Is the 2016 Ford FOCUS reliable?

The 2016 Ford FOCUS has 1560 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.2x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: TRANSMISSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Ford FOCUS?

Top problems: TRANSMISSION (673 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (281 complaints, avg repair $500); FUEL SYSTEM (228 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Ford FOCUS?

Yes, there are 10 recall(s): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE, POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION, STRUCTURE:BODY, POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP, EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER, EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:CANISTER, POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION. Contact any Ford dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to charge a 2016 Ford FOCUS?

The 2016 Ford FOCUS has an EPA rating of 105 MPGe. At the current US average residential electricity rate, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $732. State rates vary significantly — see the interactive calculator on this page.

How much does it cost to insure a 2016 Ford FOCUS?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Ford FOCUS is approximately $1,708/year (ev-mainstream class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Does the 2016 Ford FOCUS qualify for tax credits?

The federal EV tax credit (Section 30D) expired for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. If purchased before that date, the 2016 Ford FOCUS may still qualify on the 2025 tax return. State-level incentives remain active in 13+ states — see the incentives section on this page for details.

2016 Ford FOCUS

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2016 Ford FOCUS has 1560 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.2x the segment average of 1308. The most common issue is transmission problems (43% of all complaints), specifically: the transmission on this vehicle shudders, especially when cornering . this shudder has become more pronounced,. There are 10 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.

3 fire reports 24 crash reports 12 injuries

1560

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.2x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

TRANSMISSION

673 complaints

43%

• THE TRANSMISSION ON THIS VEHICLE SHUDDERS, ESPECIALLY WHEN CORNERING . THIS SHUDDER HAS BECOME MORE PRONOUNCED,
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED LUNGING, THE RPM WENT ABNORMALLY HIGH, AND THE WINDSHIELD SHATTERED AFTER AN INSECT FLEW INTO A WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FELT ABNORMAL AS THOUGH IT WAS LACKING POWER DURING TURNS AND THROUG
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHUTTERED AND EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. THE CHECKING ENGINE AND SERVICE CAR SOON WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER FOR A SECOND TIME. THE V

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 8 crashes

“THE TRANSMISSION ON THIS VEHICLE SHUDDERS, ESPECIALLY WHEN CORNERING . THIS SHUDDER HAS BECOME MORE PRONOUNCED,”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2016 Ford FOCUS

Based on 996 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 60K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

227

30-60K

263

60-100K

327

100-150K

154

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

Earlier than typicalmedian 43K mi · 45 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

Earlier than typicalmedian 34K mi · 24 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

Earlier than typicalmedian 30K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

Earlier than typicalmedian 15K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

WHEELS

Earlier than typicalmedian 27K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

Reported earliermedian 52K mi · 46 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (10)

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE22/10/2018

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.

Risk: The excessive vaccuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Ford Customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S32. Note: Until the vehicle is serviced for this concern, owners are advised to keep the fuel tank at least halfway full.

Charging Cost Calculator for 2016 Ford FOCUS

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local electricity price)

Per year

$725

Per month

$60

Per mile

6.0¢

kWh/mi

0.32

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Ford FOCUS

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,708

Full coverage / month

$142

Liability only / year

$638

vs US avg

+2%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (ev-mainstream)1.18x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1708

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ford FOCUS Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

IOLM (Intelligent Oil Life Monitor) may signal earlier. Older 5.4L Triton engines have specific service needs — check the manual.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Ford New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Ford. If you're buying a used 2016 FOCUS, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ford dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

EV Incentives for 2016 Ford FOCUS

Updated 2026-07

Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30

Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.

State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)

CaliforniaUp to $12,000

Clean Cars 4 All

ColoradoUp to $5,000

Innovative Motor Vehicle Credit

ConnecticutUp to $4,250

CHEAPR (Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate)

DelawareUp to $2,500

Clean Vehicle Rebate

IllinoisUp to $4,000

Illinois EV Rebate Program

MarylandUp to $3,000

Excise Tax Credit for Plug-in Electric Vehicles

MassachusettsUp to $3,500

MOR-EV

New JerseyUp to $4,000

Charge Up New Jersey

New YorkUp to $2,000

Drive Clean Rebate

OregonUp to $7,500

Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate

PennsylvaniaUp to $3,000

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Rebate Program

Rhode IslandUp to $2,500

DRIVEEV

TexasUp to $2,500

Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive

VermontUp to $5,000

Incentive Program for New Electric Vehicles

See full state-by-state EV incentive details

Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.

Estimated Repair Costs

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 1560 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
TRANSMISSION: THE TRANSMISSION ON THIS VEHICLE SHUDDERS, ESPECIALLY WHEN CORNERING . THIS SHUDDER HAS BECOME MORE PRONOUNCED,
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: MY 2016 FORD FOCUS HAS 5500 MILES ON IT AND IT OVERHEATED LAST WEEK, FORD TOWED TO DEALER AND AFTER A FEW DAYS GOT A CALL STATING THERE WAS A ENGINE PROBLEM AND THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I ASKED IF THEY COULD JUST GIVE ME A NEW VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE LOW MILLAGE AND I WAS TO NO BY DISTRICT SE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: BOUGHT THIS CAR THIS SPRING AND BEEN HAVING SHIFTING PROBLEMS. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT IS NORMAL FOR THIS CAR. IT FEELS LIKE A MISFIRE BUT IT THE ELECTRONIC SHIFTED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. IF I KNEW THIS BEFORE I BOUGHT THE CAR I WOULD NOT HAVE.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 95 APPROXIMATELY 65 MILES PER HOUR SOUTHBOUND I HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION, I DID NOT FEEL ANY IMPACT ON THE AUTOMOBILE BUT BEGAN TO HEAR RATTLING ON THE TOP OF THE ROOF. WHEN I PULLED OVER, I SAW THAT SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED AND EXPLODED. THE SUNROOF COVER ON THE INSIDE OF THE V
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 10 recalls have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)