Ford Fiesta problems

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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.

photo of Ford Fiesta car production

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Ford Fiesta model years

ford fiesta 2019 photo
Fiesta 2019
Ford

38

1

0

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ford fiesta 2018 photo
Fiesta 2018
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31

0

32

2.1
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ford fiesta 2017 photo
Fiesta 2017
Ford

65

0

42

2.8
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ford fiesta 2016 photo
Fiesta 2016
Ford

163

0

31

2.7
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ford fiesta 2015 photo
Fiesta 2015
Ford

230

4

32

2.2
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  • 2
  • 1
ford fiesta 2014 photo
Fiesta 2014
Ford

480

7

44

1.7
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  • 1
ford fiesta 2013 photo
Fiesta 2013
Ford

651

3

44

1.2
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  • 1
ford fiesta 2012 photo
Fiesta 2012
Ford

606

3

40

1.4
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ford fiesta 2011 photo
Fiesta 2011
Ford

719

3

44

1.8
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  • 1
ford fiesta 2002 photo
Fiesta 2002
Ford

1

0

0

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ford fiesta 2001 photo
Fiesta 2001
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1

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0

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ford fiesta 1991 photo
Fiesta 1991
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3

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ford fiesta 1989 photo
Fiesta 1989
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1

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ford fiesta 1988 photo
Fiesta 1988
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1

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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.

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

  1. Hugh Windler 2025-10-02

    Vehicle year: 2013

    This car model has well-documented transmission issues, which can cause jerking and a feeling of unsafety while driving. Additionally, the car is heavily overpriced and loses its value quickly, with a 60% decrease in value over just two years. Despite these issues, the car's exterior design remains attractive to many buyers.

  2. Brannon Fisher 2025-10-02

    Vehicle year: 2012

    Hi there! I recently purchased a 2012 Ford Fiesta S for my courier job, as I need a reliable car for all the deliveries I make. Unfortunately, I ran into some trouble on the highway when my clutch wouldn't go into gear, causing me to slow down to 25 mph and almost get rear-ended by a semi. Even when I got to a traffic light, it wouldn't shift into 1st gear and eventually, hardly any gears would work. I was lucky that it happened late at night when there was less traffic. I was hoping that this car would be more reliable than my previous 2000 Mercury Sable, which ended up costing me a lot in repairs. I traded it in for the Fiesta, but now I'm not so sure about my decision. This experience has been frustrating, and I may even consider getting out of it early. Thanks for listening to my honest story!

  3. Elmer Hickle 2025-09-27

    Vehicle year: 2014

    I am confident in my assessment of this car. Despite my initial disappointment with its performance, I stand by my positive review of the 2014 Fiesta Titanium sedan. For the first three years, it ran flawlessly and exceeded my expectations. While I did experience a major transmission issue just after the standard warranty expired, I was fortunate to have purchased both the Ford extended warranty and service contract. Although it took five attempts to address the issue, the transmission was eventually repaired. While I remain cautious, I am hopeful that the car will continue to run smoothly. It is worth noting that there is a class-action lawsuit against Ford regarding this transmission issue. Additionally, I discovered a small amount of water in the trunk, which eventually required a trip to the dealer. However, I am grateful that I purchased the all-weather trunk-liner, which prevented any damage to my belongings.In the summer of 2020, I made my third attempt to fix a problem with my Ford vehicle. Despite the warranty and service contract, my dealer informed me that I would have to pay if a welded seam was responsible for the leak. This was after two prior attempts to fix the leak had failed. I was disappointed to learn that Ford classifies body seams as 'cosmetic' rather than 'functional'. As a result, I decided to purchase another car, and it was not a Ford. I firmly believe that a car should work properly in the first six years and 45,000 miles if maintained per manufacturer specs and garaged nightly. I am sad to part with my Ford, but the car must work, or I don't. Thanks for reading. Cheers! May 2020 UPDATE - I replaced my Ford with a Honda, which is far superior. I will never buy a Ford again.

  4. Marcel Shanahan 2025-09-23

    Vehicle year: 2014

    I absolutely loved my 2014 Fiesta Titanium sedan when I first bought it with just six miles on the odometer. For the first three years, it ran like a dream and was completely trouble-free. I was thrilled to have a car that lived up to all the positive reviews. Fortunately, I had purchased both the Ford extended warranty and the Ford service contract, which proved to be a wise decision six years on. Although I did experience a major transmission issue just after the standard 3-year, 36,000 mile warranty expired, the Ford team worked tirelessly to address the issue and I am grateful for their efforts. Unfortunately, I did experience some water in the trunk around the same time, which I initially dismissed as a minor issue. However, it eventually became a bigger problem and required multiple trips to the dealer to fix. Despite the challenges, I am still happy with my purchase and grateful for the support of the Ford team.I recently decided to replace my car after experiencing some issues. I believe that a car should work properly for at least the first six years and 45,000 miles if it is maintained per the manufacturer's specifications and garaged nightly. I have purchased a new car, and I am very happy with my decision. I had a bad experience with my previous Ford car, and I have decided not to purchase a Ford again. However, I am very pleased with my new 2020 Honda Fit. It is a great car!

  5. Donald Robel 2025-09-21

    Vehicle year: 2017

    This car has extremely poor build quality, which is a shame because it has a great European design and is very economical. Unfortunately, the front shocks were no good from day one, and some of the trim is falling apart. The air conditioning has also been problematic from the start. Despite numerous trips to the dealer for service, they were unable to fix the issues. I ultimately regret not spending a little more on a Honda instead. It's worth noting that this model has been discontinued by Ford. I have since upgraded to a brilliant Honda Accord.

Latest positive Ford Fiesta car reviews

  1. Thurman Hegmann 2025-09-28

    Vehicle year: 2014

    To be honest, when I first got the car, I wasn't a fan of the quirky transmission. However, I never experienced any serious issues like stalling or failure to accelerate, unlike what I've seen in other reviews. The only problem was some clicking noises and a bit of awkwardness in city driving, where frequent stops and speed changes are required. But cruising on the highway was a different story - the car performed exceptionally well. When I brought it to the dealership, they explained that the dual-clutch transmission is new technology and needs time to 'learn' your driving style. I was skeptical at first, but after a few visits where they updated the software for free, I started to see the truth in their explanation. After owning the car for three years, I can now confidently recommend it. Aside from the quirky transmission, everything else is awesome - from the comfortable ride, power, fuel economy, looks, interior design, to the high-tech touch-screen entertainment system and Bluetooth. Over time, I learned to drive the car and the quirks and awkwardness faded away. The car really adapts to your driving style! Recently, Ford even extended the warranty on the transmission control module to 10 years or 150,000 miles for free, which shows their commitment to customer satisfaction. Overall, I love this car and believe that the initial issues with the transmission are a small tradeoff for all the great things it offers.

  2. Rolando Marvin 2025-09-26

    Vehicle year: 2014

    We've owned this car for over 2 years now and have had ZERO hiccups. With regular maintenance, it has been a reliable daily driver for my husband. The lime green color makes it easy to spot in the parking lot and the heated leather seats have been a nice touch during the winter months. We bought it used from a Mercedes dealer with 25k miles on it and it still looks and drives like brand new. The Titanium model comes with absolutely everything you can imagine, including heated seats (which we LOVE in PA) and a backup camera. The navigation system is spot on and Ford Sync recognizes commands like a charm. We opted for the 5-speed manual and have had no issues with Ford's crazy

  3. Muhammad Collins 2025-09-18

    Vehicle year: 2018

    I really enjoy driving this car, although I do have one complaint. Unfortunately, the car is no longer being produced. As a 6'1, 235lb, 55-year-old man, I wasn't sure if this car would be the right fit for me, but after looking at all the other options, I decided to give it a try. The 1.6L automatic SE is great, and I'm sure the next generation transmission will be even better. I must say, cars from the sixties and seventies were a different story, and this car has nothing to complain about. I only wish I had gotten a higher trim level. I will definitely take good care of it with regular maintenance. 😃

  4. Roel Bosco 2025-09-15

    Vehicle year: 2018

    I absolutely love this little car! Although it may not accelerate super quickly, it's great on gas and fun to drive!

  5. Laron Aufderhar 2025-09-14

    Vehicle year: 2017

    I'm 57 years old and have owned 57 cars in my lifetime. I absolutely love cars and driving fast. Over the years, I've owned a variety of cars including an older 5.0 Mustang, a 2004 Subaru WRX (Cobb stage 2), a 2016 Miata, a 2016 Focus RS, a 2016 Ford Mustang GT, and even rented and drove a 2016 Ford Focus ST for 2 days. I've also had the pleasure of driving my brother's 2015 Corvette and his older Porsche 911. While all of these cars are great, they simply don't compare to the fun and excitement of driving the Fiesta ST on public roads. It's hard to put into words what makes the Fiesta ST so special, but it's something that needs to be experienced over time to truly appreciate. I understand that not everyone will share my enthusiasm for the Fiesta ST, but that's okay. It was designed to appeal to a narrow audience and to be very direct and visceral. If you're looking for a quick, emotion-evoking street-legal go-kart, then the Fiesta ST is the car for you. As I've gotten older, I've had to switch to a 2019 Fiesta ST with regular seats due to back pain, but I still consider it my dream car. Getting older may have its downsides, but owning my dream car makes it all worth it.

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