Ford Fiesta (2016)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 205,128 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,600
£133/month
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Good
Road Tax
£20
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 1-8
998cc Petrol
Solid Option
81% pass rate, £1,600/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Ford brand average of 85%.
81% of MOT tests on Ford Fiestas from 2016 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 8 years old. That's based on 205,128 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 56,940 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
56,940
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2016 Ford Fiesta had 56,940 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2016 scores 81%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Ford Fiesta by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 93% | 404 | 18,726 mi | |
| 2021 | 94% | 6,234 | 22,177 mi | |
| 2020 | 91% | 34,173 | 29,611 mi | |
| 2019 | 91% | 124,950 | 34,738 mi | |
| 2018 | 90% | 157,746 | 42,265 mi | |
| 2017 | 85% | 154,616 | 48,995 mi | |
| 2016 | 81% | 205,128 | 56,940 mi | |
| 2015 | 81% | 225,575 | 63,696 mi | |
| 2014 | 79% | 224,536 | 71,010 mi | |
| 2013 | 77% | 211,536 | 77,629 mi | |
| 2012 | 75% | 185,847 | 83,104 mi | |
| 2011 | 75% | 161,778 | 90,389 mi | |
| 2010 | 73% | 165,879 | 95,140 mi | |
| 2009 | 72% | 180,029 | 96,775 mi | |
| 2008 | 72% | 109,443 | 95,143 mi | |
| 2007 | 72% | 99,442 | 96,164 mi | |
| 2006 | 70% | 81,463 | 97,129 mi | |
| 2005 | 70% | 48,429 | 97,715 mi | |
| 2004 | 71% | 39,183 | 97,910 mi | |
| 2003 | 71% | 29,898 | 96,816 mi | |
| 2002 | 70% | 14,118 | 88,471 mi | |
| 2001 | 68% | 4,970 | 72,535 mi | |
| 2000 | 67% | 2,809 | 71,739 mi | |
| 1999 | 67% | 4,854 | 66,066 mi | |
| 1998 | 65% | 4,382 | 56,318 mi | |
| 1997 | 66% | 1,926 | 57,252 mi | |
| 1996 | 71% | 1,061 | 51,823 mi | |
| 1995 | 74% | 859 | 53,478 mi | |
| 1994 | 77% | 616 | 50,884 mi | |
| 1993 | 69% | 565 | 50,329 mi | |
| 1992 | 76% | 545 | 53,988 mi | |
| 1991 | 84% | 854 | 51,137 mi | |
| 1990 | 83% | 479 | 53,299 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2016 Ford Fiesta
The 2016 Ford Fiesta is a city car. Our records list a 998cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 205,128 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 22% of 2016 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 56,940 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford Fiesta owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2016 Ford Fiesta Fuel Costs
The modest 998cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,175 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2016 Ford Fiesta?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,600 (£133/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Ford Fiesta Reliability Trend
Newer Ford Fiestas pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 8 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 2016 Ford Fiesta
At 10 years old, the Ford Fiesta is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. With 205,128 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
Coil Pack Failure
Medium riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2016 Ford Fiesta stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Fiesta(2016) | 81% | £1,175 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1,600 |
| Vauxhall Corsa(2015) | 78% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153+£553 |
| Nissan Qashqai(2017) | 86% | £1,175 | £200 | Grp 5-15 | £1,780+£180 |
| Volkswagen Polo(2015) | 82% | £1,175 | £170 | Grp 5-15 | £1,750+£150 |
| Vauxhall Astra(2016) | 85% | £1,175 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1,600same |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2016 Ford Fiesta
Is the 2016 Ford Fiesta reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MOT tests on 2016 Ford Fiestas ended in a pass, from 205,128 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2016 Ford Fiesta cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,600 a year (£133 a month): £1,175 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 Ford Fiesta?
81% of 205,128 MOT tests on the 2016 Ford Fiesta ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 426th of 539 models first registered in 2016 (bottom 22%).
Which year Ford Fiesta has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Ford Fiesta has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 1998 the lowest at 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2016 Ford Fiesta?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2016 Ford Fiesta is 56,940 miles, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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