Ford Fiesta years to avoid (and the best years)
3,162 NHTSA owner complaints and 12 recalls across 9 model years, 2011 to 2019. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 3,162complaints
- 12recalls
- 129reported crashes
- 25reported fires
- 132reported injuries
- 6reported deaths
Which Ford Fiesta years should you avoid?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the Ford Fiesta years to avoid are 2011, 2013 and 2012. The typical Ford Fiesta year has 258 complaints on file.
- 2011: 730 complaints, 2.8 times the typical year. Most complaints name the transmission and drivetrain (50% of complaints) and the body and structure (17% of complaints).
- 2013: 667 complaints, 2.6 times the typical year. Most complaints name the transmission and drivetrain (59% of complaints) and the engine (17% of complaints).
- 2012: 617 complaints, 2.4 times the typical year. Most complaints name the transmission and drivetrain (44% of complaints) and the body and structure (21% of complaints).
What are the best Ford Fiesta years?
The Ford Fiesta year with the fewest complaints on file is the 2015 (258). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 101 | 0.4× | 3 | 13 | 9 | Some concerns to check | Backup camera |
| 2018 | 35 | 0.1× | 0 | 4 | 0 | Some concerns to check | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2017 | 74 | 0.3× | 0 | 7 | 12 | Some concerns to check | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2016 | 178 | 0.7× | 0 | 10 | 10 | Some concerns to check | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2015 | 258 | 1.0× | 4 | 16 | 24 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2014 | 502 | 1.9× | 7 | 23 | 17 | Some concerns to check | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2013 | 667 | 2.6× | 3 | 12 | 9 | Approach with caution | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2012 | 617 | 2.4× | 3 | 12 | 17 | Approach with caution | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2011 | 730 | 2.8× | 3 | 32 | 34 | Approach with caution | Transmission and drivetrain |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 737 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Engine & powertrain444 (60%)
- Structure & body160 (22%)
- Electrical & infotainment46 (6%)
- Airbags & seat belts28 (4%)
- Other systems24 (3%)
Recalls (12)
Safety · 25V695000 · Oct 2025 · model year 2019
A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 24V951000 · Dec 2024 · model year 2019
A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 23V775000 · Nov 2023 · model year 2015
Vehicle doors opening unexpectedly while driving can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Safety · 20V331000 · Jun 2020 · model years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Safety · 20V177000 · Mar 2020 · model years 2014, 2015
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Brakes · 19V629000 · Aug 2019 · model year 2019
The swollen seals can cause the brakes to drag, potentially overheating the brakes and increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine · 17V209000 · Mar 2017 · model years 2014, 2015
If the cylinder head cracks and leaks oil, the oil may contact a hot engine or exhaust component, increasing the risk of a fire.
Safety · 17V210000 · Mar 2017 · model year 2014
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Safety · 15V246000 · Apr 2015 · model years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Fuel system · 15V005000 · Jan 2015 · model years 2014, 2015
If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 14V402000 · Jul 2014 · model year 2014
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Airbags · 12V488000 · Oct 2012 · model years 2011, 2012, 2013
An occupant in the right rear seating position will not have coverage from the side curtain air bag in a side impact collision when the front passenger seat is empty, increasing the risk of injury to the right rear occupant.