Ford Fiesta Best and Worst Years (2011–2019)
Avoid the 2011-2013 Ford Fiesta; they carry complaint indexes of 100, 75, and 88 and lead in Transmission & Powertrain complaints. The 2017 and 2018 Fiesta are the best years, with complaint indexes of 13 and 0 and far fewer reported issues.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
- Model years
- 9
- 2011–2019
- NHTSA complaints
- 3,164
- Recall campaigns
- 12
- Crashes reported
- 129
- Fires reported
- 25
- Top problem area
- Transmission & Powertrain
Fiesta Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Ford Fiesta problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Avoid | 100 | 730 | 32 | 5 | 3 | Transmission & Powertrain | 32 | 4★ |
| 2012 | Avoid | 75 | 617 | 12 | 5 | 3 | Transmission & Powertrain | 32 | 4★ |
| 2013 | Avoid | 88 | 667 | 12 | 4 | 3 | Transmission & Powertrain | 32 | 4★ |
| 2014 | Caution | 63 | 502 | 23 | 8 | 7 | Transmission & Powertrain | 30 | 4★ |
| 2015 | Caution | 50 | 258 | 16 | 0 | 4 | Transmission & Powertrain | 30 | 4★ |
| 2016 | Good | 38 | 178 | 10 | 1 | 0 | Transmission & Powertrain | 30 | 4★ |
| 2017 | Best | 13 | 74 | 7 | 1 | 0 | Engine | 30.5 | 4★ |
| 2018 | Best | 0 | 35 | 4 | 0 | 0 | Transmission & Powertrain | 30 | 4★ |
| 2019 | Good | 25 | 103 | 13 | 1 | 3 | Collision Avoidance & Cameras | 30 | 4★ |
Fiesta years to avoid: what went wrong
2011 Ford Fiesta Index 100 · 730 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2011 Fiesta has the highest complaint index (100) in the lineup and ranks worst overall. Transmission & Powertrain problems make up 50% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 56,200 miles. Structure & Body issues, mainly door latches, account for 22% of complaints at a median of 53,001 miles, tied to two recalls (20V331000 and 15V246000). Engine complaints (21%) surfaced at a median of 62,000 miles. NHTSA also lists an airbag software recall (12V488000). Owners reported airbags failing to deploy in crashes and sudden acceleration incidents.
2011 transmission & powertrain problems →2011 structure & body problems →2011 engine problems →
2013 Ford Fiesta Index 88 · 667 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2013 Fiesta ranks second-worst with a complaint index of 88. Transmission & Powertrain complaints dominate at 59%, with a notably low median failure mileage of 20,000 miles. Engine problems (20%) appeared even earlier, at a median of 15,000 miles. Structure & Body complaints (18%) occurred at a median of 41,000 miles and relate to the door-latch recalls (20V331000, 15V246000). Owners reported clutch failures, hesitation followed by sudden acceleration, and non-deploying airbags in crashes.
2013 transmission & powertrain problems →2013 engine problems →2013 structure & body problems →
2012 Ford Fiesta Index 75 · 617 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2012 Fiesta ranks third-worst with a complaint index of 75. Transmission & Powertrain issues lead at 44% of complaints, median mileage 42,000. Structure & Body complaints, largely door latches, follow at 28% (median 44,100 miles) and are covered by the same door-latch recalls (20V331000, 15V246000). Engine complaints total 16% at a median of 33,445 miles. This year also carries the 12V488000 airbag reprogramming recall. Owners reported brake failures leading to collisions and doors flying open while driving.
2012 transmission & powertrain problems →2012 structure & body problems →2012 engine problems →
Most common Ford Fiesta problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Transmission & Powertrain1,497 (47%)
- Engine670 (21%)
- Structure & Body574 (18%)
- Other413 (13%)
- Electrical System361 (11%)
- Fuel System159 (5%)
- Brakes145 (5%)
- Airbags102 (3%)
- Steering73 (2%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires73 (2%)
Frequently asked questions
- Which Ford Fiesta years should I avoid?
- NHTSA data points to 2011, 2012, and 2013 as the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 100, 75, and 88 respectively. All three are led by Transmission & Powertrain complaints.
- What are the best Ford Fiesta years to buy?
- The 2017 and 2018 Fiesta are rated Best, with complaint indexes of 13 and 0 and only 74 and 35 total complaints reported.
- What is the most common Fiesta problem?
- Transmission & Powertrain issues are the top problem across all years, accounting for 1,497 complaints, or 47% of the 3,164 total complaints filed.
- Does the Ford Fiesta have door latch recalls?
- Yes. Recalls 20V331000 and 15V246000 cover Structure & Body door latch defects on 2011-2014 Fiesta models, and 2011-2013 models are also covered by airbag software recall 12V488000.
- Is the 2013 Ford Fiesta reliable compared to other years?
- The 2013 Fiesta ranks second-worst of the nine years covered, with a complaint index of 88 and Transmission & Powertrain failures reported at a median of just 20,000 miles.