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, Jul 30, 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 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined on three occasions that the turbo charger and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The dealer informed the contact that the oil level was low. The vehicle was taken to the same local dealer, where the oil was changed. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Larry H. Miller Ford Draper (11442 Lone Peak Pkwy., Draper, UT 84020), where it was diagnosed and determined that the turbo charger needed to be replaced. The contact was notified by the Insurance Provider about NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed back to the local dealer for an oil consumption test, but the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
Power train, Jul 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated driving at approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was advised that there was a potential failure with the transmission and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission clutches needed to be replaced and the transmission fluid needed to be flushed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the manufacturer and was advised by the representative that there were two manufacturer recalls associated to with the vehicle. The contact was made aware of Customer Satisfaction Program Numbers: 14M02 (Transmission Control Module) and 19N08 - Transmission Clutch Shudder (Power Train) and that the vehicle was no longer covered under Warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
Other or unspecified, Jul 23, 2024
I was told that the car I was buying had 83,000 miles on it. When I stepped into the car however, the odometer said that the car had 108,000 miles on it. When I asked for my money back, the used car dealership refused to refund me and told me that they don't do refunds. The name of the dealership that engaged in false advertising is Unlimited Auto Group in Marietta Georgia.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 18, 2024
My car stalled several times and then one day it stalled on a busy street near my school and would not start. I had to pay to have it towed to a mechanic. He replaced the CPV and told me that my gas tank was now dented and needed to be replaced. My fuel gauge does not correctly gauge fuel because of the dented tank. My VIN is not included in the recall for this problem, but it is clearly affected by the same issue. I cannot trust how far I can drive as a result. I am constantly worried that my car will just run out of gas even though I put gas in it every day.
Power train, Jul 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally failed to shift into reverse or hesitated to start unless shifted into neutral(N). The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was advised by an independent mechanic that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Automatic Transmission - Transmission Control Module Extended Warranty Coverage). The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
Power train, Jul 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed gear shifter and clutch. The contact was informed that the gear shifter and clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts were being ordered to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that the transmission had been replaced four times under warranty. The last transmission replacement was performed in 2023. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, the repair was not covered under warranty. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 15, 2024
When accelerating or breaking, my cars transmission would slip causing me to slow down whiled driving. Also, my check engine light has came on. It goes on and off unexpectedly. Car shutters and shakes when accelerating.
Power train, Jul 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle hesitated, jerked, lost motive power, and failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, while the vehicle was shifted into reverse and the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
Engine, Jul 8, 2024
The transmission slips and when the car starts to move it lunges forward then vibrates/shakes. I received a notice from Ford that there may be a TCM issue with the car via Ford Campaign 14M02. When I called the dealership service center in August 2023 then again in November 2023. They said the part was on back order and to check in again in the winter. When I brought the car in the mechanic said that it was not the TCM but the clutch and that it would be $2500. He did not do a diagnostic test just told me as I was checking in at the front desk. Highly unprofessional and unsafe. I unfortunately do not have any paperwork as did not go through with the repair. I called Ford and they said they had a Ford Campaign 19N08 to address the shudder clutch but it expired at the end of 2023 for my car. I feel unsafe driving in this car.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 7, 2024
When on freeway car suddenly displays an alert saying Stop safely now And will shut off , while driving makes it impossible to properly control the car . It has done this on multiple occasions, On the freeway , on residential streets and also when starting from park and proceeding to drive car has suddenly stopped and unable to restart right away
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The local dealer was made aware of the issue and an appointment was scheduled to bring the vehicle in to have the vehicle worked on for an extended period. The contact called back to plan for transportation while the vehicle was in the dealer's possession and was informed that unless there was a knocking noise coming from the engine; the dealer would not be able to service the vehicle until the first quarter of 2025. 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.
Power train, Jul 2, 2024
The contact's niece owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her niece was driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to reverse while shifted into reverse(R). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 28, 2024
on 6/27/2024 when accelerating into traffic my vehicle stalled and almost caused an accident. Dash board display had two messages was code P0106 MAP sensor and hill start assist wasn't going to work. Possible safety recall 14S17 Saying not for my vehicle.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 26, 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that when the vehicle was started, there was a loud beeping sound and the “Engine Power Reduced” warning light was illuminated and the vehicle failed to respond as needed after the warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Engine, Jun 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and shook abnormally while attempting to accelerate. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was previously under a recall for a failure with the transmission clutch shudder, but the contact had not received the notification. The contact was also advised to contact the NHSTA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,850.
Other or unspecified, Jun 24, 2024
I was driving to work on a Monday and the transmission light came on. I took it to the dealership for a diagnostic and the service advisor said the vehicle needs a clutch replacement. The warranty 19N08 has expired since the warranty start date was back in 2015. The warranty was 7 years of warranty start date or 100,000 miles. The car is 76,000 miles and I’m stuck without a car to drive to work and no money to repair the car. Please help me and extend the warranty for this one time repair.
Other or unspecified, Jun 22, 2024
2016 Ford Focus Transmission Control Module Recall 14M02. I received a recall notice from Ford on my Transmission Control Module. I called Long-Lewis Ford in Muscle Shoals, Alabama in January 2024 and asked them when I could bring my car in for repair. I was told that I couldn't just bring it in, that I needed an appointment. Long-Lewis Ford called me on [XXX] and told me to bring my car in. I took it to Long-Lewis Ford on [XXX]. Long-Lewis Ford then parked my car outside in their parking lot for 54 days without doing anything to it. Long-Lewis Ford finally called me on [XXX] and told me to come and get my car. When I arrived at Long-Lewis Ford, the Long-Lewis Ford employee said "Here are your keys, but the car won't run. I tried to start my car, but the battery was dead from sitting in their parking lot for 54 days. I went to a parts store and bought a new battery. I installed the battery and my car started. On the way home I noticed that the transmission shift points were between 4,000 and 5,000 RPM's. The transmission would only go into Drive, Neutral and Park. It would not go into Reverse. It appears that Long-Lewis Ford did not follow the Recall Letter that requires the battery to be fully charged with a battery charger connected to the battery when programming the Transmission Control Module. Also, since Long-Lewis Ford stated the "car won't run" they never did a road test to see if my car was roadworthy. Long-Lewis Ford also told me that if I had transmission problems they would not fix it and I would have to pay for it, even though, Transmission Control Module failure can damage the Titanium disks in the transmission. ford has bought back or repaired thousands of these vehicles, but they have refused to repair mine. it is currently sitting in my yard and will not start. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated. On several occasions, the failure occurred, and the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local service center who diagnosed that the purge valve was faulty and needed to be replaced. The purge valve was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was 70,000.
Power train, Jun 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon accelerating from a stop, the transmission was slipping. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that a clutch replacement was needed. Additionally, the forks were bent and replaced. The vehicle was repaired four times, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that there was no repair coverage on the vehicle and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Jun 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal clicking noise coming from the engine. The engine lost oil pressure. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle was slow to respond, and the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the tensioner arm was fractured, and the fuel pump was not providing power to the engine. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to another local dealer, Schicker Ford of St. Louis (3300 S. Kingshighway Blvd, Saint Louis, MO 63139), who informed the contact that all the parts were not in the vehicle. The contact called the original local dealer, who informed the contact to pick up the parts. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
Steering, Jun 18, 2024
Power steering fault light came on and the vehicle is very hard to now drive because it is difficult to turn the steering wheel, which could cause an accident.
Other or unspecified, Wheels, Jun 13, 2024
All of the lugs nut have swelled likely due to rust under the chrome caps and we can not get the lug wrench provided with the car onto any of the lugs nuts. A properly sized 19mm 4 way lug wrench would not fit either. This prevents us from being able to change a flat tire which could leave us stranded during my commute or on a vacation and left in an unsafe situation on the side.of the highway. This also prevents routine maintenance such as brake wear inspections and tire rotations from being completed. The car has not been taken to a dealer or service center since the issue was noticed but they would also have the same issue and would need to hammer a socket over the lug nut with excessive force. The car has a bad wheel bearing that needs to be replaced but can't since we can not remove the tire.
Power train, Jun 13, 2024
The contact called on behalf of her daughter who owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the vehicle jerked, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The contact was informed of an unknown recall however, the VIN was included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 106,122.
Engine, Jun 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil light and Service engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the engine seized. The brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact's husband used the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The contact's husband pushed the vehicle into a nearby parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.