2016 Ford Fiesta Powertrain (other) Problems

The transmission started slipping in 1st and 2nd gear.

NHTSA ID

11698961

Incident

Nov 10, 2025

I have come to find that this vehicle suffers from premature slave cylinder failure, there are roughly 62,000 miles on the vehicle. Typical failure is reported to Ford between 70,000 and 80,000 miles. First symptoms appeared at roughly 58,000 miles. As I am a single father and a full time communications worker, I was not able to address this issue immediately upon discovering the initial symptoms as it would need further diagnosis. Clutch hydraulic fluids appear to be well sealed and clean. The design flaw with this system should be relatively obvious to a major automobile manufacturer such as Ford. The excessive temperatures caused by the transmission can and will affect any hydraulic systems severely. There are no avenues in which the temperatures can escape due to the bell housing of the transmission encasing the slave cylinder. In my experience as a prior automotive technician, most manual transmission automobiles place the cylinder in a more reasonable location, for example, beside the break booster in a 1991 Dodge Stealth. When observing the firewall in this location on this model of vehicle I can confidently say there is enough room to place a clutch slave cylinder in this location. The current placement appears to be for no other reason then planned obsolescence. Vehicle has stalled in traffic multiple times, cannot complete shifts due to clutch pedal sticking to floor. Inability to properly operate transmission as expected per mileage with a manual vehicle is a safety hazard. This is a safety concern due to limited ability to engage warning lights being that the shifter needs to be operated as well as the vehicle needing to be steered. Inability to depress the clutch to mechanical certainty limits the drivers ability to confidently navigate to a safe area to assess the vehicle's possible malfunctions. This limits the ability to warn other motorists on the roadways, which can cause accidents that may also cause injury/fatality depending on the speeds driven.

NHTSA ID

11696112

Incident

Oct 23, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended and hesitated to respond. Additionally, the vehicle failed to reverse as intended. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA ID

11677819

Incident

Aug 15, 2024

Mileage

70,000 mi

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

Symptoms: No-start condition (wouldn't crank w/o jump); delayed or harsh shifting; lost power (stalled going up tiny hill). Warning lights: transmission malfunction - service now; check engine light. Our symptoms and warning lights are consistent with Ford's Fiesta Transmission Control Module recall, however the VIN for our car is not part of the original recall. We meet all of Ford's recall eligibility criteria: reported before June 30, 2025; vehicle is less than 10 years old; vehicle has fewer than 150,000 miles. By virtue of the symptoms, warning lights and meeting Ford's other criteria strongly suggest our VIN should be included in the recall.

NHTSA ID

11667538

Incident

Jun 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping, causing the vehicle to lost motive power or stall. The contact was able to coast over to the side of the road and waited approximately 10 minutes before restarting the vehicle. The contact stated that several attempts were needed to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart intermittently. The contact stated that DTC: PO606 was displayed; indicating a failure with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the PCM had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact found information about the Technical Service Bulletin: 16/0129 with the NHTSA ID Number: 10109047 (Power Train) and the Customer Service Program: 14M02 with NHTSA ID Number: 10057231 (Power Train); however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer transferred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.

NHTSA ID

11665739

Incident

Jun 9, 2024

Mileage

85,000 mi

The TCM was defective. It has been known that the TCM, transmission control modules are defective for Ford Fiestas and Focus. My daughter was driving the car and it stalled. If she was in heavy traffic are making a turn when this happened she could have been seriously injured. Ford said that they fixed this issue in the 2015 editions, that's why they stop the recall for 2016 models, but they really did not fix the problem. The vehicle was taken to a Ford dealership in Wisconsin and they confirmed all this information to me. And eight hundred dollars was paid to fix a problem that is on a recall for most models except the 2016, because they supposedly fixed the problem.

NHTSA ID

11655971

Incident

Mar 5, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

NHTSA ID

11645151

Incident

Feb 26, 2025

Mileage

128,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle was jumpstarted. The contact stated that the transmission malfunction warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after the vehicle started while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission started slipping. Additionally, the contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, a diagnostic test was not performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact was advised to bring the vehicle back later. In addition, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall or warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

NHTSA ID

11621791

Incident

Feb 24, 2024

Mileage

84,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, while the transmission was shifting between 1st and 2nd gear, the vehicle was shaking until the transmission had shifted to the higher gears. The contact stated that occasionally the vehicle failed to start intermittently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact also stated that the battery had been replaced by a friend approximately 7 times, and once by an O' Riley’s within the past 2 years. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 80,100

NHTSA ID

11616912

Incident

May 27, 2024

Mileage

80,100 mi

The contact called on behalf of a customer who owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated the owner had brought the vehicle in complaining about a metal sound coming from underneath the vehicle as if metal was dragging. The sound was most prominent when turning the vehicle to the left or right. The contact stated that after inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the sound was coming from the axle bearings. The transmission had failed due to the transmission gear due to the axle failure. The contact was aware of Technical Service Bulletin: 16-0129; NHTSA ID Number: 10109047 (Power Train) and Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 regarding the DTS transmission for rough shifting and the differential gears failing. The contact spoke with a dealer where it was confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the TSB or the Customer Satisfaction Program. The customer was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the TSB or Customer Satisfaction Program. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 135,000.

NHTSA ID

11608914

Incident

Aug 2, 2024

Mileage

135,000 mi

This car has a double clutch transmission that was done overseas evidently this car's transmission does not run right and I've had it tested out at a mechanic shop the transmission slips gears does not operate correctly I was told by the mechanic that is not a normal transmission it can cause an accident you put your foot on the gas the car will rev into the wrong speed stay keep the tachometer running in the red and could cause a serious accident to other people and that Ford will not fix it as it was manufactured incorrectly the first time this car is dangerous and now I'm stuck paying for a used car that could cause an accident Ford denies any culpability.

NHTSA ID

11604519

Incident

Jul 10, 2024

2016 Ford Fiesta with vin: [XXX] with build date of 7/20/2015 at Cuautitlan plant with 6 speed Powershift auto transmission. Current miles on vehicle are 128,842. Ford Motor Company issued Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) 14M02 on 6/14/2015. Since this date there have been 7 supplements to this program. The changes are that they are covering more vehicles with this KNOWN defective transmission. The first supplement covers vehicles with build date before 10/15/2014 and the most up to date supplement covers vehicles with build date before 6/30/2015. All of the supplements cover the same transmission. This is the transmission that my Fiesta has. I have spoken with the Ford Vehicle Concern team numerous times requesting to speak with Stacy Balzer, Operating Director, service Engineering Operations, Ford Customer Service Division since she is the one that has been signing the updated supplements. Ford has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 16-0129 that includes my specific vehicle. My complaint is that Ford Motor Company knows that my transmission is defective per TSB 16-0129 but the latest CSP 14M02 supplement dates don’t currently cover my vehicle. My Fiesta would be covered if it was built 20 days earlier. I see this as an extremely shady form of business and instead of waiting until they issue another supplement that would probably cover my vehicle I have chosen to make a written complaint. The NHTSA website has 88 power train complaints towards a 2015 Ford Fiesta (currently being covered in CSP 14M02) and has 86 power train complaints towards a 2016 Ford Fiesta. I have had the vehicle inspected at my local Ford dealership and they have stated that the issue is a defective transmission. A defective transmission that IS NOT covered under CSP 14M02 because of build date ONLY. Thank you for your time. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11602321

Incident

Jun 21, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle did not accelerate as intended. Additionally, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently however, the failure had become persistent. The contact stated that several times the vehicle failed to start, and the “Service Transmission” warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a TCM failure. The contact was informed that the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

NHTSA ID

11587288

Incident

Apr 30, 2024

Mileage

109,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and descending a grade in the road, the contact attempted to depress the brake pedal to slow down however, the brake pedal went to the floorboard. The contact had to pump the brake pedal to slow the vehicle. The contact stated that the check brakes warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that there were also mechanical issues with the transmission. The vehicle could not be shifted into reverse (R) and while the vehicle was in drive (D), the vehicle would hesitate while shifting gear. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the dealer had not diagnosed a failure with the brakes. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

NHTSA ID

11572178

Incident

Oct 16, 2023

Mileage

79,000 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

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and shifting into drive(D), the vehicle rolled but failed to respond as needed with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle then stalled. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular failure. The “Service Transmission” warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission control module (TCM) and the contact was informed that the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 69,000.

NHTSA ID

11559739

Incident

Dec 5, 2023

Mileage

69,000 mi

The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to reverse. The service now warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was informed that the failure was due to the TCM. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ID

11559470

Incident

Nov 1, 2023

Mileage

110,000 mi

The vehicle is experiencing a common know issue with the TCM. After power loss, after having the battery replaced, the vehicle was having transmission issues. The Codes pulled from the car were P06B8 and P0606. These codes are well know with the Ford Fiesta for failure of the TCM. There is an extended warranty coverage for 2011-2015 Fiestas that should clearly extend to this year as well. It has the same transmission. Ford claims they corrected the issue with new parts. The part number on the cars PCM matches those of the extended warranty. The warranty is to extend to 100,000 miles or 10 years. The vehicle meets both those requirements. The vehicle was manufactured in the same facility in Mexico that the other faulty modules were installed. It was manufactured only a few months after the supposed change in part.

NHTSA ID

11558958

Incident

Nov 29, 2023

I just had the TCM updated by the local Ford dealership and the transmission is still kicking out of gear while I am driving down the interstate! The engine light did not come back on yet. This costed $410.00 I think it’s Fords responsibility to make this right seeings there’s been lawsuits over this issue!

NHTSA ID

11551539

Incident

Oct 24, 2023

The car started to not reverse. Then took several times to start. Started shuddering while driving very slowly and it is extremely dangerous! I have two young children. I have been with out a vehicle for 2 months and its really affecting our lives. Ford charged me $283 to diagnosis it has a faulty clutch. Quoted $4100. I cant afford that since I cant even get to work with out my car. IT SHOULD HAVE A RECALL FOR MY VIN. I HAVE SEEN OTHERS WITH THIS SAME ISSUE. PLEASE take my complaint seriously and please help!!!!!

NHTSA ID

11550878

Incident

Aug 21, 2023

Parked vehicle in space and in 1st gear. Clutch engages while fully depressed causing car to lose control and not able to stop.

NHTSA ID

11550746

Incident

Oct 19, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the gear shifter was inoperable. The contact stated that when she depressed the accelerator pedal the vehicle would not accelerate. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the powertrain control module had failed. The contact was informed that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and was diagnosed with a failed TCM. The contact was informed that the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the TCM needed to be replaced again. The vehicle was repaired; however, after retrieving the vehicle the failure recurred. The contact stated that the dealer informed her that the failure was with the third gear. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she had not been able to drive her vehicle for almost two years. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ID

11548089

Incident

Oct 19, 2021

Mileage

119,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gear shifter was inoperable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission or the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

NHTSA ID

11544765

Incident

Sep 13, 2023

Mileage

98,000 mi

I was in Michigan and my car, which had been in great shape, unexpectedly failed to start after sitting for two days. After jump-starting the battery, the maintenance light turned on and my display showed a transmission malfunction. So while I traveled in my car to Columbus, unaware of the potential danger that my car could catch fire and explode because it couldn't shift beyond third gear, I stopped at AutoZone for an inspection where the man informed me about a specific error code called P0606. The car dealership, Holmes Motors, was well aware of the issues with my car because we had informed them about another defective Ford Fiesta they had in stock. However, they made a deliberate decision not to reveal any of this important information to me or my family. I’ve been had problems when my car failed to start after refueling last year. One of the two main issues I've encountered with Them. Firstly, they advised me that they had repaired my vehicle; that was not the case. Secondly, they never upheld the warranty and argued that my recurring issue was not eligible for coverage, after they just worked on it. The other Ford Fiesta that we saw coincidentally ended up being my ex-roommate's car, and it still had the same problems. At AACMO in Columbus, They confirmed that my dual clutch assembly transmission had malfunctioned and overwhelmed my TCM. This exact same incident was also mentioned in the lawsuit filed against Ford, and from numerous people who faced the same issue. I’m stuck in Ohio with insufficient funds for repairs or a replacement, which means I have no way home and zero source of income to sustain myself. It sucks that the entire burden of repairs falls on us while these companies neglect to accept any accountability for their faults. Has not been brought to the manufacture yet. If there is any other actions to help assist in my situation, please feel welcome to contact me. Thank you.

NHTSA ID

11529717

Incident

Jun 24, 2023