Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 105 | −70% | 3 | Collision Avoidance | Good |
| 2018 | 35 | −92% | — | Transmission | Good |
| 2017 | 74 | −85% | — | Transmission | Good |
| 2016 | 178 | −66% | — | Transmission | Good |
| 2015 | 258 | −55% | 4 | Transmission | Good |
| 2014 | 504 | 1.2× | 7 | Transmission | Average |
| 2013 | 668 | 1.8× | 3 | Transmission | Caution |
| 2012 | 617 | 1.6× | 3 | Transmission | Caution |
| 2011 | 730 | 1.9× | 3 | Transmission | Caution |
* Complaints compared with the median Fiesta year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Ford Fiesta problems
Latest Ford Fiesta recalls
Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years.
Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Flex, Fiesta, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. The rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 22, 2025.
Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
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,…
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.
Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
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.
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.
Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Fiesta, 2014-2016 Fusion and 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…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford or Lincoln dealers will replace the side door latches, free of charge. The recall began September 21, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Ford Fiesta should you avoid?
2011, 2013 and 2012 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Fiesta years at the same age, led by transmission & drivetrain problems in the 2011.
What is the best year for the Ford Fiesta?
2018 has the fewest complaints compared with other Fiesta years at the same age, followed by 2017 and 2019. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Ford Fiesta problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the transmission & drivetrain (1,497), engine & cooling (544) and body & structure (409). Transmission complaints peak in the 2013 model year.
How many recalls has the Ford Fiesta had?
12 recalls across 2011–2019. The model year with the most is 2014. See all Ford Fiesta recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.