How many fuel system complaints does NHTSA have for the 2016 Ford Focus?

NHTSA lists 228 fuel system complaints for the 2016 Focus, which is 19% of the 1,181 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2016 Ford Focus fuel system?

Yes. Recall 18V735000 covers a malfunctioning Canister Purge Valve on 2012-2018 Focus models with the 2.0L GDI or GTDI engine, and recall 26V369000 addresses vehicles that were not correctly repaired under that earlier recall, with both able to cause unexpected stalling.

At what mileage do fuel system problems typically appear on the 2016 Focus?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 65,000 miles for fuel system complaints on the 2016 Focus.

Do the fuel system issues cause crashes?

NHTSA data lists 3 crashes tied to fuel system complaints on the 2016 Focus, with no reported fires or injuries.

How does 2016 compare to other Focus model years for fuel system complaints?

The 2016 Focus had 228 fuel system complaints (19% share), while 2018 had the highest share at 23% and 2014 had the highest raw count at 353 complaints.

2016 Ford Focus Fuel System Problems

NHTSA lists 228 fuel system complaints for the 2016 Ford Focus, 19% of all complaints filed for the year. Two related recalls (18V735000 and 26V369000) address a Canister Purge Valve that can malfunction and cause unexpected engine stalling, with median failure mileage reported at 65,000 miles.

Fuel System complaints: 228; 19% of 1,181
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 65,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical fuel system symptoms owners report

Engine stalls unexpectedly while decelerating or coming to a stop, sometimes requiring multiple restart attempts.
Vehicle stalls or hesitates specifically after refueling, with some owners noting a gas smell near the rear of the car.
Stalling is often followed by the battery, oil, and check engine lights illuminating at the same time.
Owners report a sudden loss of acceleration or power when taking off from a stop.
Some complaints describe rough idle, shaking, or RPM spikes when pressing the gas pedal.

When 2016 Ford Focus fuel system complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 27, 2016, latest Aug 31, 2026.

228 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2016 Q3 to 2026 Q3; peak 2019 Q3 (25).

Fuel System recalls for the 2016 Ford Focus

NHTSA 26V369000Jun 9, 2026Fuel System257,868 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:evaporative emissions:canister
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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA 18V735000Oct 22, 2018Fuel System1,282,596 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:evaporative emissions:canister
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.
Remedy: 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.

Fuel System complaints by Focus model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201032 (11%)
20114 (4%)
2012340 (9%)
2013263 (12%)
2014353 (14%)
2015170 (17%)
2016228 (19%)
2017177 (20%)
2018195 (23%)

Frequently asked questions

How many fuel system complaints does NHTSA have for the 2016 Ford Focus?: NHTSA lists 228 fuel system complaints for the 2016 Focus, which is 19% of the 1,181 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Ford Focus fuel system?: Yes. Recall 18V735000 covers a malfunctioning Canister Purge Valve on 2012-2018 Focus models with the 2.0L GDI or GTDI engine, and recall 26V369000 addresses vehicles that were not correctly repaired under that earlier recall, with both able to cause unexpected stalling.
At what mileage do fuel system problems typically appear on the 2016 Focus?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 65,000 miles for fuel system complaints on the 2016 Focus.
Do the fuel system issues cause crashes?: NHTSA data lists 3 crashes tied to fuel system complaints on the 2016 Focus, with no reported fires or injuries.
How does 2016 compare to other Focus model years for fuel system complaints?: The 2016 Focus had 228 fuel system complaints (19% share), while 2018 had the highest share at 23% and 2014 had the highest raw count at 353 complaints.