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, Jan 31, 2024
Was driving my car and all of a sudden it wouldn’t pull itself wouldn’t takeoff from a stop sign jumps from 3rd to 4th when gearing down it go from 4th to 1st Gear Bucks and jumps in it never dies however, you press on the gas and the engine just revs up
Power train, Jan 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while attempting to drive uphill, the vehicle failed to properly shift gear as intended. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired twice under warranty however, the vehicle no longer fell under the criteria for repair under warranty. 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 55,000.
Power train, Jan 22, 2024
The dual power clutch has gone out in my vehicle, this causes the transmission to overheat and the vehicle cannot move. I’ve experienced this a couple times with my children in the car, on a mountain, and had to be pushed off the road where we were stranded for hours. I had to pay $700 for a tow and getting the transmission fluid changed, which did not solve the problem. I couldn’t afford to pay the car payment as I couldn’t use the car for transportation to and from work and had to pay mechanical bills. I’ve contacted the dealership and initially they said they’d take a complaint but when I made it there, they turned me away and told me to call Ford. I called Ford and they told me to go to the dealer. Neither of them would take a complaint. It’s $150 just for them to look at the car and confirm the problem, however the part doesn’t exist to fix it and I was told it could be til 2025 before it could be fixed as they aren’t making that part. The part would be covered under warranty but it’s not guaranteed that they’ll be able to get it. The transmission light came on right after purchasing the vehicle and I called the dealer to have it looked at but because the light went back off before I made it there, it wouldn’t be covered under warranty. Ford had a lawsuit for something similar to this and I was never notified. My car is at risk of repossession, I’m still paying on it and I can’t even use it. It won’t make it 3 miles at this point. I’m not the only one who’s experiencing this and there’s no solution but there’s no recall either. The car will just stop in the middle of the road and it won’t move, leaving you stuck in the line of oncoming traffic on the interstate and you can’t even pull it over. It won’t move once it’s in that state. Ford will not doing anything about it. I’ve contacted the attorney general at this point and I don’t know what else to do. We luckily were not hit but we were stranded for hours.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jan 15, 2024
This is my second time reporting this the first time I reported this the person I talked to on the phone inaccurately put what I said and didn’t put what I said. I was on my way back home from a little road trip and I had approached a stop sign and had come to a full stop. When It was safe I took off and my car stuttered and had loss of power and became jerky, started to buck and would have delay and sudden burst of acceleration and it felt like the transmission was slipping. And the message transmission fault service now and my check engine light came on. I proceeded to pull over and let my car sit for a bit and turned off and on my car and the warming message went away. When I started driving again my car continued to have the same issues as well as reving high and not speeding up then randomly shifting and suddenly accelerating
Power train, Jan 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle was jolting and hesitating while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering while shifting gear. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Dec 29, 2023
[XXX] daughter was driving her car on I87 in Albany NY when oil pressure light went on and car speed dropped from 65 to less than 30 while in middle lane of interstate forcing her to cross over lanes onto shoulder roadway and exit ramp where it lost all power. Have learned that the oil belt system failed without any warning or notice causing incident. Have since learned that vehicle motor has been damaged beyond repair and needs replacement. Contact with 4 separate representatives of FORD Customer Service has resulted in FORD denying our requests for assistance to replace the motor. Car is a 2016 Ford Focus SE with the 1.0 liter motor with 81,000 miles. Well maintained with records as needed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Dec 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the gear shifter failed to shift out of park(P). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, but no failure was found. Additionally, while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle shuddered and vibrated while reversing and the transmission erroneously shifted into neutral(N). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed message "Pull Over, Transmission Overheated" was displayed. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the vehicle did not qualify for the s power train Extended Warranty Coverage. The failure mileage was 15,090.
Power train, Dec 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at 50 MPH, the contact approached a stop sign and depressed the brake pedal and stopped the vehicle. The light turned green, and the contact proceeded to move forward and the transmission fault service now warning light illuminated. The contact drove to a location and allowed the vehicle to set for several hours because he had an additional two hundred miles to travel to get home from a road trip. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked and idled roughly the remaining drive back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 17, 2023
Vehicle hesitates, stutters and stalls when accelerating at any speed. The dealership told us it is either a transmission module or fuel module problem. They don’t have parts to fix it. There’s been a recall and a lawsuit about this same year, make and model, but they tell us our Vin is not included in any of this. it continues to do this to this day. The dealership wants us to drop it off and leave it for 3 to 4 weeks. We can’t be without a car so we are struggling with it. We wrote Ford Motor Company a letter and they told us to contact you. The lawsuit that they lost, gave us an extended warranty, but they refuse to honor it.
Power train, Dec 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the husband was driving approximately 50 MPH before coming to a stop for traffic ahead. While attempting to accelerate the vehicle erroneously began to drive in reverse. During the incident, the check engine light was illuminated. The vehicle was later taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Power train, Dec 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered while shifting gears. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed and determined that the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 92,500.
Power train, Dec 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle shifted abnormally. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. 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. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 148,000.
Power train, Engine, Dec 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to shift gear while losing motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transmission friction element "A" was stuck in the on position and failed to keep the fork engaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who had not diagnosed the failure. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 82,000.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 1, 2023
•Oil pump failed to send oil to the engine causing the brakes to go out. While trying to pull out into traffic, the engine made a pop sound, and lost the ability to accelerate. Engine and oil light turned on, was then unable to accelerate past 20mph and engine sounded horrible. • Our mechanic looked at the car and said the oil vacuum pump was obliterated inside the engine. He replaced the vacuum pump and said that the timing belt is inside the engine which is causing all the issues. • No warning lamps or messages appeared before this. Had just had an oil change a month before and there were no issues.
Power train, Dec 1, 2023
My 2016 Ford Focus SE is exhibiting the same PowerShift issues that are well known with this model of vehicle. I had the transmission replaced in April 2020 at 59,000 miles, as well as the TCM reprogrammed as part of the customer service program. Now, in 2023 and at 79,000 miles, my vehicle exhibits the exact same issues. I have contacted Ford to try and rectify, however they are saying my vehicle is not within any customer program/recall as it was built in April 2016 (the original scope only covered Focus' up to November 2015). I can 100% attest that, after 3 years/20,000 miles since the repair to transmission and TCM was made, this car is exhibiting the same transmission slip issues that now make it extremely dangerous to drive.
Power train, Nov 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact while driving 20 MPH, the transmission was skipping gear. The contact stated that the transmission shifted from 1st gear to 3rd gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the TCM had failed and needed to be replaced. 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 105,000.
Power train, Nov 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while running errands, after returning to the parked vehicle, she was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact shifted the vehicle into neutral(N) and was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was jerking while shifting gear. The contact stated that the failure had become a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission clutches had frozen or engaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 TCM reprograming (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Power train, Nov 21, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Transmission suddenly stopped shifting correctly resulting in a sudden loss of power, a lugging of the engine, and almost cause of an accident. Specific components have been diagnosed by Crest ford in centerline. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Without proper shifting the car would often sit in idle while deciding on a gear, leading to dangerous turns and acceleration from stop lights Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Crest Ford of centerline Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Dealership Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, started out of the blue
Power train, Nov 17, 2023
Over the course of less than 5 years that I’ve owned this car it has needed the clutch repaired 3 times. First time was at approximately 25,000 miles, second time at 47,000, and third at 71,000. There is an extremely noticeable shudder, loud noise, and vibration throughout front end of car when accelerating. Additionally, the car has erratic transmission shifting and does not properly shift into gear causing it to lose motive power and not immediately accelerate when pressing the gas. I have attached the most recent invoice I received from the dealer diagnosing the problem.
Power train, Nov 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the transmission experienced shuddering and slipping after heating up. The vehicle was taken to the local service center who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Power train, Nov 16, 2023
No warning messages or lights Transmission rattling like the motor mounts are having issues and wearing out quickly. Problems shifting and going up hills. My automatic car has rolled back and struggled to shit on inclines
Power train, Nov 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced erratic transmission shifting and would not properly shift into gear causing the vehicle to lose motive power and not immediately accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. Later, the message "Service Transmission" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed and determined that the Transmission Control Module (TCM) was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Power train, Nov 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was shaking. The contact stated that when she depressed the accelerator pedal, the vehicle did not accelerate. The vehicle lost motive power and would not restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with a failed transmission clutch and transmission control module. The contact was informed that the transmission clutch and transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.
Power train, Nov 8, 2023
The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered after coming from a complete stop. Additionally, the vehicle jerked while accelerating. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the clutch assembly had previously been replaced five times; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch assembly needed to be replaced for the sixth time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that a half of the cost of the repair would be covered. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.
Power train, Nov 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to complete a turn, the vehicle briefly shuddered before returning to normal functionality; however, the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the clutch assembly. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who again diagnosed a failure with the clutch assembly. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 56,000.