2016 Ford Focus
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatchback Se/Titanium, 4dr Sedan S/Se/Titanium, Electric 4d Hatchback, St/RS 4dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 1.0L 3-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 123–160 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- EV, Regular Gasoline, FFV, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 34 combined · 30 city / 41 hwy
- EV range
- 76 mi · 3.6 h on 240 V
- Length
- 171.7–178.3 in
- Curb weight
- 2,926–3,673 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 11 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 34 MPG combined — 28% better than the average 2016 compact car (26.6 MPG).
- Electric version availableOffered as a electric as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints1,194 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 48 for similar models — most often about the power train.
- 11 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Ford Focus is a compact car offered with 4 engines (1.0L 3-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 2.3L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 172 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,926 lb (4dr Hatchback Se/Titanium).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 34 MPG combined (30 city / 41 highway), 28% better than the 2016 compact car average of 26.6 MPG, for an estimated $700 a year in fuel.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 76 miles and takes about 3.6 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 11 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1194 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2016
- Engine added: 2.3L 4-cyl turbo
- All-wheel or four-wheel drive now available
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Focus →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Wayne, Michigan
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 Focus configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Hatchback Se/Titanium | 171.7 in | 72 in | 57.9 in | 104.3 in | 61 / 60.2 in | 2,926 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Sedan S/Se/Titanium | 178.3 in | 72 in | 57.9 in | 104.3 in | 61 / 60.2 in | 2,954 lb | 60/40 |
| Electric 4d Hatchback | 172.4 in | 71.7 in | 58.3 in | 104.3 in | 60.6 / 59.8 in | 3,673 lb | 49/51 |
| St/RS 4dr Hatchback | 172.8 in | 71.7 in | 57.9 in | 104.3 in | 60.6 / 59.8 in | 3,252 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus Electric EV | 107 kW AC PMSM | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 76 mi · 32 kWh/100mi | – | $700 | – |
| Focus FWD | 1.0L 3-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 41 / 34 | +28% | $1,950 | 260 |
| Focus FWD | 1.0L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 39 / 32 | +20% | $2,100 | 277 |
| Focus FWD FFV FFV | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 39 / 31 | +17% | $2,150 | 285 |
| Focus FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 39 / 31 | +17% | $2,150 | 285 |
| Focus FWD FFV FFV | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 37 / 30 | +13% | $2,250 | 298 |
| Focus FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 37 / 30 | +13% | $2,250 | 298 |
| Focus FWD FFV FFV | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 36 / 29 | +9% | $2,300 | 305 |
| Focus FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 36 / 29 | +9% | $2,300 | 305 |
| Focus ST FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | -5% | $2,700 | 352 |
| Focus RS AWD | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 22 | -16% | $3,750 | 410 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Ford Focus.
Similar 2016 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Ford Focus (this car) | 34 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2016 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2016 Mazda 3 | 33 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 29 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2016 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Hyundai Elantra | 31 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 Subaru WRX | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (11)
Power Train › Manual Transmission · Jun 9, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V376000 · 5,252 vehicles
- Problem
- 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
- 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.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will inspect Focus vehicles and replace the clutch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were October 16, 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Canister · Jun 9, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V369000 · 257,868 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving.
- Risk
- An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S40. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.
Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater · Jan 15, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V012000 · 2,403 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
- Risk
- An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed February 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026. This recall expands previous recall number 25V685.
Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater · Jan 15, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V011000 · 116,672 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
- Risk
- An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication › Pump · Dec 22, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V905000 · 139,730 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.
- Risk
- A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt, free of charge. If engine failure occurs due to a damaged oil pump belt and/or oil pump belt tensioner, Ford has authorized dealers to replace the engine assembly as an interim repair before the availability of remedy parts for the final repair. This repair will be free of charge (parts and labor). Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S64.
Power Train › Manual Transmission · Nov 28, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V845000 · 2,828 vehicles
- Problem
- 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
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Canister · Oct 22, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V735000 · 1,282,596 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Power Train › Manual Transmission · Mar 12, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V169000 · 5,361 vehicles
- Problem
- 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
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Structure › Body · Jan 24, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V052000 · 17 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 Focus and C-Max vehicles. The floor pan may have improperly welded left-hand apron joints.
- Risk
- Improperly welded apron joints may reduce the front-end structural integrity of the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the apron joints, repairing the vehicle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S03.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hatchback/Liftgate › Lock · Sep 28, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V698000 · 64,038 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Ford Focus hatchback vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to August 26, 2016 and equipped with a manual transmission. The hatchback of the affected vehicles may be unlatched with a single press of the interior latch release button. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
- Risk
- With only a single press needed, the driver may accidently unlatch the hatchback, increasing the risk of injury to any unsecured passengers in the back.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Body Control Module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began February 10, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C13.
Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit · Jun 28, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V479000 · 865 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ford Focus Electric vehicles manufactured August 20, 2015, through April 13, 2016. The transmission's differential pinion gear shaft may overheat and fracture.
- Risk
- A fractured pinion shaft could cause a loss of motive power and loss of the transmission park function, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission differential assembly, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S28.
Not every 2016 Ford Focus is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Ford Focus buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 11 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 628 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 238 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 167 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 42,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 76 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Ford Focus. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Focus years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Focus | 34 | 171.7 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 837 |
| 2017 Focus | 34 | 171.7 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 907 |
| 2015 Focus | 34 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 11 | 1,034 |
| 2014 Focus | 32 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 14 | 2,496 |
| 2013 Focus | 32 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 14 | 1,759 |
| 2012 Focus | 32 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 3,147 |
| 2011 Focus | 29 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 73 |
| 2010 Focus | 28 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 139 |
| 2009 Focus | 28 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 85 |
| 2008 Focus | 28 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 104 |
| 2007 Focus | 27 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 105 |
| 2006 Focus | 26 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 49 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →