2001 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.

2001 Ford Fiesta

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Common 2001 Ford Fiesta problems

The Ford Fiesta, produced in 2001, is a popular car model known for its compact size and affordability. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems that owners have reported over the years. Here are some of the most frequently encountered issues with the 2001 Ford Fiesta:

  • Rear axle: Cars produced in the middle of 2002 have reported issues with the axle, which can affect the handbrake's functionality. This is due to a weld seam that secures the brake unit mounting plate to the rear axle, which may not be up to specification. This issue can be fixed by re-welding the mounting plate, but it requires a certain level of mechanical skill.
  • Fuel pipe: Ford Fiestas produced between July 2004 and February 2005 have reported problems with their fuel pipes. These pipes were not manufactured to the usual standards and can rapidly degrade, leading to fuel leaks and potentially causing a fire while driving. Replacing the fuel pipe with a new one is the recommended solution.
  • Steering problems: There are two commonly reported steering problems with the Ford Fiesta. In 2006, the manufacturer had issues with a number of steering columns, which could lead to difficulties controlling the vehicle. Additionally, a fault within the power steering belt can cause it to delaminate and fail, leading to control issues with the power-assisted steering. Regularly checking the steering column for signs of damage and replacing the part if necessary is recommended.
  • Filters: Damp patches in the car's interior can be caused by a faulty pollen filter, which can allow water to enter the driving compartment. Replacing the pollen filter with a new one is a simple and low-cost solution to this problem.
  • Water pump: Grumbles and groans from the engine, particularly when idling, can indicate a faulty water pump. This issue can be fixed by replacing the water pump with a new one.
  • Hydraulic clutch: A disconnected cylinder rod from the clutch pedal is a widely reported problem, particularly in Zetec models. This issue can manifest as problems changing gear and engaging the clutch in a responsive manner. Replacing the connecting clip can fix this problem.
  • Exhaust: In rare cases, the blanking plug on the exhaust may not maintain the correct tightness, leaving an open hole in the system. This can lead to hot gases melting the engine cooling fan moulding and causing fire and fumes in the cabin. Regularly checking the exhaust for any signs of issues and having them addressed promptly is recommended.

In summary, the 2001 Ford Fiesta has several common problems that owners have reported, including issues with airbags, rear axles, fuel pipes, steering, filters, water pumps, hydraulic clutches, and exhausts. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and address these issues before they become more serious problems.

2001 Ford Fiesta engine

What is the common problem in Ford Fiesta?

Ford Fiesta common problems include: Worn suspension. Fluid leaks. Corroded or blocked components.

Is the 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.

How long do Ford Fiesta engines last?

According to carparts.com, a typical Ford Fiesta will last 200,000 miles with excellent maintenance and constant, proper use. Some might push far beyond that point, while others could struggle and fall apart before nearing the 200,000-mile mark. Ultimately, much of it depends on the driver.

Are Ford Fiestas cheap to maintain?

Often, the more popular a car is, the cheaper they are to fix, as the parts and knowledge are much more readily available. The Ford Fiesta is the most commonly seen car on UK roads. Ford parts have always been readily available and reasonably priced, which contributes to the overall affordability of the Fiesta.

What is the common problem in Ford Fiesta?

Ford Fiesta common problems include: Worn suspension. Fluid leaks. Corroded or blocked components.

Is the 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.

Are Ford Fiestas worth buying?

The ST model is known for being a lot of fun, but even the most basic Fiestas are fantastic to drive, with great control weights, a good amount of grip and lots of composure on twisty roads. Ford's six-speed manual gearbox is excellent, which helps.

Is Fiesta expensive to maintain?

No surprises here that the Fiesta is cheap to run in terms of fuelling, servicing and maintenance. You couldn't have it with a diesel engine late in its life, but the economical petrol engines, some of which feature mild hybrid technology, meant this wasn't too much of a loss.

2001 Ford Fiesta car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Fiesta problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Latches/locks/linkages problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2001 Ford Fiesta vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2001 Ford Fiesta complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2001 Ford Fiesta.

2015-07-24

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-04-01
  • VIN: 3FADP4EJ3BM
  • Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FIESTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:15V246000(LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED TO REMEDY THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2001 Ford Fiesta problems:

Q&A: Ford Fiesta 2002 Starting Issues & Ignition Switch Problems
Q&A: Ford Fiesta 2002 Starting Issues & Ignition Switch Problems
https://www.justanswer.com/uk-ford/7gylb-ford-fiesta-2002-ford-fiesta-having-starting.html

Jan 8, 2013 ... Ford Master Tech since 2001 & MOT tester mechanic since 1984. Verified. Ask your own question. Ford Fiesta: We have a 2002 Ford fiesta, which ...

Ford Fiesta - ford fiesta 2001 overheat issues (yup another one ...
Ford Fiesta - ford fiesta 2001 overheat issues (yup another one ...
https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=92097

Jul 17, 2011 ... The most likely cause of overheating is a defective thermostat. Are you sure it is overheating as in normal operation it can run close to ...

Q&A: 2013 Ford Fiesta AC Compressor - Common Problems ...
Q&A: 2013 Ford Fiesta AC Compressor - Common Problems ...
https://www.justanswer.com/ford/juf20-2013-ford-fiesta-ac-compressor-just.html

Jul 24, 2022 ... 2013 Ford fiesta if I take out ac compressor or just the pully and clutch can I replace belt with one meant for a fiesta - Answered by a ...

Fiesta ST Issues Trend Thread | Ford Fiesta ST Forum
Fiesta ST Issues Trend Thread | Ford Fiesta ST Forum
https://www.fiestast.org/threads/fiesta-st-issues-trend-thread.3097/

Oct 29, 2014 ... Reminds me of the Toyota Tacoma, Mazda Miata and GTI forums. The world is not so rosy over at Mini land or even in the sister land of Mustang ...

Ford Fiesta: Common Problems and Solutions | BreakerYard.com
Ford Fiesta: Common Problems and Solutions | BreakerYard.com
https://www.breakeryard.com/car-parts/ford/fiesta/common-problems

Ford Fiesta Common Problems and Solutions · Damp Patches · Clutch · Steering · Fuel pipe · Water pump · Stereo · Rear axle · Air distribution flap ...

Other years of Ford Fiesta

ford fiesta 2002 photo
Fiesta 2002
Ford

1

0

0

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  • 1
ford fiesta 2011 photo
Fiesta 2011
Ford

719

3

28

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford fiesta 2012 photo
Fiesta 2012
Ford

606

3

23

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford fiesta 2013 photo
Fiesta 2013
Ford

651

3

25

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford fiesta 2014 photo
Fiesta 2014
Ford

480

7

26

  • 5
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  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford fiesta 2015 photo
Fiesta 2015
Ford

230

4

19

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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2001 Ford Fiesta photo