VehicleVerdict

2016 Ford Focus Electric problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 2016 Ford Focus Electric — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

9

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Focus Electric years?

Focus Electric NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted120 complaints2012: 53 complaints2013: 120 complaints2014: 98 complaints2015: 20 complaints2016: 9 complaints2017: 12 complaints
Focus Electric NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Focus Electric years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Ford Focus Electric problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System444%
Engine222%
Lighting111%
Other111%
Transmission111%

Does the 2016 Ford Focus Electric have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V479000TransmissionJune 28, 2016 · 865 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE CHARGER CABLE OVERHEATED AND BURNED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A BURN MARK ON THE OUTLET. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NO SPARKS OR FLAMES WERE SEEN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 1, 2019 · fire

“When on freeway car suddenly displays an alert saying Stop safely now And will shut off , while driving makes it impossible to properly control the car . It has done this on multiple occasions, On the freeway , on residential streets and also when starting from park and proceeding to drive car has…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 7, 2024

“I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW ON 3/17/17. A SAFTEY RECALL (16V479) HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN ISSUED FOR THE VEHICLE BACK IN JUNE 2016. THE DEALER SOLD ME THE VEHICLE EVEN THOUGH IT WAS UNDER A STOP-SALE RECALL IN VIOLATION OF THE MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY ACT. A FEW DAYS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE DEALER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 28, 2017

“The Body Control Module controlling the lights, hatch, and door lock/unlock malfunctioned. Its a serious safety issue when the lights go out unexpectedly while driving. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · January 19, 2023

“When on freeway car suddenly displays an alert saying Stop safely now And will shut off , while driving makes it impossible to properly control the car . It has done this on multiple occasions, On the freeway , on residential streets and also when starting from park and proceeding to drive car has…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 7, 2024

2016 Ford Focus Electric — common questions

Is the 2016 Ford Focus Electric reliable?

The record is thin — 9 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2016 Ford Focus Electric have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2016 Ford Focus Electric. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 Ford Focus Electric under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Focus Electric years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Focus Electric years to avoid are 2013, 2014. The cleanest record among Focus Electric years belongs to 2016.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.