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.
2016 Ford Focus transmission problems
674 complaints (57% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 65,000. 8 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 674
- of this car's complaints
- 57%
- typical mileage
- 65,000
- crashes
- 8
- recalls
- 3
Which part fails
- Automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)19
- Automatic transmission13
- Clutch assembly10
- Automatic transmission: internal: clutches/bands10
- Automatic transmission: internal: clutches/bands: actuators/solenoids2
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Ford Focus transmission problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2016 Ford Focus transmission
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Shudder 161Jerking 129Hesitation 120Slipping 90Transmission failure 55Won't shift 41Harsh shifting 14
Related recalls
Power train: manual transmission
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Focus and 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 18V169 and 18V845. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
- Risk
- A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will inspect Focus vehicles and replace the clutch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were October 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S43. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on on July 6,2026.
Recall number 26V376000 · Recall details
Power train: manual transmission
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with a 1.0L Fox GTDI engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
- Risk
- A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update vehicles with software that detects and prevents prolonged clutch slip, and will replace the clutch, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Ford at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S07. Note: This recall is an expansion of Recall 18V‑169.
Recall number 18V845000 · Recall details
Power train: manual transmission
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Fusion vehicles equipped with a 1.6L GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission and 2015-2016 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with a 1.0L GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission. Also included are four 2017 Ford Focus vehicles that had clutch replacements with potentially affected parts. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
- Risk
- A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Focus vehicles with software that detects and prevents prolonged clutch slip, and will replace the clutch, as necessary, free of charge. Owners of Fusion vehicles will have their clutch assembly replaced free of charge. The recall began August 3, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S07.
Recall number 18V169000 · Recall details
What 2016 Ford Focus owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The DPS6 transmission started out shuddering in low gears even after clutch replacement early on. This made pulling out into traffic slower than it should be. Received “transmission overheating” message “pull over for 5 minutes” in heavy traffic. Prior to the message car would shudder and lose power. This happened suddenly going at highway speeds on the interstate. Replaced clutch actuators and TCM only to have the clutch adaptive learn procedure fail and after inspection by the dealer was told needs new transmission. These problems have been present at very low mileage and Ford now wants to charge a ridiculous amount to replace transmission that should have been fixed long ago. Several times the car stalled in traffic almost causing me to get in accidents.
My duel clutch transmission started acting up took it to a mechanic they said it needed the TCM and Actuators and possibly transmission replaced that they should be recalled tried taking it to Thirnhill Ford because I received a letter for this to be changed and they refused without me paying up front this has been going on with my car for over 2 years its setting in a driveway being paid on and cant even be drove
The car would not accelerate when pressing accelerator, they said the clutch assembly malfunctioned, confirmed by documentation. Myself and others had our safety at risk because the car could not be controlled properly while on the road. The car was taken to the dealer and they confirmed the problem. The dealer's service center gave inspection, and confirmed the problem. The warning message did not appear until after the problem put myself and others' safety at risk.
Transmission overheated. Transmission fluid leaked but the computer in the car didn't let me know there was a leak. Couldn't move my car into reverse so I had to get a tow to Ford. They said it was a Transmission leak which caused the overheating. But once the car received Transmission fluid the car did not go into reverse. Clutch failed.
While driving at highway speed, the transmission slipped, skipping gears. Very difficult to drive care safely. Could not accelerate vehicle safely. Had to stay in right lane with hazard lights on. Basically, using only gears 1, 3 & 5. Later discovered intermittently no reverse. DTC P090C Clutch Actuator B - Circuit Low.
When I bought the car it stuttered it ended up being the clutch then my transmission went out The bolt in my engine mount broke and my engine was basically on the ground
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.
My car Transmission dual clutch went out in 2024. Car makes a loud winding noise car hesitate when stops Yes,confirmed by dealership and Coleman's transmission. Yes, by the manufacturer. No warning lamps or messages.
Transmission is slipping. Dealer reported cluthes going out. This is a known issue with all of these cars.
Questions about the 2016 Ford Focus transmission
Does the 2016 Ford Focus have transmission problems?
Owners have filed 674 complaints about the transmission of the 2016 Ford Focus, 57% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2016 Ford Focus transmission problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 65,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2016 Ford Focus transmission?
Yes, 3 recalls: 26V376000, 18V845000, 18V169000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Ford Focus have bad transmission?
The Ford Focus model years with the most transmission complaints are 2014 (1,576 complaints), 2012 (1,448 complaints) and 2013 (1,102 complaints).
Other 2016 Ford Focus problems
Engine 281Fuel system 231Electrical 83Steering 45Acceleration 36Airbags 15Wheels 15Body 14Driver assistance 14Brakes 13Visibility 11Lights 8Suspension 6Seat belts 4Seats 4Locks 2Tires 2
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