2016 Ford Focus: check engine light

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · KY

The vehicle is subject to the federal safety agency Safety Recall Campaign 18V‑735 (Ford Recall 18S32) regarding a defective Canister Purge Valve (CPV) that causes fuel vapor saturation, excessive fuel tank vacuum, fuel tank deformation, and engine stalling.The vehicle presented with an active check engine light for diagnostic trouble code P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold). Ford technical service instructions under Recall 18S32 explicitly link code P0420 to a stuck-open CPV dumping unmetered fuel vapors into the exhaust stream. The franchised dealership initially performed only a software calibration without replacing the mechanical valve.Upon return, the dealership confirmed the defect and replaced the CPV under recall warranty at no charge on Repair Order # 872120. However, dealership service management refused to inspect the catalytic converter for secondary fuel-wash damage unless an unauthorized $220 customer diagnostic fee was paid. The technician cleared the diagnostic trouble codes in the stall without executing the required OBD-II drive cycle. Repair Order # 872120, Line C explicitly documents: "VEHICLE RELEASED FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF RECALL 18S32 WHERE CPV WAS REPLACED. P0420 STATUS PENDING DRIVE CYCLE COMPLETION". Following completion of the required drive cycles, code P0420 returned immediately. Secondary catalytic converter degradation is documented damage resulting directly from the recalled component. Dealership service management has refused to return calls, disconnected phone contact, and ignored written inquiries to avoid submitting the required manufacturer Prior Approval warranty claim for secondary recall remedy. The vehicle and service records are available for inspection upon request.

Filed Jun 2, 2026 · Fuel system · VA

So I had check engine light I took it to the mechanic the code was p1450 the mechanic told me it’s the purge valve and it’s recall with ford book and appointment from the website witch is I did after I checked my vin I found out that’s this purge valve has recall and it’s free of charge I went to dealer they denied and said they have to do their diagnostic that will cost 190$ and they did not accept the car

Filed May 26, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · PA

We bought this vehicle from Carvana in February 2023. Since very early on owning this vehicle, the engine hesitated and stuttered when trying to shift from first to second gear, and would lunge forward slightly. In December 2024, I received a letter from Ford Motor Company about a customer satisfaction program, Campaign 24N07. The letter addressed the symptoms my vehicle exhibited, including engine hesitation, engine running rough, and engine stalling at low speeds, though the check engine light was not on. The letter states that Ford Motor Company provides a one-time replacement of the canister purge valve, given these symptoms and the check engine light being on. When I called all the local Ford dealerships, they refused to do it because the check engine light was not on, and that Ford Motor Company issued this as a customer satisfaction program, rather than a safety recall.Everything that was listed in Campaign 24N07 is MOST DEFINITELY a safety issue, and should not be taken lightly. It is highly concerning that Ford Motor Company didn’t think to consider ENGINE ISSUES a safety recall. The class action lawsuit Vargas et al v. Ford Motor Company had a deadline of November 4, 2020, which was 2 years and 3 months prior to us buying the vehicle, so any vehicles of the affected years and models should have been either repaired, or not allowed to be sold unless the repairs were done by an authorized Ford dealership. This information was not told to us when we bought the vehicle.On May 25, 2026, while driving, the engine fault and steering assist fault warnings came on, as well as the check engine light. When we were able to safely park the car, we discovered the entire power train is non operational. The engine no longer turns over, and we are now having to buy a new car.

Filed May 5, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · PA

Ford Motor issued two safety recalls regarding this, but has since closed them without providing a safe resolution for consumers. July 8 2019 Ford issued Ford Safety Recall program 19S22 (following 18S32) for stuck open canister purge valve (CPV). This can result in a failure to bleed the vacuum from the gas tank, and deforms the gas tank upon failure. This has been confirmed, reproduced, and recalled by Ford before, but continues to happen nationwide to Ford Focus ST owners as a small subset of their vehicles. A stuck open CPV can result in a number of codes. In my case, I got a P1450, Ford-Specific check engine light on the MIL. This can cause inability to start, along with rough idle and stalling while driving. Ford reports closing these safety recalls and provides no further support for the issue.

Filed Feb 16, 2026 · Engine · IN

the federal safety agency Recall Number23V905 Recall Status recall Incomplete Ford performed an interim engine repair in 2024. Due to the unavailability of parts when the recall was initiated, it took approximately 8 months for the interim engine and repair to be completed. I received my car back in August 2024 and then a supplement to the recall was placed. After getting the car back, my check engine light came on but Ford advised that it didn't have anything to do with the engine replacement and associated parts. Then I began experiencing symptoms of a valve purge issue and received an EVAP code. I attempted to address this at the dealership during routine maintenance but it was not checked or repaired. In January 2026, my engine failed again with similar symptoms. It was towed to the same dealership where they informed me that I was out of warranty on the engine and my new issue had to do with coolant intrusion. When I checked my service records, they had noted that a coolant hose was broken and replaced during recall repairs. Additionally there is a recall for other 2016 Ford Focus coolant intrusions caused by a heater block. This leads me to believe that the repair may have been faulty. Additionally, the 23V905 recall is still open with a supplement to the original.

Filed Feb 11, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · 150,000 miles · AR

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. While operating the vehicle, the vehicle was shaking abnormally while idling, while low on fuel, while driving long distances, or while driving uphill. The vehicle shut off unexpectedly intermittently. On several occasions, the RPM increased; however, the vehicle failed to respond, and the vehicle eventually stalled. The accelerator pedal was depressed to the floorboard, but the vehicle failed to respond. The brake pedal became firm. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped and restarted several times or shut down unintendedly. After refueling, the contact had to wait for approximately 2 to 10 minutes before the vehicle responded as needed. Occasionally, the contact had to wait for over an hour before the vehicle was restarted. The check engine warning light illuminated intermittently and later turned off. While depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine revved excessively without the vehicle responding as needed. An abnormal sound was coming from the vehicle. The Oxygen sensor error code was displayed. The failure persisted over time. The vehicle was previously repaired at an unknown dealer under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). Additionally, the high-pressure fuel pump was replaced. The local dealer was not contacted regarding the current failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed Jan 25, 2026 · Transmission · NY

Transmission is slipping. Check engine light is on. Code P07A5 (3/3) Permanent Transmission Friction Element B Stuck on.

Filed Jan 13, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · SC

Fuel purge valve is malfunctioning. Vehicle loses power and is sluggish. Idles very rough and sometimes has a loss of power. My car has been at Ford twice in the last six months and problem still isn't fixed. Complete engine was replaced about a year and a half ago due to recall issue which I don't want happening again. I do not feel safe driving this car. I made an appointment with Ford a month ago for tomorrow for same stalling issue. I went to drop off and explain I wanted the repairs done for the recall to see if that fixed the problem. I filled up my gas tank on Sunday. The car wouldn't start and engine light came on saying engine failure service now. I let it sit for about ten minutes and it hesitantly cranked and engine light went off but accelerates slower with loss of power. It keeps doing this intermittently and sometimes loses power, and struggles when idling. I cut off let sit and then is okay until I pump gas again. I told the service repair person what happened and handed him the key to drop off the vehicle. He said if the light was not on at the time he would not be able to fix it and they couldn't schedule my vehicle for any additional recalls that are greatly needed for the car. It is running terrible. It idles and intermittently loses power while driving. Evan at Ford (Greer) response was to wait until it got bad enough that the engine light came on and stayed on. This was at D&D Ford in Greer, SC. He said it was Ford's policy the light had to be on to replace under recall with no charge. I told him it is unsafe to drive if it gets any worse it could cause an accident. I have two children and his recommendation to wait until it gets worse was appalling. He kept backlashing Ford and stated he doesn't work for Ford he works for D&D and only represents Ford. I said to him he was not representing Ford very well and that it was highly unlikely they would agree with his statements. I asked for documation of this policy--it contradicts what he says.

Filed Dec 18, 2025 · Fuel system · CO

The car is stalling randomly with no engine lights coming on

Filed Aug 21, 2025 · Engine · 99,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her granddaughter was driving approximately 30 MPH, the low oil pressure and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that her granddaughter heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was driven to a dealer who was unable to diagnose the vehicle immediately. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the oil pump had failed and stopped pumping oil to the engine, resulting in damage to the engine. The contact was advised that the engine and the oil pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, parts for the recall repair were not yet available to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact mailed a letter to the manufacturer about the failure, but had not yet received a response. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

Filed Aug 20, 2025 · Transmission · 113,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact heard an abnormal grinding sound coming from under the floorboard. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and was jerking and vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that the failure was more pronounced after the initial failure. The contact stated that later, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was difficult to start. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was orange. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the clutch actuators needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to a problem with the dual clutch transmission installed in the vehicle. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

Filed Aug 8, 2025 · Engine · 40,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the RPMs became drastically elevated, and the vehicle shut off unintendedly. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over, and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and after three days the contact attempted to restart the vehicle, and the vehicle started without hesitation, and the check engine warning light was no longer illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer to be diagnosed; however, there was no cause for the failure found. The vehicle not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.