2016 Ford Focus Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Focus, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Powertrain (other)62142.8%
- Engine27819.1%
- Fuel system22715.6%
- Electrical835.7%
- Transmission523.6%
- Driver assistance503.4%
- Steering453.1%
- Other / unspecified171.2%
- Airbags151.0%
- Body & structure141.0%
- Brakes130.9%
- Visibility110.8%
- Exterior lighting80.6%
- Suspension60.4%
- Interior & seats60.4%
- Seat belts40.3%
- Tires & wheels20.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The car would not accelerate when pressing accelerator, they said the clutch assembly malfunctioned, confirmed by documentation. Myself and others had our safety at risk because the car could not be controlled properly while on the road. The car was taken to the dealer and they confirmed the problem. The dealer's service center gave inspection, and confirmed the problem. The warning message did not appear until after the problem put myself and others' safety at risk.
Transmission overheated. Transmission fluid leaked but the computer in the car didn't let me know there was a leak. Couldn't move my car into reverse so I had to get a tow to Ford. They said it was a Transmission leak which caused the overheating. But once the car received Transmission fluid the car did not go into reverse. Clutch failed.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The car would not accelerate when pressing accelerator, they said the clutch assembly malfunctioned, confirmed by documentation. Myself and others had our safety at risk because the car could not be controlled properly while on the road. The car was taken to the dealer and they confirmed the problem. The dealer's service center gave inspection, and confirmed the problem. The warning message did not appear until after the problem put myself and others' safety at risk.
When I bought the car it stuttered it ended up being the clutch then my transmission went out The bolt in my engine mount broke and my engine was basically on the ground
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Transmission overheated. Transmission fluid leaked but the computer in the car didn't let me know there was a leak. Couldn't move my car into reverse so I had to get a tow to Ford. They said it was a Transmission leak which caused the overheating. But once the car received Transmission fluid the car did not go into reverse. Clutch failed.
So I had check engine light I took it to the mechanic the code was p1450 the mechanic told me it’s the purge valve and it’s recall with ford book and appointment from the website witch is I did after I checked my vin I found out that’s this purge valve has recall and it’s free of charge I went to dealer they denied and said they have to do their diagnostic that will cost 190$ and they did not accept the car
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Transmission overheated. Transmission fluid leaked but the computer in the car didn't let me know there was a leak. Couldn't move my car into reverse so I had to get a tow to Ford. They said it was a Transmission leak which caused the overheating. But once the car received Transmission fluid the car did not go into reverse. Clutch failed.
We bought this vehicle from Carvana in February 2023. Since very early on owning this vehicle, the engine hesitated and stuttered when trying to shift from first to second gear, and would lunge forward slightly. In December 2024, I received a letter from Ford Motor Company about a customer satisfaction program, Campaign 24N07. The letter addressed the symptoms my vehicle exhibited, including engine hesitation, engine running rough, and engine stalling at low speeds, though the check engine light was not on. The letter states that Ford Motor Company provides a one-time replacement of the canister purge valve, given these symptoms and the check engine light being on. When I called all the local Ford dealerships, they refused to do it because the check engine light was not on, and that Ford Motor Company issued this as a customer satisfaction program, rather than a safety recall.Everything that was listed in Campaign 24N07 is MOST DEFINITELY a safety issue, and should not be taken lightly. It is highly concerning that Ford Motor Company didn’t think to consider ENGINE ISSUES a safety recall. The class action lawsuit Vargas et al v. Ford Motor Company had a deadline of November 4, 2020, which was 2 years and 3 months prior to us buying the vehicle, so any vehicles of the affected years and models should have been either repaired, or not allowed to be sold unless the repairs were done by an authorized Ford dealership. This information was not told to us when we bought the vehicle.On May 25, 2026, while driving, the engine fault and steering assist fault warnings came on, as well as the check engine light. When we were able to safely park the car, we discovered the entire power train is non operational. The engine no longer turns over, and we are now having to buy a new car.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while accelerating, the vehicle shuddered and jerked for 2 seconds before shifting into gear. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated, with the message “Transmission Overheating - Pull Over for Safety” displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the clutch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the clutch had been replaced three times. The vehiclehad previously been repaired under Customer Satisfaction Program: 19N08. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. While the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed transmission control module. The contact was informed that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 as a possible cause for the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,275.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. While operating the vehicle, the vehicle was shaking abnormally while idling, while low on fuel, while driving long distances, or while driving uphill. The vehicle shut off unexpectedly intermittently. On several occasions, the RPM increased; however, the vehicle failed to respond, and the vehicle eventually stalled. The accelerator pedal was depressed to the floorboard, but the vehicle failed to respond. The brake pedal became firm. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped and restarted several times or shut down unintendedly. After refueling, the contact had to wait for approximately 2 to 10 minutes before the vehicle responded as needed. Occasionally, the contact had to wait for over an hour before the vehicle was restarted. The check engine warning light illuminated intermittently and later turned off. While depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine revved excessively without the vehicle responding as needed. An abnormal sound was coming from the vehicle. The Oxygen sensor error code was displayed. The failure persisted over time. The vehicle was previously repaired at an unknown dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). Additionally, the high-pressure fuel pump was replaced. The local dealer was not contacted regarding the current failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
When driving my car all of a sudden it loses power almost like it’s struggling to go but the RPM revs up and makes a loud noise and my car kind of got stuck for a minute and there were cars behind me then it started going but every couple minutes it would do that again rev up really loud even when I barely push the gas and lose power and then go I have no idea why it was doing that I took it to get it looked at, but there was no light on then a light finally came on and it came up with P07A3. Transmission friction element A stuck on. It starts end doing that with no notice. Light came on later after I tried to get it scanned. There seems to be extended warranty satisfaction things offered on vehicles at the same time mine was made. Same vehicle. But my number is not on the vin recall. But it exhibits same symptoms. The ford customer satisfaction program 14m02 covers same issues but my vin is not listed. This is a driving hazard unsafe that I feel is issues from their manufacturing.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact called on behalf of his girlfriend, who owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the contact became aware that the steering wheel was extremely loose. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 154,000.
Stearing went out and car would not start after filling tank with gas
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Restraint Module went bad and after I looked it up online this was a recall for my year make and model.
The contact’s son owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, another vehicle crashed into the front passenger side door that pushed the vehicle's driver’s side into a fence. The driver's side air bag was deployed however, the passenger side air bag failed to deploy. The contact son sustained scrapes and bruise injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
While driving on the highway my 2016 ford focus stalled without warning and would not start until after having it towed. When I go to the gas station after filling the gas tank my vehicle is either hard to start or doesn't start until after waiting a while. This happens often. My check engine light stays on and it smells like gas from the outside. The front-end apron of my vehicle has recently fallen off without warning and for no reason. I took my vehicle to San Tan Ford in Gilbert, Arizona where I purchased my 2016 Ford Focus in May of 2016. The technicians' diagnosis was engine light ml on 2pcm code p1450 p0507 fuel tank leaking replace leaking fuel tank and recommend new fuel pump possible damaged from excessive vacuum applied to tank code p1450 replace canister purge valve for code p1450 stuck open & retest. Dealership and Ford Motor Company is refusing to do repairs stating that my VIN number does not have any recalls and refused to check my front-end apron joints for recall 17S03 although my front-end apron has unattached for no reason. the technician also included that the front-end motor mount is collapsed and recommend replacing mount. Water Pump Replacement inspection found leaking recommend replacing water pump. Also, the degas bottle cracked and leaking coolant and Damaged from excessive Vacuum applied to tank The Canister Purge Valve malfunction causing excessive vacuum in the vapor management system. Stuck canister purge valves cause it to stall. If the CPV is replaced, dealers should inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. Bearing failed as the result of a sudden overload caused by vibration or imbalance compounded by rapid engine acceleration. This overloads the bearing generating a great deal of heat. Amplified through rapid acceleration and high RPM operation.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
[XXX] driving her 2016 ford focus hit me [XXX] she claims her btakes did not work hitting multiple times she hit me so hard her car flew many feet back. I believe her car was defective it was alittle snowy but nothing bad. [XXX] said her brakes did not work at all. Me and multiple cars were able to come to complete stop with no skidding i have toyota rav4. I think her car might have been told my car needed repairs. I was severely injured severe permanent concussion brain neck back shoulder arm hand chest back muscle nerve damage. Dunno if [XXX] was also injured INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the "Oil Pump" message became displayed, and the vehicle decelerated and stalled. Additionally, during the failure there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the brakes failed to function properly while the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who determined that the engine had failed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. 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: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE WIPERS STOP WORKING AND FREEZE UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD CONSTANTLY!! BLOCKING VIEW FROM DRIVING. THE CAR SHUDDERS EVERY TIME YOU GO FROM A STOPPED POSITION. WORST CAR I'VE EVER OWNED. BEEN TO THE FORD DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. NEVER GETS FIXED. *TR
I HAVE HAD THE CLUTCH IN THIS VEHICLE REPLACED 3 TIMES AND IT CURRENTLY HAS 37014 MILES. I HAVE HAD THE STEERING WHEEL REPLACED BECAUSE THE HEATED STEERING WHEEL DIDN'T WORK. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION MODULE REPROGRAMMED 3 TIMES. AND NOW MY BACKUP CAMERA SUDDENLY TURNS PITCH BLACK. IT'S RANDOM. I COULD JUST GO INTO REVERSE AND IT IS ALREADY PITCH BLACK. OR I COULD BE REVERSING WITH A CLEAR SCREEN AND THEN IT TURNS PITCH BLACK.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON 12/13/2016 I BROUGHT MY 2016 FORD FOCUS TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE AUTO HEADLIGHTS SYSTEM WILL COME ON WHEN I FELT LIKE IT AND IT ALSO AFFECTED THE NAVIGATION SCREEN LIGHTING IT WILL COME ON AND GO INTO NIGHT MODE THE SAID THEY FIX THE PROBLEM THEN ON04/17/19 I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THE SAME PROBLEM THEY SAID THEY FIX THE PROBLEM AGAIN AND NOW MARCH 2021 I'M HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN SOMETHING IS GOING ON
MY DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT KEPT GIVING OUT AND TO FIND OUT THE WIRE OF THE SOCKET TO THE LOW BEAM LIGHT IS MELTING CAUSING MY HEADLIGHT NOT TO WORK. I REPLACED IT NOW IT'S STILL MELTING AGAIN I'M AFRAID THAT'S THERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE WIRING.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The car is not running right I can feel shaking, but no one else can
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the message "Steering Assist Fault. Service Required" was displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that he would be charged a repair fee. The contact also stated that the hatchback had opened independently while driving and while the vehicle was parked. The contact stated that the failure occurred on several occasions. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V698000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages, Structure). Additionally, the contact stated while driving 60 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine revved to 4,000 but the vehicle failed to accelerate. Additionally, the transmission was slipping. The contact stated that the failure recurred increasingly, and the vehicle was downshifting unexpectedly while driving, nearly causing a crash. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to respond while shifting into reverse (R), and while shifting into drive (D). There was no warming light illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
My drivers side door latch went on my 2016 Ford Focus with just 36,000 miles although there are prior recalls for these to be replaced on these vehicles my vin was not one so I am being forced to pay over 600.00 for an original part failing on a car with 36,000 miles
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
Restraint Module went bad and after I looked it up online this was a recall for my year make and model.
Seat belt does not retract on its own, seat belt locks randomly and does not retract fully making it loose.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: Control Contact Tour A/S Plus, Tire Size: 215/50/R15, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, an abnormal rattling sound was coming from the rear driver’s side tire. The low tire pressure message appeared on the instrument panel. The rear driver’s side tread had separated, causing the vehicle to swerve to the right. The contact struck her head on the driver’s side window and sustained an injury to her head, left thumb, and neck. The contact had not sought medical attention. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the tire was replaced. The contact stated that the tire was a replacement tire. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The tire failure mileage was approximately 1,300. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPARE TIRE FAILED TO FIT ON THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS TOO SMALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RIVERSIDE FORD (5900 SYCAMORE CANYON BLVD, RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA 92507, 888) 984-4430), BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT ASSIST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .