Ford Fiesta problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 866 owner complaints and 12 recalls on file for the Ford Fiesta (2011–2019). The 2015 Fiesta has the most serious complaints, most often about transmission & drivetrain.

Complaints
866
Recalls
12
Model years
9
Worst year
2015

Complaints by model year

96201110020121112013120201413420151232016532017302018992019
NHTSA complaints per Ford Fiesta model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Ford Fiesta years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2015 Ford Fiesta — 134 complaints, 9 crashes; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain
  2. 2016 Ford Fiesta — 123 complaints, 4 crashes; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain
  3. 2019 Ford Fiesta — 99 complaints, 9 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
  4. 2013 Ford Fiesta — 111 complaints, 5 crashes; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain
  5. 2014 Ford Fiesta — 120 complaints, 3 crashes, 3 fires; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2018 (30 complaints).

Every Ford Fiesta model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2019 Fiesta999173Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2018 Fiesta303000Transmission & Drivetrain
2017 Fiesta532070Engine
2016 Fiesta1234090Transmission & Drivetrain
2015 Fiesta13490174Transmission & Drivetrain
2014 Fiesta1203357Transmission & Drivetrain
2013 Fiesta1115073Transmission & Drivetrain
2012 Fiesta1001243Transmission & Drivetrain
2011 Fiesta961113Transmission & Drivetrain

Most common Ford Fiesta problem areas (all years)

  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    393 complaints
  • Engine
    153 complaints
  • Electrical System
    117 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    81 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    50 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    42 complaints
  • Brakes
    33 complaints
  • Airbags
    30 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    29 complaints
  • Lighting
    29 complaints

Complaint trend

2020202120222023202420252026
Complaints about the Ford Fiesta received by NHTSA each month.

Ford Fiesta recalls

  • Recall 25V695000Oct 13, 20251,448,655 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 24V951000Dec 20, 202430,715 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 23V775000Nov 17, 202345,173 vehiclesModel years 2015

    Risk: Vehicle doors opening unexpectedly while driving can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

  • Recall 20V331000Jun 8, 20202,147,323 vehiclesModel years 2011–2014

    Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

  • Recall 20V177000Mar 23, 2020288,110 vehiclesModel years 2014–2015

    Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

  • Recall 19V629000Aug 28, 20192,624 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: The swollen seals can cause the brakes to drag, potentially overheating the brakes and increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 17V210000Mar 27, 2017191,432 vehiclesModel years 2014

    Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

  • Recall 17V209000Mar 27, 2017208,584 vehiclesModel years 2014–2015

    Risk: If the cylinder head cracks and leaks oil, the oil may contact a hot engine or exhaust component, increasing the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 15V246000Apr 24, 2015456,440 vehiclesModel years 2011–2014

    Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

  • Recall 15V005000Jan 9, 201554,543 vehiclesModel years 2014–2015

    Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 14V402000Jul 2, 2014175 vehiclesModel years 2014

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 12V488000Oct 5, 2012154,471 vehiclesModel years 2011–2013

    Risk: An occupant in the right rear seating position will not have coverage from the side curtain air bag in a side impact collision when the front passenger seat is empty, increasing the risk of injury to the right rear occupant.

Other Ford models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology