NHTSA Recall 16V698000: Lock (latches/locks/linkages) and hatchback/liftgate (structure)
Ford Motor Company reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 64,038 vehicles. It affects 2013–2017 Ford Focus.
| NHTSA campaign | 16V698000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | 16C13 |
| Components | LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES › HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE › LOCK; STRUCTURE › BODY › HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE |
| Report received | September 28, 2016 |
| Owner notification | November 16, 2016 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance |
Defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Ford Focus hatchback vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to August 26, 2016 and equipped with a manual transmission. The hatchback of the affected vehicles may be unlatched with a single press of the interior latch release button. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
Safety risk
With only a single press needed, the driver may accidently unlatch the hatchback, increasing the risk of injury to any unsecured passengers in the back.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Body Control Module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began February 10, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C13.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Vehicles covered by recall 16V698000
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.