VIN REPORT

3FADP4BJ3JM1092752018 FORD FiestaSE

20of 100
Moderate Risk
Buyer Risk Score
Recalls
Clear
No open recalls
Safety Grade
F
56/100 composite
Complaints
35
NHTSA filed
Vehicle Age
8 yrs
Made in MEXICO
BUYPurchase Verdict

2018 FORD Fiesta was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. Owner complaints include 1 reported death and 0 injuries — an extremely serious pattern that warrants fur...

Verdict & Risk Assessment
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Executive Summary

2018 FORD Fiesta

2018 FORD Fiesta was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. Owner complaints include 1 reported death and 0 injuries — an extremely serious pattern that warrants further investigation.

  • 1 death reported in owner complaints — a serious red flag
20
of 100
Moderate Risk
1 moderate risk signal detected. Negotiate accordingly and verify service history.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
1 Contributing Risk Factor
Critical deferred maintenance — safety-critical components overdue
+20
Critical Alerts

Title Brand Check

Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle

Vehicle Specifications

Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database

Make
FORD
Model
Fiesta
Year
2018
Trim / Series
SE
Body Style
Sedan/Saloon
Vehicle Type
PASSENGER CAR
Drive Type
FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel Type
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)
Engine
4-cyl 1.6L 120 hp
Doors
4
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY, MEXICO
Assembly
CUAUTITLAN, MEXICO
GVWR
Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Base MSRP
$15,435

Assembly Plant Quality

Plant: CUAUTITLAN, MEXICO

CQuality55/100
Standard📍 CUAUTITLAN, MEXICO

No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.

Safety

Safety Intelligence

Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data

F
Score: 56/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety30/30
Complaint History6/30
0/100Clear

✓ No high-risk recall components found

17/100
Basic
5 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian AEB, Forward Collision Warning
Moderate
  • 1 death(s) reported in complaints

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

Driver Assistance Features

ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database

Forward Collision Warning?Unknown
Automatic Emergency Braking?Unknown
Pedestrian AEB?Unknown
Rear AEB?Unknown
Lane Departure Warning?Unknown
Lane Keep Assist?Unknown
Lane Centering Assist?Unknown
Blind Spot Monitoring?Unknown
Rear Cross Traffic Alert?Unknown
Adaptive Cruise Control?Unknown
Adaptive Headlights?Unknown
Auto High Beam?Unknown
Parking Assist?Unknown
Backup CameraStandard
Electronic Stability ControlStandard
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Direct
Event Data Recorder?Unknown
Crash NotificationStandard
Dynamic Brake SupportStandard
Keyless Ignition?Unknown
Recalls

Deferred Failure Risk

Components and defects approaching or past their known service milestones

70/100
Critical Deferred Risk
Critical deferred failure risk — 3 safety-critical or high-cost components are past their service interval. Without immediate attention, repair costs will compound significantly.
No odometer data on record. Mileage is estimated at ~96,000 mi based on average annual driving. Items marked EST. OVERDUE may already be due — verify service history with the seller. Items marked OVERDUE are confirmed past-due based on vehicle age alone.
DUE SOONCriticalTiming Chain Tensioner
Service interval: 120,000 mi · Est. ~96,000 mi (no odometer on record)
Schedule Timing Chain Tensioner service before 120,000 mi
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
EST. OVERDUECriticalWater Pump
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 8 yr · Past due by age
Service Water Pump immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
EST. OVERDUEHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 8 yr · Past due by age
Service Transmission Fluid / Service immediately — already past the 60,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
EST. OVERDUEHighCoolant Flush
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 8 yr · Past due by age
Service Coolant Flush immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
EST. OVERDUEModerateSpark Plugs (iridium/platinum)
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 8 yr · Past due by age
Service Spark Plugs (iridium/platinum) immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
DUE SOONModerateFuel Injectors
Service interval: 120,000 mi · Est. ~96,000 mi (no odometer on record)
Schedule Fuel Injectors service before 120,000 mi
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.

NHTSA Safety Recalls

CLEAR
0found
No Recall Campaigns Found
NHTSA has no active or historical recalls for this 2018 FORD.
1 in

1 death reported across 35 complaints — a rate of 1 in 35 complaints involving a fatality.

Complaints35

Complaint Intelligence

35 complaints analyzed across 7 system categories

Engine/Powertrain
1 crash12
Other
1 crash9
Electrical
6
Safety Systems
2 crash4
Fuel System
2
Body/Structure
1
Suspension/Wheels
1
2019
5
2020
7
2021
2
2022
7
2023
4
2024
6
2025
3
2026
1
33% trend in recent years (improving reliability)
Stable -25%
6
Last 24 months
8
Prior 24 months
PEAKS SPRING (MAR–MAY)

37% of complaints filed in May & Apr — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Engine stalling5
Electrical failure2
Transmission slip1
Conditions Reported
Highway/high-speed (5)Rain/wet (2)Parking/low-speed (1)Startup (1)

Owner Complaints

HIGH VOLUME

35 safety complaints filed with NHTSA

35found
4
Crashes
1
Death
ODI #11710639UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The back up camera quit working. The back seats are taller and it has made it very difficult to see if there are children behind my vehicle. I reported it to the dealership and now I have to pay $200.00 to have them check it.

ODI #11693432UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Back-up camera goes in and out intermittently, sometimes the image is very faint and then totally disappears into a black screen, or says it is not available at this time, then goes black. This started about 4 months ago and I have not been able to identify a triggering factor, rain nor heat does not appear to be the factor that causes it. My car was purchased 2018 with 13 miles and I now have only 21,897 miles never been in an accident or anything to cause this issue. The dealer said my vehicle is not under the recall guidelines although it completely mimics the recalled issues listed under NHTSA#23S48/25V273 also the dealer says the issue has to be present for the mechanic to see. When I took it to the dealer today 10/14/2025 the camera was functioning and I have no idea when it will go back out again to show them. This can definitely become a safety issue and a cost I should not have to be responsible for because there is an indication this could be a production issue. Please assist me with this issue.

ODI #11656291ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Purchased vehicle at the end of 2018 and this is the third time I have had to replace the horn. It's not a fuse, it's not wiring, it is the actual horn that either shorts or dies with no notice.

ODI #11635077POWER TRAIN

Hello, I have zero idea why I am emailing, I may be secretly hoping for...anything. I drive a 2018 Ford Fiesta SE, I have owned it since 2019 as that is when I purchased it used. Over the weekend I experienced transmission issues and an auto shop informed me that I am in need of a transmission rebuild due to the clutch going out. The estimated cost is 3.4k. I came across this article from 2019: [XXX] Within the article Ford notes: "The transmissions (dual-clutch automatic transmissions known as DPS6 designed for fuel efficiency) were introduced in the 2011 model year Fiesta and 2012 Focus. They were used until the Focus was discontinued with the 2018 model year and until the 2019 Fiesta". The article then goes onto state: "technical analysis, warranty data and customer feedback show that the DPS6 transmission in Focus and Fiesta vehicles from 2016 (model year) through 2019 MY are improved from prior model years. They perform well and have competitive levels of customer satisfaction.” But I don't believe that to be true given the clutch issues that have just happened with my 2019 Ford Fiesta. It gets a bit more odd because I think Ford is lying about the 2019 model year being 'improved'. The mechanic I am going through put a pause on rebuilding my transmission because Ford reached out to them with potential fixes per an 'internal bulletin'. Those potential fixes include a redesigned clutch kit for the transmission...why would that be a thing if my model year was 'improved'. Also, they are not covering any repairs. I don't even know if I have the right to demand that they do? Given my model year wasn't included in the lawsuit, despite it being the last year Ford made the Fiesta. I also did find this update [XXX] I just want help or something done. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11614281ENGINE

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.

ODI #11597942LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger’s side door independently opened. The door ajar warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, neither the VIN nor the model year was included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 97,260.

ODI #11591658UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I bought my Ford Fiesta new in 2018. I have less than 35k miles on my car. My car recently started bucking while I stop at stop signs or red lights. My car revs up and tries to go forward. I took my car to the dealership hours later. They did a diagnosis and asked me what kind of gas I use. They said I shouldn't buy my gas from there. I was then told my valve is sticking from the gas and the valve is trying to open and it can't so it bucks and lurches. The part they need is on back order. The part is not available any where in the country. So does that mean the whole country side uses the same gas I do? That is why that part is on back order?

ODI #11591094FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My fuel canister purge valve needs replacement less than 70,000 on car. The cap less gas cap defective as well. Why did they make these cuz everyone is having problems with the purge valve and cap less. It all on YouTube. Where is the recall,.

ODI #11589553ENGINE

My engine is acting up. According to the Auto Repair Shop they say that my car is suffering from Carbon Build Up which is affecting my engine. As well as the throttle body in the car. My car just keeps stopping to the point my engine refuses to start. So I decided to clean it myself only to no avail.

ODI #11582247ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Trunk randomly pops open during driving. Or when you put it in gear.

ODI #11562850AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHERCRASH

12/4/2023 while attempting to pull into a parking spot in a parking garage car suddenly accelerated forward at a very fast rate, just prior to acceleration felt like it shuddered. Afraid that it would keep going and go over edge so I pulled to the right while trying to brake and hit a concrete barrier. Terrifying! October 23, 2019 another couple had this happen in another parking garage downtown Indianapolis and they were killed. Car went over the edge. Must have been on my mind! Have owned this car since 02/23/2022, no problems whatsoever, checked out in September of this 2023, all maintenance up to date. Weather was dry and floor pads were not in way (bringing this up because I was asked this by a friend). Been driving 50+ years and never had a car do this. Hit the front drivers side of the car, air bags did NOT deploy, but the insurance company totaled my car. The Capitol Police happened to be in the garage at the time making rounds and were on the scene in seconds from when it happened. Luckily that morning I decided to park on the upper level of the garage and no one else had their car damaged and nobody was hurt including myself. Just prior to trying to turn into the parking space the car had been traveling uphill to the 5th floor - going very slow. A lot of people walking and other cars around trying to park. Don't know if this has anything to do with it but on Tuesday, December 19th, another employee had the same thing happen in the same garage. Her car was a different make and model and was not damaged hardly at all but her airbags deployed! The only thing in common is same garage and there has been extensive construction going on in the garage for months now. Not trying to get anything out of this but this could have had far more serious consequences if this had happened at one of the half dozen intersections I went through that morning before arriving in the garage. Lucky no one was hurt or killed. Apparently this happens a lot!

ODI #11561353AIR BAGS

The contact’s grandmother owns a 2018 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving up a hill, the vehicle started sputtering, vibrating, and jerking. The sputtering was severe, causing the front driver's side seat belt to be activated. The vehicle was immediately driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,000.

ODI #11558375POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and the "Transmission Malfunction Service Now” message was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact stated that the RPM's increased rapidly, but the vehicle did not respond. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a persistent failure. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was 74,000.

ODI #11556942POWER TRAIN

Since around 20,000 miles, my 2018 Ford Fiesta SE has had a grinding noise after shifting at certain gears. I got the car serviced at that time. Now I'm at 70,000 miles and the noise has persisted, and has gotten worse. My transmission slipped at 0mph when I was accelerating, almost causing me to lose control of my car.

ODI #11468501BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that the backup camera displayed a distorted image. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

ODI #11467632AIR BAGS

Fan stopped working out of no where causing car to over heat happened multiple times even after being replaced. Airbag lights say airbag on passenger side is off even when someone is in the seat this happens alot. Back driver side turn signal will not work and everything has been changed and looked at by several mechanics. When driving it sometimes does not want to shift wants to just stay at one rpm and jerk

ODI #11466193UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while shifting gears after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated before returning to normal operation. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal sometimes had to be depressed multiple times before the vehicle accelerated properly. The vehicle also displayed several electrical shortages. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a defective canister purge valve. The canister purge valve was replaced and several unknown repairs were performed; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

ODI #11465995ENGINE,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle would stall while at a complete stop. The contact would restart the vehicle and continue to drive. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly and had worsened. The contact stated that the vehicle would only start after several attempts and would only gain motive power after depressing the accelerator pedal several times. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times where it was diagnosed that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced. The canister purge valve was replaced three times. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. The VIN was invalid.

ODI #11464823POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The engine failure message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. No further information was available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 37,000.

ODI #11463360POWER TRAIN

The component that failed was the clutch pedal assembly. The part is currently still installed in the vehicle. The clutch pedal randomly will stay full depressed, and requires manually reaching and grabbing the pedal to pull it out. The operator being distracted because they cant get the car into the correct gear and have to pull off the road to reset/pull the clutch pedal back into position. The component has not be inspected. There were no warning signs or symptoms before the failure happened.

ODI #11462131UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My neighbor has been hacking my radio frequencies of my car and has now hacked into my car. He’s following me and controlling my car. I’m afraid he is obsessed with me and will cause my car to have an accident. The police will not and have not helped me and this guy lives right next door to me

ODI #11427692UNKNOWN OR OTHERCRASH

Hello. While traveling in the right lane on the Interstate (I-43) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, heading southbound with a semi-truck in the center lane, the rear of my vehicle seemed to Lift/Rise off the ground and move (as if the rear of my auto was floating) to the right. I was at the point of being between at the semi-trucks front right tire and his bumper. I was involved in an accident with said semi-truck, thinking he was changing lanes from center lane to right lane and bumped my Left-Rear-Quarter-Panel. After much though and calming down, it seems as if my auto was pushed or lifted in a hydro plane effect by the air between my auto and the semi-truck. The day was clear and dry out around 10:45 AM, on July 15th. 2021. My question is: How many of these Ford Fiesta cars (with manual transmission) have had some type of highway collision with a semi-truck? Or, an unexplained loss (effect) of control while driving on the Interstate. Yes, a rear kind of Hydro-Plane affect with air pressure. Did I really have this happen to me while driving this car, I believe so.

ODI #11398847POWER TRAINCRASH1 DEATH

VEHICLE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE WHEN A VIBRATION WAS FELT THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL, THEN THE VEHICLE STARTED LOSE POWER. GEAR SHIFT STILL IN DRIVE ENGINE STILL RUNNING AND COASTED TO A STOP ON SIDE OF HIGHWAY. VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED FOUND OUT THAT THE LEFT DRIVE AXLE HAD BECOME DISCONNECTED AT THE TRANSMISSION END. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE SV HAS NO WAY TO MAINTAIN A SAFE SPEED.-++++++*DT*DT*DT*JB*JB*DT*JB*DT

ODI #11382871FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD FIESTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEN WHEN FUEL TANK WAS FILLED, THE VEHICLE TOOK A LONG TIME FOR THE ENGINE TO START UP. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO TRIED PUTTING A SMALL AMOUNT OF FUEL INTO THE FUEL TANK TO AVERT THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FENTON FORD ADA (1600 LONNIE ABBOTT BOULEVARD, ADA, OK 74820, (580)332-6161 TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST PERFORMED. THE MECHANIC LOCATED THE FAILURE CODE WITH THE EVAPORATOR FUEL VALVE STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION WHICH CAUSED THE FUEL TO LEAK INTO CHARCOAL CANISTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 88,000.

ODI #11378121SUSPENSION,WHEELS,SEATS

WHEN DO PURSHASE THE CAR THE SPEAKER ON R SIDE HAD ALOT OF STATIC AND WHEN I WOULD DRIVE THE WHEELS SEEM TO WOBBLE,AND FELT VER IN SAFE TO DRIVE. WHEN I WAS TO TAKE CAR IN THE COVID CAME AND CLOSED EVERYTHING DOWN. WHEN SERVICE DEPARTMENT OPEN I TOOK CAR IN AND EXPLAINED WHAT WAS WRONG SO THEY REPLACED THE SPEAKER AND SAID THE R SIDE UNDER WHEELS WERE REALLY BAD AND IT NEEDED TO BE FIXED. I DIDN'T REMEMBER TO LET SERVICE KNOW ABOUT THE INSIDE PARTS THAT WAS BROKE AND MISSING. THEN THEY HAD TO CLOSE AGAIN. ONCE I WAS ABLE TO GET OIL CHANGE AND WHEELS ROTATE IT I MANAGED TO TALK TO THE SALES AGENT AND EXPLAIN TO HIM WHAT WAS GOING ON AND HE TOLD ME TO BRING MY CAR IN TO SEE HOW MUCH IT WOULD BE AND HE WOULD GIVE ME HIS DISCOUNT PRICE. THIS STUFF WAS DAMAGED BEFORE I EVEN PURCHASED THE CAR SO I DON'T THINK I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING. NOW SOMETHING UP UNDER MY CAR IS MAKING SOUNDS WHEN I BREAK AND I DON'T THINK IT'S THE BRAKE PADS OR THE SHOES BECAUSE I KNOW THAT SOUND AND IT HAS TO BE SOMETHING ELSE. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR SINCE I PURCHASED IT AND EVEN BEFORE TAKING IT OFF THE LOT AND BECAUSE OF THE COVID-19 IT'S BEEN VERY HARD TO GET BACK AND FORTH TO GET THINGS TAKEN CARE OF I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR NOW BECAUSE WHEN I LET OFF THE GAS AND GET READY TO GO INTO THE BREAK IT SOUNDS VERY STRANGE. I PERSONALLY THINK THAT THIS CAR HAD A LOT OF DAMAGES COULD HAVE BEEN IN A CRASH PRIOR TO ME PURCHASING THE CAR AND IT'S JUST NOT SAFE. I HAVEN'T HAD THE CAR A YEAR AND WHEN I PURCHASED A CAR IT WAS 38,437 AND NOW MY CAR IS 40,000 I WILL TRY TO GET THIS FIXED BEFORE I DRIVE IT AND PUT MYSELF AND MY GRANDKIDS IN DANGER.

ODI #11373710ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

SEVERAL PROBLEMS ONE THE CAR VENT SYSTEM ACTUATOR FAILING TO OPEN VENT MAKING CRACKLING NOISE, SECOND PROBLEM WATER COOLANT CONTAINER LINES START LEAKING FAILING CAUSING ENGINE TO BURN UP CHEAP PLASTIC CONNECTIONS FAILING NO WATER LINES SHOULD AT THE CONTAINER OTHER THAN REFILL POOR ENGINEERING NEED HARDER INSPECTORS

ODI #11363296ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD... ABS, BRAKE, TSC LIGHTS KICKED ON AND THE CAR JERKED TO THE RIGHT-HAND SIDE AND SLOWED DOWN ABOUT 10MPH... AS I KEPT GOING IT LIT UP AGAIN AND JERKED HARD... AS I GOT SPEED TO ABOUT 55MPH DID IT A FEW MORE TIMES BEFORE I FINALLY SHUT THE CAR OFF AND HAD THE DEALERSHIP COME GET IT..

ODI #11328346POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

CAR SHUDDERS UPON ACCELERATION FROM STANDSTILL. LOSES POWER SEVERELY GOING UPHILL. ENGINE/TRANSMISSION SHAKES SHUDDERS ENGINE RACES AND QUICKLY ACCELERATES AFTER LOSS OF POWER THEN DECREASES AGAIN. WHEN MOVING FROM STOP CAR SHUDDERS MAKES A GRINDING NOISE AND THEN SLOWLY ACCELERATES BEFORE DECREASING RPM AND THEN RACES AGAIN. *TR

ODI #11326183ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

FOR THE PAST 6 MONTHS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT COME ON PROPERLY AND OCCASIONALLY THE BATTERY DRAINS. WHEN THIS WAS LOOKED INTO, IT WAS FOUND TO BE A BAD BODY CONTROL MODULE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PART FAILURE ISSUE FOR FORD. WE NEED THIS REPLACED/FIXED. BRAKE LIGHTS NOT WORKING IN STATIONARY POSITION, WORK SOMETIMES WHILE MOVING AND BATTERY TO CAR DRAINS WHILE STATIONARY OVERNIGHT. *TR

ODI #11321226POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

WHILE DRIVING THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHUTTERS WHEN GOING INTO SECOND GEAR AND STALLS BEFORE ACCELERATING. SOME TIMES THE CAR WON'T START AND IT'S NOT RELATED TO THE BATTERY OR THE STARTER. IT ALSO HAD A PURGE VALVE REPLACEMENT THREE MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE. A FEW MONTHS LATER I HAD TO REPLACE IT AGAIN THIS TIME IT WASN'T UNDER WARRANTY. I PURCHASED THIS CAR BRAND NEW IN 2018 AND IT HAD ALL THESE ISSUES IN 2018 AND OCTOBER OF 2019 IS WHEN THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SHUTTER. *TR

ODI #11265600UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE 2018 FORD FIESTA IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE 2014 FORD FIESTA. PROGRAM # 14M01 EXCESSIVE TRANSMISSION CLUTCH SHUDDER. ERROR CODE P087E. THIS NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED AS WELL

ODI #11240281POWER TRAIN

THE CAR WAS DRIVING AT 68 MPH AND APPROXIMATELY 2500 RPM STARTED TO LOOSE SPEED DOWN SLIGHT HILL AND RPMS INCREASED TO 5,500 RPM. LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR 3 SECONDS RPMS DECREASED REAPPLIED ACCELERATOR AND OPERATED PROPERLY.

ODI #11230761AIR BAGSCRASH

ON 7/2/2019 MY WIFE AND I WAS IN A PRETTY BAD WRECK TOTALING OUR CAR. THERE WAS MASSIVE DAMAGE DONE TO THE FRONT OF THE CAR HOWEVER THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. WITH THE DAMAGE DONE THERE'S NO REASON THE AIR BAGS SHOULDN'T HAVE WENT OFF. WE WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY HEADING HOME WHEN THIS HAPPENED

ODI #11221498SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN

BEEN NOTICING NOW WITH THE FORD FIESTA 2018 THAT MY THIRD GEAR. LOSES THE GRIP GOING UP HILL. BEEN LIKE THIS FOR A FEW WEEKS. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER. TWO TIMES HAVE THEY REPAIR IT. YET, SADLY SEEMS THAT THIS WILL BE THE THIRD AND FINAL TIME. CAN'T BELIEVE FORD DOESN'T DO DURABLE MANUALS ANYMORE. THE ISSUES ARE A LOT ON THE HIGHWAY. CAN'T AFFORD A CRASH OR ACCIDENT.

ODI #11203584ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY ON THE 2018 FORD FIESTA. NO POWER, NO ENGINE, NO LIGHTS, NO ELECTRICAL COMPONENT FUNCTIONED. NO HAZARD FLASHERS IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AT THE INTERSECTION OF AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AND A STATE HIGHWAY. THE CAR COASTED AND I STEERED IT BETWEEN LANES TO AS SAFE A SPOT AS I COULD REACH. THE SITUATION WAS DANGEROUS WITH A HIGH POTENTIAL FOR HARM. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS HURT AND NO ACCIDENTS RESULTED. AFTER A TWO WEEK REPAIR ON A NEW CAR I HAD OWNED FOR ONLY TWO WEEKS THE CAUSE WAS FOUND TO BE A BROKEN CABLE CONNECTOR UNDER THE BATTERY.

Complaint & Reliability Timeline

Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red

Annual complaints and reliability score for FORD Fiesta — recall years marked in red
04705010020192020202120222023202420252026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 35 total NHTSA complaints filed over 8 years, with the worst year being 2020 (7 complaints).

The amber reliability line shows an improving trend — scores have risen from the earlier years toward 76/100 more recently, suggesting the most serious issues are older and may have been addressed through repairs or recalls.

Notably, despite 35 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.

Red dots on the amber line flag 3 years (2019, 2021, 2023) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.

Details & Analysis
Financial

5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate

Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs

$0
Annual Fuel
EPA estimate
$1,800
Annual Insurance
US average
$1,800
Annual Maintenance
8-yr-old vehicle avg
$312
Annual Depreciation
Current period
Estimated 5-Year Total Cost
Fuel + Insurance + Maintenance + Depreciation
$19,560

Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation

$37,364
~$623/mo over 5 yrs
$0.4/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$15,500
Repair Risk Buffer
$3,000
Depreciation
$1,364

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $37,364 (~$623/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

Estimated Market Value

Depreciation-based estimate from original MSRP

$3,500
Low
$4,000
Est. Value
$4,500
High

Based on original MSRP of $15,435 with sedan depreciation curve. Range reflects ±15% market variance. Actual value depends on condition, options, and local demand.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Tailored for the 2018 FORD Fiesta — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list

MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: POWER TRAIN
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.

Recall Probability Forecast

Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals

5%
18-month
10%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 10%

5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.

Maintenance Schedule

OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions

Auction History

Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators

Searching Public Auction Records

Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for 3FADP4BJ3JM109275. Results appear automatically when found.

Insurance Cost Estimate

Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings

Full Coverage
$1,650–$2,090/yr
~$138–$174/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle
8-year-old vehicle: −7% (moderate depreciation)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History

Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations

FORD has been fined $17M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2015: Failure to timely file Early Warning Reports on defect data.

2015$17MFailure to timely file Early Warning Reports on defect data

State-Specific Legal Protections

What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Complete Data Table

All decoded fields in a single flattened view

Vehicle Identity

VIN3FADP4BJ3JM109275
Model Year2018
MakeFORD
ModelFiesta
TrimSE
Vehicle TypePASSENGER CAR

Body & Configuration

Body StyleSedan/Saloon
Doors4
Seat Rows5
Drive TypeFWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeFlexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)

Engine

Engine Cylinders4
Displacement (L)1.6
Horsepower120

Manufacturer

ManufacturerFORD MOTOR COMPANY, MEXICO
Assembly CityCUAUTITLAN
Assembly CountryMEXICO

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)3FA
Check Digit (Char 9)3
Model Year Code (Char 10)J
Plant Code (Char 11)M
Sequence (Chars 12–17)109275

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count0
NHTSA Complaint Count35

VIN Structure Decode

ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number

3
1
F
2
A
3
D
4
P
5
4
6
B
7
J
8
3
9
J
10
M
11
1
12
0
13
9
14
2
15
7
16
5
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
3
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
F
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
A
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
DP4BJ
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
3
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
J
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
M
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
109275
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
Mexico
From VIN position 1 (3)
Model Year Character
"J" → 2018
Could also be 1988
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
Research This Model

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 6/13/2026, 10:51:44 AM.