In the subcompact sedan market, Ford’s prime offering, the Fiesta, draws its distinction with its sporty handling and sprightly acceleration. It is exquisitely designed on the outside and sports a neat interior setup, which makes it an enticing proposition. But it lacks the space and comfort that the competitors vaunt. Nonetheless, the 2016 Fiesta makes its place with its reliability. It has 109 complaints listed to its name and is yet to be called back by the brand. Most of its issues are concentrated problems, which include a slipping transmission, the vehicle’s loss of power, and minor structural shortcomings. In its segment, the 2016 Ford Fiesta sedan competes with the likes of the Hyundai Accent, the Nissan Versa, and the Chevrolet Sonic.
2016 Ford Fiesta Sedan User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical complaints:
- Loss of power after fuel refill: Among the list of the Ford Fiesta issues, buyers have reported the sedan’s inability to restart after the fuel has been filled. It has been noted that the vehicle works with a delay and requires the accelerator to be depressed, for the fuel to reach the engine. It is the most common complaint about the 2016 MY and is generally symptomized by excessive shuddering and vibrations.
- Swollen lug nuts: In a handful of cases, buyers of the 2016 Ford Fiesta have reported the lug nuts swelling. As a result, it is difficult for the users to remove the wheel from the vehicle, which qualifies as a safety issue. While no action has been taken for correction, Ford is cognizant of the problem, as it has been commonly recurring in some other models as well.
- Issues with the transmission unit: The 2016 Ford Fiesta transmission issues rank highest in the list of its commonly recurring complaints. In several cases, complainants have reported the transmission unit shifting roughly between gears and slipping occasionally, which causes a bearing on the vehicle’s performance. It restricts acceleration and results in hesitation. An error message for transmission maintenance is displayed on the gauge cluster and while no underlying reasons are known, a failed torque converter or solenoid can be attributed as possible causes, considering past ownership experiences.
Electric System Complaints
- Battery drainage: The 2016 Ford Fiesta battery problems are neither concerning nor rampant. Buyers have reported the sedan’s battery unit losing power consistently, and it requires to be jumped or replaced.
Structural Complaints
- Latches and linkages: In the list of 2016 Ford Fiesta common problems, buyers have reported the door, hood, and trunk latch not working as intended. Complainants have recorded the inability of these latches to close the doors and trunk, which has resulted in their opening when the vehicle is in motion. In one case, this issue has caused the door to be ajar, which resulted in the warning alarm going off.
2016 Ford Fiesta Recalls
There are no recalls for the 2016 Ford Fiesta yet.
Should you buy the 2016 Ford Fiesta?
Absolutely! Talking from a reliability standpoint, the 2016 Ford Fiesta has been an all-around option. It has managed to carve a niche for itself with its constricted complaints list and no recorded recalls. While there are some concerns that seem concerning, Ford has always been known for its proactive approach to dealing with user grievances. Additionally, the subcompact sedan’s performance has improved from last year, which puts points in its favor. In the outgoing iteration, the sedan had almost 70 additional complaints and 3 recalls. In that regard, the only problem we see, in an otherwise inch-perfect proposition, is a safety warning that NHTSA attaches with the vehicle that can result in an injury to the rear passenger in case of a crash. So, if you cannot find yourself trusting the vehicle, the 2016 Nissan Versa can be considered instead.
