Ford Fiesta Problems — All Years, Common Issues & Reliability
Year-by-year breakdown of safety recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, reported deaths, injuries, crashes, and worst problem areas. Updated daily from federal databases.
Own a Ford Fiesta? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Ford Fiesta — Year-by-Year Problem Comparison
| Year | Verdict | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Deaths | Top Issue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Good | — | 55 | 7 | 3 | — | Back Over Prevention | Full report → |
| 2018Best | Excellent | — | 21 | 3 | — | 1 | Power Train | Full report → |
| 2017 | Good | — | 52 | 4 | 6 | — | Power Train | Full report → |
| 2016 | Good | — | 133 | 9 | 3 | — | Power Train | Full report → |
| 2015 | Good | 3 | 150 | 10 | 14 | — | Power Train | Full report → |
| 2014 | Avoid | 5 | 334 | 19 | 11 | — | Power Train | Full report → |
| 2013 | Avoid | 3 | 476 | 13 | 6 | — | Power Train | Full report → |
| 2012 | Avoid | 3 | 427 | 5 | 11 | — | Power Train | Full report → |
| 2011Worst | Avoid | 3 | 491 | 23 | 29 | 2 | Power Train | Full report → |
9 model years shown. Crashes, injuries, and deaths from NHTSA complaint filings. Click any year for full details.
Most Common Ford Fiesta Problems
Based on 2,139 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across all model years.
Fiesta Years to Avoid
Best Fiesta Years to Buy
Not enough data to identify standout low-problem years.
Years with fewest complaints and recalls.
Ford Fiesta Problems by Year
Frequently Asked Questions — Ford Fiesta Reliability
What year Fiesta has the most problems?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2011 Ford Fiesta had the highest combined complaint and recall count — 491 complaints and 3 safety recalls. See the full 2011 report for specific defects.
Is the Ford Fiesta reliable?
The Ford Fiesta has accumulated 2,139 owner-filed complaints and 17 safety recalls across all model years in NHTSA's database. There have been 3 reported deaths associated with complaints. The 2018 model year shows the fewest reported issues. Always run a VIN check before purchasing any used Fiesta.
What are the most common Fiesta problems?
The most frequently cited problem areas are: Power Train (764 reports), Engine (251 reports), Structure (204 reports), Unknown Or Other (202 reports). Based on NHTSA complaints across all model years.
How do I check if my Fiesta has an open recall?
Use the vehicle's 17-character VIN at VinCheckEngine.com. Our free VIN report pulls the latest NHTSA recall data along with auction history, odometer records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Check a Specific Ford Fiesta VIN
Model-level data shows what can go wrong. A VIN-specific report shows what has gone wrong with a particular vehicle — including auction history, odometer discrepancies, open recalls, accident records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Run a Free Ford Fiesta VIN Report →No account required · Instant results · Updated daily