2016 Ford Focus Problems And Complaints

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Rating7.8

Ranked #5 in 

Compact Sedan
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$17,225 - $35,900
Starting Price 

Users Opinions on 2016 Ford Focus

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Disliked by Users

  • M

    Megan

    27/10/2023

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    This car has endless issues with the transmission. Not surprisingly no transmission shop will touch it because they are such a big problem that never seems to end. That of course leaves you with the dealership who is always so expensive. You can find an extreme amount of articles andRead More

    Source: edmunds

  • A

    A

    29/10/2021

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    It drives horribly, it shudders and has a terrible transmission that is jerky and will break. My clutch has to be replaced and it's $3000, I even called customer service and they were unhelpful. Ford has had many lawsuits filed against them for this car, specifically the transmission. Do not buy this, it is not worthRead More

    Source: edmunds

  • P

    Paul

    22/02/2021

    Rating:

    (2 Out Of 5 stars)

    I bought a 2016 ford focus brand new and like everyone else I had shifting problems. Got it fixed and runs great now. Around 60,000 miles my radio speakers started crackling, not all the time but a monthRead More

    Source: edmunds

2016 Ford Focus sedan Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and Which Year to Avoid

7

Recalls

3

Investigations

1154

Complaints
Overall Safety Rating
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 7, 2024

We are big fans of compact sedans and how they are so value-for-money. The 2016 Ford Focus is one of them and surprises us with its able handling, good infotainment features, and awesome cabin. But this year alone, the car has reported 631 complaints and has been recalled 5 times in total. Some of the most common issues are transmission problems, engine problems, power steering issues, and so on. Starting at an MSRP of $18,085, it competes against the likes of the Hyundai Elantra, the Honda Civic, and the Toyota Corolla. Read on to find out more about the 2016 Ford Focus problems.

2016 Ford Focus User Complaints and Problems

Mechanical problems:

  • There is a widespread problem with the 2016 Ford Focus coolant leak. This would result in the engine and transmission of the car running hot and failing subsequently.
  • Many owners have also had a complete loss of motive power and had to stop their cars. This is covered in the recall and is another one of the 2016 Ford Focus transmission problems.
  • Although very few in number, some cases have resulted in the engine completely going up in flames and threatening the life and safety of the people using the car.
  • An oil pump failure is also known to cause catastrophic engine problems that result in the manufacturer recommending that the whole engine be replaced.
  • The idling of the car is often erratic and will change the speed randomly.
  • Many owners have also complained about the transmission of the car slipping and failing to select the right gear. The manufacturer has duly issued a 2016 Ford Focus automatic transmission recall and fixed some of the issues. It is the most common problem with the car and it is often accompanied by grinding noises.
  • There have been multiple failures of the subframe detaching from the car. This is an imminent safety risk and can cause a lot of damage during crashes.
  • One of the most common problems is a 2016 Ford Focus steering assist fault that results in the steering becoming heavier and harder to maneuver.
  • A few complaints about the fuel rail system have also been reported.
  • Many cars have also stalled and vibrated to a stop. The car does not respond to inputs from the gas pedal at this point. The problem is quite common and is supported very widely. It is one of the most common issues with the car.
  • There are a few instances of Ford Focus brake problems as well. Usually, the brake pedal stops responding due to a fault with the vacuum pump. In other cases, it causes a loud screeching sound while braking.
  • The lug nuts of the car are also prone to getting swollen, making it hard to remove the wheels. It is a very common issue.

Electrical system problems:

  • There are a few complaints about the fuel gauge not reading the exact fuel level. According to some owners, it is due to the canister purge valve releasing the excessive vacuum and causing the plastic tank to deform.
  • In a few cases, the charging cable overheats and creates a burn mark on the outlet.
  • The Sync system used for infotainment is also prone to many complaints and gets disconnected or freezes often. It is one of the most common 2016 Ford Focus electrical problems.
  • Several electrical systems in the car have thrown up warnings and malfunctioned. It is common to have the headlamps, instrument panel, and so on going out.
  • Other owners have had the trunk open randomly. It seems to be a common issue that has affected a large number of cars.
  • Several cars have had the windshield wipers stopping to work or freezing in the middle of the windshield. 2016 Ford Focus windshield wiper problems are quite common.

Interior problems:

  • The driver seat of this car is prone to failure of the frame and will move side to side during turns. It can also be a safety risk.

Safety problems:

  • There are quite a few complaints stating that the airbags failed to deploy in situations where they could have saved lives. And in other cases where it was deployed, it failed to do so properly.

Exterior problems:

  • The door locks of this car also have the issue of not locking correctly.
  • There are many complaints about the headlights of the car melting and failing. Despite being replaced multiple times, the issue can re-occur.
  • The taillights can also fail due to water getting inside the system.
  • Multiple complaints regarding water leaks have also been recorded and the main problem media seems to be from the trunk.
  • A few contacts have also reported that the sunroof exploded or the windshield exploded.

Miscellaneous problems:

  • Multiple complaints about the manufacturer not making parts for the recall available on time have been registered.

2016 Ford Focus Recalls

S. No.

Date

NHTSA Campaign Number

Issues Noticed

Additional Remarks

Remedy

1

November 28, 2018

18V845000

Clutch slip and fluid leak

The clutch can fracture and damage the transmission

Dealers will update software that detects clutch slip and replace the clutch if necessary

2

October 22, 2018

18V735000

Stuck canister purge valves will cause stall

Canister purge valves may have malfunctioned and introduce excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system

Dealers will replace the canister purge valves and reprogram the powertrain control module

3

March 12, 2018

18V169000

Clutch slip and fluid leak

The clutch can fracture and damage the transmission

Dealers will update software that detects clutch slip and replace the clutch if necessary

4

January 24, 2017

17V052000

Improper weld joins on floor pan

Improperly welded apron joints can reduce the structural integrity of the vehicle

Dealers will inspect and repair the vehicle is necessary

5

June 28, 2016

16V479000

Loss of motive power from pinion gear

A fractured pinion shaft can cause loss of motive power.

Dealers will replace the differential assembly

Should you buy the 2016 Ford Focus?

The 2016 Ford Focus is a car that plans to take on a segment with intense competition. Although it has reported a large number of complaints, the fact is that the manufacturer has followed that up with the recall that covered the issue. Its main problem is the transmission failing as well as the engine stalling. In its category, it would still be classified as an unreliable car and hence we would not recommend it over the 2016 Honda Civic.

  • Complaints
  • Recalls
  • Investigations
  • Manufacturer Communications

September 25, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11689761

Components: 100000 POWER TRAIN

NHTSA ID Number:
11689761

Incident Date:
September 25, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
1FADP3F23GL

Consumer Location:
YUMA, AZ

Summary
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH and depressing the accelerato...

September 11, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11686601

Components: 100000 POWER TRAIN

NHTSA ID Number:
11686601

Incident Date:
September 11, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
1FADP3K24GL

Consumer Location:
MARCUS, IA

Summary
I was driving the car other all of a sudden died on me and told me to put it in park I put it in park and...

September 9, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11686119

Components: 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

NHTSA ID Number:
11686119

Incident Date:
September 9, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
1FADP3K23GL

Consumer Location:
NOKESVILLE, VA

Summary
The rear view camera does not work most of the time. Hasn't for years. Seems Ford can't make a rear vie...

August 21, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11682072

Components: 060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

NHTSA ID Number:
11682072

Incident Date:
August 21, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
1FADP3FE7GL

Consumer Location:
WAYNE, MI

Summary
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her granddaughter was driving approxima...

August 20, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11681796

Components: 100000 POWER TRAIN

NHTSA ID Number:
11681796

Incident Date:
August 20, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
1FADP3E2XGL

Consumer Location:
CHARLOTTE, NC

Summary
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the ve...

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