MotorDeets

Ford Fiesta problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Fiesta from 1991 to 2019: 3,171 owner complaints and 23 recalls across 12 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2011 (730), 2013 (668), 2012 (617). Best fuel economy: 32 mpg combined (2013).

Ford Fiesta
Photo: Calreyn88 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Transmission & drivetrain1498
Engine506
Body & structure409
Other / unknown397
Electrical338
Speed control / throttle198
Latches & locks185
Fuel & propulsion135

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
199102–
200101–
200201–
2011373032
2012361732
2013366832
2014750230
2015425830
2016017830
201707431
201803531
2019310531

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Ford Fiesta.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Ford Fiesta?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2011 (730), 2013 (668), 2012 (617).

How many recalls has the Ford Fiesta had?

Across 1991–2019, NHTSA lists 23 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).