What 1,143 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Focus RS

Driving vehicle and it felt like transmission was slipping. Brought to dealer and they told me the transmission needed to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11489163

The contact's granddaughter owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 45-50 MPH, the transmission started slipping and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact veered to the side of the road for a moment and then resumed driving however, the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be rebuilt or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was not included in an unknown extended warranty program for the transmission. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 38,464.

NHTSA ODI 11488313

The contact owns 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle started shuddering and hesitated to respond for approximately 4-5 seconds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving from a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 14,200.

NHTSA ODI 11488373

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking, hesitating, and the transmission failed to shift properly. Additionally, the vehicle occasionally stalled and could not immediately be shifted to park(P) or drive(D). The contact stated that occasionally after refueling, the vehicle would not immediately restart. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V169000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was 99,000.

NHTSA ODI 11488192

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while shifting into gear, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact also stated that the engine failed to start occasionally. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to call the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

NHTSA ODI 11486961

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the dealer had previously replaced the TCM and clutch assembly; however, the failure recurred while driving at an undisclosed speed, and the gear shifter was unable to shift to the intended gear with the transmission message displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the TCM and the clutch assembly needed to be replaced again. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 74,700.

NHTSA ODI 11486983

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact then stated when he refueled the vehicle, the vehicle failed to operate as needed. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved an unknown code. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number and advised to contact the dealer. The dealer was notified, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and the power control module was reprogrammed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11486741

There was not an accident, but I don't know where else to type my comments. The car won't shift properly and tends to stall at times. This is not only dangerous as cars behind can't always know why I am driving so slow, but obviously, poses a problem if car can't shift at all and I (or my wife or daughter) is left stranded somewhere. Took car to dealer last week and they replaced clutch assembly for $2925. This is extremely frustrating since the clutch was repaired at 26,100 miles. That didn't work, so now we have to pay that amount. Let's be honest, these cars are known for clutch/transmission issues, so replacing this again at 45,000 is not fair at all. Why isn't Ford doing the right thing and offering to replace this at their own cost? I don't have current receipt for $2900 as I haven't picked up car yet, but work costs can be confirmed at Manning Ford in DeKalb, Illinois. I will upload original receipt when my dad took car in the first time for this issue. That was covered by warranty, and since this happened again, I believe the fair things to do would be for Ford to replace at no cost to us.

NHTSA ODI 11486810

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact stated that the dealer declined to repair the vehicle because the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was transferred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

NHTSA ODI 11484690

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was a crunching sound coming from vehicle. The contact felt the gear jumping as she shifted gear and felt like the transmission was failing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing and the mechanic stated that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the TCM needed to be replaced; however, the parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the parts were not available. The failure mileage was 62,000.

NHTSA ODI 11484262

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and accelerating up a highway onramp, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that the transmission fault warning light was illuminated. The contact had observed that as he depressed the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond; however, the engine was revving with the RPM going up to 5,000 RPM. The contact stopped the vehicle and turned off the engine. The contact restarted the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle had gone into Limp Mode. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to Manufacturer Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Transmission Control Module). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

NHTSA ODI 11484034

I have had 6 clutches replaced in the past 2 years on my car. Now they are telling me this is the last one they are going to do. It'snot my fault these clutches keep failing. Ford has told me they are not coving the problem anymore.

NHTSA ODI 11483792

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at an undisclosed speed, she felt an odd feeling while the accelerator pedal was applied. The contact referenced the Manufacturer's recall number: 14M02 (Transmission Control Module). The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ODI 11483571

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the transmission was chattering. The contact felt that the clutch was slipping and the vehicle was hesitating while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitation and transmission chatter stopped while exceeding 30 MPH. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had driven the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the clutch assembly and two actuators needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,900.

NHTSA ODI 11483336

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not immediately accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle would then lurch forward unintendedly. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. No additional information was available. The failure mileage was 40,353.

NHTSA ODI 11482353

My car will not drive or reverse it’s the master control module in the transmission stuck clutch b engaged is the code I brought it to ford they say there is a silent recall/ extended warranty on this part but somehow my car is not part of this recall or extended warranty but there are 12 cars waiting same part I have been without a car for 1 month due to part being on back order.

NHTSA ODI 11482054

Transmission issues

NHTSA ODI 11481517

The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact's granddaughter attempted the start the vehicle when and heard an abnormal noise. The vehicle failed to start. No warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the spark plug was blown. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to another auto body mechanic where it was also diagnosed that the spark plug was blown. The contact was informed that the spark plugs and ignition coils needed to be replaced. Additionally, a rethread kit was needed to repair damages to cylinder #4. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure however, the contact was informed there was no recall associated with the failure. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,105.

NHTSA ODI 11480504

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle surged and was shuddering. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure. The contact reference Ford Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 20B23. 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 65,000.

NHTSA ODI 11480643

I was stopped at a stop sign in my 2016 Ford Focus Hatchback. I looked both ways and proceeded to hit my gas pedal. The car moved as it should and normally. Halfway through the lane my car stopped accelerating and i put my gas pedal to the floor and my car just continued coasting slowly. I panicked looking at the car coming towards me then let go and stepped on it again finally it kicking into gear and then making it across. This happened later in the day again while driving on a straight road. (Luckily this didn’t put me in danger but did catch me by surprise again) I tried calling multiple dealerships about this and they just said it’d cost $125 for them to take a look. But i know it’s deeper than that and here’s why. My friend has a 2015 Ford Focus and his has been experiencing similar issues. As well as a family members co-worker who has a 2017 Ford Focus they’re all hatchbacks keep in mind. (including mine) I also wanted to go looking for a new car the day after my car nearly got me into accident. So i went out and i met a sales associate from a dealership who told me his friend has a 2016 Ford Focus Hatchback that was dealing with the exact same problem as me. As well as 4 others that week who’s been coming in looking for a new car with their personal trade in vehicle being. You guessed it, a Ford Focus with transmission issues.

NHTSA ODI 11480662

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact initially stated that the vehicle would fail to start up as needed. The contact also mentioned that the vehicle would fail to shift gears upon the depression of the accelerator pedal as several unknown warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer and was informed that the PCM (Powertrain Control Module)needed to be replaced. The contact agreed to the repair; however, the parts for the repair were on backorder. The contact eventually found the part online which he paid for out of pocket and the dealer was able to install the part and repair the vehicle. The contact expressed concern that the failure with his transmission may occur again. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and referred him to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000

NHTSA ODI 11479751

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while his wife was driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle emitted abnormal clutching sounds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact's wife veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. However, as his wife turned on the vehicle, the failure persisted while driving. The contact stated the failure reoccurred increasingly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the clutch actuator needed to be replaced. The part was replaced. Additionally, the independent mechanic diagnosed that the transmission components were misaligned. The transmission was aligned and the check engine warning light turned off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the dual-clutch assembly and the transmission seal assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The manufacturer referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 96,569.

NHTSA ODI 11479802

Very bad Transmission shutter 1-2 gear

NHTSA ODI 11479878

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would fail to accelerate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact would then manually shift the transmission to operate the vehicle; however, the "transmission overheating stop safely," warning message would then appear on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where she informed that the transmission control module was replaced; however, the failure persisted after the repair. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic and was then informed that the failure could be linked to the vehicle's clutch plate. The dealer was also notified of the failure and was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000(Power Train). The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11479648

Transmission or clutch slipping between gears and pedal response time is delayed

NHTSA ODI 11479339