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:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
31,108 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 fuel system problems

fuel system 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 2 of 8)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #123

Jan 262023

Focus

  • miles

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

7 year old car requires full engine replacement due to lost compression. For the 2 1/2 years I've owned it 1 entire year has been spent either stranded on the insterstate or at the dealership service repair. Fuel gauge does not monitor or distrubute correct fuel available. I have spent $600 in tows to the dealership. Multiple reports/complaints have been filed against this model & year includeing with NHTSA. "Common problems found on the 2016 Ford Focus include the transmission shuddering, engine failures, as well as issues with the power steering system. Overall, these problems are more severe than in other compact cars, leading to expensive repair bills when parts fail" Please investigate quickly as this is safety related as well as consumer gouging

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

problem #122

Sep 092022

Focus

  • miles
Hello this complaint is in reference to recall #18S32. I had issues with my vehicle telling me I had gas when it was really empty. The dealership got me in, said it was a recall and repaired it quickly for me, This was in 2019. The past couple months my vehicle is stalling when I get gas. It's usually always associated with me getting gas. I had some mechanics check it out and they all said it was the purge evaporator valve. They informed me to contact the dealership because there should be a recall on this issue. I contacted them and was told there isn't. So I haven't gotten it fixed because well money. I looked it up and there is a recall on that specific thing but the dealership is claiming it was "fixed" in 2019, and they cannot fix it again. I contacted ford and they told me the same thing. I'm just at a lost and concerned because I do not know who to contact or where to go from here since this issue is still tied to a recall issue that was supposedly "fixed"

- Tulsa, OK, USA

problem #121

Mar 252023

Focus

  • miles
Car stalled at stop sign after filling up on gas. Completely shut off. Would not start back up for 30 seconds. No check engine lights on. It has done this multiple times and I have taken it to the shop but they can-??t find a problem. I know there was a recall on the 2.0 but this is a 1.0

- Houston , TX, USA

problem #120

Feb 022023

Focus

  • miles

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

There is a recall with Ford of 2018 Ford Focus Recall Item Affected: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEDate Announced: 10/22/2018 The description of this recall is what is happening to my car, but because my vin doesn't show up they won't look at it. There are no codes, but as I turn on the car and go to drive within 45 seconds it's stalls, in traffic or wherever. I need help.

- Raritan, NJ, USA

problem #119

Aug 272022

Focus

  • miles
While driving on the highway my 2016 ford focus stalled without warning and would not start until after having it towed. When I go to the gas station after filling the gas tank my vehicle is either hard to start or doesn't start until after waiting a while. This happens often. My check engine light stays on and it smells like gas from the outside. The front-end apron of my vehicle has recently fallen off without warning and for no reason. I took my vehicle to San Tan Ford in Gilbert, Arizona where I purchased my 2016 Ford Focus in May of 2016. The technicians' diagnosis was engine light ml on 2pcm code p1450 p0507 fuel tank leaking replace leaking fuel tank and recommend new fuel pump possible damaged from excessive vacuum applied to tank code p1450 replace canister purge valve for code p1450 stuck open & retest. Dealership and Ford Motor Company is refusing to do repairs stating that my VIN number does not have any recalls and refused to check my front-end apron joints for recall 17S03 although my front-end apron has unattached for no reason. the technician also included that the front-end motor mount is collapsed and recommend replacing mount. Water Pump Replacement inspection found leaking recommend replacing water pump. Also, the degas bottle cracked and leaking coolant and Damaged from excessive Vacuum applied to tank The Canister Purge Valve malfunction causing excessive vacuum in the vapor management system. Stuck canister purge valves cause it to stall. If the CPV is replaced, dealers should inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. Bearing failed as the result of a sudden overload caused by vibration or imbalance compounded by rapid engine acceleration. This overloads the bearing generating a great deal of heat. Amplified through rapid acceleration and high RPM operation.

- Mesa, AZ, USA

problem #118

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 #117

Oct 182022

Focus 4-cyl

  • miles

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

So I have this Ford Focus that my son drives. Check engine light came on with the code of P1450. It is part of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000. Took it to the dealer and they told me that my vin # [XXX] is not part of the campaign/recall and will have to pay to have it fixed. Don't know why the dealer could get this resolved. Ford's recall number is:18S32. Car has all the symptoms of the recall/campaign. Don't know why Ford will not fix it for me? I would like my car to be added to this campaign/recall. The Transmission was another big issue, but I am thinking it is fixed after 5 tries. Thank you for you help. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Strongsville, OH, USA

problem #116

Dec 122022

Focus

  • miles
I believe the power train and some component with the fuel system. Yes it is available for inspection. The car shut off in the middle of traffic. This has happened multiple times. It has not been confirmed by a dealership or service center. The vehicle has been inspected. No warning lamps or messages.

- Canoga Park, CA, USA

problem #115

Dec 152022

Focus

  • miles
My Ford focus will stall, there is fuel in the tank and the rpms drop and the vehicle starts to shake.

- La Porte, TX, USA

problem #114

Dec 142022

Focus

  • miles
Engine light came on I scanned my car code p1450 unable to bleed up fuel tank vacuume. Same issue I had with another vehicle of this type

- New Lexington , OH, USA

problem #113

Jun 012022

Focus

  • 135,860 miles

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

I got my 2016 Ford Focus in the summer of 2019 and from the start i had issues. The first issue was my car overheating the coolant tank kept getting a hole burned in it and the coolant would leak leaving my car to overheat I've had the tank replaced twice. The second issue was my car just kept turning off still don't know what that was about. Third issue was the vehicle not telling me the correct amount of gas i had it would say i would have a good amount of gas, but it really had little to no gas. The last issue was the Transmisson the car was stalling and gave me kick back that's the only way i can describe it I took it to my mechanic because there was no recall when i looked up my VIN, I paid almost $4000 for the transmission to be fixed to just bring it back to the mechanic because the transmission started giving me problems again. My mechanic told me that Hes having problems figuring out the programming. Today 12/08/2022 I read an article talking about how thousands of Ford Focus owners are having the same issue. I was never contacted by Ford. I called my local ford dealership, and they told me the part that my vehicle needs are on back order and they can't even look at my car until February.

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #112

Nov 022022

Focus

  • miles
car keeps stalling plus having fuel pump problems. Car shuts off and has trouble starting.

- Coachella , CA, USA

problem #111

Oct 142022

Focus

  • miles
I am getting a check engine light. P01450 which is the Stuck canister purge valve issue. NHTSA Campaign number 18V735000. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system. Dealer said my Ford was not part of recall. Ford Recall number is 18S32. Can you assist with this? It's my son's car and needs it for college. Want to make sure it is safe. Thank you.

- Strongsville, OH, USA

problem #110

Oct 152022

Focus

  • miles
I was exiting Parking lot into busy intersection when vehicle suddenly hesitated and stalled completely. Was hard to restart and kept stalling after that. Very dangerous when traveling on busy streets when it stalls and steering wheel locks up. As I accelerate the car violently jerks and has hard time shifting and getting up to speed maybe a -??slipping-?? feeling and engine is constantly misfiring and stalling. Idles very rough when stopped RPM jumps all over the place. No warning lights on dash whatsoever. Had this problem and took to ford about 2 years ago they said they fixed it but the problem still persists. I can see there are various recalls for this vehicle for the exact things that are happening to me. Huge safety concern. Seems to me it-??s something to do with fuel tank and transmission.

- Jordan , MN, USA

problem #109

Aug 242022

Focus

  • miles
Fuel pump system is causing the car to intermittently stall out in any gear (manual transmission). This symptom has caused my car to stall while driving in traffic leading to loss of acceleration control and total engine stall. I live in constant fear that i will be in another accident due to completely random engine stall. I feel my safety is at risk while continuing to drive this vehicle, and will continue to look for a different safer vehicle. All other ford engines put in this year and model have this recall already in place.

- Minneapolis, MN, USA

problem #108

Mar 012022

Focus

  • miles
My car stalls out when I refuel. I've taken my car to a mechanic who has documented that my check engine was on due to low fuel pressure. They also say that there is a fuel tank deformation being caused because of this issue

- Macedonia, OH, USA

problem #107

Jul 212022

Focus

  • miles
Car stalls when brakes are pressed it locks and 15 minutes later car starts again. It has happened 3 times

- Lewiston, ME, USA

problem #106

Jan 212022

Focus

  • miles
wheels such as automatic and manual transmissions, transfer cases, fluid cooling/management systems and related hoses and pipes, electronic control units and software, shift lever/gear control and indicator devices, clutches and torque convertors, drive axles, hubs, i have my service system report from the diagnostic. I've called the manufacturer they said they could not do anything.i have to go get my police report again i lost it mam ive gotnmy other paper work until then thank you i have been having problems with these people please help me god bless

- Huntsville, AL, USA

problem #105

Jun 222022

Focus

  • miles
When filling the vehicle with gas the vehicle shakes uncontrollably and shuts off for about 5 minutes due to the cylenoid in the fuel tank. This year make and model has an open recall for this however my vin is not listed under the recall.

- Dixon , IL, USA

problem #104

Mar 312022

Focus

  • miles
Car died and would not accelerate after slowing down to turn; no warning or dashboard lights on before incident; no overheating; started back up afterwards but stalled before engine turn over. Happened 3 times within 30 minutes

- Austin, TX, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?