Hatchback can be unlatched with one button press
Defect Summary
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 Consequence
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.
Corrective Action
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.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Ford Motor Company or involving Latches/locks/linkages.
FAQ: Recall 16V698000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 16V698000?
NHTSA recall 16V698000 was issued by Ford Motor Company on September 28, 2016. It addresses: Hatchback can be unlatched with one button press. The recall affects approximately 64,038 vehicles, with the defect involving the Latches/locks/linkages component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Ford Motor Company dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 16V698000 or the manufacturer campaign number 16C13. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.