2016 Ford Focus Transmission Problems

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.

NHTSA ID

11650115

Incident

Mar 24, 2025

Mileage

96,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11623394

Incident

Oct 27, 2024

Mileage

57,275 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to merge onto the highway at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle independently switched from first to third gear, jerked, and shifted into the park gear to control the vehicle. The vehicle stopped in the middle of the roadway. The vehicle failed to move forward or in reverse. A bystander shifted the vehicle in neutral and pushed the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch was fractured and transmission failed. The vehicle was not repaired due to costs. The contact was concerned as the vehicle was her primary source of travel since she was a traveling nurse and discovered that the clutch was previously replaced by the first vehicle owner. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000.

NHTSA ID

11620137

Incident

Oct 9, 2024

Mileage

74,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, the steering wheel did not function as intended. The contact stated that the steering wheel was very difficult to turn in either direction. In addition, the contact stated that the shift gear did not function as intended. The contact stated that the gear shifter did not shift into park, drive, or neutral. In addition, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that when she turned the vehicle off, the vehicle did not restart. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. 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 not repaired. The contact had received recall notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000(Fuel System, Gasoline), however, the contact was advised that the failure was not associated with the recall repair. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic 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 not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ID

11620094

Incident

Sep 19, 2024

Mileage

160,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving off from a complete stop and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly shuddered and hesitated. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the clutch, observing that the clutch was shuddering during a test drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 86,000.

NHTSA ID

11612278

Incident

Aug 1, 2024

Mileage

86,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11587174

Incident

May 6, 2024

Mileage

152,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and vibrated abnormally while accelerating from a stop and the vehicle was moving from left to right. Additionally, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the clutch assembly was repaired four times in the past; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and suggested that the contact seek assistance from the dealer. The contact was also referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 87,820.

NHTSA ID

11574323

Incident

Aug 22, 2023

Mileage

87,820 mi

My 2016 Ford Focus has encountered repeated transmission and clutch problems associated with the DPS6 recall. My car has experienced sudden losses of power, inability to randomly start the car, and even though my car can be put into reverse, it will not back up. Going down the highway, my car will have reluctance to shift and when it does, it shudders severely. These issues have caused myself to feel uncomfortable being on any public roads due to fears the car or clutch will completely fail. Especially when I have my child with me. My car has now officially given out and had to be towed to Ford for evaluation. During evaluation they reported the clutch has gone bad. Even though I had the entire clutch system replaced in 2019. Meaning the transmission has caused two full clutch replacements in 7 years. During inspections and replacements under previous warranties, Ford refuses to address the transmission portion of the problem and will and would only correct the by-product which was the clutch itself. My car has the DPS6 transmission from the Michigan plant, but my manufacture date was a few weeks after the deadline. The car had the check engine light come on when experiencing power issues. It has been through two complete evaluations through Ford, who only will charge me for clutch replacements. The TCM also had to be recalibrated in 2019 when the clutch was replaced, but they did not replace the TCM itself.

NHTSA ID

11571952

Incident

Feb 8, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was slipping. Additionally, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of transmission fluid. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed clutch kit. The contact was informed that the clutch kit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11570370

Incident

Jan 2, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes failed to function as intended. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the contact stated that when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed clutch pack and that the clutch pack needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the failure was not eligible to be covered under warranty because the failure was not severe. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that if the repair was paid for out of pocket, to keep the receipt to be eligible for reimbursement later. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11570034

Incident

Sep 15, 2023

Mileage

80,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered while shifting gears. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed and determined that the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 92,500.

NHTSA ID

11559865

Incident

Dec 13, 2023

Mileage

92,500 mi

The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered after coming from a complete stop. Additionally, the vehicle jerked while accelerating. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the clutch assembly had previously been replaced five times; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch assembly needed to be replaced for the sixth time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that a half of the cost of the repair would be covered. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.

NHTSA ID

11554181

Incident

Nov 3, 2023

Mileage

51,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the RPM’s increased at rapid pace however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the TCM had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was then informed by the mechanic that the vehicle was included in Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02. The vehicle was not repaired. An undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure however, an appointment was unavailable until 2024. The manufacture was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall nor the Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 then advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 104,500.

NHTSA ID

11548186

Incident

Sep 20, 2023

Mileage

104,500 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11543445

Incident

Apr 8, 2023

Mileage

135,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11530383

Incident

Jun 20, 2023

Mileage

125,000 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11521820

Incident

Apr 12, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle was shifting roughly. The contact pulled over, parked the vehicle, and restarted the vehicle after several attempts and operated as needed. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the TCM (Transmission Control Module) and clutch might have failed. The contact stated that the TCM was replaced three times however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired after the last failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and transferred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

NHTSA ID

11517016

Incident

Apr 14, 2018

Mileage

20,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred increasingly. Additionally, the vehicle would sometimes shudder and stall. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed the contact that there was a failure in communication to the powertrain control module (PCM). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 143,613.

NHTSA ID

11511828

Incident

Jan 28, 2021

Mileage

143,613 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the transmission failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where the TCM was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ID

11511244

Incident

Oct 1, 2022

Mileage

110,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lunged forward. Additionally, while driving the vehicle lost motive power and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was diagnosed by Auto Zone with transmission control module failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

NHTSA ID

11504421

Incident

Aug 22, 2022

Mileage

103,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while making a right turn, the vehicle started vibrating and shaking. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the clutch assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 43,000.

NHTSA ID

11497395

Incident

Jan 14, 2021

Mileage

43,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle would not properly accelerate, with the check engine warning light illuminated. After several attempts to restart the vehicle, the contact was able to start the vehicle and drove home. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and the contact was informed that the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was 143,245.

NHTSA ID

11496091

Incident

Oct 24, 2022

Mileage

143,245 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the dealer previously replaced the clutch twice; however, the failure recurred while driving at an undisclosed speed. The vehicle was shaking and hesitated to accelerate. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 19N08 (Transmission Clutch Shudder/Transmission Clutch Warranty Extension) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 36,500.

NHTSA ID

11489930

Incident

Oct 19, 2022

Mileage

36,500 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the dealer had previously replaced the TCM and clutch assembly; however, the failure recurred while driving at an undisclosed speed, and the gear shifter was unable to shift to the intended gear with the transmission message displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the TCM and the clutch assembly needed to be replaced again. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 74,700.

NHTSA ID

11486983

Incident

Sep 28, 2022

Mileage

74,700 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while shifting into gear, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact also stated that the engine failed to start occasionally. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to call the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

NHTSA ID

11486961

Incident

Sep 21, 2022

Mileage

119,000 mi