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, Sep 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. When the contact's son started the vehicle, the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal while in drive(D). There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was called to the scene where the vehicle was started in neutral(N) and resumed normal driving operation. Approximately a week after the initial failure, the vehicle failed to accelerate upon depression of the accelerator pedal while the contact's son was at a stop light. The contact's son restarted the vehicle and was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the clutch position sensors A and B, the clutch actuator control circuit, and the shift fork A position circuit need to be replaced. The contact was referred to the dealer and the manufacturer who stated that there were no recalls on the VIN. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 146,750.
Power train, Sep 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving off from a complete stop and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly shuddered and hesitated. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the clutch, observing that the clutch was shuddering during a test drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 86,000.
Power train, Aug 30, 2024
Clutch and both Actuators needed replacing at only 69,623 miles.
Power train, Aug 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was started and shifted into drive(D), the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the top and bottom transmission solenoids needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Power train, Aug 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the overheating warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving over a bridge. The contact stated that the failure was persistent while driving for four hours, returning home from a trip. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission clutch failure. The contact was informed that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not determined. The contact stated that the transmission had been replaced three times. The contact stated that the current transmission was installed two years ago. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Power train, Aug 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The message "Transmission Fault - Service Now" was displayed. No further information was provided. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 14M02 - Supplement #6. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to call the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 173,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Aug 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle was slow to respond. The contact stated that the gears were lagging while shifting. While driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle shut down. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact noticed that the coolant reservoir was empty. The contact added coolant. There was no indication of a coolant leak. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Jul 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated driving at approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was advised that there was a potential failure with the transmission and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission clutches needed to be replaced and the transmission fluid needed to be flushed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the manufacturer and was advised by the representative that there were two manufacturer recalls associated to with the vehicle. The contact was made aware of Customer Satisfaction Program Numbers: 14M02 (Transmission Control Module) and 19N08 - Transmission Clutch Shudder (Power Train) and that the vehicle was no longer covered under Warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
Power train, Jul 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally failed to shift into reverse or hesitated to start unless shifted into neutral(N). The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was advised by an independent mechanic that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Automatic Transmission - Transmission Control Module Extended Warranty Coverage). The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
Power train, Jul 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed gear shifter and clutch. The contact was informed that the gear shifter and clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts were being ordered to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that the transmission had been replaced four times under warranty. The last transmission replacement was performed in 2023. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, the repair was not covered under warranty. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 15, 2024
When accelerating or breaking, my cars transmission would slip causing me to slow down whiled driving. Also, my check engine light has came on. It goes on and off unexpectedly. Car shutters and shakes when accelerating.
Power train, Jul 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle hesitated, jerked, lost motive power, and failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, while the vehicle was shifted into reverse and the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
Power train, Jul 2, 2024
The contact's niece owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her niece was driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to reverse while shifted into reverse(R). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 28, 2024
on 6/27/2024 when accelerating into traffic my vehicle stalled and almost caused an accident. Dash board display had two messages was code P0106 MAP sensor and hill start assist wasn't going to work. Possible safety recall 14S17 Saying not for my vehicle.
Power train, Engine, Jun 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and shook abnormally while attempting to accelerate. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with 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 a case was opened. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was previously under a recall for a failure with the transmission clutch shudder, but the contact had not received the notification. The contact was also advised to contact the NHSTA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,850.
Power train, Jun 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon accelerating from a stop, the transmission was slipping. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that a clutch replacement was needed. Additionally, the forks were bent and replaced. The vehicle was repaired four times, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that there was no repair coverage on the vehicle and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
Power train, Jun 13, 2024
The contact called on behalf of her daughter who owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the vehicle jerked, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The contact was informed of an unknown recall however, the VIN was included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 106,122.
Power train, Jun 3, 2024
When I accelerate the car stalls and then it jerks before taking off
Power train, Engine, May 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating and losing motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence; however, the transmission failed, and the contact was unable to place the vehicle in reverse (R) or drive (D). The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
Power train, May 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission clutch assembly failure. The contact was informed that the transmission clutch assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the transmission clutch assembly was previously replaced in January 2020 under the Customer Satisfaction Program: 19M087. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
Power train, May 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle was hesitating before moving forward and was shifting with a jolt. The contact stated that that vehicle was also vibrating when it was first started and was vibrating while slowing for traffic signals or traffic. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a constant failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the vehicle and referred the contact to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Power train, May 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the clutch. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train), but the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
Power train, May 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving the vehicle failed to accelerate above 12 MPH. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed and it was determined that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The contact stated that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Power train, May 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as a failure with the dual clutch and the transmission control module. The contact was informed that TCM and the dual clutch needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
Power train, May 1, 2024
It seems like from a dead stop my car is stuttering to move or it seems like first gear disappears like the our pins will rev up and then it'll catch I don't know what's going on with it