Problems · by component

2016 Ford Focus power train problems

678 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Focus cite power train, 57% of all 1,196 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 3 recalls on this component.

Complaints
678
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
“The vehicle is subject to NHTSA Safety Recall Campaign 18V-735 (Ford Recall 18S32) regarding a defective Canister Purge Valve (CPV) that causes fuel vapor saturation, excessive fuel tank vacuum, fuel tank deformation, and engine stalling.The vehicle presented with an active check engine light for diagnostic trouble code P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold). Ford technical service instructions under Recall 18S32 explicitly link code P0420 to a stuck-open CPV dumping unmetered fuel vapors into the exhaust stream. The franchised dealership initially performed only a software calibration without replacing the mechanical valve.Upon return, the dealership confirmed the defect and replaced the CPV under recall warranty at no charge on Repair Order # 872120. However, dealership service management refused to inspect the catalytic converter for secondary fuel-wash damage unless an unauthorized $220 customer diagnostic fee was paid. The technician cleared the diagnostic trouble codes in the stall without executing the required OBD-II drive cycle. Repair Order # 872120, Line C explicitly documents: "VEHICLE RELEASED FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF RECALL 18S32 WHERE…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 13, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11770880
“The DPS6 transmission started out shuddering in low gears even after clutch replacement early on. This made pulling out into traffic slower than it should be. Received “transmission overheating” message “pull over for 5 minutes” in heavy traffic. Prior to the message car would shudder and lose power. This happened suddenly going at highway speeds on the interstate. Replaced clutch actuators and TCM only to have the clutch adaptive learn procedure fail and after inspection by the dealer was told needs new transmission. These problems have been present at very low mileage and Ford now wants to charge a ridiculous amount to replace transmission that should have been fixed long ago. Several times the car stalled in traffic almost causing me to get in accidents.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 20, 2026Power trainODI 11765634
“My duel clutch transmission started acting up took it to a mechanic they said it needed the TCM and Actuators and possibly transmission replaced that they should be recalled tried taking it to Thirnhill Ford because I received a letter for this to be changed and they refused without me paying up front this has been going on with my car for over 2 years its setting in a driveway being paid on and cant even be drove”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 16, 2026Power trainODI 11757255
“The car would not accelerate when pressing accelerator, they said the clutch assembly malfunctioned, confirmed by documentation. Myself and others had our safety at risk because the car could not be controlled properly while on the road. The car was taken to the dealer and they confirmed the problem. The dealer's service center gave inspection, and confirmed the problem. The warning message did not appear until after the problem put myself and others' safety at risk.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 22, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11751981
“Transmission overheated. Transmission fluid leaked but the computer in the car didn't let me know there was a leak. Couldn't move my car into reverse so I had to get a tow to Ford. They said it was a Transmission leak which caused the overheating. But once the car received Transmission fluid the car did not go into reverse. Clutch failed.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 7, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11748862
“While driving at highway speed, the transmission slipped, skipping gears. Very difficult to drive care safely. Could not accelerate vehicle safely. Had to stay in right lane with hazard lights on. Basically, using only gears 1, 3 & 5. Later discovered intermittently no reverse. DTC P090C Clutch Actuator B - Circuit Low.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 15, 2026Power trainODI 11744217

Showing 6 of 678 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

3 recalls on this component

Power train: manual transmission

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Focus and 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 18V169 and 18V845. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.

Power trainReported Jun 9, 2026NHTSA 26V376000

Power train: manual transmission

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with a 1.0L Fox GTDI engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.

Power trainReported Nov 28, 2018NHTSA 18V845000

Power train: manual transmission

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Fusion vehicles equipped with a 1.6L GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission and 2015-2016 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with a 1.0L GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission. Also included are four 2017 Ford Focus vehicles that had clutch replacements with potentially affected parts. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.

Power trainReported Mar 12, 2018NHTSA 18V169000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026

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