Home · 2016 Ford Focus RS · Complaints

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

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 (1,143)Crash / fire / injury (31)Transmission & drivetrain (649)Engine (220)Fuel system (215)Electrical system (77)Engine & cooling (46)Steering (45)Speed control (34)Wheels (15)Airbags (14)Body & structure (14)

Newest first · 1,143 complaints · page 19 of 46

Sep 13, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

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

Sep 12, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

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

Sep 10, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

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

Sep 8, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

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

Sep 8, 2022Fuel system

My car stalls out when I refuel. I've taken my car to a mechanic who has documented that my check engine was on due to low fuel pressure. They also say that there is a fuel tank deformation being caused because of this issue

NHTSA ODI 11483578

Sep 7, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

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

Sep 2, 2022Engine

Engine seized up. Going 70MPH on the highway and suddenly I'm losing speed. I get pulled over to the side of the road and shut the car off. So I start the car and notice my oil light is on. I shut it back off and check the oil. Levels are good. Turn the car back on and got back up to 35 MPH and it just wouldn't go anymore. Engine wouldn't turn back over. Mechanic confirmed engine was seized up and wasn't because of lack of oil. He told me others have had complaints on this issue as well. Only 60k miles on the car and had to get the engine replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11482549

Sep 2, 2022Engine & coolingFuel systemEngine

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the canister purge value on the fuel tank was stuck or was sticking. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle was not covered under a recall and informed her about scheduling an appointment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another local dealer, Crossroads Ford of Apex (1501 N Salem St, Apex, NC 27502) but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided a case number but no additional assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was similar to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11482663

Sep 1, 2022Transmission & drivetrainSpeed control

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

Aug 30, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

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

Aug 30, 2022Fuel system

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that she noticed that the fuel gauge would indicate the incorrect amount of fuel. The contact stated that if the fuel was below a quarter tank, the vehicle would stall. The check engine warning light would be illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank and fuel delivery module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed of an unknown recall, but no further assistance was provided. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ODI 11482067

Aug 27, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

Transmission issues

NHTSA ODI 11481517

Aug 22, 2022Transmission & drivetrainEngine

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

Aug 22, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

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

Aug 22, 2022Equipment

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the radio started making loud popping sounds and playing white noise at an extreme volume that was distracting. The contact stated that even with the vehicle turned off, the radio buzzed and pop loudly. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11480650

Aug 22, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

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

Aug 20, 2022

My TCM stopped working and now my vehicle won't go into reverse 2nd 4th gear. My dad noticed it when he tried to back it into the garage to do some maintenance on it. I have been told it will be months to fix because of a backorder. I know this is a common issue for Focus but my vehicles Vin doesn't have a recall listed.

NHTSA ODI 11480347

Aug 17, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

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

Aug 17, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

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

Aug 17, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

Very bad Transmission shutter 1-2 gear

NHTSA ODI 11479878

Aug 16, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

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

Aug 15, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

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

NHTSA ODI 11479339

Aug 15, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

I have been having issues with my EVAP system and it is effecting my Drivability. It will stall but there is no recall for my car.

NHTSA ODI 11479431

Aug 14, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

Vehicle slips at gears 1 and 2 and doesn’t have power when accelerating.

NHTSA ODI 11479181

Aug 13, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

Transmission. Car on dealership lot. Car stopped running in busy hospital underground parking ramp. Unable to restart. Ford dealership confirmed bad transmission control module TCM. No warning or warning lamps prior.

NHTSA ODI 11479158

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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 RS verdict →