Electrical complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked at a gas station, the vehicle rolled forward on its own crashing into another vehicle. No one was injured. No police report was filed. The contact drove the vehicle to a repair facility where they repaired the vehicle of cosmetic damages and the radiator was repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 52,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that on several occasions while using the key fob to open the door, the horn erroneously activated and headlights began to flash off and on, and the vehicle could not immediately be started. The message "Keyless Entry Not Recognized" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the Body Control Module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 135,000.
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.
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.
The contact's son owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that the alarm occasionally activated independently. Additionally, the hood latch warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the battery terminals had to be removed to deactivate the alarm. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.
The A/C vent actuating solenoids under the dash have all failed. They don't allow the cool air to be routed properly. We have had the dealers service center check each time as they would fail, and they found replacement is needed at each visit. The actuators began failing at 6,000 miles, and continued dropping off one by one at various mileage until all three are now not functioning. My car has 11,500 miles now. The solenoids just click now constantly while driving as all three try to activate the vent doors.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and it was determined that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the ignition coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. …
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, while the transmission was shifting between 1st and 2nd gear, the vehicle was shaking until the transmission had shifted to the higher gears. The contact stated that occasionally the vehicle failed to start intermittently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact also stated that the battery had been replaced by a friend approximately 7 times, and once by an O' Riley's within the past 2 years. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 80,100
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Fiesta years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2011 (96), 2012 (66), 2013 (62), 2014 (45) and 2016 (26) model years. Electrical complaints make up 13% of all complaints for the 2011.
Is there a recall for Ford Fiesta electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for any Ford Fiesta model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Ford Fiesta electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles; 42% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the wiring › fuses and circuit breakers (4 mentions), followed by the 12v/24v/48v battery (4).
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.