VehicleVerdict

2016 Ford Focus transmission problems

The 2016 Ford Focus has 673 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 43% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

673

Transmission complaints

43%

Share of year

8

Crash-involved

3

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

Related recalls

26V376000TransmissionJune 9, 2026 · 5,252 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 6, 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 NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.

18V845000TransmissionNovember 28, 2018 · 2,828 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

18V169000TransmissionMarch 12, 2018 · 5,361 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

What owners report

TRANSMISSION ELEMENT STUCK ON NEUTRAL, FORD FOCUS 2016 , FORD SOLD THE CARS AND KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM. GEAR SIFTS IN NEUTRAL, MY CAR HESITATED IN A CROSSING AND MY CAR WAS HIT IN THE BACK DOOR. .THE CLUTCH SLIPS IN NEUTRAL, FORD USES DRY CLUTCHES IN THIS CAR FOR EFFICIENCY, BUT WET CLUTCHES…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 1, 2019 · crash

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2016 Ford Focus have?

NHTSA has 673 complaints about the 2016 Ford Focus transmission — 43% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2016 Ford Focus transmission?

Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the transmission: 18V169000, 18V845000, 26V376000.

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.