Thinking of test driving a 2016 Ford Focus SE with 35,000 miles… should I be worried about the transmission?

I’m planning to test drive a 2016 Ford Focus SE with 35,000 miles on it. I checked the VIN, and it doesn’t have any recalls. I’ve read on this forum about the transmission problems, but some people say it’s a good car, while others say to stay away. What’s the deal with this model? Would love to hear your thoughts!

If you really want a Focus, go for a manual transmission. Those are solid and can last over 250k miles if you take care of them. If you’re not into manuals, I’d suggest looking at something like a Honda Civic instead—it’s more reliable and won’t give you the headaches of the automatic Focus from this era.

@Keir
I was actually leaning toward an automatic, but now I’m second-guessing that. Is it really that bad?

Baer said:
@Keir
I was actually leaning toward an automatic, but now I’m second-guessing that. Is it really that bad?

I’ve got an automatic 2017 Focus, and I guess I got lucky—it’s been fine for me. But I’ve heard plenty of horror stories, so it really feels like a gamble.

@Keir
I can vouch for the manual. I’ve got a 2014 Focus SE manual with 265k miles, and all it’s needed is regular maintenance—brakes, suspension, and stuff like that. No major issues!

Lyle said:
The 2016 models don’t have any recalls for transmission issues, but that doesn’t mean they’re free of problems.

I have a 2016, and it’s been a disaster. Had the transmission rebuilt twice.

I’ve got a 2016 SE and love it. Owned it for 2.5 years now, and outside of normal maintenance, I’ve had no issues. I’m at 72k miles and still going strong.

I ended up deciding against the car. I just don’t want to deal with potential problems. Glad I did some research before making the purchase!

Baer said:
I ended up deciding against the car. I just don’t want to deal with potential problems. Glad I did some research before making the purchase!

Smart move. Better to avoid the headache.

Manual? Go for it. Automatic? Run far, far away.

I wouldn’t recommend the Focus at all if it’s an automatic. The transmission problems are just too widespread. My 2013 has been great—148k miles and no major issues—but I know others who’ve gone through two or three transmissions before hitting 60k miles. It’s a total gamble.

If you find one with a manual, though, that’s a different story. A manual Focus can be a fantastic, reliable economy car that lasts 200k+ miles. Stick to manuals if you’re set on getting one.

@Finch
Just wanted to add that this is mostly a North American issue. The European automatic version is more reliable, but I’d still pick a manual if you can.

Porter said:
@Finch
Just wanted to add that this is mostly a North American issue. The European automatic version is more reliable, but I’d still pick a manual if you can.

Appreciate the clarification. I’m in the UK and drive a 2016 1.0L turbo manual. About to get the timing belt, oil pump belt, and water pump replaced, and it’s honestly nerve-wracking reading some of these comments.

@Finch
It’s definitely hit or miss. My 2016 shuddered constantly for 60k miles but never needed any major repairs. My girlfriend’s 2014, on the other hand, went through two transmissions—one at 15k miles and the other at 50k. Total luck of the draw.

I’ve got two Focuses: a 2013 automatic with 162k miles (three clutches replaced so far) and a 2014 manual with 192k miles (only one clutch replaced). The manual is way cheaper to maintain and way more reliable. Avoid the automatics if you can.

@Mal
Thanks for the input!

If you want an automatic, go for a 2008-2011 Focus. If you’re okay with a manual, those are great too, and the 2009-2010 SES coupe with the shorter-geared automatic is a fun option if you can find one.

Even with all the transmission issues, I’ve made it to 201k miles on my 2016 SE. I’ve done a clutch, thrust bearing, actuators, bushings, and a transmission fluid change, and it’s still going strong.

I had a 2016 Focus for about four years. Bought it with 10k miles and sold it with 65k. The transmission shuddered in 1st and 2nd gear from the day I got it until the day I sold it. I later found out that the dealer lied about it being under warranty when I bought it. These cars are just a gamble. The extended warranty covers the transmission, but it’s not a matter of if it’ll fail—it’s when.

I had a 2016 SE, and it was a great car until the transmission blew at 150k miles. I got it in 2017 with 48k miles. Tried to get a transmission fluid change at 60k, but my local dealer said it was a sealed transmission and wouldn’t touch it.