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, Oct 17, 2022
The contact's son owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her son was driving 60 MPH, the vehicle started jerking. The accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The message "Transmission Fault. Stop. Pull Over" was displayed. The contact's son exited the freeway and veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that she met her son on the side of the road. An independent mechanic was contacted and advised the contact to restart and drive the vehicle to their location in the event the warning message was no longer displayed. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the independent mechanic who then referred her to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the failure was diagnosed as transmission friction element failure. The dealer diagnosed that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
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.
Power train, Oct 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on multiple occasions after moving off from a stop signal, there was hesitancy and jerking when the gear shifter was shifted from 1st to 2nd gear, and from 2nd to 3rd gear. The failure persisted; however, no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission was faulty. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and was advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
Power train, Oct 13, 2022
Driving vehicle and it felt like transmission was slipping. Brought to dealer and they told me the transmission needed to be replaced.
Power train, Oct 7, 2022
The contact owns 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle started shuddering and hesitated to respond for approximately 4-5 seconds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving from a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 14,200.
Power train, Oct 7, 2022
The contact's granddaughter owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 45-50 MPH, the transmission started slipping and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact veered to the side of the road for a moment and then resumed driving however, the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be rebuilt or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was not included in an unknown extended warranty program for the transmission. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 38,464.
Power train, Oct 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking, hesitating, and the transmission failed to shift properly. Additionally, the vehicle occasionally stalled and could not immediately be shifted to park(P) or drive(D). The contact stated that occasionally after refueling, the vehicle would not immediately restart. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V169000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was 99,000.
Power train, Sep 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the dealer had previously replaced the TCM and clutch assembly; however, the failure recurred while driving at an undisclosed speed, and the gear shifter was unable to shift to the intended gear with the transmission message displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the TCM and the clutch assembly needed to be replaced again. The vehicle was 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 74,700.
Power train, Sep 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while shifting into gear, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact also stated that the engine failed to start occasionally. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to call the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
Power train, Sep 27, 2022
There was not an accident, but I don't know where else to type my comments. The car won't shift properly and tends to stall at times. This is not only dangerous as cars behind can't always know why I am driving so slow, but obviously, poses a problem if car can't shift at all and I (or my wife or daughter) is left stranded somewhere. Took car to dealer last week and they replaced clutch assembly for $2925. This is extremely frustrating since the clutch was repaired at 26,100 miles. That didn't work, so now we have to pay that amount. Let's be honest, these cars are known for clutch/transmission issues, so replacing this again at 45,000 is not fair at all. Why isn't Ford doing the right thing and offering to replace this at their own cost? I don't have current receipt for $2900 as I haven't picked up car yet, but work costs can be confirmed at Manning Ford in DeKalb, Illinois. I will upload original receipt when my dad took car in the first time for this issue. That was covered by warranty, and since this happened again, I believe the fair things to do would be for Ford to replace at no cost to us.
Power train, Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact then stated when he refueled the vehicle, the vehicle failed to operate as needed. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved an unknown code. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number and advised to contact the dealer. The dealer was notified, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and the power control module was reprogrammed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Power train, Sep 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact stated that the dealer declined to repair the vehicle because the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was transferred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Power train, Sep 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was a crunching sound coming from vehicle. The contact felt the gear jumping as she shifted gear and felt like the transmission was failing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing and the mechanic stated that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the TCM needed to be replaced; however, the parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the parts were not available. The failure mileage was 62,000.
Power train, Sep 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and accelerating up a highway onramp, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that the transmission fault warning light was illuminated. The contact had observed that as he depressed the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond; however, the engine was revving with the RPM going up to 5,000 RPM. The contact stopped the vehicle and turned off the engine. The contact restarted the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle had gone into Limp Mode. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to Manufacturer Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Transmission Control Module). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
Power train, Sep 10, 2022
I have had 6 clutches replaced in the past 2 years on my car. Now they are telling me this is the last one they are going to do. It'snot my fault these clutches keep failing. Ford has told me they are not coving the problem anymore.
Power train, Sep 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at an undisclosed speed, she felt an odd feeling while the accelerator pedal was applied. The contact referenced the Manufacturer's recall number: 14M02 (Transmission Control Module). The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Power train, Sep 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the transmission was chattering. The contact felt that the clutch was slipping and the vehicle was hesitating while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitation and transmission chatter stopped while exceeding 30 MPH. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had driven the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the clutch assembly and two actuators needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,900.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Sep 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not immediately accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle would then lurch forward unintendedly. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. No additional information was available. The failure mileage was 40,353.
Power train, Aug 30, 2022
My car will not drive or reverse it’s the master control module in the transmission stuck clutch b engaged is the code I brought it to ford they say there is a silent recall/ extended warranty on this part but somehow my car is not part of this recall or extended warranty but there are 12 cars waiting same part I have been without a car for 1 month due to part being on back order.
Power train, Aug 27, 2022
Transmission issues
Power train, Aug 22, 2022
I was stopped at a stop sign in my 2016 Ford Focus Hatchback. I looked both ways and proceeded to hit my gas pedal. The car moved as it should and normally. Halfway through the lane my car stopped accelerating and i put my gas pedal to the floor and my car just continued coasting slowly. I panicked looking at the car coming towards me then let go and stepped on it again finally it kicking into gear and then making it across. This happened later in the day again while driving on a straight road. (Luckily this didn’t put me in danger but did catch me by surprise again) I tried calling multiple dealerships about this and they just said it’d cost $125 for them to take a look. But i know it’s deeper than that and here’s why. My friend has a 2015 Ford Focus and his has been experiencing similar issues. As well as a family members co-worker who has a 2017 Ford Focus they’re all hatchbacks keep in mind. (including mine) I also wanted to go looking for a new car the day after my car nearly got me into accident. So i went out and i met a sales associate from a dealership who told me his friend has a 2016 Ford Focus Hatchback that was dealing with the exact same problem as me. As well as 4 others that week who’s been coming in looking for a new car with their personal trade in vehicle being. You guessed it, a Ford Focus with transmission issues.
Power train, Aug 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle surged and was shuddering. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure. The contact reference Ford Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 20B23. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
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, Aug 17, 2022
Very bad Transmission shutter 1-2 gear
Power train, Aug 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while his wife was driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle emitted abnormal clutching sounds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact's wife veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. However, as his wife turned on the vehicle, the failure persisted while driving. The contact stated the failure reoccurred increasingly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the clutch actuator needed to be replaced. The part was replaced. Additionally, the independent mechanic diagnosed that the transmission components were misaligned. The transmission was aligned and the check engine warning light turned off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the dual-clutch assembly and the transmission seal assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The manufacturer referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 96,569.