2016 Ford Focus · symptom sheet
Transmission jerks, lurches or bangs into gear
- 117owner reports
- 67,000median miles
- $3,000median quote
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Jun 9, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026
117 of the 351 reports of transmission shudder on the 2016 Focus describe jerking or hard shifts.
Part of Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard (351 reports) · also: transmission slipping, hesitation when accelerating
Tick what matches of 117 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the mounts (4 reports).
Recalls and investigations
3 recalls on the transmission and drivetrain cover the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
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 and remedy
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. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. 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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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 paid
7 of the 117 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,900 to $4,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 44,000 and 98,000 miles, from the 94 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Failed tcm. Shaking and jerking car. Under 80k miles. Breaks stopped working in drive. Won't reverse. Same make,model,year and problem as recall warranty but for some reason my vin isn't included.”
Filed Oct 18, 2024 · 80,000 miles
“Transmission/ clutch shifts gears rough. Jerks and rpm all over the place. Clutch slippage.”
Filed Oct 16, 2023
“Car jerks and shakes/ will suddenly stop in the middle of traffic. This is especially dangerous if you are making a left or right and the car suddenly stops, which has happened”
Filed May 13, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 117 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. 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.
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 285 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 140 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 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