Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Fiesta, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Power train101
- Engine34
- Electrical system26
- Unknown or other22
- Vehicle speed control11
- Fuel/propulsion system11
- Structure8
- Steering7
- Wheels6
- Seat belts6
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 10 injuries and 1 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 52 2016 Fiesta vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 36 people died inside them, and 9 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2016 Ford Fiesta failed the safety check 2.48% of the time — 26% more often than the average 2016 passenger car (1.97%). Median odometer at inspection: 71,599 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Registered new in Europe in 2016
297,914 new Ford Fiesta cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2016; the largest markets were the United Kingdom (120,801), Germany (44,097), Italy (42,606).
- Average mass
- 1,110 kg
- Average power
- 73 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Petrol 79% · Diesel 17% · LPG 4.3%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Engines
The most common engines in 2016 Ford Fiesta cars on Dutch roads are the 1.0 petrol (74 kW, 99 hp), 1.0 petrol (48 kW, 64 hp) and 1.0 petrol (59 kW, 79 hp), out of 10 versions with at least 20 cars.
| Engine | Power | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 petrol | 74 kW 99 hp | 3,326 |
| 1.0 petrol | 48 kW 64 hp | 2,170 |
| 1.0 petrol | 59 kW 79 hp | 2,109 |
| 1.0 petrol | 92 kW 123 hp | 459 |
| 1.5 diesel | 70 kW 94 hp | 350 |
| 1.2 petrol | 44 kW 59 hp | 253 |
| 1.6 petrol | 134 kW 180 hp | 242 |
| 1.2 petrol | 60 kW 80 hp | 222 |
| 1.0 petrol | 103 kW 138 hp | 204 |
| 1.6 petrol | 147 kW 197 hp | 108 |
RDW Open Data (CC0): registered passenger cars and their fuel data · engine size rounded to 0.1 litre, net maximum power · versions with at least 20 cars
In the Netherlands
9,471 first registered in 2016 are on Dutch roads; 20% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €19,086.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde5,637
- Band onvoldoende profiel2,716
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld2,231
- Veer gebroken of gescheurd1,939
- Richtingaanwijzers kleur wijkt af/niet toegestaan1,689
- Band beschadigd1,612
- Remlicht werkt niet (goed)1,311
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm1,304
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
106,192 cars built in 2016 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 2,101 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 115,998 of these cars first registered in 2016 took their annual MOT test. 70% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2016 the figure was 79%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 13.5% | 6.1% |
| Suspension | 11.5% | 4.9% |
| Tyres | 6.8% | 6.2% |
| Brakes | 2.8% | 4.3% |
| Visibility | 2.8% | 3.5% |
| Steering | 2.5% | 0.8% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
2,399 of these cars first registered in 2016 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 106,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
404 2016 cars are on the New Zealand register; 7% arrived as used imports, 92% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 2 variants; 0 of 2 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 Ford Fiesta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | 14.3 % |
| 2016 Ford Fiesta 5 HB FWD | ★★★★☆ | 14.3 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- No
- Lane departure warning
- No
- Best overall rating
- 4 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 4 variants: combined 6.6–8.1 L/100 km (about 29–36 mpg US), CO₂ 153–191 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiesta SFE · Subcompact · Regular gasoline | 7.5 | 5.5 | 6.6 |
| Fiesta · Subcompact · Regular gasoline | 8.7 | 6.4 | 7.6 |
| Fiesta · Subcompact · Regular gasoline | 8.5 | 6.5 | 7.6 |
| Fiesta ST · Compact · Regular gasoline | 9.0 | 7.1 | 8.1 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
No recall campaigns cover the 2016 Ford Fiesta.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Ford told its dealers about the 2016 Ford Fiesta: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11001174 | This article supersedes TSB 21-2175 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some 2016 MKS, 2016-2017 Navigator, 2016-2018 F-150/Focus/C-MAX/Edge/Fiesta/MKX/Transit Connect/Mustang, 2017-2018 Continental/Fusion/MKZ, 2017-2019 Explorer, 2016-2019 Escape/MKC/Flex/MKT/Taurus/Transit/Expedition/F-Super Duty, and 2018-2019 EcoSport vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone connection issues Dropped phone connections Applink |
| 10254138 | All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership managemen |
| 10251952 | For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford has evaluated turbochargers replaced for oil leak symptoms and although oil may collect on the external surface of a turbocharger, it is extremely rare for a turbocharger assembly to be the root cause of the oil leak. Careful inspection of the turbocharger oil feed and drain tubes should be performed along with the recommended WSM procedures as needed. Warranty claims for turbochar |
| 10235153 | For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are |
| 10205694 | Some 2016-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit a condition where the navigation voice prompts are inoperative after a SYNC map update. This may be due to an incomplete installation of the SYNC map software. If possible, using the original USB that installed the update, reperform the update and verify the navigation voice prompts have returned. Multiple reboots are expected when this update is being performed. Verify the Installation Is Complete message displays in the touch screen. If the original USB is not available, go to website https://syncnavigation.com/ford/ho |
| 10205009 | DPS6 - no satart and/or transmission engagement or loss of power with DTCS u0100, U00101, U1013, U3003 AND/OR P0606 |
| 10204994 | Online automotive service information system for March 2016 |
| 10204982 | 1.6L GTDI - Lack of power with MIL Illuminated - DTCS P0234, P0245, P0246 And/Or P0299. Some 2013-2016 Escape 2014-2016 Fiesta ST, and 2013-2014 Fusion vehicles equipped with a 1.6L Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection (GTDI) engine may exhibit a lack of power concern with malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0234, P0245, P0246 and/or P0299 stored in powertrain control module (PCM) MEMORY. |
| 10201050 | Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. Before attempting any component diagnosis or replacement of the VCT solenoid, refer to Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) pinpoint test HK12 to cycle the affected VCT solenoid 10 times to attempt to clear the debris. For claiming, use causal part 6M280 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor |
| 10201013 | Some 2016-2021 Ford or Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 or SYNC 4 may exhibit a blank screen or other various SYNC symptoms only when the vehicle is in transport mode. This is considered normal due to the power saving features enabled while in transport mode. It is beneficial for battery life to keep the vehicle in transport mode until the vehicle is prepped for sale. To prevent a SYNC system lockup during transport mode deactivation, follow the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure exactly allowing time for the SYNC system to complete its tasks such as fully booting up or powering down and shu |
| 10198605 | Some 2016 MKS, 2016-2017 Navigator, 2016-2018 F-150/Focus/C-MAX/Edge/Fiesta/MKX/Transit Connect/Mustang, 2017-2018 Continental/Fusion/MKZ, 2017-2019 Explorer, 2016-2019 Escape/MKC/Flex/MKT/Taurus/Transit/Expedition/F-Super Duty, and 2018-2019 EcoSport vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. |
| 10194428 | Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. Before attempting any component diagnosis or replacement of the VCT solenoid, refer to Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) pinpoint test HK11 to cycle the affected VCT solenoid 10 times to attempt to clear the debris. For claiming, use causal part 6M280 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor |
| 10183750 | In all of the affected vehicles, an incorrect high speed cooling fan relay was installed. |
| 10183749 | In some of the affected vehicles, the front control/display interface module (FCDIM) may have been unintentionally programmed for the European market instead of the North American market |
| 10180428 | Some 2009-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbochargers may exhibit an oil leak from the turbocharger oil supply or return tubes, O-rings or 6.7L pedestal gasket. Although oil may collect on the turbocharger, it is very rare for a turbocharger to leak oil. To isolate the source of the leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 General Information > Diagnosis and Testing > Engine > Engine Oil Leaks - Fluorescent Oil Additive Method procedure. When an oil leak is present at a turbocharger oil supply or drain tube, remove the affected oil tube and inspect for damage, and re |
| 10179185 | Some 2011-2019 Fiesta vehicles may exhibit various concerns following IPC replacement. Symptoms may include: no crank, 'Contact Hotline message', odometer displaying incorrect English or Metric units and/or diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U2101 in multiple modules. If programmable module installation (PMI) has been performed on the replacement IPC, disconnect the IPC, start a new session using the appropriate Ford scan tool and perform a PMI on the IPC. Do not reconnect the IPC until after the scan tool states it is unable to communicate with the IPC, then allow the PMI process to complete. This |
| 10179117 | Some 2016 MKS, 2016-2017 Navigator, 2016-2018 F150/Focus/CMAX/Edge/Fiesta/MKX/ Transit Connect/Mustang, 2017-2018 Continental/Fusion/MKZ, 2017-2019 Explorer, 2016-2019 Escape/MKC/Flex/MKT/Taurus/Transit/Expedition/F-Super Duty, and 2018-2019 EcoSport vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure. |
| 10177042 | Some 2016-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a SYNC 3 Touchscreen may experience the volume control unresponsive from the Front Control Interface Module (FCIM) and steering volume controls when using Apple Car Play. When the Apple device is removed, volume control is restored. This is due to a concern with the Waze Navigation App software and Apple iOS version. To correct the condition, update the Waze App software and iOS to the latest version available and reboot the customer's Apple device. Perform an ignition cycle and reconnect the Apple device via USB. Open Apple Car Play and c |
| 10172972 | SSM 48619 - Various Vehicles - Perimeter Alarm Armed And Original Vehicle Keys Cannot Be Accessed to Enter Vehicle - CAN Protection Strategy Some 2013-2016 Model Year Vehicles may exhibit a concern in which the Perimeter Alarm is active and the original keys cannot be accessed to disable the perimeter alarm. This concern would most often occur when a customer loses keys and the dealership is attempting to program new keys to the vehicle. The Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-01A Perimeter Anti-Theft Alarm - System Operation and Component Description has been updated to inform of the Contro |
| 10170917 | Some 2014-2018 Fiesta vehicles may exhibit a clicking noise from the driver side dash panel while operating the air distribution control. This may be due to a damaged door actuator and/or contact between the instrument panel (IP) ground and/or Sync 3 radio harnesses and the air distribution door actuating gear. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to reroute the wiring harnesses and/or replace the door actuator. |
| 10169986 | Some 2015-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. Before attempting any component diagnosis or replacement of the VCT solenoid, refer to Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) pinpoint test HK11 to cycle the affected VCT solenoid 10 times to attempt to clear the debris. For claiming, use causal part 6M280 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labo |
| 10168810 | Some 2016-2019 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a map displayed on the left half of the SYNC screen with no other information/soft buttons present after updating to the latest version of V3.0 software. This issue occurs when the SYNC 3 system has been previously modified using an aftermarket device to display the Ford GT welcome screen/HMI Theme. To correct this issue, please contact the Technical Hotline Assistance Center to have the vehicle restored back to its original state. |
| 10164596 | Some 2013-2020 vehicles equipped with an EVDC air conditioning (A/C) compressor may exhibit poor A/C performance/improper climate function. To support the proper diagnosis of this compressor, the EVDC control valve tester has been provided to each U.S. dealership (339-EVDC100). Ensure the A/C system has a full charge prior to any compressor diagnostics. To support the proper diagnosis of this compressor, the EVDC compressor tool must be used, and the results recorded in the Technician comments field with the warranty claim. This tester will help reduce the potential for misdiagnosis and unnece |
| 10164508 | Some 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in some car wash solutions as a cleaning agent. Hydrofluoric acid can attack the glass and cause visual distortion and/or discoloration on the outer surface which cannot be removed by further cleaning. If this type of distortion is found, inspect the area of the glass that is covered by the cowl and/or molding. The portion of glass that is covered by the cowl or molding will not be affected by the acid. Hydrofluoric acid d |
| 10163594 | Short-Term DPS6 Dealer Customer Handling Direction |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Timing Belt Failure
Timing Belt Failure
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation