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, Jun 6, 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, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the oil pump drive belt had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 89,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and then shut off. The vehicle was able to be restarted after several attempts. The contact stated once the vehicle was restarted the message "Unable to lead up fuel pump vacuum" was displayed and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed and determined that the clutch and levers and catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated soon after the check engine warning light illuminated again. The contact called an independent mechanic to diagnose the vehicle. The contact stated that the message "Unable to read fuel pump vacuum" recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.
Power train, Jun 3, 2024
When I accelerate the car stalls and then it jerks before taking off
Power train, Engine, May 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating and losing motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence; however, the transmission failed, and the contact was unable to place the vehicle in reverse (R) or drive (D). The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the oil pump resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The VIN was included, but parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 85,000.
Power train, May 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission clutch assembly failure. The contact was informed that the transmission clutch assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the transmission clutch assembly was previously replaced in January 2020 under the Customer Satisfaction Program: 19M087. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Equipment, May 20, 2024
My radio stopped working and is now making horrible loud screeching and popping noises loud enough to startle me and almost cause a crash from the reaction I have to the loud sudden noises
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, May 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the body shop where it was diagnosed with canister purge valve failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be repaired. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who confirmed the diagnosis. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Power train, May 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle was hesitating before moving forward and was shifting with a jolt. The contact stated that that vehicle was also vibrating when it was first started and was vibrating while slowing for traffic signals or traffic. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a constant failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the vehicle and referred the contact to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Power train, May 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, 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), but the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
Engine and engine cooling, May 9, 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, May 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the engine started to overheat, and the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the diagnostic result was undetermined, and the vehicle was not repaired. 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 made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Service brakes, May 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds 6-months after purchasing the vehicle, the brakes became inoperable. The contact stated that the parking brake was used to stop the vehicle. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a caliper failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes locked up, and the parking brake was used to stop the vehicle. The check engine and oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the same dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled, the brakes became inoperable, and the parking brake was used to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the same dealer where it was diagnosed with the same failure. The vehicle was repaired, however, the failure recurred. The contact was notified of the 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 manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, May 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving the vehicle failed to accelerate above 12 MPH. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed and it was determined that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The contact stated that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Power train, May 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as a failure with the dual clutch and the transmission control module. The contact was informed that TCM and the dual clutch needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
Engine, May 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed and coming to a stop sign, the vehicle sputtered while attempting to accelerate before the vehicle later stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was taken to two different independent mechanics to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
Power train, May 1, 2024
It seems like from a dead stop my car is stuttering to move or it seems like first gear disappears like the our pins will rev up and then it'll catch I don't know what's going on with it
Power train, Apr 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to shudder, displaying symptoms consistent with the transmission slipping. 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 Customer Satisfaction Program: 19N08. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 40,000.
Engine, Apr 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart on the third attempt; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was advised to contact the NHSTA Hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while operating the vehicle the oil pressure warning light activated and a ticking noise was coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the timing belt and oil pump drive belt had failed causing severe damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 205,000.
Power train, Engine, Apr 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal before jolting forward without warning. The vehicle had been taken to a dealer where a software update was performed; however, the failure persisted. Recently, the contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle began to hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal followed by a loud cracking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, Laird Noller Ford of Lawrence (935 W 23rd St, Lawrence, KS 66046) and it was discovered that the engine mount had cracked due to the excessive slippage of the clutch. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Apr 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH, the steering wheel locked inadvertently. The message "Transmission Failure" was displayed. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned on the hazard lights. The contact stated that the vehicle continuously lost and regained electrical power independently. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the transmission was malfunctioning, and the contact was referred to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the TCM was replaced. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under Ford Campaign Number: 19N08. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 97,069.
Engine, Apr 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the day after having an oil change performed, while driving 35 MPH, the check engine and check oil warning lights illuminated. The contact was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,259.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his son was driving approximately 30 MPH, the oil warning light illuminated, and a grinding sound was heard coming from the engine. The vehicle was pulled to the side of the road and turned off. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the diagnosis was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was notified 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Apr 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at high speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that his daughter was driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle began to stall. The driver pulled over and restarted the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who informed him there were no open recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.