Recall 16V698 affects 64,038 2013-2017 Ford Focus hatchbacks with manual transmissions for a hatch release defect. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 64,038 2013-2017 Focus hatchbacks with manual transmissions because the interior latch release button can unlatch the hatch with one press. That single-press release violates the door-lock standard and raises injury risk for unsecured passengers in back; Ford dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear hatchback latch on the 2013-2017 Ford Focus is the lock and release mechanism that keeps the liftgate closed while the car is moving. The interior latch release button is supposed to work with the lock system so opening the hatch takes separate deliberate steps, not one button press from inside the car.
On affected Focus hatchbacks with manual transmissions, the back door can unlock and unlatch with one press of the interior release button when vehicle speed is below 7 kph (4 mph). That does not meet the federal door-lock rule requiring 2 separate actions to unlock the door and operate the interior latch. The concern is not a broken hinge or damaged liftgate panel; it is the release control allowing the hatch to open too easily at low speed.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is built into how the hatch release operates, so an owner should not expect a noise, warning light, or change in hatch feel before it happens.
Who's affected?
Both listed components repeat across the 2013-2017 Focus hatchback span: the hatchback or liftgate lock and the related body structure.
| 2017 Ford Focus | Lock |
|---|---|
| 2016 Ford Focus | Lock |
| 2016 Ford Focus | body structure |
| 2017 Ford Focus | body structure |
| 2015 Ford Focus | Lock |
| 2015 Ford Focus | body structure |
| 2014 Ford Focus | Lock |
| 2014 Ford Focus | body structure |
| 2013 Ford Focus | Lock |
| 2013 Ford Focus | body structure |
| Units affected | 64,038 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific hatchback is included.
What's the safety risk?
The hatchback latch can release after one press, which raises injury risk for unsecured passengers in the back if the hatch opens. Keep passengers properly secured, treat any unintended hatch release as a reason to call the dealer, and schedule the software repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2017 Ford Focus hatchback with a manual transmission is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free Body Control Module software update that changes the hatch release behavior.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, or reference recall number 16V698 (Ford recall 16C13) when you call.
- Keep rear passengers belted and avoid carrying unsecured passengers or cargo in the hatch area until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician reprograms the Body Control Module with updated software. The software update changes how the hatchback interior latch release is handled, and parts and labor are free under the recall. Ford excludes a separate reimbursement program because the original warranty program already provides a free repair for this concern. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| September 27, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| September 27, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 28, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
| November 14, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 16, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V698?
Recall 16V698 covers 64,038 2013-2017 Ford Focus hatchbacks with a manual transmission. The hatchback latch release can open with a single press of the interior button, which fails the federal door-lock and door-retention standard. Ford dealers will update the Body Control Module software for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2017 Ford Focus is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Focus is included in recall 16V698. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the Body Control Module software update. Reference Ford recall number 16C13 or NHTSA campaign 16V698 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Ford to repair this defect at no cost, and Ford's remedy says dealers will reprogram the Body Control Module with updated software free of charge. The repair is handled through a franchised Ford dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is injury to unsecured passengers in the back. Because the hatchback can unlatch with one press of the interior release button, the driver can accidentally open it. The free dealer software update corrects the latch-release behavior.
What if I bought my Ford Focus used?
The recall still applies to an included VIN. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner, so check your VIN even if you never received Ford's owner letter. If your Focus is included, the Ford dealer repair is free.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V698000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V698 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V698000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →