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.
2016 Ford Focus: transmission slipping
90 of the 1,185 complaints about the 2016 Ford Focus describe transmission slipping.
- owner complaints
- 90
- of this car's complaints
- 8%
- typical repair cost reported
- $3,240
- typical mileage
- 45,000
- recalls
- 3
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls and 25 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Transmission slipping by model year
What owners say
Transmission is slipping. Dealer reported cluthes going out. This is a known issue with all of these cars.
The vehicle experienced failure of the DPS6 dual-clutch automatic transmission. The transmission began slipping during acceleration, hesitating between gear engagement, and triggering a “Transmission Overheat” warning. Eventually, the vehicle lost the ability to reliably shift between Drive and Reverse and would not consistently engage gears. The vehicle can start and move forward but cannot reliably switch directions within the same ignition cycle. The vehicle is available for inspection. The transmission malfunction created safety concerns due to delayed or failed acceleration when entering traffic. The vehicle hesitated and slipped under throttle input, which could prevent timely acceleration when merging or crossing intersections. Additionally, the inability to reliably shift between Drive and Reverse could create hazardous situations in parking lots or emergency maneuvering scenarios. The sudden transmission overheat warning and gear disengagement could result in loss of power in traffic. The issue has been confirmed by an independent mechanic who diagnosed transmission failure. The vehicle has a known history of prior clutch replacement under similar symptoms. The transmission malfunction is consistent with documented DPS6 transmission failures in 2016 Ford Focus models. The vehicle has been inspected by an independent service center. The manufacturer has not inspected the vehicle. Prior to failure, the vehicle exhibited shuddering during acceleration from a stop, particularly at low speeds. This condition has been intermittently present for several years following a prior clutch replacement. In the days leading up to failure, the vehicle experienced difficulty accelerating and hesitation under throttle. A “Transmission Overheat” warning message appeared while driving. After cooling, the vehicle temporarily resumed operation but subsequently lost reliable gear engagement.
Transmission is slipping. Check engine light is on. Code P07A5 (3/3) Permanent Transmission Friction Element B Stuck on.
The transmission is slipping. Research shows it's a known issue. Ford has acknowledged the issue and extended support. My local ford dealership is refusing to fix the issue even though I fall within the extended service mileage. I called 2 transmission shops who refused to work on this specific model due to the dual clutch design and known problems. Attached is a letter I am disseminating requesting proper assistance with this issue.
Additional information related to a case I opened earlier today Vehicle: 2016 Ford Focus SE Component: PowerTrain – Transmission My 2016 Ford Focus has experienced three failed clutch packs with the Ford DPS6 PowerShift transmission. The first clutch was replaced at ~22,000 miles, the second at ~27,500 miles, and it now requires a third replacement at 80,000 miles. This is a known and dangerous defect that was part of a class-action lawsuit. Despite multiple replacements and low mileage, Ford is requiring me to pay over $4,000 for a third repair. This transmission causes slipping, hesitation, and safety issues when pulling into traffic or hills. I am requesting that the federal safety agency re-investigate or expand the scope of past complaints on this vehicle to include continued post-settlement failures.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the transmission was slipping, the vehicle exceeded 3,000 RPM and suddenly lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact was able to resume driving; however, the failure recurred while at a complete stop at a four-way intersection. The contact was able to drive approximately 2 MPH to his son's residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pressure regulator had failed, and a fuel line was rusted. The dealer replaced the parts. Additionally, the dealer diagnosed that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle jerked until shifting into gear. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was advised that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.
The transmission (powertrain) on my 2016 Ford Focus SE (VIN: [XXX] ) has had persistent issues since shortly after I purchased the car in April 2022. It has not completely failed yet, but the symptoms — including shuddering, slipping, jerking, and hesitation when accelerating or shifting — have worsened over time. It uses a dual-clutch transmission with no dipstick, making it difficult to properly monitor or service. The vehicle is in my possession and available for inspection upon request. Due to the unpredictable and unsafe driving behavior, I have stopped driving the vehicle altogether and have not driven it in over a month. The car hesitates when shifting, especially at stop signs or when merging into traffic, creating serious safety concerns for myself and others. The issue has been reproduced multiple times and addressed at the CarMax dealership in Tinley Park, IL, where I bought the car. However, their repairs were only temporary, and the problem returned. Because the car is now outside of their warranty period, they refuse to inspect it without charging a diagnostic fee. I also contacted Ford Customer Service, but was told that since there is no current recall, I would need to pay out of pocket and that no assistance could be offered. There were no warning lights or messages at the start of the issue, which began within 60–90 days of ownership. The transmission symptoms have been present ever since, and have progressively worsened. This is clearly part of a wider transmission issue with the 2016 Focus, as supported by numerous consumer complaints and lawsuits. I urge the federal safety agency to investigate and take appropriate action, including consideration of a recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Transmission shuddering, slipping
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the transmission was slipping. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle had performed as designed. The vehicle later failed to reverse while the transmission was shifted to reverse(R). The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check transmission warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was shaking abnormally, and the transmission was shifting hard. The contact stated that the failure was recurring. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission was difficult to shift into reverse(R). The contact stated that the transmission was also slipping out of gear. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the shift actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 111,700.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Ford is extending the warranty coverage on the DPS6 automatic transmission TCM to 10 years of service or...
- 2015-2018
- Certain 2016 through 2017 Model Year Focus equipped with a DPS6 Automatic Transmission
- Illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018,...
- Certain 2011 through 2015 Model Year Fiesta and 2012 through 2016 Model Year Focus Vehicles Equipped with...
- Certain 2014 through 2015 Model Year Fiesta and 2014 through 2016 Model Year Focus Vehicles Equipped with...
- Short-Term DPS6 Dealer Customer Handling Direction
- On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be...
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
Questions about the 2016 Ford Focus slipping
Is transmission slipping a common problem on the 2016 Ford Focus?
90 of 1,185 owner complaints about the 2016 Ford Focus (8%) mention transmission slipping. The model year with the most reports is 2014.
How much does it cost to fix transmission slipping on the 2016 Ford Focus?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $3,240 (median of 6 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2016 Ford Focus?
There are 3 recalls and 25 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2016 Ford Focus
Stalling 242Check engine light 234Shudder 161Jerking 129Hesitation 120Overheating 58Transmission failure 55Engine failure 43Loss of power 41Won't shift 41Won't start 34Grinding brakes 29Fuel pump 20Fuel gauge 19Sudden acceleration 19Misfire 16Power steering loss 16Harsh shifting 14Wipers 13Backup camera 9Headlights 9No deployment 8Knocking 8Steering lock-up 7Adaptive cruise 6Brake failure 6Fire or smoke 5
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2016 Ford Focus?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history