Home · 2016 Ford Focus Bev · Complaints

What 1,137 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Focus Bev

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (1,137)Crash / fire / injury (31)Transmission & drivetrain (646)Engine (218)Fuel system (215)Electrical system (77)Engine & cooling (46)Steering (45)Speed control (34)Wheels (15)Airbags (14)Body & structure (14)

Newest first · 1,137 complaints · page 20 of 46

Aug 11, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated he notice that the check engine warning light was illuminated, while driving at 15 MPH. The contact felt the gear shifted roughly. The contact stated at a different occasion the vehicle would not start, the contact had to crank the engine several times for the vehicle to start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they stated that the Transmission Control Module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and the contact informed them that his vehicle was experiencing the same failure as Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02 – Transmission Control Module Extended Warranty Coverage – 2011-2015 Ford Fiesta & 2012-2016 Focus and they stated the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 83,000.

NHTSA ODI 11478807

Aug 9, 2022Transmission & drivetrainEngine

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11478430

Aug 5, 2022Fuel systemEngine

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle occasionally was unable to restart right after refueling. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

NHTSA ODI 11477845

Aug 5, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the transmission warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over and waited until the vehicle cooled down. The contact stated that when she restarted the vehicle, the vehicle would not accelerate as needed. The contact stated that after several minutes, the vehicle started to operate as designed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that they could not assist because the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was 106,000.

NHTSA ODI 11477859

Aug 1, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH and merging into traffic, the vehicle inadvertently shifted out of gear and the engine started revving loudly. The contact depressed the accelerator, and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated to 25 MPH and the transmission independently shifted back into drive (D). The contact stated that no warning light was illuminated. The failure had become recurring. Additionally, the contact stated that it then became difficult to shift into reverse (R). The vehicle was also occasionally difficult to start. The contact stated that after shifting from park (P) to drive (D) with the vehicle turned off, there was a message displayed stating that “Transmission Ready”, start the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to a dealer; however, the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched the failure online and related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. The contact stated that the part necessary to repair the vehicle is the same one Ford includes in the extended warranty. So, they are unsure as to why their VIN is not included in the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11476944

Jul 30, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

Same transmission fluttering when you take off as the recalls for up to 2016 years, but for some reason my car’s vin doesn’t show up as covered. Help!!!

NHTSA ODI 11476643

Jul 28, 2022Airbags

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer performed an unknown repair; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 11476261

Jul 27, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer and a diagnostic test showed that the clutch assembly was faulty. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and informed her that the vehicle was not under warranty or included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.

NHTSA ODI 11476120

Jul 25, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

UNKNOWN the transmission is sluggish and shuddering. This problem has almost cause me to be rear ended a few times. No new warning lamps have popped up.

NHTSA ODI 11475812

Jul 23, 2022Wheels

The issue is the lug nuts have a swelling effect and the problem is they are hard to if not impossible to remove and the cost to replace them all is expensive

NHTSA ODI 11475441

Jul 23, 2022Engine

My car is a 2016 Ford Focus that was manufactured in Wayne, Michigan at the Michigan Assembly Plant. My car has a 2.0 L GDI engine. These are the qualifications for the 18S32 Ford recall, but I’ve been told my car does not qualify. The canister purge valve is broken. It has caused my car to stall while driving, and it has deformed my fuel tank. My car stalled on July 8th, 2022. The check engine light came on July 23rd, 2022. On July 23rd, I took the car to an auto shop and they said the canister purge valve needed to be replaced. When looking at my fuel tank, it has caved in about half an inch. I have also opened a case with the Ford Service Help. The case number is CAS-37755602

NHTSA ODI 11475498

Jul 21, 2022Fuel system

Car stalls when brakes are pressed it locks and 15 minutes later car starts again. It has happened 3 times

NHTSA ODI 11475146

Jul 21, 2022Electrical system

The vehicle transmission looses power on the highway and it’s too dangerous to be on the road. I was arguing with Ford customer service but they said my car is not covered under some kind of transmission recall.

NHTSA ODI 11475150

Jul 21, 2022Backup camera & sensors

The backup camera works intermittently. When it does not work, it’s either a very fuzzy black screen with almost no visibility, or a completely black screen. You cannot see anything behind you using it. There were over 700,000 newer Ford vehicles recalled with the same issues. There are no warning lights.

NHTSA ODI 11475168

Jul 13, 2022Transmission & drivetrainBody & structureFuel systemCrash

wheels such as automatic and manual transmissions, transfer cases, fluid cooling/management systems and related hoses and pipes, electronic control units and software, shift lever/gear control and indicator devices, clutches and torque convertors, drive axles, hubs, i have my service system report from the diagnostic. I've called the manufacturer they said they could not do anything.i have to go get my police report again i lost it mam ive gotnmy other paper work until then thank you i have been having problems with these people please help me god bless

NHTSA ODI 11473794

Jul 12, 2022Fuel system

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that he received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) advising that a second notice would be sent once the remedy parts were available. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for another repair, he inquired whether the dealer could complete the recall repair as well. The dealer informed the contact that the fuel tank needed to be replaced; however, the dealer could not complete the recall repair because parts were not yet available. However, in the work order that the dealer provided to the contact, the dealer marked the recall repair as complete. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact, who is an independent mechanic, diagnosed that the PCV valve and fuel tank needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, System) that was marked as complete. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would follow up with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 61,760.

NHTSA ODI 11473558

Jul 7, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The TCM on this Ford Focus went out (it is available for inspection), which forced the car into limp mode. Fortunately, my kid was on a side road and not the freeway or it could have caused an accident. The car was taken in to the dealership on 10/06/21 and a new sensor was put in. It lasted all of a day or 2 before going back into limp mode, at which point the dealership told me that the TCM would need to be replaced but is on backorder with no ETA. He also mentioned that he had about 40 other customers with this exact same issue and no resolution. It is essentially undriveable at this time due to this part being on backorder (and has been on backorder for months or even a year or 2).

NHTSA ODI 11472789

Jul 7, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle failed to shift gear normally. While continuing to drive, the vehicle started operating normally. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and stated that a part of the dual clutch transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was 21,717.

NHTSA ODI 11472816

Jul 6, 2022Fuel systemTransmission & drivetrain

The contact called on behalf of a friend who owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after the driver refueled the vehicle, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact stated while driving 3 MPH, the transmission was slipping. The contact stated that the check engine and transmission warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.

NHTSA ODI 11472533

Jul 6, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

I have a 2016 Ford Focus which I can no longer drive. Not safe. At times car doesn't move. Gears don't engage. Ford doesn't think this is a safety issue. There are warning lights on my dash. Ford is suppose to fix the issue, but can't make the parts. CSP 14m02 and 19n08 are the Customer Satisfaction Program . This will be the second time that my car is getting fixed. The risk is that I might get hit because the car will not move. So I can no longer drive the car. The car has been inspected by a Ford dealer. All they say is that I have to wait until the parts come in. Why is the same parts being used. They don't seem to fix the problem. There needs to be a better answer from Ford on how they are going to fix this issue. All Ford tells me is that I just have to wait and they are no giving me any other options. I really believe they need to rethink this repair, because it isn't fixing the problem. You can look at all the Focus that are on the lot and see that they have been fixed multiple times and most likely they will have to be fixed again. I just need answers and something done by Ford.

NHTSA ODI 11472551

Jun 29, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered. Additionally, the gear shifter was not able to shift into the intended gear and the vehicle was not able to drive forward. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ODI 11471633

Jun 23, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked more violently while accelerating. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the purge valve failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted and the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the clutch actuator needed to be replaced. On another occasion, the contact was unable to start the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an unauthorized dealer and the contact was informed that the clutch assembly, transmission control module, and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The contact was referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 67,500.

NHTSA ODI 11470602

Jun 22, 2022Fuel system

When filling the vehicle with gas the vehicle shakes uncontrollably and shuts off for about 5 minutes due to the cylenoid in the fuel tank. This year make and model has an open recall for this however my vin is not listed under the recall .

NHTSA ODI 11470456

Jun 22, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and accelerating, the vehicle started stalling and rumbling inadvertently. After several minutes of driving rough the vehicle returned to normal operation. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the clutch assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

NHTSA ODI 11470533

Jun 20, 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).

NHTSA ODI 11470008

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Working with the data? Download all 1,137 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 23, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2016 Ford Focus Bev verdict →