Last updated: 2026-08-24

2016 Ford Focus Reliability Report
The 2016 Ford Focus scores 56/100 ("Mixed"). With 11 recalls and 1189 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.
Recalls
11
Complaints
1189
Complaint Rate
70.4per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$569
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,800–$3,450
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (657)
- ENGINE (107)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (83)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2016 is 2 years after the third generation facelift refresh.
- Year 6 in the Third generation (C346) (2011–2018).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 3rd generation Focus (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2011: Third generation (C346) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2014: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2016: This Model Year
2016 is 2 years after the third generation facelift refresh.
Should You Buy the 2016 Ford Focus?
A 56/100 score puts the 2016 Ford Focus in the "Mixed" tier. Buyers should approach with eyes open. 2016 is 2 years after the third generation facelift refresh.
Complaint volume sits above average at 1189 owner complaints alongside 11 recalls. Issues in power train and power train (657) tend to be the costly ones.
Treat an extended warranty as non-negotiable and put power train and power train (657) at the top of the inspection checklist.
Compared to the 2017 Ford Focus, which scored 2 points higher. See also the 2015 Ford Focus for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (13%)
- +Complaint rate in line with Sedan segment average (early data)
Cons
- −Below-average reliability score
- −Above-average recall count
- −POWER TRAIN: Frequent issues with the 2016 Ford Focus transmission, including problems with... (657 complaints)
- −ENGINE issues reported (107 complaints)
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 11 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (657)
- ENGINE (107)
Recall Overview
11
recalls on record
The 2016 Ford Focus has 11 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
70.4
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 70.4
Safety Incidents
27
Crashes
3
Fires
24
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2016 Ford Focus Recall Details
11 recalls have been issued for the 2016 Ford Focus. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
STRUCTURE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 Focus and C-Max vehicles. The floor pan may have improperly welded left-hand apron joints.
Consequence
Improperly welded apron joints may reduce the front-end structural integrity of the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the apron joints, repairing the vehicle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S03.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES, STRUCTURE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Ford Focus hatchback vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to August 26, 2016 and equipped with a manual transmission. The hatchback of the affected vehicles may be unlatched with a single press of the interior latch release button. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
Consequence
With only a single press needed, the driver may accidently unlatch the hatchback, increasing the risk of injury to any unsecured passengers in the back.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Body Control Module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began February 10, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C13.
POWER TRAIN
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ford Focus Electric vehicles manufactured August 20, 2015, through April 13, 2016. The transmission's differential pinion gear shaft may overheat and fracture.
Consequence
A fractured pinion shaft could cause a loss of motive power and loss of the transmission park function, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission differential assembly, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S28.
Showing 10 of 11 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →
Buying a used 2016 Ford Focus? Check its history first
Every 2016 Ford Focus has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2016 Ford Focus NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 11.6%
Safety Technologies
Ford FocusRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$569
vs $526 avg for compact cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
13%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Ford Focus Resale Value
The Ford Focus is estimated to retain about 48.1% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the Ford Focus model overall and is not specific to the 2016 model year.
- Value Retained
- 48.1%
- Depreciation
- 51.9%
- Listings Analyzed
- 329
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.
Explore Ford Focus depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comMPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
22–34 MPG
Running cost: $2,350–$4,000/yr
Fuel + repair
19–30 city / 25–41 hwy MPG
Electric
76 mi range
Fuel cost: $700/yr
Fuel only
32 kWh/100mi · 3.6 hrs @ 240V
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2016 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus FWD 1.0L 3-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 30 | 41 | 34 | $1,800 |
| Focus FWD 1.0L 3-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 28 | 39 | 32 | $1,900 |
| Focus FWD 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM6) | 27 | 39 | 31 | $2,000 |
| Focus FWD FFV 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM6) | 27 | 39 | 31 | $2,000 |
| Focus FWD 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S6) | 26 | 37 | 30 | $2,050 |
| Focus FWD FFV 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S6) | 26 | 37 | 30 | $2,050 |
| Focus FWD 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 26 | 36 | 29 | $2,100 |
| Focus FWD FFV 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 26 | 36 | 29 | $2,100 |
| Focus ST FWD 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,450 |
| Focus RS AWD 2.3L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 19 | 25 | 22 | $3,450 |
Electric trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | Range | kWh/100mi | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus Electric | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 76 mi | 32.0 | $700 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2016 Ford Focus.
Test drive to check for transmission shudder or hesitation
Inspect for any transmission-related warning lights
Verify clutch replacement history and inspect for smooth gear shifts
Check for engine warning lights and listen for unusual engine noises
Ensure the vehicle has received all recall-related repairs
Inspect for excessive fuel consumption or inaccurate fuel gauge readings
2016 Ford Focus Common Problems by Component
1189 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
657 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the 2016 Ford Focus transmission, including problems with shifting, shaking, slipping, and grinding. Complaints commonly describe symptoms such as the vehicle jerking when accelerating, delayed gear engagement, and the car shutting off unexpectedly, often at highway speeds. These issues are observed even in vehicles with relatively low mileage, around 47,000 miles, and some owners note repeated dealership visits without resolution. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes and injuries linked to transmission failures, including instances where the car lunges forward or loses power, posing a risk in traffic. Used car buyers should be aware of these reported transmission issues and the associated potential for loss of vehicle control.
ENGINE
107 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent engine stalling and power loss in the 2016 Ford Focus, with symptoms such as engine hesitation, jerking, and misfiring. Complaints often describe illuminated check engine lights and issues with the clutch actuator, particularly in vehicles with mileage ranging from 40,000 to 149,000 miles. Multiple owners mention concerns about wet belt failures leading to oil starvation and subsequent engine failure, with some reports indicating temporary loss of power steering. Safety implications include two crashes and two injuries, emphasizing the importance of addressing these engine-related issues. Potential buyers should be aware of ongoing recalls and the possibility of lengthy repair times due to parts availability.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
83 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the fuel/propulsion system of the 2016 Ford Focus, particularly involving the canister purge valve (CPV) and EVAP control system. Typical symptoms include the check engine light illuminating, stalling, difficulty starting after refueling, and inaccurate fuel gauge readings. Many complaints mention the vehicle stalling unexpectedly, even while driving, which poses potential safety risks, especially on busy roads. The issues often occur around 60,000 to 70,000 miles, with some owners indicating that their vehicles are not covered under existing recalls despite exhibiting similar problems. Buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, as they may require attention and potential repairs.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (67 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
67 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the transmission and clutch system of the 2016 Ford Focus, including hard shifting, stalling, and gear slipping, often requiring clutch replacement. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle stalling unexpectedly and experiencing transmission overheating, with some reports of the car failing to start or move out of gear. These problems typically arise around 45,000 to 76,000 miles, with some owners noting unresolved issues despite previous recall repairs. Safety implications include the potential for crashes due to sudden stalling or loss of control, with reports of two crashes and one injury. Buyers should be aware of these recurring transmission issues and verify if any recall repairs have been completed.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (48 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
48 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the 2016 Ford Focus related to engine stalling and loss of power, often occurring while driving at various speeds. Symptoms commonly described include the vehicle failing to restart, abnormal sounds such as knocking or loud noises from the engine, and warning lights like the check engine light illuminating. Many complaints are linked to oil pump failures, resulting in engine damage, with some reports of coolant intrusion and overheating. These issues typically arise around 10,000 to 150,000 miles. Safety implications include the vehicle stalling on highways or in traffic, which could lead to hazardous situations. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring problems, particularly the association with engine recalls and the availability of necessary repair parts.
STEERING (45 complaints)
STEERING
45 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the steering system of the 2016 Ford Focus, primarily involving the electric power steering. Complaints often describe sudden steering assist failures, with warning messages such as “steering assist fault” appearing on the dashboard, making it difficult to steer the vehicle. These failures are noted at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 24,300 miles. Safety implications are significant, with instances of steering locking up while driving, leading to near-crashes, and one reported crash. Additionally, there is mention of a fire in one complaint, though details are limited. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring steering problems and the associated safety risks.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (45 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
45 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several recurring electrical system issues with the 2016 Ford Focus. Complaints frequently mention unexpected vehicle shut-offs while driving, often accompanied by warning messages like "Stop safely now" or "Pull Car Over Safely," with some incidents occurring on highways and residential streets. Multiple owners describe problems with the radio system, including loud popping or screeching noises, which can be startling and potentially hazardous. Additionally, there are reports of hatchback doors opening unexpectedly and various electrical failures such as malfunctioning lights and door locks. These issues have been observed across a range of mileages, with some occurring around 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Safety concerns are noted, including one crash with an injury and two incidents involving fires, highlighting potential risks for used car buyers to consider.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (14 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
14 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2016 Ford Focus frequently report issues with the vehicle's speed control, particularly involving the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and related transmission components. Common symptoms include sudden loss of power, stalling at highway speeds, unintended acceleration, and jerking during gear shifts. These issues often occur at relatively low mileages, with some complaints noting failures around 6,000 to 15,000 miles. A notable safety concern includes a reported crash due to unintended vehicle movement. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring problems and the associated safety risks when considering this model.
AIR BAGS (13 complaints)
AIR BAGS
13 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2016 Ford Focus frequently report issues with air bag deployment, particularly during crashes. Complaints often describe scenarios where air bags fail to deploy in frontal and side-impact collisions, despite significant vehicle damage and resulting injuries. Several reports mention that only the knee air bag deploys, while others fail to activate, even in severe accidents. Common symptoms include illuminated air bag warning lights and faulty restraint control modules, with some issues arising around 50,000 to 124,000 miles. The reports indicate safety implications, with multiple crashes leading to injuries and vehicles being totaled. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring air bag issues when considering this model.
SERVICE BRAKES (6 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2016 Ford Focus report multiple issues related to the service brakes, with frequent mentions of brake failure or reduced braking effectiveness. Symptoms described include the brake pedal going to the floor and a lack of response when the pedal is depressed, often coinciding with other vehicle malfunctions such as engine stalling or loss of motive power. Complaint mileage varies, with instances noted around 57,000 to 160,000 miles. A crash resulting in injury is reported when the brakes failed to stop the vehicle, indicating significant safety implications. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring brake issues and the associated safety risks.
When Do 2016 Ford Focus Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Ford Focus Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Ford Focus Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Ford Focus year is 2018 with a reliability score of 59/100, rated mixed. Other strong picks include 2015 (59/100) and 2017 (58/100).
Ford Focus Years to Avoid
No Ford Focus years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Ford Focus maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
Ford Focus Reliability Score Trend
Ford Focus reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 56/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 54/100 | Mixed |
| 2014 | 52/100 | Mixed |
| 2015 | 59/100 | Mixed |
| 2016 | 56/100 | Mixed |
| 2017 | 58/100 | Mixed |
| 2018 | 59/100 | Mixed |
Ford Focus Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2016 Ford Focus reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Focus?
How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Focus have?
Is the 2016 Ford Focus expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2016 Ford Focus without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases via vehicles.dev. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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