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, Jul 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the RPM quickly became elevated; however, the vehicle temporarily lost motive power before returning to normal operation. The contact stated that he was able to drive to residence however, the vehicle had since failed to start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission control module and determined that the clutch was stuck. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 123,000.
Power train, Jul 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the transmission started to shift abnormally. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission control module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02- Supplement #6 (Power Train) however, 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 81,000.
Power train, Jul 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his daughter was attempting to shift gear, the transmission failed to shift as needed. Additionally, while the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered. The transmission also failed to shift into reverse(R) as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact's daughter that the transmission was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Transmission Control Module). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 11, 2023
Have tried repeatedly to get the CPV recall performed however all dealerships or authorized repair locations have been giving me multi month waits since it started showing the alarm code for it in Dec. 2021. Due to it being the only vehicle my family has we were out in a wait list to bring it in when they had the parts and never got called back. Now the Transaxle is not engaging 4/5/6th gear intermittently. Was informed that it would be 3K for a new transaxle even though I have not had the vehicle for that long.
Power train, Structure, Jul 10, 2023
New clutch failing after 20000 miles about 1.5 years after factory change. Car shutters when trying to change gear. Dealership has been able to reproduce issue but doesn't want to cover it. Transmission randomly goes into neutral when driving on highway at speed. This has caused issues with maintaining control as engine power is not going to propel car while surrounded by other vehicles on highway. Dealer has not reproduced issue. Driver side door when ambient air temperature exceed 85 or 90 degrees, door not easily opened. Occurred for dealership personnel too. In none of these instances, warning lights appeared. My safety and others is at risk if the clutches fail prematurely, transmission randomly goes into neutral while in Drive at speed around others on the highway, and if the driver door is sticking closed when temperatures get hot. Car is available for inspection.
Power train, Jul 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine and high engine temperature warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the transmission experienced rough shifting and failed to shift into Sport(S) mode. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone Auto Parts, where it was diagnosed that the clutch was engaged and the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 27, 2023
Transmission Fault Service Now warning light keeps coming on and off. I’ve taken it to multiple places to have it checked out and nobody can find and actual issues that would cause the transmission to fail. I got stuck in the middle of an intersection because the transmission randomly stopped. I’ve had to have it towed.
Power train, Jun 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking and hesitating. On another occasion, while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the transmission downshifted, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle would no longer accelerate forward and failed to reverse. During the failure, the message "transmission fault" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who diagnosed 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 local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Power train, Jun 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking uncontrollably. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, 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). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 67,000. The contact wants to reimbursed for repairs to the vehicle.
Power train, Jun 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact's daughter was able to maneuver the vehicle into a nearby parking lot, where the vehicle failed to shift into drive. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contacts home and later towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic determined that the failure was with the transmission. The contact investigated and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 126,000.
Power train, May 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while at a stop light and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that several minutes later the vehicle lunged forward. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic test and the contact was informed that Trouble Code: P07A5 (Friction element B stick on and Transmission fault) was retrieved. The contact was referred to the local dealer for assistance. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed in house. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.
Power train, May 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact made a local dealer aware of the failure and was informed that the warranty had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.
Power train, May 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the transmission warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was sputtering while idling. The contact had to depress the accelerator pedal continually to prevent the vehicle from sputtering. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the automatic shifter needed to be replaced along with other unknown transmission parts. The vehicle was repaired; however, approximately 2-years later the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was returned to the dealer and the contact was informed that the repair needed to be performed a second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 32,000.
Power train, May 13, 2023
Car jerks and shakes/ will suddenly stop in the middle of traffic. This is especially dangerous if you are making a left or right and the car suddenly stops, which has happened
Power train, May 9, 2023
The contact’s daughter owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
Power train, May 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle shuddered. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring while driving from a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the transmission clutch assembly was replaced approximately four times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
Power train, May 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle was jerking abnormally. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving and occurred increasingly while driving at low speeds. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the dual transmission clutch had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. 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 38,000.
Power train, May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown transmission warning light appeared on the instrument panel; the vehicle began to stall and hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the clutch assembly was replaced. A few months later, the contact stated that the vehicle failed reverse while in the reverse(R) position. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the transmission clutch assembly was replaced a second time. Once the vehicle was picked upon from the dealer, the failure persisted with the transmission warning light on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was transferred to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
Power train, Engine, Apr 25, 2023
I was driving and the car started running hot. The overheating warning came on and said to pull over safely. I was not in an area where I could stop. The light eventually went off and the temp went back to normal. There are no noticeable leaks. The car has also been shifting hard, sputtering during acceleration, and revving really high. I think there needs to be a recall issued immediately. I'm only at 56k miles.
Power train, Apr 21, 2023
My 2016 focus has 32,000 miles on the powershift dual clutch transmission and needs to be replaced, per the Ford dealer. The warrantee I purchased at the dealer does not cover the "dry clutch" issue. I can see online dealers have repaired or replaced this issue for free as it is a known issue now, many lawsuits and even being paid by Ford, why not mine. Not only is car shifting funny, but sometimes won't go int gear.
Power train, Apr 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle was shifting roughly. The contact pulled over, parked the vehicle, and restarted the vehicle after several attempts and operated as needed. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the TCM (Transmission Control Module) and clutch might have failed. The contact stated that the TCM was replaced three times however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired after the last failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and transferred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.
Power train, Apr 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting into drive, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating. Additionally, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission clutch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed that the Extended Warranty had expired. No additional assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 64,000.
Power train, Apr 11, 2023
The car stalled on several occasions in mid traffic and while driving. The car issued a warning that it was about to catch on fire. It took my son two hrs to get home, The clutch has to be shift in nurtural to turn on. In which a module has to be replaced; 1000.00 Upon taking it to be repaired I was told that the clutch failed causing transmission issues as well which could result in over 5,000 worth of damages. I did a lot of research and noticed the car has a lot of complaints and was considered of a class action lawsuit.
Power train, Apr 11, 2023
Check engine light on with transmission codes. Transmission is slipping and car won't start intermittently. Also loses power intermittently. Car lost power up hill when driving with my daughter. My 18 year old son, who is an inexperienced driver also drives this car. Will be getting the car diagnosed as Ford dealership on Friday.
Power train, Apr 10, 2023
Fords Powershift Dual clutch started to go out at 93,000 miles with noticeable slippage and hesitation when accelerating, a hazard. A Ford dealership inspected and said nothing looked wrong and we should continue to drive the car (an extended Ford warranty was still in place due to these transmissions, 2012-2016, having a history of issues). Months later a second Ford dealership said it was the worst transmission vibration they've ever seen and couldn't believe we hadn't noticed earlier. Of course, now the warranty was expired and we had to pay the $2139 to have the clutch assemble replaced. Unsafe and bad customer support/ownership on a poor design.