CarBrief

NHTSA has 1,194 owner complaints for the 2016 Ford Focus, and the power train is the group named most often[1][2]. The model year has 11 recalls on file[3], several about stalling or fire risk[4][5][6][7].

1,194owner complaints[1]
11recalls[3]
22–34MPG combined (EPA)[8]
5★NHTSA overall rating[9]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 1,194 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Ford Focus[1]. Of those, 27 mention a crash, 3 a fire and 24 injuries[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component group, so the groups below overlap.

Some of the groups named:

Here is what owners describe. In a sample of 12 power train complaints we read, 8 describe the transmission shuddering, hesitating or responding slowly, and most of those say it happens when pulling away from a stop[2]. In 4 of those 12, the owner says the dealer called the behavior normal, could not reproduce it, or blamed driving style[2].

In a sample of 12 engine complaints, 6 describe stalling or a sudden loss of power while driving[10]. In a sample of 12 fuel/propulsion complaints, 8 describe stalling, and 4 of those tie it to refueling or a low tank[11]. Three of the 12 mention waiting on recall parts or a repair[11]. Those complaints line up with the purge valve recalls below.

In a sample of 12 electrical complaints, 2 describe rodent damage to wiring and 2 describe wipers stopping in the driver's line of sight[13]. That is a small sample, so treat these as things owners report, not as common faults.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 11 recalls for this model year[3]. Several apply only to certain engines, versions or build dates, so check which ones cover a given car. Newest first:

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and transmission. The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Version City / hwy / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
1.0L 3-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd[8] 30 / 41 / 34 $1,950
1.0L 3-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6)[23] 28 / 39 / 32 $2,100
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6)[24] 27 / 39 / 31 $2,150
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM-S6)[25] 26 / 37 / 30 $2,250
2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd[26] 26 / 36 / 29 $2,300
Focus ST, 2.0L turbo, Manual 6-spd[27] 22 / 30 / 25 $2,700
Focus RS, 2.3L turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium[28] 19 / 25 / 22 $3,750

The flex-fuel 2.0L versions rate 31, 30 and 29 combined MPG[29][30][31]. The Focus Electric is rated 105 MPGe combined with 76 miles of range[32].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 5 HB FWD and 4 DR FWD versions 5 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal and side crashes and 4 stars for rollover[9][33]. The rollover risk is 11.6%[9][33]. The 5 HB AWD version is not rated[34].

Engine and size

EPA lists these horsepower ratings for 2016 Focus test cars: 144 hp for the electric motor[35], 123 hp for the 1.0L 3-cylinder[36], 160 to 247 hp for the 2.0L 4-cylinder depending on version[37] and 350 hp for the 2.3L 4-cylinder[38].

Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US cars.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
4DR hatchback SE/Titanium[39] 172 in 72 in 58 in 104 in 2,926 lb
4DR sedan S/SE/Titanium[40] 178 in 72 in 58 in 104 in 2,954 lb
Electric 4D hatchback[41] 172 in 72 in 58 in 104 in 3,673 lb
ST/RS 4DR hatchback[42] 173 in 72 in 58 in 104 in 3,252 lb

How 2016 compares with other years

2000: 3,686 complaints, 11 recalls20002001: 1,761 complaints, 7 recalls2002: 971 complaints, 2 recalls20022003: 977 complaints, 1 recalls2004: 387 complaints, 1 recalls20042005: 441 complaints, 1 recalls2006: 205 complaints, 0 recalls20062007: 391 complaints, 0 recalls2008: 250 complaints, 1 recalls20082009: 229 complaints, 0 recalls2010: 287 complaints, 0 recalls20102011: 113 complaints, 0 recalls2012: 3,803 complaints, 10 recalls20122013: 2,181 complaints, 14 recalls2014: 2,659 complaints, 14 recalls20142015: 1,034 complaints, 11 recalls2016: 1,194 complaints, 11 recalls1,19420162017: 907 complaints, 10 recalls2018: 837 complaints, 7 recalls2018
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Focus model year. The 2016 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20003,68611
20011,7617
20029712
20039771
20043871
20054411
20062050
20073910
20082501
20092290
20102870
20111130
20123,80310
20132,18114
20142,65914
20151,03411
20161,19411
201790710
20188377

NHTSA counts 1,194 complaints and 11 recalls for 2016[3]. Complaints are not adjusted for sales, so read this as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2016 Focus?

The record is mixed. The power train has the most complaints, and in a sample we read, owners describe a transmission that shudders or hesitates[2]. The model year also has 11 recalls[3], several about stalling or fire risk[4][5][6][7]. Safety ratings are good for the front-wheel-drive versions[9][33]. Any recall that covers a car should be completed, and two block heater recalls have no final remedy yet, so owners are told not to plug in the block heater[5][17].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Focus?
The power train is named most often, in 678 of 1,194 NHTSA complaints[1][2]. In a sample we read, owners describe the transmission shuddering or hesitating[2].
Does the 2016 Ford Focus have recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 11 recalls for this model year[3]. They include purge valve stalling (26V369, 18V735), oil pump belt (23V905), clutch (26V376, 18V845, 18V169) and block heater fire risk (26V012, 26V011)[4][7][6][16][18][19][5][17].
How many miles per gallon does a 2016 Ford Focus get?
EPA combined ratings run from 22 MPG for the Focus RS to 34 MPG for the 1.0L manual[28][8]. The Focus Electric is rated 105 MPGe[32].
Is the 2016 Ford Focus safe?
NHTSA rates the front-wheel-drive versions 5 stars overall and 4 stars for rollover[9][33].
Is 2016 a good year for the Ford Focus?
Among 2012 to 2018, 2016 has the fourth most complaints and ties 2015 on 11 recalls[3]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 1,194 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Ford Focus (27 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 24 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 678 complaints name the power train component group (8 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 64,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Focus model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 26V369, filed June 9, 2026: Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Canister. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 26V012, filed January 15, 2026: Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater. NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 23V905, filed December 22, 2023: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil / Lubrication › Pump. NHTSA recall database
  7. Recall 18V735, filed October 22, 2018: Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Canister. NHTSA recall database
  8. EPA rating for Focus FWD, 1.0L 3-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 30 city / 41 highway / 34 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  9. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 5 HB FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 11.6%. NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 285 complaints name the engine component group (7 crashes, 1 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,900). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 167 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 56,223). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 107 complaints name the unknown or other component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 43,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 86 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,800). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 61 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 45 complaints name the steering component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 48,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. Recall 26V376, filed June 9, 2026: Power Train › Manual Transmission. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 26V011, filed January 15, 2026: Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 18V845, filed November 28, 2018: Power Train › Manual Transmission. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 18V169, filed March 12, 2018: Power Train › Manual Transmission. NHTSA recall database
  20. Recall 17V052, filed January 24, 2017: Structure › Body. NHTSA recall database
  21. Recall 16V698, filed September 28, 2016: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Hatchback / Liftgate › Lock. NHTSA recall database
  22. Recall 16V479, filed June 28, 2016: Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit. NHTSA recall database
  23. EPA rating for Focus FWD, 1.0L 3-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 39 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. EPA rating for Focus FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 39 highway / 31 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. EPA rating for Focus FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM-S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 37 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,250. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  26. EPA rating for Focus FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 36 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. EPA rating for Focus ST FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  28. EPA rating for Focus RS AWD, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 25 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  29. EPA rating for Focus FWD FFV, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6), Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 39 highway / 31 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  30. EPA rating for Focus FWD FFV, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM-S6), Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 37 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,250. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  31. EPA rating for Focus FWD FFV, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 36 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  32. EPA rating for Focus Electric, electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 105 MPGe combined, 76 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  33. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 11.6%. NHTSA vehicle records
  34. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 5 HB AWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  35. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Ford Focus with electric motor: rated 144 hp. www.epa.gov
  36. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Ford Focus with 1.0L 3-cylinder: rated 123 hp. www.epa.gov
  37. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Ford Focus with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 160 to 247 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  38. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Ford Focus with 2.3L 4-cylinder: rated 350 hp. www.epa.gov
  39. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FOCUS 4DR HATCHBACK SE/TITANIUM: length 172 in, width 72 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 2,926 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  40. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FOCUS 4DR SEDAN S/SE/TITANIUM: length 178 in, width 72 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 2,954 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  41. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FOCUS ELECTRIC 4D HATCHBACK: length 172 in, width 72 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,673 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  42. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FOCUS ST/RS 4DR HATCHBACK: length 173 in, width 72 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,252 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.