2016 Ford Fiesta Safety Report
2016 Ford Fiesta: Good Crash Ratings, but Significant Powertrain Reliability and Safety Concerns
AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Ford Fiesta
Reliability Score
The 2016 Ford Fiesta receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2016 Ford Fiesta
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Ford Fiesta:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cvt Transmission Failure/Slipping Numerous complaints describe the transmission slipping, shuddering, hesitating, failing to accelerate, or completely losing motive power, often linked to the PowerShift automatic transmission (DPS6) and its Transmission Control Module (TCM). |
High | Common | 30000-80000 miles |
| Engine Stalling/Loss Of Power Drivers report the engine losing power or stalling unexpectedly, sometimes at highway speeds, posing a significant safety risk. |
High | Occasional | 50000-100000 miles |
| Slave Cylinder Failure Premature failure of the slave cylinder, leading to transmission issues and drivability problems. |
Medium | Occasional | 58000-80000 miles |
| Trunk Latch Releases Randomly The trunk latch spontaneously releases, a common complaint among owners of this generation. |
Low | Occasional | any miles |
| Brake Pedal Goes To Floor One complaint noted the brake pedal going to the floor, requiring pumping to slow the vehicle, indicating a potential critical braking system issue. |
High | Rare | any miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Ford Fiesta:
The most significant issue, with 69 complaints, involves the transmission (often the PowerShift automatic), manifesting as slipping, shuddering, hesitation, and loss of motive power.
11 complaints relate to the engine, including stalling, loss of power, and issues like faulty spark plugs or water pump failures.
10 complaints fall into this category, including issues like odometer fraud, rust, and abnormal sounds.
7 complaints specifically link issues to both the powertrain and engine, often involving loss of power or stalling.
6 complaints mention electrical issues, such as a faulty high-speed cooling fan relay or the car shutting off due to a key battery.
5 complaints are related to the wheels, though specific details are not provided in the sample.
5 complaints concern the steering system, without specific details in the sample.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Ford Fiesta
Is the 2016 Ford Fiesta safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 Ford Fiesta received good crash test ratings (4-star overall, 5-star side). However, it has a high number of complaints (178 total), with a significant portion (69 complaints) related to powertrain issues like transmission slipping and loss of motive power, which have been linked to 10 crashes, 10 injuries, and 1 death. This suggests potential real-world safety risks despite favorable crash test performance.
What are common problems with the 2016 Ford Fiesta?
The most reported issues for the 2016 Ford Fiesta are overwhelmingly related to the POWER TRAIN (69 complaints), primarily involving the automatic transmission (PowerShift DPS6) with symptoms like slipping, shuddering, hesitation, and loss of acceleration. Other common problems include ENGINE issues (11 complaints) such as stalling and loss of power, and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM problems (6 complaints).
Are there any recalls for the 2016 Ford Fiesta?
According to the provided data, there are no official NHTSA safety recalls specifically for the 2016 Ford Fiesta. However, many complaints reference known issues with the PowerShift transmission and Transmission Control Module (TCM) that have been subject to customer satisfaction programs or extended warranties for other model years.
How does the 2016 Ford Fiesta perform in crash tests?
The 2016 Ford Fiesta performed well in NHTSA crash tests, earning an overall 4-star safety rating. It received 4 stars for frontal crash protection, an excellent 5 stars for side crash protection, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.
What should I look out for when buying a used 2016 Ford Fiesta?
When considering a used 2016 Ford Fiesta, pay extremely close attention to the transmission's performance during a test drive. Look for any signs of slipping, shuddering, hesitation during acceleration, or difficulty shifting. Have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a mechanic familiar with Ford's PowerShift transmissions, and inquire about any past transmission-related repairs or software updates.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the high volume of powertrain complaints, including reports of sudden power loss and associated crashes, exercise extreme caution when considering a 2016 Ford Fiesta, especially models equipped with the PowerShift automatic transmission. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on the transmission and engine is essential.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Ford Fiesta
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Ford Fiesta. The data includes 178 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 10 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 10 reported injuries, and 1 fatalities associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Ford Fiesta an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.