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.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the engine seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was an oil pump and engine failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 83,790.
Power train, Oct 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine and transmission warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired on 3 different occasions for transmission failure under warranty. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the warrant being expired. In addition, the contact stated that the reverse failed to engage when the gear shifter was shifted into reverse. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 25, 2024
Electrical power steering goes in and out and the dash displays “steering assist fault” warning, and the power steering goes out entirely. You can still turn, but it takes a lot more physical effort to do so. Since it goes in and out, it can happen at any time and is very hard to get diagnosed through a diagnostic if the mechanic or dealer cannot replicate the issue.
Power train, Sep 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and jerked abnormally. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission independently downshifted and the RPM increased; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the failure had occurred intermittently; however, recently the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was scheduled for diagnostic testing at the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not assist. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall or warranty. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Power train, Sep 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and decelerated, with the message "Transmission Fault" displayed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved DTC code: P074 (Third gear failure, clutch failure). The mechanic confirmed that the vehicle jerked and popped out of gear and confirmed the whining noise from the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 132,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 55 MPH, 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. The blank warning light was illuminated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated that the engine was not original to the vehicle, because the original engine had previously been replaced. 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 not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,000.
Power train, Sep 16, 2024
This car stalls in traffic. It has had recalls in the past. Not fixed. Unable to drive it with out fear of it stopping in traffic. Was told it was fixed and road worthy when purchased. guess i was lied to. this vehicle show be recalled due to transmission issues. Safety issue. Vehicle randomly slows down in traffic
Other or unspecified, Sep 14, 2024
(UNKNOWN) I am [XXX] and don't know much about cars but I will explain my issue as detailed as I've experienced it. The issue started on or about two days ago, on [XXX]. The car drives and as I'm driving it, it stalls and/or gets stuck momentarily and then begins to drive again as usual. I've been close to being hit from behind and causing an accident because the cars behind me don't expect to stop so suddenly. I've been lucky so far to have not been crashed into. It did the stalling without warning sensors alerting a problem for two days. The car now does show a yellow sensor on the right side of the dashboard which looks to me like a motor of some sort, I'm not sure. Additionally, during these two past days while the car has been having the stall/stop issue... the car does not start as it used to. I put the key in the ignition and turn the key to start the car but it won't start or make any sound as if it's gonna start. I have to turn the key two or three times for the car to start and then it finally does. Since the issue started, I've had the necessity to use the car and have used it about three times but I've not had it checked yet because the weather has been very bad in my area with on and off thunderstorms which makes it not possible for me to drive. I have very poor eyesight, I can barely see from my right eye due to the retina being detached and I don't feel safe driving under these circumstances. Additionally, the car started to make a noise; coming from under the hood the last time I started it which subsided once I drove it. Please advise me of what is best for me to do. I'm [XXX] and I do for myself without help nor do I have relatives near me at the moment to drive myself as I do to get my groceries and meet my doctors appointments and such. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the canister purge valve, resulting in fuel tank deformation. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. 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 approximately 81,000.
Power train, Sep 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the recall repair was performed. After the recall repair was performed, the contact stated that the transmission would intermittently shudder while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to several dealers where the transmission clutch had been replaced multiple times; however, the failure persisted after the repairs. The contact stated that the vehicle had been repaired five times for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was recently repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power and stalling. Additionally, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the purge valve was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 77,974.
Power train, Sep 8, 2024
I had a powertrain failure on the highway and went Ford fixed it. They only fixed one component of a three component issue saying that if the components did not break they could not fix it. When I picked it up I drove it again and the second component of the powertrain failed which caused me almost to get in a second accident. Then when I went back to Ford and told them that I wanted the third piece replace, they said they could not replace it because it was not broken. I called Ford motor Company and they pass it off to try and push it off on the lemon law which will not work because it's not that type of failure we believe. Please check into this. Thank you very much
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.
Other or unspecified, Sep 3, 2024
Driver felt a "slipping" of gear while accelerating.The car then stalled at a stop light. Driver was able to get the car started again and drove it 1 mile up the road to Auto zone. Once the car got to Autozone and diagnostic test was ran, the car threw multiple codes for clutch system failure. The car was towed to ford for a through assessment. Once they got the vehicle started again the engine light came on. Upon being inspected Ford stated the Clutch System was stuck in place. The car was currently frozen in 2nd gear and was having a hard time starting. Ford was able to get the car started but the car would not move out of 2nd gear and was not able to be driven. Recommended service was a full clutch system replacement. Ford has had multiple cars recalled for the same issue but claimed the VIN was not included in the current recall.
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.
Engine, Aug 23, 2024
The engine went limp and lost all strength as I was driving on the street. Smoke started coming out. Had an independent mechanic tell me it was the fuel pump that lead to the engine dying. My car will not start and I have been carless. Dealers will not help the situation because although my car has issues related to the recalls specifications, my VIN does not apply. Engine died at 107k miles (mostly highway miles)
Engine, Aug 20, 2024
Received code P090C and seen this was recalled
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated 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 fuel system purge valve failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
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.
Steering, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 6, 2024
My 2016 Ford Focus SE is stalling at higher temperatures while driving at high speeds, which is very dangerous. This issue occurs primarily during hotter daily temperatures. I have previously taken the vehicle in for the recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000) related to the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) malfunction, which was supposed to address excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system. However, this did not resolve the stalling issue. This has stalled my car out at interstate highway speeds (75 MPH) which makes me lose power steering and acceleration and has nearly ended in accidents numerous of times due to this.
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, Engine, Aug 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving at approximately 45 MPH. The vehicle was steered to a parking lot. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the lower half of the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
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.