Problems · by component

2016 Ford Focus RS power train problems

649 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Focus RS cite power train, 57% of all 1,143 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
649
57% of all complaints
Crashes
8
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“It is my transmission problem, there is an engine light on and the shifting is very rough and it also jumps gears, i know ford had a recall for this problem i believe it should be under warranty it is the TCM”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 7, 2025Power train, EngineODI 11679158
“The contact's son owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while at a stop, the vehicle shuddered while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact then stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Transmission Hot - Wait 5 Mins" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact's son followed the instruction; however, the warning light returned soon after restart the vehicle. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 6, 2025Power trainODI 11678741
“Transmission Control Module failed and i had that replaced. Now the clutch pack failed and had that replaced. Now it says transmission hot and to pull over. All of this has been recalled on 2012 to 2016 but for some reason my car is not and its the same powershift transmission. Im over 4000 dollars into these repairs and still having problems.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 5, 2025Power trainODI 11678425
“The transmission is slipping. Research shows it's a known issue. Ford has acknowledged the issue and extended support. My local ford dealership is refusing to fix the issue even though I fall within the extended service mileage. I called 2 transmission shops who refused to work on this specific model due to the dual clutch design and known problems. Attached is a letter I am disseminating requesting proper assistance with this issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 30, 2025Power trainODI 11677293
“Additional information related to a case I opened earlier today Vehicle: 2016 Ford Focus SE Component: PowerTrain – Transmission My 2016 Ford Focus has experienced three failed clutch packs with the Ford DPS6 PowerShift transmission. The first clutch was replaced at ~22,000 miles, the second at ~27,500 miles, and it now requires a third replacement at 80,000 miles. This is a known and dangerous defect that was part of a class-action lawsuit. Despite multiple replacements and low mileage, Ford is requiring me to pay over $4,000 for a third repair. This transmission causes slipping, hesitation, and safety issues when pulling into traffic or hills. I am requesting that NHTSA re-investigate or expand the scope of past complaints on this vehicle to include continued post-settlement failures.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 30, 2025Power trainODI 11677393
“I am writing you today because my ford focus with transmission DPS6,7SPDCT has all the same problems the older models have. Ford has stopped there 10 year 150000 mile warranty on there transmission on all models built after November 5 2015. Mine is January 1 2016 with all same transmission components. And all my warranty is ran out and still having transmission problems.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 22, 2025Power trainODI 11675431

Showing 6 of 649 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.