52 complaints reported

2016 Ford Focus UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
52
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
1

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Sep 2025

The rear view camera does not work most of the time. Hasn't for years. Seems Ford can't make a rear view camera that works, since I see Ford recalling all manner of other vehicles for their rear view camera. They need to do it for the Focus as well.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2025
May 2025

Was at a red light and the clutch wouldn’t work. I had to pull the clutch up with my foot. I was so afraid someone was going to hit me. Then when you drive the car sometimes the clutch sticks and you can’t put into gear. I looked on the internet to see if other people were having the same problem. There were so many people who had the problem. I called Ford Dealer up to see if a recall . The mechanic said no they haven’t had the problem. I told him to look it up cause there was all kinds of people with the problem. I called Ford up to do a complaint. At that time was told no recalls to have anything fixed on the car. I took it to my mechanic and it was what the internet people had said the problem is. plastic actuator arm to the back of the pedal is made of PLASTIC and is breaking clean off!! My car is in the shop getting fixed. I can send the bill when I pick my vehicle up. Was told anywhere from 850 to 1000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Apr 2025
Oct 2024

A week after purchasing a pre-owned 2016 Ford Focus SE Hatchback, the Malfunction Indicator Light came on with Primary Code P144A (EVAP Emission System Purge Vapor Line Restricted/Blocked). I paid $671.39 to have the canister purge valve replaced but subsequently learned that the part was part of NHTSA Recall 18V-735. However, because the prior owner had the recall repair completed on March 6, 2019, Ford Motor Company told me that I could not receive a refund. On September 15, 2023, NHTSA opened Investigation #RQ23006. The purpose of that investigation is to "assess the scope and remedy of Recall 18V-735." Since Ford Motor Company will not remedy the situation by refunding me, I am writing today to add myself to growing number of complaints that may have been received since the investigation was opened.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Mar 2024
Sep 2024

(UNKNOWN) I am [XXX] and don't know much about cars but I will explain my issue as detailed as I've experienced it. The issue started on or about two days ago, on [XXX]. The car drives and as I'm driving it, it stalls and/or gets stuck momentarily and then begins to drive again as usual. I've been close to being hit from behind and causing an accident because the cars behind me don't expect to stop so suddenly. I've been lucky so far to have not been crashed into. It did the stalling without warning sensors alerting a problem for two days. The car now does show a yellow sensor on the right side of the dashboard which looks to me like a motor of some sort, I'm not sure. Additionally, during these two past days while the car has been having the stall/stop issue... the car does not start as it used to. I put the key in the ignition and turn the key to start the car but it won't start or make any sound as if it's gonna start. I have to turn the key two or three times for the car to start and then it finally does. Since the issue started, I've had the necessity to use the car and have used it about three times but I've not had it checked yet because the weather has been very bad in my area with on and off thunderstorms which makes it not possible for me to drive. I have very poor eyesight, I can barely see from my right eye due to the retina being detached and I don't feel safe driving under these circumstances. Additionally, the car started to make a noise; coming from under the hood the last time I started it which subsided once I drove it. Please advise me of what is best for me to do. I'm [XXX] and I do for myself without help nor do I have relatives near me at the moment to drive myself as I do to get my groceries and meet my doctors appointments and such. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Dec 2024
Jul 2024

I was told that the car I was buying had 83,000 miles on it. When I stepped into the car however, the odometer said that the car had 108,000 miles on it. When I asked for my money back, the used car dealership refused to refund me and told me that they don't do refunds. The name of the dealership that engaged in false advertising is Unlimited Auto Group in Marietta Georgia.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2024
Jun 2024

I was driving to work on a Monday and the transmission light came on. I took it to the dealership for a diagnostic and the service advisor said the vehicle needs a clutch replacement. The warranty 19N08 has expired since the warranty start date was back in 2015. The warranty was 7 years of warranty start date or 100,000 miles. The car is 76,000 miles and I’m stuck without a car to drive to work and no money to repair the car. Please help me and extend the warranty for this one time repair.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Mar 2024
Jun 2024

2016 Ford Focus Transmission Control Module Recall 14M02. I received a recall notice from Ford on my Transmission Control Module. I called Long-Lewis Ford in Muscle Shoals, Alabama in January 2024 and asked them when I could bring my car in for repair. I was told that I couldn't just bring it in, that I needed an appointment. Long-Lewis Ford called me on [XXX] and told me to bring my car in. I took it to Long-Lewis Ford on [XXX]. Long-Lewis Ford then parked my car outside in their parking lot for 54 days without doing anything to it. Long-Lewis Ford finally called me on [XXX] and told me to come and get my car. When I arrived at Long-Lewis Ford, the Long-Lewis Ford employee said "Here are your keys, but the car won't run. I tried to start my car, but the battery was dead from sitting in their parking lot for 54 days. I went to a parts store and bought a new battery. I installed the battery and my car started. On the way home I noticed that the transmission shift points were between 4,000 and 5,000 RPM's. The transmission would only go into Drive, Neutral and Park. It would not go into Reverse. It appears that Long-Lewis Ford did not follow the Recall Letter that requires the battery to be fully charged with a battery charger connected to the battery when programming the Transmission Control Module. Also, since Long-Lewis Ford stated the "car won't run" they never did a road test to see if my car was roadworthy. Long-Lewis Ford also told me that if I had transmission problems they would not fix it and I would have to pay for it, even though, Transmission Control Module failure can damage the Titanium disks in the transmission. ford has bought back or repaired thousands of these vehicles, but they have refused to repair mine. it is currently sitting in my yard and will not start. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2024
Mar 2024

Driver felt a "slipping" of gear while accelerating.The car then stalled at a stop light. Driver was able to get the car started again and drove it 1 mile up the road to Auto zone. Once the car got to Autozone and diagnostic test was ran, the car threw multiple codes for clutch system failure. The car was towed to ford for a through assessment. Once they got the vehicle started again the engine light came on. Upon being inspected Ford stated the Clutch System was stuck in place. The car was currently frozen in 2nd gear and was having a hard time starting. Ford was able to get the car started but the car would not move out of 2nd gear and was not able to be driven. Recommended service was a full clutch system replacement. Ford has had multiple cars recalled for the same issue but claimed the VIN was not included in the current recall.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2024
Jan 2024

I'm having problems with transmission and clutch fracture

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2024
Jan 2024

The car has issues with the transmission in changing gear. Error messages transmission over heating. The transmission over resets.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2024
Nov 2023

The transmission/clutch causes the car to sputter when accelerating which is so dangerous at red lights. When I went to the mechanic he said this is happening to does focuses all over so this sounds like a universal ford thing.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Nov 2023
Mar 2023

I was driving from Roseburg, OR to Sacramento, CA and about 40 minutes prior to arriving in Sacramento, my sunroof exploded. It even sounded like an explosion. The glass appeared to bow upwards and out with a large hole before ng in the middle, and judging by the small amount of glass being held up by the lower part of the sunroof internal cover thingy, it blew outwards. I can only assume it was associated with an elevation change, but I open my windows for short bursts regularly to cycle in fresh air so I don't think that's it. Differential heating between the glass and the solid object holding it perhaps? If the internal glass holding component is being cooled by the AC and the external glass is being heated by the sun/ambient air - I assume it can cause a compression force on the glass. It was a hot day in SAC, but not over 100 degrees. Perhaps a defect in the glass? Either way, major safety concern. If glass had fallen in eyes or the boom occured in traffic I could easily see a crash happening so someone.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Mar 2023
Oct 2022

When I start to go it lags, doesn't want to go like it gets stuck in gear. No it has not been seen by dealer but other cars the same as mine has had recalls due to the same issue. No warning lights or signal lights come on.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Feb 2022
Oct 2022

Shortly after fueling my car, it will start to act like it’s going to stall. Sometimes it stalls completely, other times I am able to accelerate the problem away. My car runs very loud, shaky, and rough. A few days ago, it stalled without any notice, and i wasn’t able to restart it. I had to have it towed to the mechanic. They are saying it could need a new fuel pump, but with the low mileage on my car no one can understand why that component of my car would be failing already.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Oct 2022
Sep 2022

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating, vibrating, and driving rough. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on multiple occasions however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated that no repairs were performed. The contact stated that the failure became more frequent and included improper acceleration. The contact stated that the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 20,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2019
Aug 2022

My TCM stopped working and now my vehicle won't go into reverse 2nd 4th gear. My dad noticed it when he tried to back it into the garage to do some maintenance on it. I have been told it will be months to fix because of a backorder. I know this is a common issue for Focus but my vehicles Vin doesn't have a recall listed.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2022
Jun 2022

The vehicle was purchased used on June 4, 2022 from Next car imports (984) 989 5000. June 10th 2022 approximately 8 pm, while stopped at a light, the car shut off. I turned the key. The car crank back up. This occurred after putting gas into the car. Being the dealership added a warranty, I called the customer service and dealership. I called the dealership and spoke with [XXX] of (next car import, Clayton, nc) agreed to take the car and have their mechanic look at. Calling the dealership was the instruction from [XXX], of First Automotive (warranty) . Next Car Import kept the car from June 13th thru June 15th. Stated they drove the car tested the car and no issue. The evening of June 15th several hours after retrieving the car, I drove 1 mile from my home to get gas and the car stopped in the middle of the road, a very busy road. Someone push the car using another car the rest of the way to the gas station. I filled the car up and it still wouldn't start, it took at least 10 minutes before cranking up. The car has shut off several more times since then. Including the scariest of all being on a busy interstate June 19, 2022 while heading home from work. Barely 2 weeks owning this car, the dealership isn't willing to take it back. I'm experiencing anxiety every time I have to get in my car. I need options INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Oct 2022
Apr 2022

Ever since I first purchased this car I have had issues with the automatic transmission. It feels like the gears are slipping whenever you speed up and the car also vibrates when speeding up and you can feel and hear the gears slipping. I took my car to Hagerstown Ford a little after I bought this car and told them about this and they just told me that they hooked it up to their "machine" and it told them that the transmission was fine but yet it still to this day, over 5 years later, is still doing the same thing but now it's also making a strange noise when going in faster speeds, anywhere from 50mph to 80mph, and really has me worried that the transmission is now failing. I have heard that many, many people have had issues with ford focus/fiesta's automatic transmissions around the same year as my car, a 2016.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Sep 2017
Feb 2022

A code of P0086 Fuel Rails System Pressure too low appears when starting a warm engine and the car stalls while accelerating. The check engine light doesn’t come on until after multiple attempts of starting the engine. The rear passenger seatbelt starts to fray and the buckle cuts into it.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2021
Nov 2021

The car would shake and jump when starting from a stop or going up hills , also feels like it’s slipping when shifting gears will not shift when going up large hills or when on Highway and passing if it needed to change gears it would slip.I called Ford dealer told them same info they said my car is not under recall , well it needed to be , I took the car to trans shop he pulled a code of Transmission Friction element a stuck on. (Tans needs repair most likely clutches,He said take it to ford , I called ford they were backed up months in advance,and acted like they had never heard of this .I called Ford Motor company told them about issue , same response never heard of it and no recalls . Took the vehicle back to dealer I purchased it from and traded it for a different brand car , just wanted you to know Ford that’s wrong! I panicked and took the car to be traded in.I hope they don’t try to sell that car like that , I was not about to let my child drive that car one more day so I took it to the thieves that sold it to me and gifted it back to them.if you have a 2016 Ford Focus and it gets 80k miles like mine was your just screwed!Ford needs to fix these cars I’ll never trust Ford again.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Nov 2021
Nov 2021

I believe it was the fuel system that failed. The safety of myself, my child, and other drivers was at risk. The Ford dealer I spoke to said my vehichle is not affected by the recall that causes this issue (18S32). The auto center I took the car to could not reproduce the incident. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance. The check engine light was on at the time of the incident. I was at a stop at an intersection. When I was ready to proceed, I pressed the accelerator and the engine died. Pressing the gas did nothing. I was partially through the intersection where cross traffic does not stop when this happened. I turned the car off and back on and was able to get the car moving. This happened twice that night. The auto shop checked for error codes and found the following: P1450 No DTC definition found, P2195 O2 sensor signal biased, and P0507 Idle air control system revolutions per minute higher than expected. The auto center suggested I take the car back to the dealer for inspection as they can not diagnose. I fear for my family's safety while driving. I feel this problem is caused by the excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system (Recall 18S32).

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Nov 2021
Nov 2021

UNKNOWN, The car stalls and the engine misfires. The check engine light comes on after that. While driving, the car suddenly stalls without warning. This has happen on multiple occasions.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Nov 2021
Sep 2021

My 2016 Ford Focus shakes when accelerating from a stop. From the 2nd to 3rd Rpm, it stalls and vibrates and sometimes jerks backwards. I have taken it to the dealership and they won't look at since its out of warranty. This has been happening for a couple of months.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Sep 2021
Sep 2021

I was driving down the interstate and the car died with no warning. I was able to get to side of road and checked to see what was going on. Nothing looked weird. I started the ignition and the car started right back up. I took it to mechanic but could not find anything. It happened a again a few weeks later. No check engine light or any warning lights ever came on.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Feb 2021
Aug 2021

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled and shut off. The contact stated that after waiting for several minutes the contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 36,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2021

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2016 Ford Focus has 52 UNKNOWN OR OTHER complaints on file. 1 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.