2016 FORD FIESTA Engine Problems

33 complaints about Engine

33
Complaints
0
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Deaths

High Severity Issue

This component has been associated with crashes, fires, or deaths.

This Problem Across All Years

All Engine Complaints (33)

Jul 24, 2025

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.

Mileage: 130,000

Jul 2, 2025

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 Visual comparison of the faulty relay matches the obsolete part as well, and differs from the correct superseded part number relay outlined in the 16B11 bulletin.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)

Sep 18, 2024

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.

Apr 10, 2024

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.

Mileage: 138,000

Jan 5, 2024

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.

Mileage: 122,000

Dec 21, 2023

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.

Oct 20, 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)

Jul 18, 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.

May 2, 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.

Mileage: 112,000

Feb 22, 2023

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.

Dec 13, 2022

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.

Jun 3, 2022

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.

Apr 7, 2021

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.

Mileage: 51,000

Feb 4, 2021

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.

Mileage: 76,902

Jan 7, 2021

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

Feb 1, 2020

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.

Mileage: 119,000

Jan 28, 2020

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.

Mileage: 64,336

Dec 10, 2019

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

Mileage: 50,495

Oct 8, 2019

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.

Aug 4, 2019

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.

Mileage: 59,000

Aug 1, 2019

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

Mileage: 9,009

Jul 23, 2019

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.

Mileage: 20

Jul 22, 2019

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

Jul 16, 2019

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

Mileage: 60,000

Apr 18, 2019

RECENTLY AT 48,000 MILES MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON FOR A CODE P1450 AND P0456 WHICH IS FOR THE EVAP SYSTEM. MY VEHICLE NOW STALLS WHEN GAS IS FILLED UP AND EVEN LOSES PERFORMANCE AT HIGH SPEEDS.

Mar 22, 2019

I HAVE A 2016 FORD FIESTA SE AND WHILE DRIVING CAR ON FREEWAY IT KEPT TRYING TO TURN OFF ON ME, IT WAS A VERY SCARY EXPERIENCE. AND VERY DANGEROUS.

Mileage: 43,387

Oct 29, 2018

WHILE IDLING AT STOP LIGHTS OR CITY DRIVING THE CAR WILL DROP RPM'S OR STALL OUT ON IT'S OWN. HAS HAPPENED WHILE MAKING A U-TURN, TURNING, AND IDLING. IT HAPPENS RANDOMLY AND FORD WILL NOT TAKE THE ISSUE SERIOUSLY

Mileage: 48,000

Aug 20, 2018

MY CAR HAS LESS THAN 50000 MILES AND ALREADY BEEN TO THE SHOP DUE TO NOT STARTING. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BATTERY HAD A BAD CELL. GOT THE BATTERY REPLACED AND ALL WORKED FINE. 2 MONTHS LATER THE SAME ISSUES ARE HAPPENING AGAIN. WILL GO TO THE SHOP THIS WEEK. HOPEFULLY THEY VAN FIND OUT WHAT'S WRONG.

Jun 6, 2018 Fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 FORD FIESTA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, FLAMES APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WHEN HE EXITED THE VEHICLE AND OPENED THE HOOD, THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES BETWEEN THE BATTERY AND THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND IF THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,500.

Mileage: 23,500

Nov 13, 2017

ENGINE COOLING RESERVOIR IS CRACKED (LEAKING ANTIFREEZE FLUID)

Mileage: 30,500

Jul 17, 2017

HELLO, I JUST BOUGHT MY 2016 FORD FIESTA ST AND I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH IT OVERHEATING. PLEASE ADVISE. IT HAPPEN TO ME THREE TIMES NOW WHILE DRIVING.

Mileage: 18,000

May 28, 2017

HAS A HESITATION WHEN YOU PRESS THE GAS PEDAL ALMOST LIKE TOO MUCH FUEL AT ONE TIME AND THEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN IT WILL LAUNCH FORWARD. WHEN THIS HAPPENS WHILE TURNING IT WILL CAUSE YOU TO REDIRECT YOUR STEERING QUICKLY OR YOU WILL END UP ON SOMEONE ELSE'S SIDE OF THE ROAD.AND WHEN PULLING OUT FROM STOP SIGNS OR SIGNAL LIGHTS IS VERY SCARY AND IS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME.NOT HAVING POWER WHEN NEEDED IS VERY UNSAFE FOR ME AND THE OTHER SURROUNDING DRIVERS.

Mileage: 200

Apr 9, 2017

MANUAL TRANSMISSION VEHICLE SEEMS TO HAVE OCCASIONAL HESITATION UNDER LOAD WHEN MAINTAINING SPEED, ALL OBSERVED SPEEDS, ALL OBSERVED GEARS (ROUGHLY 30MPH TO 70MPH IN GEARS 3-5). VEHICLE HAS DONE IS SINCE NEW, (DECEMBER 26, 2016 TO PRESENT) LESS THAN 4,500 MILES ON IT AT PRESENT. BRINGING TO DEALER IN NEXT WEEK OR TWO FOR FIRST SCHEDULED OIL CHANGE, WILL HAVE THEM CHECK IT.