2016 Ford Focus Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 231about this part
- Share
- 20%of 1,184 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 231 complaints about the fuel system of the 2016 Ford Focus, 20% of the 1,184 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Check engine light illuminated and my car stalled without warning while driving between 35-40 MPH. Took the car to sayville giant Ford on 1/6/21 for repair under recall #18532. I was told the car passed inspection and the repair was not made. Took the car to an independent mechanic and informed that it is a valve causing a vapor issue in the fuel system.”
NHTSA complaint #11388437, filed 2021-01, 66,925 miles“While driving my car acts like it's not getting any gas it stalled on me couldn't start it , had to push to a safe place now engine light is on. I took and got it checked was told it's a vapor lock. I see there's a recall for fuel system, gasoline: storage but not on mine I am unable to have mine repaired do to finances. Why recalls on some Focus and not all.”
NHTSA complaint #11299382, filed 2020-01, 40,000 miles“i know there is already a recall for other ford focuses with this same issue. my cpv is not working. the car breaks down every time i fuel and its a huge safety hazard as this happens far from my home usually and its very scary for me. i heard it can ruin my engine.”
NHTSA complaint #11620536, filed 2024-10, 125,215 miles“Vehicle will stall and shut off while driving, similar 2016 models have an open recall for this issue but my vehicle VIN is not listed on the open recall. This issue has been happening for quite some time and when I take it to a shop they can not diagnose the issue the vehicle is having. The issue will arise and go away causing a check engine light to come on and go away”
NHTSA complaint #11375383, filed 2020-11, 64,000 miles“My car continually shuts off while driving, Ford acknowledges the recall but refuses to provide any assistance claiming the part isn't ready. The car will turn off in the middle of a highway, or at a light with no warning. Ford is telling us that they can't help us but it isn't safe to drive our car and nobody has helped us. This started in august and continues to nearly daily”
NHTSA complaint #11366662, filed 2020-10, 90,000 milesRelated recalls
- 26V369000Jun 9, 2026Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735. The Canister Purge Valve…Covers: Ford Focus 2012–2018
- 18V735000Oct 22, 2018Ford 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…Covers: Ford Focus 2012–2018
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 196 | 23% |
| 2017 | 177 | 20% |
| 2016 | 231 | 20% |
| 2015 | 172 | 17% |
| 2014 | 354 | 14% |
| 2013 | 263 | 12% |
| 2012 | 340 | 9% |
| 2011 | 4 | 4% |
| 2010 | 32 | 11% |
| 2009 | 17 | 7% |
| 2008 | 4 | 2% |
| 2007 | 17 | 4% |
| 2006 | 18 | 9% |
| 2005 | 27 | 6% |
| 2004 | 13 | 3% |
| 2003 | 15 | 2% |
| 2002 | 67 | 7% |
| 2001 | 318 | 18% |
| 2000 | 411 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2016 Ford Focus
674 complaintsEngine
234 complaintsOther or unknown
105 complaintsElectrical system
83 complaintsEngine cooling
50 complaintsSteering
45 complaintsVehicle speed control
36 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsWheels
15 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsElectronic stability control
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Ford Focus
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology