2016 Ford Focus Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 303 engine complaints for the 2016 Ford Focus, 26% of all complaints filed for that model year, with a median failure mileage of 60,000 miles. A related recall (23V905000) covers oil pump drive belt failure that can cause loss of oil pressure.
- Engine complaints
- 303
- 26% of 1,181
- Crashes reported
- 8
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 5
- Median mileage
- 60,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Vehicles stall unexpectedly at low speeds, including during turns, sometimes leading to a collision.
- Owners describe sudden loss of power while driving at highway speed, with check engine and service warning lights on.
- Some engines overheat and require full replacement even at low mileage.
- A faulty coolant sensor and wiring harness reportedly triggers a 'failsafe mode' that cuts power output intermittently.
- One owner reported an engine fire occurring shortly after a dealer service visit.
When 2016 Ford Focus engine complaints were filed
First complaint Jun 27, 2016, latest Aug 25, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2016 Ford Focus
- NHTSA 23V905000Dec 22, 2023Engine139,730 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pump
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.
Remedy: 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.
Engine complaints by Focus model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many engine complaints does the 2016 Ford Focus have?
- NHTSA lists 303 engine complaints for the 2016 Focus, making up 26% of the 1,181 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there an engine recall for the 2016 Ford Focus?
- Yes. Recall 23V905000 covers 2016-2018 Focus and 2018-2022 EcoSport vehicles where the oil pump drive belt or tensioner can fail and cause loss of engine oil pressure. Dealers replace the tensioner assembly and belt free of charge.
- At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2016 Focus is 60,000 miles.
- Are engine problems on the 2016 Focus worse than other model years?
- The 2016 Focus's engine complaints are 26% of its total complaints, higher than 2015 (20%) and 2013 (20%), but lower than 2017 (36%) and 2018 (44%).
- Do engine failures on the 2016 Focus cause crashes?
- NHTSA data tied to this engine complaint set shows 8 crashes, 1 fire, and 5 injuries reported.