2016 Ford Fiesta
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 179
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Power train
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
58% of complaints
Complaints per year
2016: 179 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1991 | 2 |
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2011 | 730 |
| 2012 | 617 |
| 2013 | 668 |
| 2014 | 504 |
| 2015 | 259 |
| 2016 | 179 |
| 2017 | 75 |
| 2018 | 35 |
| 2019 | 102 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
58% · 103 reportsMost commonly citing control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) and automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
Transmjtions feels slugish one day normal next revs up at times more than normal makeing vehilce speed up when needing to slow down . Suspension often warps out of place makeing the drive harsh on motar and falls back on place.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-09
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the gear shifter was inoperable.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-03
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gear shifter was inoperable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-15
Engine
19% · 34 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I am reporting a severe safety defect regarding a sudden loss of motive power caused by the internal oil pump drive 'wet belt' system on my 2016 Ford Fiesta SE 1.0L EcoBoost (Manual Transmission).
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-21
Electrical system
15% · 26 reportsMost commonly citing speedometer/odometer and coil.
Show complaint excerpts
Daylight running lamps inoperative at time of purchase. Paid for tx inspection. Discovered after leaving dealership.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-08-02
Also filed under Exterior lighting
Vehicle speed control
6% · 11 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. While driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle accelerated spontaneously and struck a tree. A police report was filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was not diagnosed by the dealer.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-02
Fuel/propulsion system
6% · 11 reportsSafety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2025-12-18Preliminary evaluationOpen Timing Belt Failure
Buy-smart checklist
2016 Ford Fiesta — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 103 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 34 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 26 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2016 Ford Fiesta reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Ford Fiesta is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Fiesta?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 58% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Fiesta have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.