2016 Ford Fiesta Engine Problems

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and it was determined that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the ignition coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11675917

Incident

Aug 5, 2019

Mileage

130,000 mi

Customer satisfaction program 16B11 covers a faulty high speed cooling fan relay. This bulletin was issued on April 5, 2016. I purchased the vehicle on [XXX]. An incorrect relay was installed at the factory, and the program should have replaced the relay with the correct part. This was not performed on my vehicle before I purchased it from Sheehy Ford of Ashland. The faulty relay failed, melting the fuse box in the process and causing the vehicle to overheat and cause permanent severe engine damage. Remnants of the melted relay show the part number, which matches the obsolete part number. Visual comparison of the faulty relay matches the obsolete part as well, and differs from the correct superseded part number relay outlined in the 16B11 bulletin. Ford Motor Company insists my vehicle was not a part of this program and any repairs will not be covered. The build date, make/model/engine, assembly plant and most importantly, part number of the relay and mode of failure exactly match the 16B11 CSP bulletin. Ford denies that there is any issue with my vehicle. Local Ford dealers refer me to Ford Motor Company to escalate this problem, but Ford refuses to investigate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11670906

Incident

Jun 26, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a continuous swishing sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the water pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The water pump was replaced. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,000.

NHTSA ID

11661252

Incident

Jun 19, 2022

Mileage

74,000 mi

Vehicle was traveling on an interstate highway when the oil indicator lamp lit, and the car immediately lost power, putting it in danger of being rear-ended. I researched any recalls and found "Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-905", which only covers two different models, the Focus and the Eco Sport, with precisely the same EcoBoost 1.0 Liter engine. I recently sent it to an independent service station to perform that which the recall describes, as a recall notice did not happen, but the service foreman stated it cannot be successfully repaired, as the oiling system was completely compromised, causing catastrophic damage to the valves, cylinders, turbo system, and vacuum pump.

NHTSA ID

11615180

Incident

Sep 6, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and the vehicle started shuddering. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway to restart the vehicle, but the failure reoccurred. The messages "Mobilizer Malfunction" and "Engine Service" were displayed on the instrument panel. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

NHTSA ID

11582109

Incident

Mar 4, 2024

Mileage

138,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to reverse as needed. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle was skipping third and fourth gears. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The contact informed the dealer about the warranty coverage, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

NHTSA ID

11563742

Incident

Dec 29, 2023

Mileage

122,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH the engine began to smoke. The engine light was illuminated at the time of the failure. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The engine was replaced. The contact then stated that 4 months after while driving the contact was depressing the accelerator and the vehicle would not pass 5 MPH. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The dealer was contacted and stated that next appointment was 2 months wait. The manufacture was not contacted. The failure milage was 86000. VIN tool confirmed no open recalls.

NHTSA ID

11561347

Incident

Sep 1, 2023

At 90,000 miles the Engine Timing Crankshaft Sprocket (i.e Crankshaft Gear,Part #: BE8Z6306AD) holding the timing belt on the vehicle has failed. This resulted in the timing belt backing off the cam gears and coming in contact with and melting through the plastic timing belt cover. Luckily, there was an audible grinding noise coming from the engine that alerted us the problem before the timing belt became dislodged. On further review there are numerous cases on the internet of this situation occurring. Please see examples at: [XXX] , [XXX] , and [XXX] . The service interval for this component established by Ford is 150,000 miles. Therefore, these situations represent an early failure of this engine component and poses a safety risk to drivers if the belt comes off track or breaks during operation because the vehicle could immediately lose power. The attached image shows the timing belt melting through the plastic timing cover. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11551113

Incident

Oct 10, 2023

I turned my car on July, 14, 2023 , I put my foot on the break to put in reverse, and when I put it in reverse it would not reverse and my brakes locked up and my car would start to roll forward while I was in reverse gear . My car drives forward but will not go in reverse and my engine light is not own. I took it two different shops , both with the same diagnois's , said it is my transmission and to contact Ford dealership directly for any possible recalls.

NHTSA ID

11532963

Incident

Jul 14, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that the transmission was not working as designed. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle accelerated abruptly. While changing gears at low speed, the vehicle was shaking and shuddering. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the RPM raised up to 3,000 RPM. While attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle failed to move. Additionally, while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that a vapor valve replacement was needed. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

NHTSA ID

11520069

Incident

May 2, 2022

Mileage

112,000 mi

2016 ford fiesta se has had a transmission/clutch problem. It is doing everything that the recall says it's suppose to cover and Ford is not willing to honor and fix it. It's jerking, shaking, and not accelerating properly.

NHTSA ID

11508461

Incident

Feb 6, 2023

New vehicle was sold with 2 manufacturing defects: 1) Defective front left shock absorber with made steering unstable. 2) Leaking value cover gasket with created a fire risk. 3) Both defects where confirmed by a dealer. 4) Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance representative or others. 5) No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of problem were presented prior to first dealer inspection. 6) The dealer who discovered the 2 manufacturing defects within the 3 year warranty period, held the vehicle over the weekend and claimed to have fixed both. However the next time I took it to a service center I was told the value cover gasket was leaking. 7) I eventually returned to the original dealer who sold me the vehicle and they confirmed that the value cover gasket was leaking and apparently was not repaired under warranty as expected. 8) The original dealer repaired the value cover gasket off-premise in local parking lot and over charge me based on previous warranty price.

NHTSA ID

11497274

Incident

Aug 9, 2019

I should have an open recall for the coolant reservoir however it isn’t coming up at any Ford dealerships. There’s an issue with the OEM Khalid reservoir that comes in this vehicle and it’s leaking fluid.

NHTSA ID

11467362

Incident

Jun 3, 2022

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY MY CARS THROTTLE BODY STOPPED FUNCTIONING. HAVING TO TRY AND PULL OVER I GOT STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND STARTED IT AGAIN AND EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE. DURING THE SAME TRIP HOME I GOT STUCK ON A SMALL TWO LANE BRIDGE TWICE FOR THE SAME REASON. AFTER GETTING OFF THE BRIDGE IT HAPPENED A FOURTH TIME ON THE HIGHWAY AGAIN DOING 70MPH.

NHTSA ID

11406957

Incident

Apr 7, 2021

Mileage

51,000 mi

I HAVE A 2016 FORD FIESTA THIS MODEL CAR DOES NOT COME WITH A GAS CAP. I'VE NOTICED AFTER I FILLED MY CAR UP WITH GAS MY CAR STUTTERS AND STALLS OUT AND SOMETIMES DOESN'T START RIGHT AWAY THIS GOES AWAY AFTER 3 OR 4 TIMES IS STARTING THE CAR BACK UP I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT MY PURGE VALVE FOR THE FORD FIESTA WAS DEFECTIVE I'VE ALREADY HAD THIS REPAIRED AND BELIEVE THIS REPAIR HAS FIXED THE PROBLEM I'VE READ OF OTHER PEOPLE OF THE SAME YEAR MAKE AND MODEL HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES APPARENTLY BECAUSE THE HAS A CAPLESS GAS TANK THIS CREATES AIR POCKETS IN THE FUEL TANK WHICH MESSES UP THE PURGE VALVE OVER TIME.

NHTSA ID

11394752

Incident

Jan 4, 2021

Mileage

76,902 mi

LEAK IN COOLANT RESERVE TANK CAUSING OVERHEATING. TANK HAD TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA ID

11387081

Incident

Jan 4, 2021

THE TCM LIGHT COMES ON WHEN CAR IS STARTED. WHILE THE CAR IS MOVING IT SEEM TO SLIP OUT OF GEAR. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT ROAD OR TURNING OR SLOWING DOWN. THE RPM REVS UP BUT THE CAR IS SLOWING DOWN. THIS HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING 30 MPH OR 50 MPH.

NHTSA ID

11306446

Incident

Jan 10, 2020

Mileage

119,000 mi

WHEN ACCELERATING AFTER STOPPING MY 2016 FIESTA SE SHUDDERS QUITE HARD MOVING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR AND THEN ALSO FROM 2ND TO 3RD. I'VE NOTICED THAT THE LENGTH OF TIME THE CAR SHUDDERS IS INCREASING. THE SHUDDER IS ACCOMPANIED BY A LOUD RATTLING SOUND LIKE IF YOU SHOOK A BUNCH OF SCREWS IN A METAL CONTAINER. SOMETIMES LOSS OF POWER AND HIGH RPM'S OCCUR. I WILL TAKE IT BACK IN AND THIS WILL BE THE 4TH TIME. THE FORD DEALERSHIP TELLS ME THAT THE SHUDDER DOESN'T HARM THE TRANSMISSION. I DON 'T BELIEVE THAT. CAN'T EVEN SELL THE CAR (I TRIED) BECAUSE THIS CAR'S RESALE VALUE IS ZERO. NEXT I'M THINKING OF PURSUING A LEMON LAW RESOLUTION.

NHTSA ID

11302428

Incident

Jan 26, 2020

Mileage

64,336 mi

WE TRIED TURNING THE CAR ON. THE LIGHTS STARTED BLINKING RAPIDLY THE. IT SAID THE TRACTION CONTROL WAS OFF. EVEN THOUGH WE DID NOT TURN IT OFF. WE JUMP STARTED THE CAR AND IT WENT ON BUT ONLY FOR THE DASHBOARD TO SAY 'TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION SERVICE NOW'. WHEN DRIVING ON THE STREET AND FREEWAY TO THE NEXT EXIT. IT FELT AND SOUND LIKE THE ENGINE IS REVVING THE ENTIRE TIME NO MATTER WHAT SPEED. THE RPM IS RUNNING HIGH GOING STRAIGHT PAST 3

NHTSA ID

11288286

Incident

Dec 10, 2019

Mileage

50,495 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FIESTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACTUATORS REPEATEDLY FAILED ON THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE AIR COMPRESSORS MALFUNCTIONED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. FURTHERMORE, THE VEHICLE LEAKED OIL FROM THE TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO RUSSELL AND SMITH FORD (3440 S LOOP W, HOUSTON, TX 77025, (713) 230-8368) WHERE IT WAS SERVICED MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THE FAILURES UNDER WARRANTY. ON ONE OCCASION, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, IT SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SCREECH. UPON DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE CONTINUE TO SCREECH AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO RANDALL REED'S PLANET FORD (19000 EASTEX FWY, HUMBLE, TX 77338, (866) 844-5995) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE AIR COMPRESSOR AND NUMEROUS OTHER FAILURES; HOWEVER, THE FAILURES CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID

11267091

Incident

Nov 1, 2018

WHEN I REFUEL IT TAKES SEVERAL TRIES TO GET VEHICLE RESTARTED AND NEED TO PUMP ACCELERATOR TO KEEP IT FROM DYING. THE SMELL OF GAS IS BAD. COME TO A RED LIGHT STALLS AND HARD TO RESTART. AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASH AND NEVER GOES OUT. RPM SURGE AND CAR WILL LUNGE, VERY SCARY. JUST STARTED A LOUD CLICKING/THUMPING NOISE, FOUND OUT COULD BE ACTUATOR. AC WILL STOP BLOWING COOL AND BEGIN AGAIN. REPAIR SHOP CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHY. FOR A NEW CAR HAS MANY ISSUES FOR BEING OUT FOR SUCH A SHORT TIME.

NHTSA ID

11241596

Incident

Aug 3, 2019

Mileage

59,000 mi

ENGINE FLUID LEAK ..ADD ON DURING REPAIRS FOUND VEHICLE LEAKING OIL HITTING EXHAUST SYSTEM. VALVE COVER GASKET FOUND LEAKING. REPLACE VALUE COVER GASKET.

NHTSA ID

11241086

Incident

Jul 19, 2019

Mileage

9,009 mi

CAR STALLS, DOESN'T PICK UP SPEED, HESITATES TO START, ENGINE LIGHT IS ON BECAUSE THE GAS VALVE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. GAS WARNING COMES ON WHEN HALF FULL. GAS SMELL THROUGHOUT CAR. HAS A LOAD HUMMING SOUND WHEN DRIVING OR IDLED. JUMPS WHEN ACCELERATE. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO A DEALERSHIP IN SAINT LOUIS (RELOCATED RECENTLY) AND THEY WON'T TOUCH IT.

NHTSA ID

11234317

Incident

Jul 22, 2019

Mileage

20 mi

AT 2600 MILES MY TRANSMISSION WENT AND WAS FIXED BY FORD, BUT THE CAR IS SO NOISY NOW AND THE FLOOR BOARDS VIBRATE, I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR

NHTSA ID

11233755

Incident

Mar 5, 2018

MY CAR STALLS WHEN I COME TO A RED LIGHT ..ITS LIKE IT DONT WANA MOVE..SLOW ACCLER ATION

NHTSA ID

11232239

Incident

Apr 13, 2019

Mileage

60,000 mi