but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact shifted into neutral (N) and pushed the vehicle out of the driveway. The contact was able to drive the vehicle, however, the message "Car Overheating. Stop Safely" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch was defective. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
Power train, Mar 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in his driveway, he attempted to shift into drive(D), but the vehicle failed to shift out of park(P). There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated after several minutes, he was able to shift into drive(D). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated; however, the failure reoccurred in July 2022. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch and the pinion gear shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred in January 2023. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, who could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,230.
Power train, Mar 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission malfunctioned, and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the ignition coils, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the Manufacturer’s Extended Warranty coverage for the powertrain. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 30,000.
Power train, Mar 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal to accelerate while making a lane change, the vehicle hesitated and then shuddered before responding. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had become more constant while driving. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission clutches and seals needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact had been advised by the service technician that there had been a TSB: 160109 (Power Train – Clutch Shudder). The contact was advised that her vehicle was not covered by the manufacturer for the repair. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Mar 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred increasingly. Additionally, the vehicle would sometimes shudder and stall. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed the contact that there was a failure in communication to the powertrain control module (PCM). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 143,613.
Power train, Mar 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the transmission failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where the TCM was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Power train, Mar 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred increasingly. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer several times; however, the dealer diagnosed that no issues were found and informed the contact that the vehicle was operating as designed. The contact stated that the vehicle had failed to shift into the proper gear and had become undrivable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Power train, Mar 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking while accelerating, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to the dealer to be repaired and the clutch was replaced under warranty. Recently, the contact stated that the failure recurred while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to another dealer where the contact was informed that the clutch needed to be replaced again. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall or warranty. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer and was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
Power train, Mar 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle started bouncing. Additionally, the vehicle was making abnormal grinding sounds. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired in 2018-2019 for the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the clutch and PCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Power train, Mar 1, 2023
We purchased a 2016 Ford Focus for our daughters first car. We purchased the car in 2020 used with very low miles. We didn't realize at the time these vehicles had issues with the clutches (but thought it would be OK because after research, we found out the vehicles in the Ford Class Action Lawsuit were model years 2014-2016) and then found out her vehicle build date was just outside of that window by 9 months. But regardless, we had issues from the start with the vehicle shuttering when she accelerated. So we took it in late fall 2020 after we had it a few months and it was a bad clutch. Ford Service replaced the clutch in Dec. 2020 under the Powertrain Warranty coverage. It was better, but within 6 months it started shuttering again, not horrible, but noticable. We took it in for a Check Engine light in Aug. of 2021 and also mentioned to Ford Service that it is already shuttering again. They said it was still safe to drive, but I didn't like that it was already happening when they just replaced the clutch. And if they would've done somethign then, it would've still been within the 5 year powertrain warranty. Then late in 2022 I contacted Ford again because I had driven my daughters car out of town, when it gets heated up from highway driving, it shutters extremely bad when you get back in town and accelerate from a stop. So much so that the whole car shakes and doesn't just accelerate normally at all. We called Ford and they opened a Case #, said we had to get it diagnosed first and yes they said bad clutch again, but now Ford is only offering to cover a portion of the clutch replacement? I was pretty disappointed they wouldn't fully replace. This is 2 years since the last replacement and I wasn't expecting to have any further clutch issues. I honestly don't like my daughter driving it due to this issue. The car is not a healthy running car and takes those extra seconds to get going while the car shakes upon accellerating at a stop light, etc.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 22, 2023
I have been having problems with ford focus for a long time. I have been told that this is normal. Recently, I had my car fixed by ford. Soon after, I was having problems with car slow start, hesitation and studdering. This is the same problems I was having before. I was told by Ford dealership that it was not the transmission. They told me that it was a crack engine head and purge valve problem. I paid for the fix even though I felt like it should have been covered in a recall. The car is not fix. I have completed 2 surveys with Ford. The department of transportation should investigate ford for its ford focuses.
Power train, Feb 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle stalled. The "vehicle was not in park" warning message was displayed while the contact was in drive. The contact was able to pull over to the nearest parking lot. After a jump start, the vehicle was able to start. They took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission modular needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired due to the parts being on backorder. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,500.
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.
Power train, Feb 1, 2023
Transmission slipped occasionally before the TCM finally failed. Unable to repair due to part not being unavailable.
Power train, Jan 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while at a stop sign and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle started jerking with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic tests, and the mechanic stated the vehicle was experiencing the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired for the failure under warranty. The failure mileage was 86,403.
Power train, Jan 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lunged forward. Additionally, while driving the vehicle lost motive power and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was diagnosed by Auto Zone with transmission control module failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Power train, Jan 27, 2023
TCM failed. Repair under recall warranty. Part indefinitely on backorder.
Steering, Power train, Jan 27, 2023
The transmission started failing in 2020 and part of it was repaired on a recall and part we had to pay out of pocket. The entire steering rack failed in July of 2022 requiring replacement. Reports suggest this is a known issue yet Ford offered nothing. Now the transmission is slipping and failing again less than two years since being repaired by Ford. This is a critical safety issue and they can't diagnose the car for 4-6 weeks and are offering no rental assistance for a known factory defect. These cars are dangerous and the fact that Ford won't do anything to jump on the problem when it happens means more liability for the drivers of these vehicles.
Power train, Jan 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the RPM started fluctuating and the vehicle started shuddering. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road before continuing to drive to his destination while continuing to experience the failure. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The dealer picked up the vehicle at his place of employment. The vehicle was diagnosed with needing the clutch pack to be replaced and the TCM updated. The vehicle was repaired but experienced failure for a second time on January 15, 2023, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the clutch pack to be replaced again. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.
Power train, Jan 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shuddering. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.