Ford Focus 2017: Hatchback unlatches accidentally, risk of injury
Ford is recalling 2013-2017 Focus hatchbacks with manual transmission that may unlatch with a single press, risking injury to rear passengers. Owners must contact Ford for free software update.
Use caution until it’s fixed
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.
What happened, in plain English
Ford is recalling certain 2013-2017 Focus hatchbacks with manual transmission that can accidentally unlatch with one press of the interior button. This could cause injury to rear passengers if they're not secured. The fix involves a free software update from Ford. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/1225756-ford-focus-2017-hatchback-unlatches-accidentally-risk-of-injury.
Source Summary by GovInfoNow · govinfonow.com/recall/1225756-ford-focus-2017-hatchback-unlatches-accidentally-risk-of-injury · Updated October 9, 2026 · Official notice: NHTSA #16V698000
Cite this page
“Ford Focus 2017: Hatchback unlatches accidentally, risk of injury.” GovInfoNow, updated October 9, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/1225756-ford-focus-2017-hatchback-unlatches-accidentally-risk-of-injury. Based on NHTSA recall #16V698000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V698000).
Why it’s dangerous
The hatchback can unlatch with just one press of the interior latch release button. This means unsecured rear passengers could be injured if the hatchback opens unexpectedly while driving.
Who’s affected
Owners of 2013-2017 Ford Focus hatchbacks with manual transmission are affected. Rear passengers are most at risk if the hatchback unlatches accidentally.
How to tell if you have this one
Check if your 2013-2017 Ford Focus hatchback has a manual transmission. The recall covers vehicles made between February 14, 2012 and August 26, 2016.
- Brand
Ford- Category
Vehicle
What to do — step by step
Contact Ford
Call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 to schedule a free software update for your vehicle.
What NHTSA says to do
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.
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Where this comes from
The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official NHTSA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.
- Official source: NHTSA Recall #16V698000 (September 28, 2016)
- Plain-language summary written by qwen3:4b on October 9, 2026, from the official record above. Not reviewed by a person — if it conflicts with the NHTSA notice, the notice is correct. Report an error on this page.
- GovInfoNow is an independent service and is not a government agency. We republish official NHTSA recall data; we don’t issue, amend or administer recalls.