2016 Ford Fiesta Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
38/100
#6 most-complained of 9 Fiesta years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2016 Ford Fiesta ranks 6th out of 9 model years, with a complaint index of 38 and a 'Good' verdict compared to other Fiesta years. NHTSA lists 178 complaints, no recalls, and a top problem area of Transmission & Powertrain (101 complaints, 57% share).
- Complaints
- 178
- Recalls
- 0
- Crashes / fires
- 10 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 10 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 30
- 27 city / 35.5 hwy
Top 2016 Ford Fiesta problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain101 (57%)
- Engine42 (24%)
- Electrical System26 (15%)
- Other22 (12%)
- Fuel System11 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires11 (6%)
- Structure & Body10 (6%)
- Steering7 (4%)
- Seat Belts6 (3%)
- Airbags4 (2%)
What owners report
- Owners report the transmission feels sluggish, then suddenly revs and lurches forward unexpectedly.
- Some describe the vehicle randomly losing acceleration or slipping into what feels like neutral while driving at highway speed.
- Drivers report shuddering and shaking during gear changes, sometimes leading to loss of control.
- Owners report airbags failing to deploy during crashes, including front and passenger side bags.
- One owner reported flames appearing under the hood near the battery and engine while driving at 60 mph.
- Seat belt owners report belts not retracting properly or tearing loose during a crash.
2016 Ford Fiesta recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2016 Ford Fiesta fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 27 MPG
- Highway
- 35.5 MPG
- Combined
- 30 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,150
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2016 compared with other Fiesta years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Ford Fiesta reliable?
- Compared to other Fiesta years, the 2016 model ranks 6th out of 9 with a complaint index of 38 and a 'Good' verdict, though it still has 178 NHTSA complaints, mostly about the transmission and powertrain.
- What problems does the 2016 Ford Fiesta have?
- NHTSA data shows Transmission & Powertrain issues make up 57% of complaints (101 of 178), with a median failure mileage of 65,000. Engine complaints follow at 24% with a median mileage of 45,693.
- Does the 2016 Ford Fiesta have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 0 recalls for the 2016 Ford Fiesta, unlike earlier years such as 2014, which had 7 recalls.
- How does the 2016 Fiesta compare to other years?
- The 2016 Fiesta has a complaint index of 38, better than 2011 through 2015 (which range from 50 to 100) but worse than 2017 and 2018, which score 13 and 0 and carry 'Best' verdicts.
- What is the top problem area for the 2016 Ford Fiesta?
- Transmission & Powertrain issues account for 57% of the 178 complaints, with owners reporting sluggish shifting, sudden lurching, and loss of acceleration at a median mileage of 65,000.