2016 Ford Focus’ Problems Include Engine Stall, Power Steering Failure, and Clutch Slippage

Gilbert Smith

Jan 23, 2022

The 2016 Focus has had its share of problems, but Ford has so far addressed most of the major items with recalls. Still, reports of the engine stalling continue to trickle in.

Key Points

The 2016 Ford Focus has been hit with six recalls, the biggest covering over one million units for stuck canister purge valves, resulting in engine stall.
Clutch slip has been reported as a recurring issue in the 2016 Focus, with two recalls having been issued on the matter and complaints still rolling in.
There are currently 28 complaints pertaining to the steering system, with power assist reportedly having a tendency to fail.
With recalls already issued for most major problems, and those that aren’t being relatively rare, the 2016 Ford Focus is a decent car, especially with its low annual maintenance costs and under $10,000 starting price.

Stuck Canister Purge Valve in 2016 Focus may Result in Engine Stall

The 2016 Ford Focus has six recalls on file with the NHTSA. Most of these are relatively minor, including a January 2017 recall for improper weld joints in just 17 units, and a pinion gear issue in 865 units, addressed in June 2016.

The biggest recall was the one issued in October of 2018 for a stuck canister purge valve. The resulting vacuum was seen to cause engine stall. This recall covered 1,282,596 Focus units dated 2011-2018 and equipped with 2.0L engines.

Despite the recall, new complaints on the issue continue to roll in. An Orlando driver reports of a July 2021 incident that the excess vacuum resulting from the stuck valve caused their fuel tank to deform, resulting in inaccurate fuel gauge readings.

These newer reports of excess vacuum make up a relative minority of the 115 engine complaints on file with the NHTSA, but they do continue to pop up from time to time and are worth making a note of.

Whether these reports suggest that the recall did not cover all affected units, or these reports were registered by drivers who neglected to check their VIN to see if they were covered by the recall, we can’t say. In any event, you’ll want to run the Vehicle Identification Number when buying a Ford Focus (or any car for that matter) so that you can be certain that you’ve claimed all of the free repairs to which you’re entitled.

Ford Recalled the 2016 Focus Over Clutch Slip, but that may not be the End of it

Out of 579 NHTSA complaints, 314 are listed under powertrain. In January of 2022, one driver reported that their clutch has a tendency to slip, eventually resulting in a $2,500 trip to the shop. In June of 2018, another reported shaking and shuddering. Several more drivers report “abnormal sounds” coming from under the vehicle.

Basically, we’re seeing all the symptoms of a clutch that needs to be replaced.

There have actually been two recalls for transmission clutch slip. First, in March of 2018, Ford issued a recall for 5,361 Focus vehicles, including a number of 2016 units with 1.0L GTDI engines and six-speed manual transmissions. A follow-up recall was issued in November of 2018 for 2,828 units.

In affected units, the concern was that the clutch could fracture, slip, leak fluid, and potentially catch the engine on fire.

There’s a lot that can go wrong with a powertrain. So there’s no way of being absolutely certain that the problem covered in the recalls is exactly the same as the problems encountered in the most recent complaints listed on the NHTSA website.

Complaints Regarding the Power Steering System in the 2016 Ford Focus are Few, but Counting

With 28 complaints on record, the steering issues found in the 2016 Ford Focus might not be as common as, say, electrical system complaints, with 48 reports, but the potential severity of the problem makes it worth consideration for anyone thinking of buying a Focus.

The steering complaints are the same story again and again: the driver gets a “steering assist fault” warning, and the power steering goes out entirely. You can still turn, but it takes a lot more physical effort to do so. This is annoying when it happens at low speeds, but very dangerous at high speeds, where you need your car to be more responsive.

The rate of incidence is very low, thankfully, but that can be a problem in its own right: when the problem isn’t very common, there likely won’t be enough complaints registered with the NHTSA to justify an investigation, which means that you can only expect a recall if Ford decides to issue one themselves.

The failure mileage averages between 25,000 and 50,000. But, considering that not all 2016 cars have even passed 50,000 miles on the odometer as of the time of this writing, these numbers may have more to do with the age of the car than with the mileage at which one can expect the power steering to go out.

In a few more years, as more and more Focus drivers begin clocking six figures on the odometer, there may be enough complaints on file to necessitate a recall. For the time being, the car has just fallen out of warranty, and the NHTSA has yet to investigate. So, even though the rate of incidence is fairly low, those repairs will come out of the driver’s pocket if and when they do happen.

Despite a Handful of Issues, the 2016 Ford Focus Remains a Smart Buy

While the 2016 Ford Focus has its share of issues, its biggest problems have been addressed by recalls, and others are reported at such low rates of incidence that you might as well worry about being struck by lightning rather than losing your power steering. For a six-year-old compact, you could do a lot worse.

With Kelley Blue Book prices starting at under $10,000, annual repair costs estimated at just $543, and a five-star safety rating with the NHTSA, the 2016 Ford Focus is one of the better American-made compacts you’re going to find on the used market today if you’re after a dependable grocery-getter.

Photos: Ford

Frequently Asked Questions

By Josh Barrett | Jan 23, 2022

Does the 2016 Ford Focus have Transmission Issues?

The NHTSA has registered six recalls for the 2016 Ford Focus, three of which pertain to the transmission. In two recalls, fluid leaks can increase the risk of fire where there is an ignition source such as a hot engine. The third recall is due to a loss of motor power leading to the transmission shifting to park while driving.

Owner Reviews

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Krissy on August 10, 2023

Horrible car

I had a 2016 ford focus.I bought it brand new. My first brand new car and what a horrible traumatizing experience. A few months after having the car the power steering went . The tires popped so easily, I went through multiple tires. I had to have the focus towed to the dealership because nobody could take off the caps! I can’t tell you how many times this has happened…. The transmission started slipping. It would overheat and tell me to pull over. I was on a road trip to Florida 18 hours away when this was happening and I was so anxious I wouldn’t make it home….. That never happened before until the trip to Florida. Oil leak after oil leak. Finally, I paid it off in January of 2023 and guess what? Right after I paid it off it had to go right to the shop for kore repair. I finally had enough and traded it in and got a new car…. I will never go with Ford again ! I have a Subaru now and it’s dream! Please before you buy this car look up all of the recalls I believe there is around 5-6! I had more problems then what I listed above! Also had a coolant leak and had to get it repaired twice! Many other issues I had but too much to list! Just stay away from this car! There is a reason Ford is discontinuing it

Lina on April 11, 2023

Horrible

I was sold the car in 2021. Without any prior notice of the car being considered of a class action lawsuit. The car stop in mid traffic three time while I was driving with my family. The clutch started messing up and which resulted in transmission issues. Basically over 5,000 worth of damages. And it liable to catch fire as well. And to find out the manufacture warranty expired in 2020 of November. Which means it does not cover any lessor after that date. Which mean those who pay out of pocket will be paying damages up to 20,000 because the clutch would need to be replaced every 50,000 miles. Anyone that is experiencing issues with 2016 Ford Focus report it to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. So the vehicle parts can be recalled and fix by the Company.

Ivy B on September 18, 2021

American made does not mean better made.

I am currently leasing my 2016 Ford Focus. I was super excited to start because it being a new car, I thought would have few issues with it to none at all. I know every now and then small stuff comes up but for after having it a year and a half, I had to have my whole transmission replaced and I was not told by Ford that it had been recalled. About 8 months later, I randomly got a message that my car was overheating and it was very obvious because smoke started coming from my hood and I could smell burnt rubber. I was lucky I had full coverage on my car. I am just someone who wants a car that gets me to places so I was disappointed to find out this 2016 car was much worse than the 1996 Honda Accord that I had previously.

Jes on November 26, 2022

Avoid this car at all costs because it will cost more than it's worth to fix it and keep it running!

I literally HATE this car. It is the WORST car I have ever owned and I have owned a lot of cars. I have had issues with almost everything...let me list them. *Fuel pump replaced *High injection fuel pump replaced *never stays in alignment *replaced entire front end moving parts *replaced wheel bearings, twice *replaced clutch, 3 times and needs it again *weak points creating leaks *main seal needs replaced right now (newest news to repair) *MAF and Throttle body *air conditioner pump needs replaced *purge valve canister issues *sensors always going out needing replaced *new battery OOPS LOOKS LIKE YOUR WARRANTY IS EXPIRED, please don't buy this car.

Dylan F on July 16, 2022

Many problems

I got the car with 19,000 miles. Around 35,000 miles it started to act like something was wrong with the transmission. I drove it another 20,000 miles before I took it in. Turns out I had a “dry clutch” and 1,500 bucks later it was goin again. I has a little shake while taking off and they said it was normal for these cars. I just had to put a new evap purge valve in the car. 70 bucks from the parts store and 10 minutes later I had it fixed. I now have 80,000 miles on the car and I just want to get rid of it because of all the talk of the transmission going bad is so common.

Amber S. on June 4, 2022

Crappy transmission

Ever since I bought my focus brand new in late 2016, I have had issues with the transmission slipping and when taking off the car vibrates and shakes and sometimes the rpms jump all over the place and the car will rev up for no reason. I took my car back to the Ford dealership while it was still under warranty and they said they checked my transmission and it was fine, that nothing was wrong. Now I have a little over 90k miles on it and the car is making a strange noise that just started maybe 2 weeks ago. I'm so over it.

Jessica C on December 1, 2021

Buyer beware. Read lots of reviews first

Transmission issues with vehicle when under 10k miles. Small and uncomfortable barely has room for my family. Have had to take it to be repaired several times and vehicle currently has 25k miles. Ford is denying issues with vehicles transmission and does barely minimum to repair it. Recently has started having issues with the air conditioner working correctly. Vehicle does not hold value well therefore am stuck in an upside down loan and cannot trade it in for something better

Amecia on August 2, 2022

Don't do it

I have had this car for 3 years and it has been in the shop more than I have driven it. It has had the clutch replaced 8 times in 3 years. It goes out every 3 to 4 months. Now the clutch is failing again and ford has decided to tell me they will not fix it anymore, that they have fixed it too many times. Is it my fault that ford decided to put a faulty part in a car that can't be fixed just bandaged up until it falls apart again? I am so over this car and ford!

Ryan H on December 30, 2021

Low reliability.

Breaking is terrible as it is very sensitive. The reliability falls short. A tire has already popped and my and wife and I keep hearing weird clunking noises from the engine which Ford has already changed out a part but we still hear it. Have a feeling it'll break soon. Only has 25k miles on it. Get the extended warranty with Ford to cover yourself.

Melissa C on August 24, 2021

Transmission Problems cloud an easy-to-drive vehicle

Unfortunately, the automatic transmission has a lot of problems and was even the subject of a class action lawsuit. It has trouble shifting in the lower gears and doesn't always know when to shift up. There is a manual override but it's not intuitive to use and the system often overrides it, so there's not much ability to control the transmission.

Ashleigh H on October 29, 2021

Fords will always have transmission issues.

My car is only 2 years old and I have already had to replace parts in the transmissions twice and something is wrong again. It is shakes when I try to accelerate and when I get to a certain speed on the interstate it shakes and it makes me feel unsafe. I am constantly having issues. I plan on getting rid of it soon.

Kerrie Holiday on August 9, 2021

Engine seized

Awful car- belt in engine blew apart at 64,000 miles and seized the engine- it had extended warranty and ford won't replace the engine - never again will I own a ford- took it in three times in three months before it happened for engine being loud- they did road tests and said all was good !!!

Raven H on June 18, 2021

Small car with minor errors.

It is shaky at times when you go to start. It makes it weird feeling while driving. It also is very small on the inside. Not a car for someone with children. I would prefer to have a car with more leg room in the back. I just wish it was a little better and didn't have transmission problems.

Ashley J on October 21, 2021

Unfortunate issues on a could've been great car.

It has a recall on it due to the clutch. I have had it serviced 3 times due to this problem. It is not able to be permanently fixed. When the air is running it also feels like it is going to stall. You have to drive it real slow when starting from a stop to get it going or it will rev up.

Emily W on October 16, 2021

Very disappointed in the car

I first loved my car but after the first year I've had nothing but problems with the vehicle. It's always been taken care of on time when it's suppose to and every time it was taken to the dealership I was told there wasn't a problem. Won't ever buy a Ford again.

Shaurese Hester on March 2, 2022

The car I not worth the money

I have had problems with my transmission and it jerks when I pull off. I have had a new transmission put in. Also, the car was brought used and I'm 5'9 and no leg room I have to duck my head when I get in .I don't like it and I'm seeing about returning it.

T. Evans on June 4, 2022

2016 ford focus hatchback se

I just bought my 2016 ford focus with only 96,000 miles in May of 2021 and wasn't told there was an extended warranty for the issue until I had over a 107,000 and now I'm having trouble with the clutch in the transmission. Any advice on what I can be done

Johnny on May 23, 2022

The automatics transmissions s**k, rest pretty solid

Anyone who says they will never buy a Ford over one repeating problem due to a part used for like five years in two different vehicles needs to settle. But yes, if you buy an auto trans you will have a $2000 fix or so every two or three years.

Johnny on May 23, 2022

The automatics transmissions s**k, rest pretty solid

Rick on June 12, 2022

Blown engine and transmission

The engine blew up at 74000 miles due to an oil pump drive belt that was not supposed to be serviced until a 150000 miles. Then the transmission went out at 79,000. $11,000 for both. It's insane. I hate even giving them 1 star

Kay S on January 11, 2022

Too small for a family of 4.

It is very small inside. Not much leg room for the people who sit in the back. Trunk space small. Windshield not great quality. Have had 2 cracks in it I am under a year from gravel being thrown up from the cats in front.

Brandon Anderson on February 1, 2023

TCM failure

After frequent transmission slipping the TCM failed. I attempted to fix at Ford but can't get the part any time soon. The car has about 37,500 miles. I'm not dealing with anything Ford anymore from this experience.

Kim R on September 27, 2021

It's not built in America. Was built in Mexico with cheap parts.

9 months after I bought it, the a/c goes out. It was in service center for another 9 months off and on. Finally got it fixed but no help from Ford motor company. Will never buy a Ford again.

Mel H on September 3, 2021

The car has a defective clutch system that will continue to need replacement until Ford fixes the issue

There is known issue with the clutches that Ford has not been able to successfully resolve and we continue to have to take the vehicle into have it serviced and the clutch replaced

Taylor H on September 27, 2021

Commuting to and from work

Clutch issues in automatic transmission vehicle. Smaller back seat and limited leg room in front seat. May be an issue for taller drivers. A few blind spots in the front.

Lindsay A on September 27, 2021

Ford focuses have terrible transmissions.

My car has 30k on it and the transmission is slipping. Focuses have always had bad transmissions and I did not know that until I had already bought the car.

Stephanie W on July 19, 2021

Annoying at times.

Ever since I bought it new the car shakes a little when stopping then going. I was told that it was normal because it adjusts to the driver.

Anita E on November 23, 2021

It has transmission problems.No one should buy one. Ford needs to address the issue.

The transmission has problems and has from the start. Ford apparently knew about this issue and has done nothing to fix it.

Sylvia solis on August 27, 2021

Safety

Having to deal with the transmission/clutch is a complete headache. I don’t feel safe in this vehicle. Do not recommend.

Danielle C on June 22, 2021

I would not recommend to anyone due to the numerous issues.

It constantly breaks when it is only 2 years old. We have had it in the shop for multiple large repairs.

Dumbo on November 26, 2021

Run. Fast.

Piece of s**t with endless recalls that never fix the problem. Junk. Lemon.

emily M on August 10, 2021

The car has transmission problems

Dislike: small, not very much trunk space, transmission problems