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CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2016 Ford Focus & its "Powershift" transmission has a defect trend where the car shudders when accelerating, especially when starting uphill.

Most owners have reported their Ford Focus remains driveable while the vehicle is still at low mileage, but the shuddering is annoying & unpleasant & may reduce the resale value of the vehicle.

However, owners of higher-mileage vehicles from earlier 3rd generation Focus model years report transmission failure & a host of other major & expensive transmission-related problems. Potential buyers beware.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
8 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
43,947 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2016 Ford Focus drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2016 Ford Focus Owner Comments (Page 3 of 26)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #476

Jul 132021

Focus

  • 15,090 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the gear shifter failed to shift out of park(P). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, but no failure was found. Additionally, while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle shuddered and vibrated while reversing and the transmission erroneously shifted into neutral(N). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed message "Pull Over, Transmission Overheated" was displayed. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the vehicle did not qualify for the s power train Extended Warranty Coverage. The failure mileage was 15,090.

- Camden Wyoming, DE, USA

problem #475

Nov 202023

Focus

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at 50 MPH, the contact approached a stop sign and depressed the brake pedal and stopped the vehicle. The light turned green, and the contact proceeded to move forward and the transmission fault service now warning light illuminated. The contact drove to a location and allowed the vehicle to set for several hours because he had an additional two hundred miles to travel to get home from a road trip. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked and idled roughly the remaining drive back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

- Marquette, MI, USA

problem #474

Dec 232020

Focus

  • miles
Vehicle hesitates, stutters and stalls when accelerating at any speed. The dealership told us it is either a transmission module or fuel module problem. They don-??t have parts to fix it. There-??s been a recall and a lawsuit about this same year, make and model, but they tell us our Vin is not included in any of this. it continues to do this to this day. The dealership wants us to drop it off and leave it for 3 to 4 weeks. We can-??t be without a car so we are struggling with it. We wrote Ford Motor Company a letter and they told us to contact you. The lawsuit that they lost, gave us an extended warranty, but they refuse to honor it.

- Ormond Beach, FL, USA

problem #473

Aug 012023

Focus

  • 120,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the husband was driving approximately 50 MPH before coming to a stop for traffic ahead. While attempting to accelerate the vehicle erroneously began to drive in reverse. During the incident, the check engine light was illuminated. The vehicle was later taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 120,000.

- Winchendon, MA, USA

problem #472

Dec 072023

Focus

  • 148,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle shifted abnormally. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 148,000.

- Everett, WA, USA

problem #471

Dec 032023

Focus

  • 82,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to shift gear while losing motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transmission friction element "A" was stuck in the on position and failed to keep the fork engaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who had not diagnosed the failure. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 82,000.

- Oakland, CA, USA

problem #470

Nov 062023

Focus

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

-??Oil pump failed to send oil to the engine causing the brakes to go out. While trying to pull out into traffic, the engine made a pop sound, and lost the ability to accelerate. Engine and oil light turned on, was then unable to accelerate past 20mph and engine sounded horrible. -?? Our mechanic looked at the car and said the oil vacuum pump was obliterated inside the engine. He replaced the vacuum pump and said that the timing belt is inside the engine which is causing all the issues. -?? No warning lamps or messages appeared before this. Had just had an oil change a month before and there were no issues.

- Las Vegas , NV, USA

problem #469

Nov 272023

Focus

  • miles
My 2016 Ford Focus SE is exhibiting the same PowerShift issues that are well known with this model of vehicle. I had the transmission replaced in April 2020 at 59,000 miles, as well as the TCM reprogrammed as part of the customer service program. Now, in 2023 and at 79,000 miles, my vehicle exhibits the exact same issues. I have contacted Ford to try and rectify, however they are saying my vehicle is not within any customer program/recall as it was built in April 2016 (the original scope only covered Focus' up to November 2015). I can 100% attest that, after 3 years/20,000 miles since the repair to transmission and TCM was made, this car is exhibiting the same transmission slip issues that now make it extremely dangerous to drive.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #468

Jul 312023

Focus

  • 105,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact while driving 20 MPH, the transmission was skipping gear. The contact stated that the transmission shifted from 1st gear to 3rd gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the TCM had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

- Provo, UT, USA

problem #467

Nov 162023

Focus

  • 110,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while running errands, after returning to the parked vehicle, she was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact shifted the vehicle into neutral(N) and was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was jerking while shifting gear. The contact stated that the failure had become a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission clutches had frozen or engaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 TCM reprograming (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

- Hartselle, AL, USA

problem #466

Nov 122023

Focus

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request" Transmission suddenly stopped shifting correctly resulting in a sudden loss of power, a lugging of the engine, and almost cause of an accident. Specific components have been diagnosed by Crest ford in centerline. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Without proper shifting the car would often sit in idle while deciding on a gear, leading to dangerous turns and acceleration from stop lights Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Crest Ford of centerline Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Dealership Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear" No, started out of the blue

- Madison Heights, MI, USA

problem #465

May 292019

Focus

  • miles
Over the course of less than 5 years that I-??ve owned this car it has needed the clutch repaired 3 times. First time was at approximately 25,000 miles, second time at 47,000, and third at 71,000. There is an extremely noticeable shudder, loud noise, and vibration throughout front end of car when accelerating. Additionally, the car has erratic transmission shifting and does not properly shift into gear causing it to lose motive power and not immediately accelerate when pressing the gas. I have attached the most recent invoice I received from the dealer diagnosing the problem.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

problem #464

Nov 012022

Focus

  • 75,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the transmission experienced shuddering and slipping after heating up. The vehicle was taken to the local service center who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 75,000.

- Normal, IL, USA

problem #463

Nov 162023

Focus

  • miles
No warning messages or lights Transmission rattling like the motor mounts are having issues and wearing out quickly. Problems shifting and going up hills. My automatic car has rolled back and struggled to sh*t on inclines

- Clermont, FL, USA

problem #462

Oct 012023

Focus

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced erratic transmission shifting and would not properly shift into gear causing the vehicle to lose motive power and not immediately accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. Later, the message "Service Transmission" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed and determined that the Transmission Control Module (TCM) was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 80,000.

- Waxahachie, TX, USA

problem #461

Nov 042023

Focus

  • 139,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was shaking. The contact stated that when she depressed the accelerator pedal, the vehicle did not accelerate. The vehicle lost motive power and would not restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with a failed transmission clutch and transmission control module. The contact was informed that the transmission clutch and transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.

- Manchester, NH, USA

problem #460

Jun 292022

Focus

  • 56,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to complete a turn, the vehicle briefly shuddered before returning to normal functionality; however, the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the clutch assembly. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who again diagnosed a failure with the clutch assembly. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 56,000.

- Gaffney, SC, USA

problem #459

Aug 102017

Focus

  • 23,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate from a stationary position, the vehicle experience severe shuddering. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission clutch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact stated that the vehicle had been previously serviced under an unknown Extended Service Campaign however, the failure persisted. The failure mileage was 23,000.

- Peoria, AZ, USA

problem #458

Oct 032023

Focus

  • miles
The car shifted out gear and lunged forward causing the driver to lose control and the vehicle was damaged.

- Dunmore , PA, USA

problem #457

Oct 102023

Focus

  • 50,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed the vehicle hesitated. The contact stated that the engine revved however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle gradually started to respond and moved forward. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but gradually became more frequent. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the clutch actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

- Basye, VA, USA

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