2016 Ford Fiesta Report
Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Overall Score
Key Takeaways
- Powertrain issues are the most significant concern, with numerous complaints about transmission shuddering, lurching, stalling, and failure to engage gears.
- Electrical system problems, including battery drainage and ignition switch failures, are also reported.
- The NHTSA overall safety rating is 4 out of 5 stars, with a perfect 5-star rating in side crash tests.
- Fuel economy is a strong point, with a combined EPA rating of 29 MPG.
2016 Ford Fiesta
Critical Failure Risk
Shuddering, lurching, hesitation, stalling, and failure to engage gears are frequently reported. This is a significant concern for the 2016 Fiesta, often linked to the PowerShift dual-clutch transmission.
Early detection can help you avoid a $800-$2,000 repair.
Safety & Bulletins
Owner Complaints
Performance & Efficiency
Reliability
Practicality
Who This Car Is For
Best for
Buyers prioritizing engaging driving dynamics and fuel efficiency in a small, affordable package.
+1 more buyer-fit notes in the full report
Avoid if
Buyers seeking a trouble-free ownership experience.
+1 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report
2016 Ford Fiesta Reliability Analysis
Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2016 Ford Fiesta.
Vehicle Specs
- Fuel Type
- Regular
- Transmission
- Manual 6-spd
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Body Style
- Hatchback
- EPA Combined MPG
- 29
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Most Common Issues
1. Powertrain
Most reportedUsage: 90 reports
2. ENGINE
Usage: 33 reports
First Service Interval
- Oil Change (Parts: 5W-20 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Automatic Transaxle Fluid - Inspect Brake System - Inspect Cabin Air Filter - Inspect Engine Coolant - Inspect Exhaust System & Heat Shields - Inspect Half Shaft Dust Boots - Inspect Steering System - Multi-Point Inspection
Est. shop cost: $100 - $200
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FAQ
Is the 2016 Ford Fiesta reliable?
The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2016 Ford Fiesta is 8.8/10. Reliability score is 8.8/10. NHTSA recalls: 0. Owner complaints: 253.
How practical is the 2016 Ford Fiesta for daily use?
Practicality score is 5.0/10. EPA combined economy is 29 MPG.
What is the overall score for the 2016 Ford Fiesta?
The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2016 Ford Fiesta is 7.8/10. Overall score is 7.8/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 8.9/10. Tuning 2.0/10. Practicality 5.0/10.
What does it cost to own and maintain a 2016 Ford Fiesta?
Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (Parts: 5W-20 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Automatic Transaxle Fluid - Inspect Brake System - Inspect Cabin Air Filter - Inspect Engine Coolant - Inspect Exhaust System & Heat Shields - Inspect Half Shaft Dust Boots - Inspect Steering System - Multi-Point Inspection at 10,000 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $400 - $600. Repair prediction highlight: Transmission Control Module (TCM) (typical at 65,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $500 • Max: $1,200).
What engine is in the 2016 Ford Fiesta?
Engine specs list 4 • 1.6.
What transmission does the 2016 Ford Fiesta use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Ford Fiesta, transmission is Manual 6-spd. The paired drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive.
What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2016 Ford Fiesta?
EPA combined estimate is 29 MPG.
What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2016 Ford Fiesta?
1 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
What body style is the 2016 Ford Fiesta?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Ford Fiesta, body style is hatchback.
What drivetrain does the 2016 Ford Fiesta use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Ford Fiesta, drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Manual 6-spd.
What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2016 Ford Fiesta?
NHTSA ratings: Overall 4/5 • Frontal 4/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.
Is the 2016 Ford Fiesta good for tuning?
Tuning potential is rated 2/10. The 2016 Ford Fiesta, while a practical car, is not designed for performance tuning.
What are the most common power train problems on the 2016 Ford Fiesta?
Top complaint category: power train (90 reports, 35.6% of complaints).