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, Mar 8, 2022
My vehicle will shutter almost every time I reach about 20 mph and shift from first to second gear. I took it to the dealership and they had explained to me it might be the clutch. I had that repaired a little over two years ago at another location for the same issue, very concerned.
Power train, Mar 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission overheating warning message was displayed. The contact was able to pull over and restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred and the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with clutch and transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and directed the contact to a settlement lawsuit link for the transmission. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Power train, Feb 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle vibrated while shifting into 2nd gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a clutch slippage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Feb 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, on multiple occasions, while slowing down, the vehicle would stall or attempt to stall before self-correcting and driving normally. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failures but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Power train, Feb 16, 2022
When I accelerate from a stop, my Ford Focus has a very jerky acceleration. I took it in for service at a certified Ford dealer and was told I need to replace the clutch for $1900. After doing research I found the "Ford Focus and Ford Fiesta PowerShift Transmission Settlement," however, my Ford Focus is not included in that recall. I believe it's because the build date is outside of the recall/warranty extension, yet I'm having the exact same problems that are mentioned in the settlement. I'm concerned there are more Fords that should be recalled as this issue has persisted for a long time now in my car and is putting myself, my passengers, and other drivers at risk because I can't trust my transmission. And in spite of this ongoing problem, the "check engine" light has never come on.
Power train, Feb 14, 2022
According to NHTSA my vehicles VIN#, 2016 Ford Focus SE, 60,000 miles is not one of the vehicles covered under this recall. However, my vehicle has been evaluated by a credited mechanic and has found this is the exact issue with the transmission. 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. The 2016 Ford Focus transmission problems are jerks and stuck in gear. I feel this recall should be evaluated further.
Power train, Feb 9, 2022
I have had my shudder in the transmission of my car replaced thru the dealer, and now I am having the same problem. Am I going to have to get this fixed every 9 months?
Power train, Feb 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop the vehicle jerked violently. Additionally, while driving on the highway, the vehicle jerked occasionally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch assembly was faulty and was causing the excessive shuddering. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 26,998.
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.
Power train, Jan 28, 2022
The contact's husband owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle started jerking and was moving very slowly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle with normal acceleration returning after a while. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving from a complete stop and had increased in frequency and intensity. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000.
Power train, Jan 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate and shudder while shifting gears without warning. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to the dealer where she had the clutch replaced; however, two years after the repair, the failure returned. The contact had then taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train) however, upon speaking to the dealer, the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred her to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
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.
Power train, Jan 4, 2022
The drive train consistently shudders when starting from a stop and also at low speeds.
Power train, Jan 3, 2022
I’ve had powertrain issues for going on 4 months now, I brought this vehicle in for repair soon as it started acting up. The clutch would slip and it didn’t want to shift. It would jerk really hard if it did. And the rpm’s would red bar and would get stuck in gear. I brought it into the shop and 2,500$ later they said it was fixed. 2 days later same issues, only worse.. now it wouldn’t even reverse and was making extremely weird noises even while the car wasn’t started or had the key in. You could literally just open the door and it would make weird clicking noises for minutes straight. Another 400$ later they said it was fixed for sure this time. 3 days later the car didn’t even want to start. And when it did it still wouldn’t reverse. I drove it home from work and it started to smell awful. Not sure what it was. While driving I heard a loud noise as if I had hit a brick wall… and my car jerked so hard I almost hit my head on the steering wheel. The transmission light comes on and I got stuck in the middle of an intersection and my car just shut off. I turned it back on and had to gas it to get onto the side of the road and I could only reach about 25mph max. Mileage is only 84K. 2016. I don’t understand why this powertrain is giving me so many problems and is becoming a huge safety issue for me, as well others. Ford says there is no recall on it even though this has happend to so many others. I don’t understand
Power train, Dec 21, 2021
The powertrain continues to have issues on my ford focus, specifically the transmission clutch continues to fail this occurred on 12-10-21 and previously had same issue with the clutch on 3-21-19 at 56, 949 mileage. Vehicle is available for inspection , my safety was put at risk because i was driving on freeway/expressway with cars going 65 mph and the vehicle clutch stalled and would not move forward in the middle of roadway endangering my safety in middle of freeway. The vehicle has been inspected twice by the same Ford Dealership. There were no warning lamps before my safety incident until after the fact where the check engine light appears. For these clutch issues ford says my vin does not qualify yet all these fords have the same issue and ford says im not eligible because my VIN which is ridiculous since they have even extended warranty repairs for 10 years or 100,000. I have attached my work repairs that document this same clutch ford issue. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED AN UPDATE.
Power train, Dec 17, 2021
Driving on the highway with cruise control on at about 60MPH, with no warning, engine revved to a high RPM with a near total loss of power. Message on the dashboard said to have the Transmission serviced. Car was brought to the dealer where they diagnosed that the Transmission Control Module needed to be replaced, and also the clutch needed to be replaced. Invoice attached. There is a Ford Customer Satisfaction Program associated with this problem that includes Focuses manufactured up to November 5, 1995. When they checked my car's VIN, they said it was not covered because my car was manufactured on November 11th 1995. This CSP is also attached. I believe that the actual number of vehicles affected is more than they have indicated in the CSP and that mine is also affected because it exhibited the same problem and was manufactured within 6 days of the cutoff. This is a dangerous situation that could have resulted in an accident. Luckily the highway was not very busy when it occured.
Power train, Dec 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 25-30 MPH, between first and second gear, the vehicle started shuddering inadvertently. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring since purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the dual-clutch transmission needed to be replaced and that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The dealer also advised the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of the repair because the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 6.
Power train, Dec 8, 2021
Wed. 12/1/2021. Driving about 45 MPH suddenly when pressing on the gas pedal to accelerate there was no response it would just rev like it was in neutral. Then a warning light came on stating that the transmission was overheated and to pull over as soon as possible. At this point I am stuck in the middle of traffic and the accelerator would not respond because the transmission seems to be stuck in neutral not in gear so I could not control the speed of the car. I was able to coast over to the side of the road. I had to wait for about 15 minutes for the transmission to cool down and tried again. The same thing occurred about 15 minutes later. I was able to get off the road to a mechanic. The mechanic stated that the transmission was bad and needed to be replaced. This transmission only has 22,150 miles on it, the car was not driven that much. There is no way a transmission should go bad with such low miles. This seems to be a widespread issue from what I see online several other people with the same issue. Ford does not want to admit they have faulty equipment but the transmission problem is a safety issue. I almost lost control of the car. Thanks.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Nov 19, 2021
I have been having nothing but problems with my Ford Focus transmission. And it’s 2016. I’ve only had it for about 4 years and it’s not working again. Ford said it was the clutch.
Power train, Nov 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered upon the depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact has had the dual-clutch transmission replaced five times under warranty; however, after each repair, the failure would return. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.
Power train, Oct 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving, the vehicle was shaking and shuddering without warning. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission dual-clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired three times however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The contact stated that the failure mileage was related to NHTSA Campaign number 18V169000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Power train, Oct 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, diagnosed, and repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact was unsure of what part was replaced. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V169000 (Power Train). The vehicle was previously repaired under the recall however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Power train, Sep 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle would shake, vibrate, and shudder. Also, the vehicle would roll backward although the transmission was in the drive position. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 25,000.
Power train, Sep 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light with the accelerator pedal being depressed the vehicle started to jerk. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact towed the vehicle to an unknown local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The contact was able to drive the vehicle back to his residence. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact then took the vehicle to DeLacy Ford (3061 Transit Rd, Elma, NY 14059, (716) 668-1200) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Power train, Sep 11, 2021
While driving the transmission will start to jeck. When I start to go after being stop at stop sign, it will start to jeck BAD it will shake the whole car. Had it at the Ford dealer THEY said it didn't read high enough to be repaired, something about only 75 needs to be 200. Which to me is [XXX]! THE CAR NEEDS TO BE FIX. He said the only good thing I still have 40000 miles before my warranty runs out THAT'S NOT FUNNY. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).