Print this page

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

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2016 Ford Focus:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2016 Ford Focus Owner Comments (Page 6 of 26)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #416

Apr 062023

Focus

  • miles

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

Check engine light on with transmission codes. Transmission is slipping and car won't start intermittently. Also loses power intermittently. Car lost power up hill when driving with my daughter. My 18 year old son, who is an inexperienced driver also drives this car. Will be getting the car diagnosed as Ford dealership on Friday.

- Sparta, NJ, USA

problem #415

Apr 072023

Focus

  • miles
Fords Powershift Dual clutch started to go out at 93,000 miles with noticeable slippage and hesitation when accelerating, a hazard. A Ford dealership inspected and said nothing looked wrong and we should continue to drive the car (an extended Ford warranty was still in place due to these transmissions, 2012-2016, having a history of issues). Months later a second Ford dealership said it was the worst transmission vibration they've ever seen and couldn't believe we hadn't noticed earlier. Of course, now the warranty was expired and we had to pay the $2139 to have the clutch assemble replaced. Unsafe and bad customer support/ownership on a poor design.

- Watkins, MN, USA

problem #414

Feb 052023

Focus

  • miles
At 85000 miles the dual clutch failed. At 88,219 miles the transmission failed. The car had started to shudder when it shifted when the dealership told me the clutched need to be replaced. The transmission died with no warning on a sub-zero night. I'm lucky that it died in my driveway rather than someplace out of the way. The failure of the transmission was confirmed by an independent service center. The clutch was replaced by a Ford dealership

- Bath, ME, USA

problem #413

Mar 012023

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 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 while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission control module (TCM) to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact towed the vehicle back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the clutch, and transmission module to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

- Island Park, NY, USA

problem #412

Mar 152023

Focus

  • 104,470 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle would hesitate to respond while accelerating from a complete stop. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, there was a warning light indicating that the engine was overheating. The contact also stated that the vehicle would start after several attempts. The contact stated that the failures had been reoccurring increasingly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the clutch shift had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 104,470.

- St Louis, MO, USA

problem #411

Jan 012023

Focus

  • miles
There are roughly 55k miles on this vehicle and the engine is revving really high but the car is having issues accelerating from a stop and in traffic. It's almost as if the transmission is already going out. The car sputters. It's scary because when I need the accelerate the car hesitates.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #410

Nov 242022

Focus 4-cyl

  • 102,000 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 vehicle was making abnormal clunking sounds while shifting into gear. The contact did not recall whether a warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialist, where the transmission clutch was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred a year and a half later. Additionally, the contact stated that while reversing on an incline, the vehicle failed to respond. The message -??Transmission Overheating. Pull Over Immediately-?? was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle responded as needed the following day; however, the failure reoccurred on another occasion. The contact also stated that the vehicle made an abnormal sound while coming to a complete stop. The vehicle was taken back to the transmission specialist, where the failure could not be duplicated; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics, where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module (TCM) had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the part was on back order. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle in for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

- Round Lake Beach, IL, USA

problem #409

Feb 232023

Focus

  • 86,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that he noticed that the vehicle was experiencing excessive fuel consumption. The contact stated that after fueling the vehicle, the vehicle consumed three quarts of fuel within 20-30 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) was malfunctioning, causing an excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) as the VIN was not included. The canister purge valve was replaced at the contact's expense. Additionally, the contact stated while reversing out of the driveway, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that upon attempting to reverse out of the driveway on another occasion, the gear shifter was moved into reverse (R), but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact shifted into neutral (N) and pushed the vehicle out of the driveway. The contact was able to drive the vehicle, however, the message "Car Overheating. Stop Safely" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch was defective. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). 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 86,000.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #408

Mar 222022

Focus

  • 130,230 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in his driveway, he attempted to shift into drive(D), but the vehicle failed to shift out of park(P). There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated after several minutes, he was able to shift into drive(D). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated; however, the failure reoccurred in July 2022. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch and the pinion gear shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred in January 2023. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, who could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,230.

- Manchester, CT, USA

problem #407

Nov 012017

Focus

  • 30,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission malfunctioned, and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the ignition coils, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the Manufacturer-??s Extended Warranty coverage for the powertrain. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 30,000.

- Batesburg, SC, USA

problem #406

Jan 062023

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 while driving approximately 30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal to accelerate while making a lane change, the vehicle hesitated and then shuddered before responding. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had become more constant while driving. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission clutches and seals needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact had been advised by the service technician that there had been a TSB: 160109 (Power Train -?" Clutch Shudder). The contact was advised that her vehicle was not covered by the manufacturer for the repair. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

- Orwell, VT, USA

problem #405

Mar 092019

Focus

  • 50,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred increasingly. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer several times; however, the dealer diagnosed that no issues were found and informed the contact that the vehicle was operating as designed. The contact stated that the vehicle had failed to shift into the proper gear and had become undrivable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

- Beaverton, OR, USA

problem #404

Mar 012022

Focus

  • 66,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking while accelerating, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to the dealer to be repaired and the clutch was replaced under warranty. Recently, the contact stated that the failure recurred while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to another dealer where the contact was informed that the clutch needed to be replaced again. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall or warranty. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer and was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

- Loveland, OH, USA

problem #403

Feb 012023

Focus

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle started bouncing. Additionally, the vehicle was making abnormal grinding sounds. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired in 2018-2019 for the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the clutch and PCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

problem #402

Feb 282023

Focus

  • miles
We purchased a 2016 Ford Focus for our daughters first car. We purchased the car in 2020 used with very low miles. We didn't realize at the time these vehicles had issues with the clutches (but thought it would be OK because after research, we found out the vehicles in the Ford Class Action Lawsuit were model years 2014-2016) and then found out her vehicle build date was just outside of that window by 9 months. But regardless, we had issues from the start with the vehicle shuttering when she accelerated. So we took it in late fall 2020 after we had it a few months and it was a bad clutch. Ford Service replaced the clutch in Dec. 2020 under the Powertrain Warranty coverage. It was better, but within 6 months it started shuttering again, not horrible, but noticable. We took it in for a Check Engine light in Aug. of 2021 and also mentioned to Ford Service that it is already shuttering again. They said it was still safe to drive, but I didn't like that it was already happening when they just replaced the clutch. And if they would've done somethign then, it would've still been within the 5 year powertrain warranty. Then late in 2022 I contacted Ford again because I had driven my daughters car out of town, when it gets heated up from highway driving, it shutters extremely bad when you get back in town and accelerate from a stop. So much so that the whole car shakes and doesn't just accelerate normally at all. We called Ford and they opened a Case #, said we had to get it diagnosed first and yes they said bad clutch again, but now Ford is only offering to cover a portion of the clutch replacement? I was pretty disappointed they wouldn't fully replace. This is 2 years since the last replacement and I wasn't expecting to have any further clutch issues. I honestly don't like my daughter driving it due to this issue. The car is not a healthy running car and takes those extra seconds to get going while the car shakes upon accellerating at a stop light, etc.

- Fargo, ND, USA

problem #401

Feb 222023

Focus

  • miles
I have been having problems with ford focus for a long time. I have been told that this is normal. Recently, I had my car fixed by ford. Soon after, I was having problems with car slow start, hesitation and studdering. This is the same problems I was having before. I was told by Ford dealership that it was not the transmission. They told me that it was a crack engine head and purge valve problem. I paid for the fix even though I felt like it should have been covered in a recall. The car is not fix. I have completed 2 surveys with Ford. The department of transportation should investigate ford for its ford focuses.

- Rocky Mount, NC, USA

problem #400

Feb 172023

Focus

  • 130,500 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle stalled. The "vehicle was not in park" warning message was displayed while the contact was in drive. The contact was able to pull over to the nearest parking lot. After a jump start, the vehicle was able to start. They took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission modular needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired due to the parts being on backorder. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,500.

- Ashland City, TN, USA

problem #399

Feb 022023

Focus

  • miles
1st Started having issues with advancing, at idle stops, when engaging fuel, it will hesitate and run poorly. after a week, engine light started turning on, and stating that transmission, was running hot, and need it to stop and cool down. after the 2nd time, the vehicle runs rought, and grinding can be heard by shifting gear. An off duty Ford worker, checked vehicle with a computer and stated that the transmission clutch had gone out. checked the internet and stated that Ford Focus from 2012 to 2016 had a recall. yet I enter my vin number and nothing is said. I am currently paying my vehicle and can not drive it, have 3 children, and no money to repair. can you please help.

- Calexico, CA, USA

problem #398

Dec 272022

Focus

  • miles
Transmission slipped occasionally before the TCM finally failed. Unable to repair due to part not being unavailable.

- Chickasha, OK, USA

problem #397

Jan 062023

Focus

  • 86,403 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while at a stop sign and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle started jerking with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic tests, and the mechanic stated the vehicle was experiencing the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired for the failure under warranty. The failure mileage was 86,403.

- Fontana, CA, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?