How common are transmission problems on the 2016 Ford Fiesta?

Transmission & Powertrain complaints make up 101 of the 178 total complaints filed for the 2016 Fiesta, or 57% of all complaints for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2016 Ford Fiesta transmission?

NHTSA lists no related recalls tied to Transmission & Powertrain issues for the 2016 Ford Fiesta.

At what mileage do transmission problems usually show up?

NHTSA complaint data shows a median failure mileage of 65,000 for Transmission & Powertrain issues on the 2016 Fiesta.

Did the 2016 Fiesta's transmission issues cause any crashes?

NHTSA complaint data for this area on the 2016 Fiesta lists 5 crashes and no fires or injuries.

How does 2016 compare to other Fiesta model years for transmission complaints?

The 2016 Fiesta's 57% share of complaints tied to Transmission & Powertrain is higher than 2014 (41%), 2015 (40%), 2017 (30%), 2018 (29%), and 2019 (20%), though lower in raw complaint count than 2011-2013.

2016 Ford Fiesta Transmission & Powertrain Problems

Transmission & Powertrain complaints account for 101 of 178 total complaints (57%) filed on the 2016 Ford Fiesta, with a median failure mileage of 65,000. NHTSA lists no related recalls for this area on the 2016 model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 101; 57% of 178
Crashes reported: 5
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 65,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners describe a hesitation when pressing the accelerator from a stop, followed by a sudden, unexpected surge forward.
Some report the transmission acting as if it slipped into neutral while driving, with the engine revving but the car not accelerating, sometimes accompanied by a transmission warning light.
Drivers describe shuddering or shaking when shifting gears or pulling away from a stoplight, especially once the engine is warm.
A clunking noise when shifting from first to second gear was reported starting from very low mileage.
Several owners report the vehicle moving backward or lurching unexpectedly when placed in drive, leading to minor collisions.

When 2016 Ford Fiesta transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 17, 2016, latest Nov 12, 2025.

101 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2016 Q4 to 2025 Q4; peak 2019 Q3 (9).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2016 Ford Fiesta

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Fiesta model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

2011366 (50%)
2012274 (44%)
2013391 (59%)
2014208 (41%)
2015104 (40%)
2016101 (57%)
201722 (30%)
201810 (29%)
201921 (20%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems on the 2016 Ford Fiesta?: Transmission & Powertrain complaints make up 101 of the 178 total complaints filed for the 2016 Fiesta, or 57% of all complaints for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Ford Fiesta transmission?: NHTSA lists no related recalls tied to Transmission & Powertrain issues for the 2016 Ford Fiesta.
At what mileage do transmission problems usually show up?: NHTSA complaint data shows a median failure mileage of 65,000 for Transmission & Powertrain issues on the 2016 Fiesta.
Did the 2016 Fiesta's transmission issues cause any crashes?: NHTSA complaint data for this area on the 2016 Fiesta lists 5 crashes and no fires or injuries.
How does 2016 compare to other Fiesta model years for transmission complaints?: The 2016 Fiesta's 57% share of complaints tied to Transmission & Powertrain is higher than 2014 (41%), 2015 (40%), 2017 (30%), 2018 (29%), and 2019 (20%), though lower in raw complaint count than 2011-2013.