Ford Fiesta problems

The Ford Fiesta is a supermini car that was marketed by Ford from 1976 to 2023 over seven generations. Over the years, the Fiesta has mainly been developed and manufactured by Ford's European operations, and had been positioned below the Escort (later the Focus).
Ford had sold over 15 million Fiestas from 1976 to July 2011, making it one of the best-selling Ford nameplates behind the Escort and the F-Series. It has been manufactured in the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Mexico, Taiwan, China, India, Thailand, and South Africa.
The Fiesta was discontinued in 2023, after over 22 million units had been made. The final Ford Fiesta rolled off the production line on 7 July 2023.
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Ford Fiesta model years
Common Ford Fiesta problems
The Ford Fiesta, a popular car model known for its fun-to-drive nature and compact size, has faced several common problems over the years. Here are some of the issues reported by owners, based on the search results:
- Rear axle problem (2002-2008 cars): There have been issues reported with the rear axles of some cars built between 2002 and 2008. The weld seam that secures the brake unit mounting plate to the rear axle might not be to specification, potentially leading to brake failure.
- Fuel pipe problem (2004-2005 cars): Some Fiestas built between 2004 and 2005 had problems with their fuel pipes. Some cars had pipes that weren't made to specification and could degrade, leading to seepage of fuel and a possible fire.
- Steering column problem (2006 cars): Some cars built between August and September 2006 have problems with their steering columns. It appears that the columns might not have been handled properly before fitment and could have been damaged as a result. In some cases, this could lead to a loss of steering control.
- Power steering problem (2007 cars): Belts that drive the power steering pump could de-laminate and fail, leading to the loss of power-assisted steering in some cars built between September and November 2007.
- Water pump problem (2008-present cars): Some fifth-generation Fiestas had issues with their water pumps. Listen for grumbles and groans from the engine while it idles. It's an 85 bill, so be on the lookout. Check for damp patches in all cars of this generation.
- Faulty pollen filters (2008-present cars): Faulty pollen filters can allow water to enter the cabin and cause dampness. It's a 50 bill for new filters.
- Faulty exhausts (2011-present cars): In rare cases, the blanking plug on the exhaust might not maintain the correct tightness, leaving an open hole in the system. The hot gases can melt the engine cooling fan moulding and cause fire and fumes in the cabin.
- Suspension problem (2008-present cars): Some cars built during September 2011 had faulty rear suspension. Their rear axle mounting bolts did not meet the required specification and it's possible the bolt could break.
- Steering column problem (2019 cars): Some Fiestas built from 15 May 2019 to 17 June 2019 were fitted with steering columns that weren't up to specification, so speak to your Ford dealer to find out if yours is affected. If it is, the whole column will need to be replaced to prevent potential future issues.
- Rear seatbelt latches problem (2019 cars): The bolts on the rear seatbelt retractors on a small number of examples made between 18 - 25 September 2019 might not have been tightened down correctly at the factory. Speak to your local dealer to find out if your car is affected by this; it'll need to be inspected by a technician if so.
- Brake servo failure (2017 cars): This recall applies to Fiestas that were manufactured between 5 December 2017 and 20 December 2017, on which you may notice that more brake pedal effort is required to slow the car down. Contact your Ford dealer for further information because a technician will need to check the manufacture date on the servo itself to identify if your car is affected. They will then be able to arrange to have the servo replaced if it is found to be one of those affected.
- Faulty clutch (2009-2017 cars): The average price of a Ford Fiesta clutch repair when booked through WhoCanFixMyCar is £576.70; the average cost of a replacement is £588.37, which shows that booking a repair isn’t necessarily the cheapest option.
- Turbo failure (various cars): Turbo failure can be caused by excessive carbon build-up in the engine or an overboost problem, which makes the bearings overheat and various components become worn or loose. Turbo cleaning may solve the problem if the failure is caused by carbon deposits. Otherwise, you’ll need to book a turbo repair or replacement, which is likely expensive.
- Bad fuel injectors (various cars): Cleaning your fuel injectors will likely solve the problem. Knowing how to locate, remove and clean them correctly isn’t straightforward, so unless you’ve got decent mechanical know-how, we’d recommend contacting a mechanic to do it for you.
- Water leaks (various cars): Water leaks are usually caused by faulty door and window seals. It’s reasonably easy to fix this problem yourself using weatherproof sealing strips. You can get these for between £5-10.
These issues highlight the need for regular maintenance and inspections to ensure the safety and longevity of the Ford Fiesta.
What is the common fault on the Ford Fiesta?
There have been reports of coolant leaks, which could be caused by issues with hoses, radiators, or water pumps. Faulty Door Latches: Door latch issues, leading to difficulty in closing or securing doors, have been reported in some Ford Fiesta models.
Is a Ford Fiesta a reliable car?
Unfortunately, the Fiesta finished in 12th place out of 19 cars in the small car class of our most recent What Car? Reliability Survey, albeit with a reasonably good overall score of 94.9%. It finished above the Audi A1, Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Polo, but below the Honda Jazz, Mini and Toyota Yaris.
What are common faults with the Ford Fiesta 2016?
From transmission problems (like jumping, lunging, and lurching) to oil, water, and coolant leaks, consumers have been complaining about problems with recent Ford Fiesta models. Ford Fiesta is also listed in the 2016 Car Complaint Index.
How long do Ford Fiesta cars last?
The estimated lifespan of a Ford Fiesta is 151,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Ford Fiesta years
We have researched Ford problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Ford Fiesta cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Ford Fiesta model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Ford Fiesta model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Ford Fiesta years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Ford Fiesta car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Ford Fiesta , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Power train problems
- Engine problems
- Structure problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Ford Fiesta vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Fiesta model years
A total of 123 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Fiesta model years
There were a total of 24 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Fiesta model years
There were a total of 125 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Fiesta model years
There were a total of 6 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 2990 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Ford Fiesta . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Ford Fiesta vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Ford Fiesta 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- VIN: 3FADP4TJ3GM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated when the vehicle was started, the vehicle failed to start as intended. . The contact stated that the vehicle had to be jumped started. The contact stated the transmission malfunction warning light illuminated. The contact stated after the vehicle started, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission misfired and the gears slipped. In addition, the contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, however the diagnostic test was not performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact was advised to bring the vehicle back at a later date. In addition, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under any unknown recalls or programs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Ford Fiesta 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-13
- VIN: 3FADP4EJ5DM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Car shudders with noises on the transmission, not going on reverse and sometimes can not go on driver or forward too, car has codes for transmission clutches
Ford Fiesta 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-29
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-30
- VIN: 3FADP4EJ7DM
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: Transmission won't move in reverse and goes slow in drive
Ford Fiesta 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-27
- VIN: 3FADP4BJ8GM
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, while the transmission was shifting between 1st and 2nd gear, the vehicle was shaking until the transmission had shifted to the higher gears. The contact stated that occasionally the vehicle failed to start intermittently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact also stated that the battery had been replaced by a friend approximately 7 times, and once by an O' Riley’s within the past 2 years. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 80,100
Ford Fiesta 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-23
- VIN: 3FADP4BJ6BM
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the battery was replaced. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond and sputtered. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle the following day, the vehicle failed to start and was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic related the failure to the transmission. The contact was referred to the dealer for an unknown recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for the TCM to be replaced under Ford Campaign Number: 14M02. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the TCM was replaced; however, the dealer informed the contact that the TCM could not be programmed to the transmission clutch. The dealer determined that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Ford Fiesta 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-06
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-18
- VIN: 3FADP4BE1GM
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
Ford Fiesta 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-12
- VIN: 3FADP4AJ1JM
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: My engine has been malfuctioning over the following year. I've gotten repairs and it continues to do so. I'm asking for a recall.
Ford Fiesta 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2013-08-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-10
- VIN: 3FADP4EJ3CM
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated to move forward or backwards. Additionally, the contact stated that the ignition key had failed to operate as intended also. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified on the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 12,000.
Ford Fiesta 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-06
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-08
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 3FADP4DJ1KM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I’m 99% sure the heated seat shorted out and caught my car on fire causing the car to burn completely to the ground in a total lose.
Ford Fiesta 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-06
- VIN: 3FADP4AJ3DM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, and while driving up an incline, the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle was not responding as needed. The contact stated that while at the top of the hill and driving down the hill, the vehicle regained motive power. The contact stated that no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was occurring while driving up an incline. The contact drove the vehicle to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the internal transmission seals were leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,429.
Ford Fiesta 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-05
- VIN: 3FADP4GX2KM
- Components: POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: My clutch slave cylinder failed with approximately 64000 mi on the vehicle. This is a hydraulic system sharing the same reservoir as the brakes. The clutch pedal stuck to the floor leaving me unable to change gear while driving on the highway. Had to pull off on the side of the road and manually pull up the clutch with my hand. After that it functioned seemingly fine. I took the car to a local garage who diagnosed the issue and said it was fairly common on these cars. Part has not been replaced yet so it cannot be inspected but it is scheduled to go in to have the transmission dropped and slave cylinder replaced. There were no lamps messages or other warning signs prior to the incident on the highway aside from a slight softening of the clutch feel which occured during the months proceeding the failure. The clutch in this vehicle is notoriously soft to begin with so it did not feel much different. Thank you
Ford Fiesta 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-31
- VIN: 3FADP4BJ3EM
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I started to notice a bit of resistance when pressing on the brakes. Minor initially, but then if you had to apply slightly more pressure the car would jerk/pull hard to the right. The harder and faster you had to press, the more intense the jerk. I took her in to the dealership and they noticed something with the reservoir into the hydraulics unit that feeds fluid into the brakes. The fluids are not circulating back into it and the caliper is not building enough pressure to close. They said it's the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit: D2BZ-2C405-E and the part is on national backorder with no ETA. The car is unsafe to drive without the part. She's a 2014 with only 28k miles and it seems strange to have this failure with such low mileage. I just have texts with the dealership right now. I spoke with Ford directly today and they guesstimated 5-6 months for the part. I ordered a used part and will take her to another mechanic to get it replaced in the interim since the dealership won't work with a used part. At that point I will have invoices. Thanks.
Ford Fiesta 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-28
- VIN: 3FADP4BJ2FM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the RPM increased but the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving, the check engine warning light illuminated and then disappeared. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
Ford Fiesta 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-26
- VIN: 3FADP4BE2HM
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I believe oil pump has malfunctioned. I had a significant loss of power while driving, that could cause sudden accident, had I not been proactive. After the loss of power, I heard a knocking from the engine, then the oil light came on and alerted me. I believe it can be inspected, but have not been able to have it towed to the dealership.
Ford Fiesta 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2020-03-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-23
- VIN: 3FADP4BJ4EM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Car jerking and sometimes will not move
Latest 5 recalls Ford Fiesta
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 21 recalls for different components of the Ford Fiesta.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Ford Fiesta 2015
- Report Received Date: 2023-11-17
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 Fiesta, 2016 Fusion, and 2016 Lincoln MKZ vehicles sold, or ever registered in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. A component inside the door latches may break, which can make it difficult to latch or possibly allow the doors to open while driving.
- Consequence: Vehicle doors opening unexpectedly while driving can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the door latch date codes and if necessary, replace all four side door latches, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S15. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-177.
- Model: Ford Fiesta 2014
- Report Received Date: 2020-06-08
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
- Consequence: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.
- Model: Ford Fiesta 2012
- Report Received Date: 2020-06-08
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
- Consequence: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.
- Model: Ford Fiesta 2013
- Report Received Date: 2020-06-08
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
- Consequence: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.
- Model: Ford Fiesta 2011
- Report Received Date: 2020-06-08
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
- Consequence: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.
Latest negative Ford Fiesta car reviews
Latest positive Ford Fiesta car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2018
I tend to get motion sick quite easily, so I prefer smaller cars with a less 'floaty' ride and a stick shift. After doing extensive research on the engine and transmission options available for the 2017 Fiesta, I concluded that the long-running 1.6L 120hp motor and 5-speed manual transmission was the most reliable option. The engine provides sufficient power and the transmission is smooth and easy on the left leg. Despite driving slowly due to vertigo, I have been pleasantly surprised by the gas mileage, averaging around 35mpg on most fill-ups (worst has been 30 so far) and getting as high as 45mpg on a long highway trip in flat Illinois at 65mph the whole way. While the Ford Sync system is not the best (at least the basic version I have), it is still usable (and most importantly, Bluetooth from the phone works 99% of the time the first time). I have come to appreciate the ambient lighting more than I thought I would, especially at night when it's really nice to be able to see your feet/the floorboards when getting in and out of the car. After owning it for 3 1/2 years and putting about 75k miles on it, I have not had any issues other than replacing the tires and doing oil changes (which I do every 6-8k with full synthetic oil). I only drive a lot during the summer though, as my school year driving is average. Overall, I would highly recommend this car to another basic, conservative driver like myself. As of the 2-year update, I have doubled the mileage and still have not had any problems, except for replacing the tires. As of the 7-year update, I gave it to my son with a bit over 100k miles on it, and it is still running flawlessly. Simply put, it is a great car.
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Vehicle year: 2016
I'm so glad to hear that you love the car! I completely understand your concern about the middle console not providing enough elbow room. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
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Vehicle year: 2014
I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical when I first bought this car. Going from a large sedan to a subcompact hatchback was quite a change. However, I quickly fell in love with it. Despite having only 120hp, it still feels powerful and the steering is very agile and responsive. It's not a sports car, but it's definitely fun to drive, especially on long country roads. Even on highways, it still manages to keep up. Although the transmission was a bit funky at first, the dealership fixed it right away and now it runs smoothly. The rear passenger space is a bit tight, but still manageable, and the trunk is surprisingly spacious for a car in its class. This car even saved my life once, which is why I may be a bit biased towards it. One rainy day, the car in front of me got cut off and slammed on their brakes, leaving me with little response time. I ended up slamming into the back of them at 40mph, but my friends and I walked away with little to no injuries, just in total shock. The Fiesta was still driveable and only had exterior damage to the bumper and headlight. I believe that in any other car, the damage would have been much more extensive. My car was repaired and still drives on the road today with no signs of the accident. I wouldn't trade this car for the world (at least not right now lol). If you're looking for a reliable, fuel-efficient, fun-to-drive, and safe car, then the Fiesta is definitely the way to go!
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Vehicle year: 2011
The Lime Squeeze Green color is certainly attention-getting. However, the automatic transmission failed at just 660 miles while on a road trip from Arizona to California. Despite the transmission being brand-new to Ford in the USA, the Ford dealer in Riverside, CA was unable to properly fix it. I promptly called Ford Zone Customer Service and filed a complaint. It is unacceptable for a brand new vehicle to require a complete transmission replacement at just 660 total miles.
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Vehicle year: 2013
I've had this car for about a month now and it's been a great ride! I live in sunny Southern California and have already taken it on a 3000 mile round trip to South Dakota and back. Despite its small size, it was surprisingly comfortable, even for a big guy like me. The interior is much better than I could have hoped for, with soft touch materials that feel much nicer than cheap hard plastic. While I'm not a huge fan of the red lights, I do appreciate the stylish accent lighting. The 6-speaker sound system is amazing, with great bass and clear highs, and no rattling from the speakers. Although it can be a bit confusing to use, it works very well. While there is some interior road noise and engine noise, it's not too overwhelming and actually adds to the driving experience. Speaking of which, the engine revs to redline very smoothly and feels right at home at higher RPMs. The Powershift transmission is a bit weird at low speeds, but really wakes up under hard acceleration. It's a great concept that just needs a bit of refinement. I never thought I'd enjoy driving a small car again, but this little Ford Fiesta has won me over. Ford really did their homework with this one. I highly recommend taking a serious look at this car. It may be small, but its heart is big. On a warm SoCal night by the beach, with the moonroof open, windows down, and music up, there's nothing better. The car drove straight and true even at 105 mph, although the braking could be a bit stronger. Overall, I'm very happy with this little car!
Frederic Littel 2025-08-11
Vehicle year: 2013
The vehicle has been reported to have issues with the 6-speed automatic dual clutch assembly. Unfortunately, the primary component is currently back-ordered with Ford Motor Company for several months due to widespread problems. The unit may experience slipping and shuddering at slow speeds. It is recommended to conduct an internet search on this issue before considering purchasing this vehicle. The dealership had my vehicle for 6 consecutive weeks when I first reported this issue. I stand by my opinion that this vehicle with the automatic dual clutch transmission is not a good choice. Please consider other options.
Conner Graham 2025-08-05
Vehicle year: 2012
I purchased this vehicle as a commuter car when I had to travel an hour each way for work. At first, it was great - it had good gas mileage and drove well. However, after a couple of months, the engine malfunction light came on and the car started having issues shifting in the lower gears. I took it to Ford and they found that it needed a clutch and electrical wiring done. While the clutch was covered, the wiring was not, which cost me $600. Despite this setback, things were okay until January when the same shifting issues started happening again. I took it to a local Ford dealer, but they didn't find anything wrong with it. I kept pushing because the issues were getting worse and my engine light kept turning on and off. Now, I'm told that it needs an oxygen sensor, recalibrations, and a catalytic converter, and I just had to fix an oil leak. I haven't even had the car for a full year yet, and I've already spent over $1,000 on repairs. The customer service at Ford in NM has been less than satisfactory. I'm currently trying to get them to buy the car back because I don't feel safe driving it. Unfortunately, the transmission option for this car doesn't work for me, and the other issues are adding up.
Kaley Olson 2025-08-04
Vehicle year: 2018
I was excited to try the Fiesta of the FOST fame, and it handled really well from a handling perspective in taking turns and being zippy. It also got excellent gas mileage (over 42mpg highway) for one of my trips, and overall was a comfortable ride. However, the challenge with the vehicle was the horrible powertrain. Between the engine and the transmission, it couldn't figure out what it wanted to do. This was especially difficult for stop-n-go or heavy traffic situations such as one would face in a daily commute. The engine kept revving and the transmission kept changing, making it very indecisive. Overall, it's a decent car that could be improved with a refined powertrain. Until then, it's best to avoid it for your own sanity.
Ted Becker 2025-07-29
Vehicle year: 2011
I've had my Fiesta for a year now and I have really enjoyed it overall. I absolutely love the styling and the lime squeeze paint. The consistent 35mpg is great, and most importantly, it has never left me stranded. It's a nice little car. However, there have been a few minor issues that remind me that I'm not driving a $21k Jetta/Civic/Impreza/etc. Although the car seems solid mechanically, I have had to have some loose items under the hood tightened down, weather stripping replaced, quirky door locks, and random squeaks/creaks that come and go. Nothing too serious, but enough to make me wonder if I should have paid a little extra to get something a little more
Soledad Skiles 2025-07-29
Vehicle year: 2011
I'm not quite sure why the highlighted review indicates 4+ out of 5 stars. I purchased this car used with 11,000 miles on it, and it was previously owned by an 84-year-old lady. Unfortunately, I experienced some issues with it, such as shuddering and loud shifting. Additionally, it didn't accelerate as quickly as I had hoped. Based on my experience, I would not recommend purchasing this car. It may end up causing more headaches than it's worth.