CARFOCALvehicle research
Research CarsCompareRankingsArticles
  1. Home›
  2. Manufacturers›
  3. Ford›
  4. Focus›
  5. 2016›
  6. Complaints

2016 Ford Focus Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20263 Critical Recalls
Ethan Miller
2016 Ford Focus Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2016 Ford Focus has 1,518 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve power train and engine.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

4.5/ 10

Based on 1,518 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

POWER TRAIN

602 39.7%

ENGINE

222 14.6%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

158 10.4%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

102 6.7%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

74 4.9%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is POWER TRAIN, accounting for 39.7% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 51 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

Subscribe to Recall Alerts

Get notified when a new recall or important ownership update lands for the 2016 Ford Focus.

Free alerts based on U.S. recall data. Unsubscribe anytime.

Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2016 Ford Focus

The 2016 Ford Focus has 1,518 owner complaints in this dataset. POWER TRAIN is the most common complaint category, representing about 40% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2016 Ford Focus are POWER TRAIN (602), ENGINE (222), FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (158).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 648 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2016 Ford Focus?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2017 Focus complaints2015 Focus complaints2018 Focus complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 21 of 21 systems

POWER TRAIN

83 Reports33% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE TRANSMISSION ON THIS VEHICLE SHUDDERS, ESPECIALLY WHEN CORNERING . THIS SHUDDER HAS BECOME MORE PRONOUNCED,

5/11/2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED LUNGING, THE RPM WENT ABNORMALLY HIGH, AND THE WINDSHIELD SHATTERED AFTER AN INSECT FLEW INTO A WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FELT ABNORMAL AS THOUGH IT WAS LACKING POWER DURING TURNS AND THROUGH NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS FRACTURED, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED FOR THE OTHER FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 13,646. UPDATED 09/08/16*LJ *CN

7/18/2016

81 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

44 Reports18% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY 2016 FORD FOCUS HAS 5500 MILES ON IT AND IT OVERHEATED LAST WEEK, FORD TOWED TO DEALER AND AFTER A FEW DAYS GOT A CALL STATING THERE WAS A ENGINE PROBLEM AND THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I ASKED IF THEY COULD JUST GIVE ME A NEW VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE LOW MILLAGE AND I WAS TO NO BY DISTRICT SERVICE MANAGER. LAST FORD I BUY

7/26/2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHUTTERED AND EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. THE CHECKING ENGINE AND SERVICE CAR SOON WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER FOR A SECOND TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE DEALER OF THE RECURRING FAILURE AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE PERFORMED AS INTENDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10.

8/16/2016

42 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

20 Reports8% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED LUNGING, THE RPM WENT ABNORMALLY HIGH, AND THE WINDSHIELD SHATTERED AFTER AN INSECT FLEW INTO A WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FELT ABNORMAL AS THOUGH IT WAS LACKING POWER DURING TURNS AND THROUGH NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS FRACTURED, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED FOR THE OTHER FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 13,646. UPDATED 09/08/16*LJ *CN

7/18/2016

RODENTS CHEWED THROUGH WIRING BECAUSE THE WIRE IS MADE FROM SOYBEANS. POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. MAKES CAR INOPERABLE. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR SEVERAL YEARS PRIOR TO 2016. MANUFACTURER SHOULD HAVE FIXED THIS PROBLEM BY SUBSTITUTING WIRING THAT DOES NOT ATTRACT RODENTS. MANUFACTURER (FORD) SHOULD MAKE THIS RIGHT. THE COST OF REPAIRS SHOULD NOT BE BORNE BY CUSTOMERS.

2/7/2017

18 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

19 Reports8% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 95 APPROXIMATELY 65 MILES PER HOUR SOUTHBOUND I HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION, I DID NOT FEEL ANY IMPACT ON THE AUTOMOBILE BUT BEGAN TO HEAR RATTLING ON THE TOP OF THE ROOF. WHEN I PULLED OVER, I SAW THAT SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED AND EXPLODED. THE SUNROOF COVER ON THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS CLOSED AND HAD NOT BEEN OPENED. NO OBJECT HIT THE SUNROOF, IT JUST EXPLODED. I HAVE PICTURES. NO OTHER DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE ANYWHERE.

2/22/2016

CAR WAS DRIVING FINE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WOULDN'T ACCELERATE PROPERLY. ACCELERATOR WAS PUSH TO THE FLOOR, RPM'S WENT UP TO 6,000, CAR WAS JERKY. AT 6,000 RPM THE CAR WOULDN'T GO FASTER THAN 40 MILES PER HOUR. SPEED LIMIT WAS 50. THERE WAS NO WARNING AND NO DASH INDICATOR LIGHTS CAME ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED 2 TIMES ON THIS VEHICLE, ONCE IN OCTOBER 2016 AND ONCE ON APRIL 1, 2017. AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT, I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A DEALER. THEY STATED IT WAS A COMPUTER PROBLEM AND REPROGRAMED MY CAR. IN BETWEEN THE TWO INCIDENTS, I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY DATED FEBRUARY 2017. THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE CAR "MAY EXHIBIT SYMPTOMS OF INTERMITTENT LOSS OF TRANSMISSION ENGAGEMENT WHILE DRIVING, NO-START, OR LACK OF POWER, USUALLY ACCOMPANIED BY AN ILLUMINATED SERVICE ENGINE SOON ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER." THE LETTER AUTHORIZES REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE, BUT IT IS THE OPINION OF THE DEALER AND FORD MOTOR CO. THAT THEY HAVE TO SEE THE PROBLEM IN ACTION FOR THEM TO REPLACE IT. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM AND HAS A HIGH PROBABILITY OF CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER. I AM NOT CONFIDENT THAT THEY WILL FIX THE PROBLEM.

4/5/2017

17 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

17 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

BOUGHT THIS CAR THIS SPRING AND BEEN HAVING SHIFTING PROBLEMS. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT IS NORMAL FOR THIS CAR. IT FEELS LIKE A MISFIRE BUT IT THE ELECTRONIC SHIFTED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. IF I KNEW THIS BEFORE I BOUGHT THE CAR I WOULD NOT HAVE.

9/27/2016

WHEN YOU STEP ON GAS PEDAL IT ISATATES AND RPM JUMPS UP AND IT SHAKES BEEN DOING IT SENSE I BOUGHT IT

7/14/2018

15 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

13 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I BOUGHT MY NEW CAR FORD FOCUS 2016 THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED COMPLETELY AND THE CAR WAS IN DRIVE I DID NOT HIT THE GAS PEDAL, BUT THE CAR STARTED GOING BACK AND FORTH, THE CAR MOVED FORWARD ABOUT 10 FEET AND I CAUSED A CRASH. MILES 9,498 THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND NOTHING WRONG WAS FOUND.

6/27/2016

I AM WRITING TO REPORT A PROBLEM WITH DELAYS IN GAS PEDAL RESPONSIVENESS. THIS HAS CAUSED SEVERAL POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS CONDITIONS IN THE FOLLOWING SCENARIOS: (1) THE CAR CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE AFTER THE GAS PEDAL IS LET OFF (2) THERE IS A DELAY BETWEEN PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL AND RECEIVING ACCELERATION (THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR BEING UNDER POWERED, IT CAN ACCELERATE FINE AT THE SAME RPM. HERE, IT WILL SIMPLY ACT AS IF THE ACCELERATOR IS NOT DOWN) (3) 3-POINT TURNS OR PARALLEL PARKING IN TRAFFIC CANNOT BE DONE QUICKLY/SMOOTHLY, SINCE THERE IS NO POWER FOR A FEW SECONDS ONCE THE CAR IS IN GEAR. THE CAR WILL NOT PROVIDE GAS TO THE ENGINE WHEN SHIFTED INTO GEAR. THIS IS MOST NOTICEABLE THE CAR IS FIRST SHIFTED, BUT CAN ALSO OCCUR AT STOP SIGNS. WHEN YOU RELEASE THE GAS PEDAL, THE CAR WILL CONTINUE REVVING UP, EVEN IF YOU SWITCH THE BRAKE PEDAL. DURING CONTINUOUS DRIVING, WHEN YOU RELEASE THE GAS PEDAL, THE CAR WILL CONTINUE REVVING UP, EVEN IF YOU SWITCH THE BRAKE PEDAL, BEFORE UPSHIFTING. THIS UPSHIFT WILL ALSO JOLT THE CAR FORWARD. IF THIS OCCURS DURING CORNERING, IT CAN MAKE TURNS LESS STABLE. THESE UNPREDICTABLE DELAYS AND ROUGH SHIFTS MAKE IT HARDER TO RESPOND TO DIFFERENT DRIVING CONDITIONS AND ALSO MAKE IT HARDER FOR OTHER DRIVERS TO JUDGE YOUR INTENT. FURTHER, PROBLEMS WITH JERKINESS SEEM TO INCREASE IN WARMER WEATHER. POTENTIALLY SOLVABLE WITH A SOFTWARE UPDATE, BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. TEST DROVE ANOTHER BRAND NEW VEHICLE AND FOUND SOME OF THE SAME BEHAVIORS, INDICATING IT IS AN INHERENT DESIGN PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE.

1/7/2017

11 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

12 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TAKATA RECALL THERE IS A RATTLING NOISE WHILE DRIVING, ALONG WITH VIBRATION AND TRANSMISSION SHUDDER IN SECOND GEAR. THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT WANTS TO GIVE OUT. THERE IS ALSO A GRINDING NOISE WHILE BREAKING AND TURNING. ALL OF THE CONCERNS MENTIONED ARE WHILE DRIVING REGARDLESS OF CITY STREET OR HIGHWAY. THE RATTLING NOISE WILL SOMETIMES OCCUR WHILE THE CAR IS OFF AND PARKED, ESPECIALLY RIGHT AFTER SHUTTING THE CAR OFF.

5/30/2017

WHEN DRIVING THIS VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING FAILS WITHOUT WARNING. THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD ILLUMINATES AND BEEPS S (DRIVER ASSIST FAILURE TAKE IN IMMEDIATE FOR SERVICE). THE CAR IS IS STILL MOVING. THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. THE STEERING WHEEL IS TIGHT AND HARD TO TURN. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPEN, I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I PUT MY EMERGENCY FLASHERS ON AND PROCEED WITH CAUTION TO THE PARKING LOT. WHEN I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE THE POWER STEERING WAS WORKING. THE SECOND TIME THE POWER STEERING FAILED, I WAS IN THE CENTER LANE. DRIVING 35 TO 40 MPH. TRAFFIC WAS HEAVY AND MOVING AT A STEADY PACE. THE DASH BOARD LIGHT CAME ON AND THE SYSTEM BEEPED. ( DRIVER ASSIST FAILURE TAKE IN IMMEDIATE FOR SERVICE) I WAS NOT AT A RED LIGHT THIS TIME . I TURNED ON MY EMERGENCY FLASHERS AND REDUCED MY SPEED. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED. I WAITED ABOUT 30 SECONDS AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. I DROVE IMMEDIATELY TO DEALERSHIP AND THE CAR IS IN FOR SERVICE . MY FIRST CAR PAYMENT IS NOT DUE. THIS IS A PRE OWNED CERTIFIED FORD FOCUS 2016. I WOULD LIKE FOR FORD TO REPURCHASE THIS CAR.

8/31/2017

10 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

7 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY SON WRECKED OUR BRAND NEW FORD, OVER 6,000 DANGERO. MOST OF THE DAMAGE WAS FRONT END. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. NOT A GOOD SAFETY FEATURE IF THEY DON'T WORK.

7/10/2016

WHEN THE CAR STARTS, IT DISPLAYS SEVERAL DASHBOARD WARNING MESSAGES AND CHIMES, INDICATING MALFUNCTIONING AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS, TRACTION CONTROL, AND HILL START ASSIST (MANUAL TRANSMISSION). DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED A FAULTY RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE (RCM) AND SAID THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE UNTIL THE MODULE IS REPLACED. THAT WAS TWO MONTHS AGO, AND THE DEALERSHIP STILL HASN'T FOUND THE REPLACEMENT PART.

9/24/2016

5 more complaints are available in this category.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

7 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED LUNGING, THE RPM WENT ABNORMALLY HIGH, AND THE WINDSHIELD SHATTERED AFTER AN INSECT FLEW INTO A WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FELT ABNORMAL AS THOUGH IT WAS LACKING POWER DURING TURNS AND THROUGH NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS FRACTURED, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED FOR THE OTHER FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 13,646. UPDATED 09/08/16*LJ *CN

7/18/2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS IN THE RAIN, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES WOULD STOP IN MID-USE. IN ORDER FOR THE BLADES TO CONTINUE OPERATING, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL WOULD NEED TO BE TURNED AGAIN. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE, BUT DETERMINED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE NOT DESIGNED TO OPERATE ON A DRY SURFACE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,900.

1/23/2017

5 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY SON WRECKED OUR BRAND NEW FORD, OVER 6,000 DANGERO. MOST OF THE DAMAGE WAS FRONT END. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. NOT A GOOD SAFETY FEATURE IF THEY DON'T WORK.

7/10/2016

I HAVE A 2016 FORD FOCUS HATCHBACK. AS I WAS TRAVELING 65 MPR ON THE INTERSTATE WITH NO TRAFFIC AROUND AT THAT TIME. ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEAR A LOUD POP. IT SOUNDED LIKE I HAD A BLOW OUT AND THEN I HEAR GLASS SO I PULLED OVER SAFELY ONLY TO GET OUT AND SEE THAT MY SUNROOF WAS BUSTED. NOT ONLY WAS IT BUSTED BUT THE GLASS CHIPPED MY PAINT. IT WAS A VERY SCARY MOMENT. IT SOUNDED LIKE PRESSURE WAS BUILT UP WHEN IT BUSTED. THE GLASS WAS POINTED UPWARDS LIKE IT BUSTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT.

2/9/2017

4 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHEN THE CAR STARTS, IT DISPLAYS SEVERAL DASHBOARD WARNING MESSAGES AND CHIMES, INDICATING MALFUNCTIONING AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS, TRACTION CONTROL, AND HILL START ASSIST (MANUAL TRANSMISSION). DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED A FAULTY RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE (RCM) AND SAID THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE UNTIL THE MODULE IS REPLACED. THAT WAS TWO MONTHS AGO, AND THE DEALERSHIP STILL HASN'T FOUND THE REPLACEMENT PART.

9/24/2016

WHEN I CUT OFF THE CAR AND HEN GOT BACK IN EVERYTHING WAS DEAD NOTHING WOULD COME ON WOULD NOT EVEN COME OUT OF PARK IT WOULD NO DO ANYTHIMG

7/6/2018

4 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF AS WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 2PM ON FRIDAY 1/12. WE CALLED TWO DIFFERENT FORD DEALAHIPS TO GET THE CAR SERVICED. BOTH MADE AN APPT FOR THE FOLLOWING WEEK BUT NEITHER TOLD US NOT TO DRIVE THE CAR. LATER THAT DAY IF HAPPENED AGAIN AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK TO STOP THE CAR SO ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS HIT AND SUP SEQUENTALY TOTALED MY VEHICLE.

1/25/2018

TRANSMISSION FAILURE LOSS OF COMPLETE POWER JERKING SHAKING COMPLETE SHUTDOWN OF POWER WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY. DANGEROUS

2/24/2018

1 more complaint is available in this category.

WHEELS

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TIRE SEPARATED ON BOTH SIDES WALLS AT THE TIME THE TIRE MADE A BOOM NOISE. MOVE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IN MOTION ON JOB IN JACKSONVILLE.

4/18/2016

LEFT REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE EXPLODED THE ENTIRE SIDEWALL OF THE RADIAL TIRE CONTINENTAL CONTIPROCONTACT 195/65 R1591H M S RADIAL

1/21/2017

SEATS

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

DRIVERS SEAT WILL SLIDE SIDE TO SIDE DURING TURNS. ONLY SLIDES ABOUT .5" BUT SLIDES NONE THE LESS. SLIDES LEFT TO RIDE. AFTER MULTIPLE TRIPS TO THE DEALER FINALLY GETTING A NEW SEAT FRAME INSTALLED. THEY WERE VERY HESITANT, BUT THEN FOUND OUT ITS ON BACK-ORDER. BUT THIS COULD LEAD TO INJURY DURING AN ACCIDENT. AS IT MAY HAVE YOU OFF CENTER OF THE AIRBAG IF DEPLOYED. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH FOUND, OUT THIS PROBLEM ISNT FIXED WITH NEW SEAT TRACK IT WILL REAPPEAR AFTER SEVERAL MORE THOUSAND MILES OF DRIVING. STARTED TO NOTICE AROUND 7000 MILES, AND HAS GOTTON PROGRESSIVELY WORSE.

2/6/2018

DRIVER'S SEAT TRACK TO SEAT ATTACHMENT POINT BECOMES LOOSE AFTER 6K MILES, CAUSING SEAT TO MOVE DURING LATERAL LOADS. DEALER REPLACED SEAT TRACK AND ISSUE REPLICATED IN 6K MILES. DEALER FIX WAS TO USE WORM CLAMPS TO REPAIR. THEY STATE THAT THEY WENT TO AN INTERNET FORUM FOR A FIX. AFTER COMPLAINTS, DEALER REPLACED WITH ANOTHER NEW SEAT TRACK. STATE MANUFACTURER HAS NO TSB OR DESIGN CHANGE YET

4/18/2018

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

EVERY TIME IT RAINS, I KEEP ON GETTING WATER INSIDE THE HEADLIGHTS NOW THE RIGHT SIDE DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS ARE OUT, THE LEFT SIDE IS GOING OUT.THE DAYTIME RUNNING WENT OUT OCTOBER 12, 2018 THE HEADLIGHTS STARTED GETTING WATER INSIDE ABOUT 02-01-18. I HAD TO TAKE MY CAR FOR A FUEL PUMP MODULE THEY THAT IS UNDER WARRANTY FORD SAID THAT THE HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT COVERED. THERE ARE NO CRACKS IN THE HEADLIGHTS THE SERVICE WRITER SAID THAT THE SEALS MUST BE BAD TO ME THAT SOUNDS LIKE THEIR IS A DEFECT IN THE SEALS, THIS IS ALSO A SAFETY HAZARD CONSIDER MY CAR IS ONLY A 2016 2 YEARS OLD THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING.

10/16/2018

TAIL LIGHT BULB CHARRED BLACK & SOCKET MELTED .

11/26/2018

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I PURCHASE A 2016 FORD FOCUS TODAY AND THERE'S ONE OPEN RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. THE TAKATA RECALL AND I WOULD LIKE FOR THIS ISSUE TO BE FIXED BECAUSE IT SOUNDS DANGEROUS FROM THE RESEARCH I DID ON THE RECALL. PLUS I HAVE MY 1ST CAR WRECK A COUPLE MONTHS AGO AND MY CAR WAS TOTALED OUT. I WANT TO BE SAFE BEHIND THE WHEEL AND I HAVE A LITTLE BOY; WHO WILL BE A PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE I DON'T WANT MY CAR TO STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET AND CAUSE A ACCIDENT AND MY SON GET HURT. PLEASE CONTACT ME AT: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

3/13/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V735000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. WEST VALLEY CHRYSLER JEEP (21422 ROSCOE BLVD, CANOGA PARK, CA 91304, (818) 348-7510) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

4/10/2019

SEAT BELTS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WHEN THE CAR STARTS, IT DISPLAYS SEVERAL DASHBOARD WARNING MESSAGES AND CHIMES, INDICATING MALFUNCTIONING AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS, TRACTION CONTROL, AND HILL START ASSIST (MANUAL TRANSMISSION). DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED A FAULTY RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE (RCM) AND SAID THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE UNTIL THE MODULE IS REPLACED. THAT WAS TWO MONTHS AGO, AND THE DEALERSHIP STILL HASN'T FOUND THE REPLACEMENT PART.

9/24/2016

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE DID NOT ILLUMINATE BRIGHT ENOUGH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT REMEDY THE HEADLIGHT FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 188. UPDATED 06/28/17*LJ *CN

3/2/2017

SUSPENSION

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS OR STOPS SUDDEN WHEN DRIVING AND IS NOT SMOOTH WHEN STOPPING . ITS HARD TO CONTROL THE BRAKE TOO. MAKES NOISE.

5/1/2018

TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPARE TIRE FAILED TO FIT ON THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS TOO SMALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RIVERSIDE FORD (5900 SYCAMORE CANYON BLVD, RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA 92507, 888) 984-4430), BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT ASSIST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

7/26/2018

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS MALFUNCTIONING. THE DEALER (KEARNY PEARSON FORD, 7303 CLAIREMONT MESA BLVD, SAN DIEGO, CA 92111, (858) 560-5544) REPAIRED THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE BACK IN OCTOBER OF 2018, BUT THE VEHICLE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SLOWLY PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V735000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED IN OCTOBER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

1/25/2019

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2016 Ford Focus?

The most reported complaint category for the 2016 Ford Focus is POWER TRAIN, with 602 owner reports. That is about 40% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2016 Ford Focus a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 648 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2016 Ford Focus?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2016 Ford Focus severe?

648 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Ford Focus: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
1,518
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

We may earn a commission via links on this page.

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

Start here

Buyer guideMaintenance guideRecall reportTuning guide

Get recall and ownership alerts for the 2016 Ford Focus

Get our free model-year alerts and ownership updates.

Sign Up

We may earn a commission if you buy parts through our links. Learn more.

Carfocal

Automotive Research

Real data on vehicle reliability, safety, and ownership costs.

  • Used Car Research
  • Reliability Rankings
  • Buying Guides

  • Data Sources & Methodology
  • Editorial Standards
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Legal Disclosures
  • Terms of Service

© 2026 Carfocal · All Rights Reserved