2016 Ford Fiesta problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2016 Ford Fiesta carries two red flags at once: 253 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 2.4× the Fiesta norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Timing Belt Failure). It is one of the Fiesta years to avoid. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 18 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 41% of all reports (103 of 253), far ahead of engine at 34. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

253

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations · 1 open

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Fiesta years?

Fiesta NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Fiesta years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Ford Fiesta problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Transmission	103	41%	— flat
Engine	34	13%	▼ down
Electrical System	27	11%	▲ up
Other	22	9%	▼ down
Speed Control	11	4%	— flat
Fuel System	11	4%	▼ down
Body & Structure	8	3%	▼ down
Steering	7	3%	— flat
Tires & Wheels	6	2%	— flat
Seat Belts	6	2%	▲ up
Suspension	5	2%	— flat
Airbags	4	2%	▼ down
Lighting	2	1%	— flat
Latches & Locks	2	1%	▼ down
Brakes	2	1%	▼ down
Seats	1	0%	▼ down
Driver Assistance	1	0%	— flat
Visibility & Wipers	1	0%	▼ down

Open NHTSA investigations

PE25020

Timing Belt Failure

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 44 complaints alleging loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford Fiesta and MY 2015-2018 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company. These vehicles are equipped with a 1.0L engine and manual transmission. Some consumers report a low engine oil pressure warning lamp immediately preceding a complete loss or reduction of motive power while the vehicle is in motion. Based on a preliminary review of data currently available to ODI, this may be due to fragments of timing belt material that wear off and accumulate inside the oil pump. This debris can gradually clog the oil pump pick-up screen and result in sudden oil starvation of the engine and ultimately engine seizure. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to determine the scope and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related problems. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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. STEEDING COLLUM FALLS OUT OF PLACE TO ODFTEN HAVE TO BEND THE WHEEL TO…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 8, 2018 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 FORD FIESTA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, FLAMES APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WHEN HE EXITED THE VEHICLE AND OPENED THE HOOD, THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 2, 2018 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 FORD FIESTA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, FLAMES APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WHEN HE EXITED THE VEHICLE AND OPENED THE HOOD, THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 2, 2018 · fire

“CAR STALLS, DOESN'T PICK UP SPEED, HESITATES TO START, ENGINE LIGHT IS ON BECAUSE THE GAS VALVE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. GAS WARNING COMES ON WHEN HALF FULL. GAS SMELL THROUGHOUT CAR. HAS A LOAD HUMMING SOUND WHEN DRIVING OR IDLED. JUMPS WHEN ACCELERATE. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO A DEALERSHIP IN SAINT…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 22, 2019

“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. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · December 2, 2016 · crash

2016 Ford Fiesta — common questions

Is the 2016 Ford Fiesta reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 253 complaints put the 2016 model at #6 of 15 Fiesta years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Fiesta years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 Fiesta problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (103 complaints), engine (34 complaints), electrical system (27 complaints).

Does the 2016 Ford Fiesta have recalls?

No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2016 Ford Fiesta.

Is the 2016 Ford Fiesta under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Timing Belt Failure). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Ford Fiesta years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Fiesta years to avoid are 2011, 2013, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017. The cleanest record among Fiesta years belongs to 1978.

How safe is the 2016 Ford Fiesta?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Ford Fiesta earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.