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ProblemsByVinFile / 2016-FORD-FOCUSNHTSA data synced 3 days ago
2016 · Ford
Ford Focus problems
1,183 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. 2 active recall campaigns on file.
Reliability score
6.2 / 10
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2016 Focus?
High-risk ownership
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
Electrical system: 45 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 29,890–74,897 mi
Steering: 45 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 32,200–75,000 mi
Reliability score 6.2/10 — around the segment average
2 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2016 Focus· engine
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights…
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Ford focus. In december of 2018, the contact took the vehicle to an unknown dealer to be repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 18v735000 (engine); however, the repair did not correct the failure. When the contact attempted to start the engine, the…
A known defect with the clutch is causing the transmission to slip when switching gears. Ford knows about this defect and yet did not issue a recall/extended warranty for all of the transmissions affected, only some. It's a $1500-$2000 repair and it's ridiculous that we should…
Had a problem with your 2016 Ford Focus?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 Focus and C-Max vehicles
Improperly welded apron joints may reduce the front-end structural integrity of the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the apron joints, repairing the vehicle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S03.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Fusion vehicles equipped with a 1
A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Focus vehicles with software that detects and prevents prolonged clutch slip, and will replace the clutch, as necessary, free of charge. Owners of Fusion vehicles will have their clutch assembly replaced free of charge. The recall began August 3, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S07.
Under investigation
1 open at NHTSA
PEEngine And Engine Cooling › Engine · opened December 2025
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. PE25020 on NHTSA →
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.2 out of 10 based on 1,183 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Ford Focus has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2016 Ford Focus?
The 2016 Ford Focus is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Electrical system: 45 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 29,890–74,897 mi; Steering: 45 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 32,200–75,000 mi; Reliability score 6.2/10 — around the segment average; 2 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2016 Ford Focus?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 653 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 65,309 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 65,309 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Ford Focus has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Ford Focus?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 1,183 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 3 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Ford/Focus.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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