Tank figures are the manufacturer's rated capacity, sorted smallest tank first. Range is tank size times EPA city or highway MPG.
How far a 2016 Ford Focus goes on a tank
Gallons left and the distance they cover at each mark on the fuel gauge, at EPA city and highway mileage. At the combined rating of 30 MPG, a full 12.4-gallon tank covers about 372 miles.
Gauge
Gallons
Highway miles
City miles
Full
12.4
446
322
3/4
9.3
335
242
1/2
6.2
223
161
1/4
3.1
112
81
1/8
1.6
56
40
Over 15,000 miles a year (the EPA's yearly estimate) this configuration uses about 500 gallons, roughly 40 full tanks.
Fuel gauges aren't perfectly linear and the low-fuel light comes on with a few gallons still in the tank, so plan your stop before the last eighth.
At 12.4 gallons, the Focus's largest tank ranks sixth of the seven 2016 sedans compared here. The Dodge Dart carries the most (15.8 gal) and the Kia Rio the least (11.4 gal).
Other 2016 sedans of a similar size, one model per brand.
2016 Ford Focus fuel system recalls
NHTSA lists 2 fuel-system recalls for the 2016 Ford Focus, out of 10 recalls in total. A recall applies only to the vehicles named in it, so check your VIN.
Storage · Evaporative emissions · CanisterJun 9, 2026 · NHTSA 26V369000 · Ford Motor Company · 257,868 vehicles
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving.
Risk and remedy
Risk: An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S40. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.
StorageOct 22, 2018 · NHTSA 18V735000 · Ford Motor Company · 1,282,596 vehicles
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.
Risk and remedy
Risk: The excessive vaccuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Ford Customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S32. Note: Until the vehicle is serviced for this concern, owners are advised to keep the fuel tank at least halfway full.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2016 Ford Focus?
The 2016 Ford Focus holds 12.4 gallons (47 liters) on every trim we list.
How many gallons and liters does the 2016 Ford Focus gas tank hold?
The 2016 Ford Focus tank holds 47 liters, or 12.4 gallons in US gallons.
How far can a 2016 Ford Focus go on a full tank?
About 446–496 miles on the highway and 322–335 miles in town, going from full to empty at its EPA ratings. Expect less in practice, since nobody runs the tank dry.
How many miles can a 2016 Ford Focus go on a quarter tank?
About 112 highway miles or 81 in town from the 12.4-gallon tank, which has roughly 3.1 gallons left at the quarter mark. Gauges aren't exact, so treat that as a guide.
What gas does the 2016 Ford Focus take?
Flex-fuel (unleaded/E85). The label inside the fuel door confirms it for your car.
How much does it cost to fill up a 2016 Ford Focus?
At the US average of $4.27 a gallon for regular (EIA, week of October 26, 2026), filling the 12.4-gallon tank from empty costs $52.95. It ranges from $45.88 in the Gulf Coast to $73.04 in California.
How much does a full tank of gas weigh in a 2016 Ford Focus?
About 77 pounds for the 12.4-gallon tank. Gasoline weighs roughly 6.2 pounds a gallon.
Does the 2016 Ford Focus have a bigger gas tank than the Nissan Sentra?
No. The 2016 Nissan Sentra holds up to 13.2 gallons; the 2016 Ford Focus holds up to 12.4.
Has the 2016 Ford Focus had a fuel pump or fuel system recall?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 fuel-system recalls for the 2016 Ford Focus: 26V369000 (storage · evaporative emissions · canister); 18V735000 (storage). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your car is affected.
Sources
Tank sizes: manufacturer-rated capacities from US-market specifications, checked against independent references. Updated October 2026.
MPG and range: EPA ratings (fueleconomy.gov). Range is tank size times EPA MPG.
Fuel prices: U.S. Energy Information Administration, week of October 26, 2026 (this week's prices).