2016 Ford Focus · symptom sheet
Check engine light or misfire
- 140owner reports
- 70,000median miles
- $3,700median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Jul 31, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
498 of the 1,181 complaints on this car are about the engine. 140 of those describe misfire.
Tick what matches of 140 reports
Misfire on other Focus years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them.
What this problem usually is
These reports start with the check engine light. Many describe the engine running rough or shaking at idle, a P0300-series code, or a catalytic converter code. A worrying number say the light was flashing. Owners often list ignition coils or spark plugs already replaced, and the light coming back afterward.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the sensor (4 reports).
Recalls and investigations
5 recalls on the engine cover the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving.
The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.
The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.
All 10 recalls on the 2016 Ford Focus, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Focus
Timing belt failure. Open.
Timing belt failure. Closed jul 31, 2026.
Oil pump failure. Closed feb 14, 2024, led to recall 23V-905.
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 20, 2024.
Pedestrian alert sounds. Closed aug 7, 2023, led to recall 22V-063.
Engine stalling. Closed jan 16, 2004, led to recall 03V-482.
Engine compartment fires. Closed nov 13, 2002, led to recall 02V-288.
Engine stalling. Closed sep 9, 2002.
Engine compartment fires. Closed jul 31, 2002, led to recall 02V-288.
What owners paid
5 of the 140 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $3,000 to $4,500.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 49,925 and 89,000 miles, from the 106 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 10 service bulletins or notices for the 2016 Ford Focus that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025.
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025.
In some of the affected vehicles, customer may report erratic shifting, missed gear shifting, vibration, and check engine light illumination with one or more of the following codes P0809, P0805, P087A, P087B, P0806, P0900, or P090D, due to the clutch actuator ...
Some 2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a EVDC air conditioning (A/C) compressor may exhibit poor A/C performance/improper climate function and/or a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P06A0 in the powertrain control module (PCM).
6 more on the 2016 Ford Focus page.
What owners wrote
“Went to refuel my car with gas. Got into my car and it didnât start right away. When it finally did the check engine light came on. I took to go check it out and was told the fuel tank/canister purge valve was faulty. I tried contacting ford to see if under warranty and or recalled. But nothing has come out of it. My 2016 Ford Focus only has 67k miles on it”
Filed Jul 29, 2025 · 67,000 miles
“When accelerating or breaking, my cars transmission would slip causing me to slow down whiled driving. Also, my check engine light has came on. It goes on and off unexpectedly. Car shutters and shakes when accelerating.”
Filed Jul 15, 2024
“on 6/27/2024 when accelerating into traffic my vehicle stalled and almost caused an accident. Dash board display had two messages was code P0106 MAP sensor and hill start assist wasn't going to work. Possible safety recall 14S17 Saying not for my vehicle.”
Filed Jun 28, 2024
“Check engine light keeps coming on and it give error EVAP control system fault/unable to bleed up fuel tank vacuum”
Filed Dec 30, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 140 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Which lights mean pull over now? Warning lights by color and urgency
Other problems on this car
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 352 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 286 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 56 reports
- "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 55 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 46 reports
- Loses power when accelerating 45 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 27 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 26 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 26 reports