DecodedCars2016 Ford Fiesta
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatch S/Se/Titanium, 4dr Sedan S/Se/Titanium, St 4dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 1.0L 3-cyl turbo, 1.6L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 197 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 35 combined · 31 city / 41 hwy
- Length
- 159.8–173.2 in
- Curb weight
- 2,538–2,743 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 35 MPG combined — 48% better than the average 2016 subcompact car (23.7 MPG).
- Strong performanceUp to 197 hp, versus about 106 hp for similar 2016 models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints179 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 18 for similar models — most often about the power train.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 13 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Ford Fiesta is a subcompact car offered with 3 engines (1.0L 3-cyl turbo, 1.6L 4-cyl and 1.6L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 160 inches long and 68 inches wide on a 98-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,538 lb (4dr Hatch S/Se/Titanium).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 35 MPG combined (31 city / 41 highway), 48% better than the 2016 subcompact car average of 23.7 MPG, for an estimated $1,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 179 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Fiesta — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Fiesta →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Cuautitlan, Mexico
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 Fiesta configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Hatch S/Se/Titanium | 159.8 in | 67.7 in | 58.3 in | 98 in | 57.9 / 57.1 in | 2,538 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr Sedan S/Se/Titanium | 173.2 in | 67.7 in | 58.3 in | 98 in | 57.5 / 57.1 in | 2,577 lb | 59/41 |
| St 4dr Hatchback | 160.2 in | 67.7 in | 57.1 in | 98 in | 57.9 / 57.1 in | 2,743 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiesta SFE FWD | 1.0L 3-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 / 41 / 35 | +48% | $1,900 | 252 |
| Fiesta FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 36 / 30 | +27% | $2,250 | 294 |
| Fiesta FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 35 / 30 | +27% | $2,250 | 292 |
| Fiesta ST FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 32 / 29 | +9% | $2,300 | 310 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Ford Fiesta 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 14.3% |
| 2016 Ford Fiesta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 14.3% |
Similar 2016 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Ford Fiesta (this car) | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2016 Toyota Yaris | 33 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2016 Hyundai Accent | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2016 MINI Countryman | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Toyota Mirai | – | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Volkswagen Beetle | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2016 MINI Clubman | 28 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Ford Fiesta.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2016 Ford Fiesta is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Ford Fiesta buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Power Train — 90 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 34 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 22 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 57,183 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Ford Fiesta. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Fiesta years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Fiesta | 31 | 159.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 105 |
| 2018 Fiesta | 31 | 159.8 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 35 |
| 2017 Fiesta | 35 | 159.8 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 75 |
| 2015 Fiesta | 35 | 159.8 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 259 |
| 2014 Fiesta | 35 | 159.8 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 468 |
| 2013 Fiesta | 32 | 160.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 497 |
| 2012 Fiesta | 32 | 160.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 446 |
| 2011 Fiesta | 33 | 160.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 449 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →