2016 Ford Focus · symptom sheet
Transmission slips
- 98owner reports
- 55,500median miles
- $3,000median quote
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Jun 15, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026
98 of the 351 reports of transmission shudder on the 2016 Focus describe transmission slipping.
Part of Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard (351 reports) · also: jerking or hard shifts, hesitation when accelerating
Tick what matches of 98 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the clutch pack (41 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 98 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $2,000 to $3,900.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 25,000 and 87,000 miles, from the 65 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Transmission/ clutch shifts gears rough. Jerks and rpm all over the place. Clutch slippage.”
Filed Oct 16, 2023
“At sixty four thousand miles the clutch began to slip, eventually started smelling and smoking. The clutch pedal gave out and there was no power, which led to pulling over on the highway to get a tow.”
Filed Sep 28, 2023
“Check engine light on with transmission codes. Transmission is slipping and car won't start intermittently. Also loses power intermittently. Car lost power up hill when driving with my daughter. My 18 year old son, who is an inexperienced driver also drives this car. Will be getting the car diagnosed as Ford dealership on Friday.”
Filed Apr 11, 2023
“Transmission slipped occasionally before the TCM finally failed. Unable to repair due to part not being unavailable.”
Filed Feb 1, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 98 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.
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