NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Ford Focus. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The oil warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle coasted to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine and turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
2016 FORD FOCUS VIN: 1FADP3F20GL341128 Mileage: 64,750 Hello I am having problems with my 2016 Ford Focus. The vehicle is shuddering, moving forward, problems in shifting, vibrating and Ford cannot do anything about this as they have told me that you have not added this model on the recall. I got the vehicle checked over by Ford and they said it is the same issues as the other Ford Focus and Fiesta have and they said they need to replace the clutch and TCM. However this would be charable to me because you have not added this model in the recall. At the Sound Dealership in Renton WA there was 3 cars with the same issue and one being the same fuel flex model as mine. Is this something you could check as Ford will not help me at all. Thank you
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, she heard an abnormal sound. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving to her residence. After parking the vehicle, the contact did not notice an issue with the vehicle. The contact stated two days later the vehicle failed to reverse out of the parking spot. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission control module (TCM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. There was an abnormal rumbling noise detected while the vehicle was in first gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the clutch and transmission needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the repair was not covered under warranty. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The engine blew due to a faulty oil pump that Ford knows about. The oil pump leaks and causes metal shards to enter the engine which causes it to cease while driving. Ford refuses to fix the engine due to out of warranty. This is a known issue for 1.0 Liter engine vehicles such as the Ford Focus and Ecosport. Our Foed dealer has 2 in the shop for same issue. There is also a class action lawsuit against them.
On my way to the gas station to fuel up. Turned off car and when turned back on power steering malfunction light came on making steering a lot harder. Ran codes to find out it was a water damage fault based off manufacture design after doing research
Transmission Fault Service Now warning light keeps coming on and off. I’ve taken it to multiple places to have it checked out and nobody can find and actual issues that would cause the transmission to fail. I got stuck in the middle of an intersection because the transmission randomly stopped. I’ve had to have it towed.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his daughter was attempting to shift gear, the transmission failed to shift as needed. Additionally, while the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered. The transmission also failed to shift into reverse(R) as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact's daughter that the transmission was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Transmission Control Module). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
Driving down the windy mountain road and all power steering fails and the steering locks up and cause it to jerk hard. Can’t control vehicle at any speed. Not inspected but put on computer and it says steering module failure. 06/20/2023.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine and high engine temperature warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the transmission experienced rough shifting and failed to shift into Sport(S) mode. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone Auto Parts, where it was diagnosed that the clutch was engaged and the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
The speakers are making a LOUD POPPING AND CRACKING. This is now happening with the radio turned off, and no Bluetooth connected to it. It even sometimes does it when the car is completely turned off. This sounds to me like an electrical issue for one. For two, this is an extreme safety issue, especially when I am driving. The last time it happened, it sounded like gunshots going off that that’s how loud it was, when my car was turned off completely, and now I am suffering from extreme tinnitus. Next time this could actually explode my eardrums. I have heard this to be an issue for multiple of these vehicles yet there has not been a recall on whatever may be causing this?! THIS IS AN EXTREME HEALTH/AUDITORY/NEUROLOGICAL SAFETY ISSUE.
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.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check oil warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the timing chain. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was unable to assist. The failure mileage was 105,000.
New clutch failing after 20000 miles about 1.5 years after factory change. Car shutters when trying to change gear. Dealership has been able to reproduce issue but doesn't want to cover it. Transmission randomly goes into neutral when driving on highway at speed. This has caused issues with maintaining control as engine power is not going to propel car while surrounded by other vehicles on highway. Dealer has not reproduced issue. Driver side door when ambient air temperature exceed 85 or 90 degrees, door not easily opened. Occurred for dealership personnel too. In none of these instances, warning lights appeared. My safety and others is at risk if the clutches fail prematurely, transmission randomly goes into neutral while in Drive at speed around others on the highway, and if the driver door is sticking closed when temperatures get hot. Car is available for inspection.
The car worked fine in the first couple months and slowly declined. The rpm will shoot up and down causing the car to jerk and not able to surpass certain speeds. It works sometimes, so when going to work in the freeway it was fine then it started acting up again, causing other cars to almost crash into me. I had to drive with hazards and luckily i was able to safely pull to the side. Instances like this occur a lot more now because the car doesn’t act normal anymore. I took it to a mechanic and it was a gear issue and a module error. I had asked how i was to fix it, and they said only main dealerships can fix a module board. It’s making my transmission overheat and now my steering wheel is stuck and won’t move.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and then jerked into the next gear. The contact stated that the hesitation occurred at various speeds. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while slowing down, the vehicle hesitated, and then the transmission downshifted, and the vehicle jerked. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 131,206.
Transmission went out. 2016 ford focus are known for bad transmission
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while attempting to drive uphill, the vehicle failed to properly shift gear as intended. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired twice under warranty however, the vehicle no longer fell under the criteria for repair under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact made a local dealer aware of the failure and was informed that the warranty had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the RPM quickly became elevated; however, the vehicle temporarily lost motive power before returning to normal operation. The contact stated that he was able to drive to residence however, the vehicle had since failed to start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission control module and determined that the clutch was stuck. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 123,000.
Water pump failed. This is the second time it happens. First time happened back in 2019 and it happened in the highway luckily, I was able to pull over and no accident happened as it was during high traffic flow. It was repaired by Ford but only because I had purchased a supplemental repair package thru Ford Focus when I signed the purchase agreement. Then another issue occurred with the thermostat and it was repaired as well thru the supplemental because they didn't cover it. I leaned that day that the water hoses were damaged as well, which it was due to the prior issue with the water pump but Ford did not fix it as they said it was not covered, I argued that the problem happened because it the water pump and thermostat going bad, a chain reaction, yet they didn't want to fix it unless I paid over $1300. Now the water pump went bad again and the dealer didn't take responsibility of the issue. I was told I have to pay out of pocket.
I was driving and the car started running hot. The overheating warning came on and said to pull over safely. I was not in an area where I could stop. The light eventually went off and the temp went back to normal. There are no noticeable leaks. The car has also been shifting hard, sputtering during acceleration, and revving really high. I think there needs to be a recall issued immediately. I'm only at 56k miles.
The contact’s daughter owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
Car jerks and shakes/ will suddenly stop in the middle of traffic. This is especially dangerous if you are making a left or right and the car suddenly stops, which has happened
The car stalled on several occasions in mid traffic and while driving. The car issued a warning that it was about to catch on fire. It took my son two hrs to get home, The clutch has to be shift in nurtural to turn on. In which a module has to be replaced; 1000.00 Upon taking it to be repaired I was told that the clutch failed causing transmission issues as well which could result in over 5,000 worth of damages. I did a lot of research and noticed the car has a lot of complaints and was considered of a class action lawsuit.
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 an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed oil pump and that the oil pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact was informed that the failure of the oil pump caused significant damages to the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and was advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while pulling out a parking space, there was a grinding sound coming from the vehicle, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the clutch and the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the transmission control module was covered; however, the clutch was not covered. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 135,000.
Fords Powershift Dual clutch started to go out at 93,000 miles with noticeable slippage and hesitation when accelerating, a hazard. A Ford dealership inspected and said nothing looked wrong and we should continue to drive the car (an extended Ford warranty was still in place due to these transmissions, 2012-2016, having a history of issues). Months later a second Ford dealership said it was the worst transmission vibration they've ever seen and couldn't believe we hadn't noticed earlier. Of course, now the warranty was expired and we had to pay the $2139 to have the clutch assemble replaced. Unsafe and bad customer support/ownership on a poor design.
Check engine light on with transmission codes. Transmission is slipping and car won't start intermittently. Also loses power intermittently. Car lost power up hill when driving with my daughter. My 18 year old son, who is an inexperienced driver also drives this car. Will be getting the car diagnosed as Ford dealership on Friday.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting into drive, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating. Additionally, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission clutch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed that the Extended Warranty had expired. No additional assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 64,000.
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.
Car stalled at stop sign after filling up on gas. Completely shut off. Would not start back up for 30 seconds. No check engine lights on. It has done this multiple times and I have taken it to the shop but they can’t find a problem. I know there was a recall on the 2.0 but this is a 1.0
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. Additionally, the vehicle stalled occasionally after refueling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle occasionally after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the canister purge valve remained open causing the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.
Electric steering rack failed while driving, making steering almost impossible.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle would hesitate to respond while accelerating from a complete stop. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, there was a warning light indicating that the engine was overheating. The contact also stated that the vehicle would start after several attempts. The contact stated that the failures had been reoccurring increasingly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the clutch shift had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 104,470.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact's daughter was able to maneuver the vehicle into a nearby parking lot, where the vehicle failed to shift into drive. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contacts home and later towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic determined that the failure was with the transmission. The contact investigated and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 126,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking uncontrollably. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the clutch. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 67,000. The contact wants to reimbursed for repairs to the vehicle.
The radio failed and yes it is able to be inspected.Screeches as your driving it comes and goes . Never sure when it will do it scares you . There was no warning on this just started to do it and then radio was no longer working.Radio is no longer working but sound is still coming out unexpectely you never know when it will come on .
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle was jolting and hesitating while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering while shifting gear. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission control module (TCM) to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact towed the vehicle back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the clutch, and transmission module to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
We purchased a 2016 Ford Focus for our daughters first car. We purchased the car in 2020 used with very low miles. We didn't realize at the time these vehicles had issues with the clutches (but thought it would be OK because after research, we found out the vehicles in the Ford Class Action Lawsuit were model years 2014-2016) and then found out her vehicle build date was just outside of that window by 9 months. But regardless, we had issues from the start with the vehicle shuttering when she accelerated. So we took it in late fall 2020 after we had it a few months and it was a bad clutch. Ford Service replaced the clutch in Dec. 2020 under the Powertrain Warranty coverage. It was better, but within 6 months it started shuttering again, not horrible, but noticable. We took it in for a Check Engine light in Aug. of 2021 and also mentioned to Ford Service that it is already shuttering again. They said it was still safe to drive, but I didn't like that it was already happening when they just replaced the clutch. And if they would've done somethign then, it would've still been within the 5 year powertrain warranty. Then late in 2022 I contacted Ford again because I had driven my daughters car out of town, when it gets heated up from highway driving, it shutters extremely bad when you get back in town and accelerate from a stop. So much so that the whole car shakes and doesn't just accelerate normally at all. We called Ford and they opened a Case #, said we had to get it diagnosed first and yes they said bad clutch again, but now Ford is only offering to cover a portion of the clutch replacement? I was pretty disappointed they wouldn't fully replace. This is 2 years since the last replacement and I wasn't expecting to have any further clutch issues. I honestly don't like my daughter driving it due to this issue. The car is not a healthy running car and takes those extra seconds to get going while the car shakes upon accellerating at a stop light, etc.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that a large amount of white smoke was coming from the exhaust tip with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a cracked engine block and that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and informed him that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that he noticed that the vehicle was experiencing excessive fuel consumption. The contact stated that after fueling the vehicle, the vehicle consumed three quarts of fuel within 20-30 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) was malfunctioning, causing an excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) as the VIN was not included. The canister purge valve was replaced at the contact's expense. Additionally, the contact stated while reversing out of the driveway, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that upon attempting to reverse out of the driveway on another occasion, the gear shifter was moved into reverse (R), but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact shifted into neutral (N) and pushed the vehicle out of the driveway. The contact was able to drive the vehicle, however, the message "Car Overheating. Stop Safely" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch was defective. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
I have been having problems with ford focus for a long time. I have been told that this is normal. Recently, I had my car fixed by ford. Soon after, I was having problems with car slow start, hesitation and studdering. This is the same problems I was having before. I was told by Ford dealership that it was not the transmission. They told me that it was a crack engine head and purge valve problem. I paid for the fix even though I felt like it should have been covered in a recall. The car is not fix. I have completed 2 surveys with Ford. The department of transportation should investigate ford for its ford focuses.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle stalled. The "vehicle was not in park" warning message was displayed while the contact was in drive. The contact was able to pull over to the nearest parking lot. After a jump start, the vehicle was able to start. They took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission modular needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired due to the parts being on backorder. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,500.
My 2016 focus has 32,000 miles on the powershift dual clutch transmission and needs to be replaced, per the Ford dealer. The warrantee I purchased at the dealer does not cover the "dry clutch" issue. I can see online dealers have repaired or replaced this issue for free as it is a known issue now, many lawsuits and even being paid by Ford, why not mine. Not only is car shifting funny, but sometimes won't go int gear.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the transmission started to shift abnormally. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission control module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02- Supplement #6 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 81,000.
Radio will randomly cause a loud popping or screeching sound from the speaker while driving this is a common issue know by ford dealers that requires replacing the ACM witch is $800 for just the part.
At 85000 miles the dual clutch failed. At 88,219 miles the transmission failed. The car had started to shudder when it shifted when the dealership told me the clutched need to be replaced. The transmission died with no warning on a sub-zero night. I'm lucky that it died in my driveway rather than someplace out of the way. The failure of the transmission was confirmed by an independent service center. The clutch was replaced by a Ford dealership
1st Started having issues with advancing, at idle stops,when engaging fuel, it will hesitate and run poorly. after a week, engine light started turning on, and stating that transmission, was running hot, and need it to stop and cool down. after the 2nd time, the vehicle runs rought, and grinding can be heard by shifting gear. An off duty Ford worker, checked vehicle with a computer and stated that the transmission clutch had gone out. checked the internet and stated that Ford Focus from 2012 to 2016 had a recall. yet I enter my vin number and nothing is said. I am currently paying my vehicle and can not drive it, have 3 children, and no money to repair. can you please help.