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
1,192 reports, newest first.
Power train, Engine, Feb 16, 2025
2016—2022 Ford EcoSport and Focus 1.0L Engine--- My car is experiencing the same issue as the Automatic transmission. The car is not listed on the Oil Pump Failure Recall on the Ford Website as it shows that it applies to automatic transmission, and doesn't mentioned manual transmission. Both transmission carry the same issue as it's an engine design flaw and not a transmission related issue. The car experienced a bad idle that results to lost of power and Oil light went on as I drove it to the Mechanic shop. Currently there's no parts available and ford website the part is back ordered. The reference number is 23S64 for the current recall of the 1.0L engines. Please see reference below. I've contacted Ford support about the issue and was informed to report the issue here. Website for reference: [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 75 MPH, the vehicle stalled, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact proceeded to stop the vehicle and park on the side of the highway to turn off and restart the vehicle. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to a local independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was probably linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact was informed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired because parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. There was an unknown failure with the battery. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the TCM needed to be replaced, but the clutch was unrepairable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 58,500.
Power train, Feb 10, 2025
Ford recall 14M02 for transmission control module (TCM) does not cover parts and labor required to fix additional equipment problems created by a faulty TCM such as the clutch. My 2016 Ford Focus only has 58,000 miles on it. The TCM is being repaired a 2nd time but Ford will not repair the subsequent damage to the clutch. This is a function and safety issue.
Power train, Feb 8, 2025
At times will not go into reverse and shifts very hard. It will randomly shut off while driving and transmission overheating will pop up.
Power train, Feb 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under an unidentified NHTSA recall; however, the repair failed to prevent a failure from occurring. The recall repair was completed in 2018 for a driveshaft failure. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed for a possible drive-shaft failure. The local dealer performed other unknown repairs under warranty; however, the recall repair was not performed a second time. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.
Power train, Engine, Feb 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to continue to drive. The vehicle failed to accelerate above 11 MPH. The vehicle failed to move. The contact turned off the vehicle and the vehicle failed to restart. The contact's neighbor pushed the vehicle into a parking spot. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced, but the failure recurred. The vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The mechanic used a scanner and retrieved DTC: P2837 and P287B. The vehicle failed to reverse. The mechanic informed the contact that the transmission control module had failed. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The dealer confirmed there was no recall coverage on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 57,255.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 3, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Power train, Jan 29, 2025
TCM FAILURE, AND B CLUTCH GOING BAD, AND FORD SERVICE TEAM TELLING ME THAT THE A CLUTCH COULD NEED TO BE REPLACED TOO. YEARS 2012-2016 ARE COVERED UNDER RECALL BUT ONLY CERTAIN MODELS WITH THE DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION AND ONES BUILT PREVIOUS TO NOV 2015. I can get documentation of the service done. This is an ongoing issues with many ford owners, look online and see for yourself. Ford is taking advantage of their consumers claiming they fixed this issue but this is not the case. 93,000 miles on my car and they are telling me a need a rebuild. How many people need to go through this before Ford is held accountable? Do the research, I am not the only one. Give me a day and I will have the report back from Tony Benton Ford in Grand Rapids MI.
Engine, Jan 25, 2025
My car is has engine hesitation and runs rough. I have a recall call letter and the Ford dealership Ken Grody Carlsbad, Ca refused to fix the recall because it is not giving the code but I’m having issues with it.
Power train, Jan 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to reverse the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to reverse. No warning light was illuminated however, the "Transmission Fault Service Now" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module needed to be repaired. The vehicle was serviced under an unknown recall repair; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer and the transmission control module needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,500.
Power train, Jan 23, 2025
My dual clutch PowerShift transmission (DPS6) has experienced the common failure. High rpm’s and failure to shift properly, with no reverse gear at all anymore or overdrive. I was traveling at 65 mph and nearly crashed because of this.
Power train, Jan 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after shifting the gear shifter out of park(P) to drive(D) and attempting to accelerate, the engine revved up, but the vehicle failed to exceed 1 MPH. The contact shifted into reverse(R), but the vehicle failed to move. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then was later towed to AAMCO, where the mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired at AAMCO and was towed to the dealer for assistance. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle 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. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 133,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was heavy white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test showed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was given an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 96,000.
Electrical system, Jan 16, 2025
While driving my car started skipping from first to second gear and then lowering acceleration. When at a complete stop car would not accelerate and just revs through first and second gear making a pinging clicking sound. Brought to dealership to be told codes p0702 and code p0734 were reading. I've had the car one year and has been maintained. Before I got the diagnosis I drove to the dealership there was no lights on even though there was the issue and then right as I pulled in the transmission light check came on. This problem has been confirmed by Ford dealership from transmission and engine diagnostic. Not being able to accelerate at a green light put my safety at risk.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at 30-50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, and the engine seized. The contact stated that the engine fault message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the contact then decided to tow the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with turbo module failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred twice. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his wife was driving on the expressway at approximately 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The driver turned on the hazard lights. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the oil pump belt had failed. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 102,987.
Power train, Jan 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and shifting from first gear to second gear, the vehicle skipped and then accelerated. There was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Power train, Jan 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the gear shifter shifted into park(P) independently. The contact pulled over and shifted back to drive(D). In addition, while driving up or down hill, the overheating warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over and waited for the engine to cool down; however, the failure recurred after driving a short distance. The failure occurred on four separate occasions. The failure became progressively worse, and the vehicle was no longer being driven. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the oil pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); but the VIN was not included. 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 150,000.
Steering, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 26, 2024
Stearing went out and car would not start after filling tank with gas
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 24, 2024
Kept getting my check engine light is says something about bleed up pressure in the fuel tank which when driving my throttle is not as responsive and when I fill up from Empty I have to give it some gas in. Order to start and would sit at the red light or a stop sign with the clutch pressed in and it would sputter and stall which I would have to give it gas to restart the car
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 21, 2024
The evap purge valve assembly failed. An engine warning lamp did appear. While driving down the interstate the incorrect fuel mixture caused the vehicle to stall while in motion with my wife, and at the time, [XXX] son were in vehicle. Although there was no accident, all power was lost and the vehicle had to maneuvered into the shoulder to prevent rear ending other vehicles. This was the 2nd time in 2 weeks. The vehicle was called into the Ford recall line, as there has been an open recall on the vehicle model and year. The ford recall line said the vehicle was not affected by the recall, and no recall repairs had been made the vehicle. The ford recall rep recommended to take the vehicle to a ford dealership. The vehicle has been inspected by a Ford dealership. The dealership confirmed the issue was the issue seen in previous recalls, but the dealership stated they could see a previous dealership had made the recall repaired (in contrast to the ford recall representative’s statement). So, the vehicle was either not repaired under either of the (2) active recalls (as stated by the ford dealership), or the recall fix to update the software and replace the evap purge valve is not effective, leaving the vehicle in an unsafe condition to operate. The rich mix of fuel caused by the failure has led to a clogged catalytic converter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Dec 16, 2024
Transmission control unit (module) has caused the vehicle to randomly rev the RPM. Causes vehicle to hard shift and delayed shifting. Check engine light came on and produced code P07A3. There is a recall for Ford Focus years 2012 -2018 but my vehicles VIN was not attached to this recall. My vehicle has all the same symptoms as the recalled vehicles. The vehicle is not drivable in this condition. It may cause the car to not stop or accelerate into another vehicle. It may also cause more damage to other components. I have 20+ years of mechanical background and have looked the vehicle over myself.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. 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 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available