2016 Ford Fiesta Engine Problems

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  525%
• 25k–50k
  315%
• 50k–75k
  630%
• 75k–100k
  15%
• 100k–150k
  525%
• 150k+
  00%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Ford Fiesta owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 [redacted]. 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. …

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: [redacted] and [redacted] . 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. …

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. …

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.

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 investigations

Engine complaints in other Fiesta years