Ford Fiesta years to avoid and best years
Newer Ford Fiesta years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2013 has the most complaints per year, at 103 (667 complaints). 2012 through 2014 are in that same range. From 2016 on, complaints per year fall. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2018 at 4 (from 35 complaints), 2019 at 5 (from 101 complaints), and 2017 at 7 (from 74 complaints). On the 2013 Ford Fiesta, 266 of 667 complaints name Powertrain.
Data as of .
Ford Fiesta reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Ford Fiesta. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 → Fewest | 5 | 101 | 3 | Back-over prevention | 29.7 |
| 2018 → Fewest | 4 | 35 | 0 | Powertrain | 30 |
| 2017 → Fewest | 7 | 74 | 0 | Powertrain | 31.3 |
| 2016 → | 9 | 178 | 0 | Powertrain | 31 |
| 2015 → | 18 | 258 | 4 | Powertrain | 31 |
| 2014 → | 63 | 502 | 7 | Powertrain | 31 |
| 2013 → Most | 103 | 667 | 3 | Powertrain | 32 |
| 2012 → | 57 | 617 | 3 | Powertrain | 32 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan, Hatchback
- Oil
- 5W-20 (1.6L, all trims incl. ST) · 4.2 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 185/60R15 to 195/50R16
Known issues for this generation
U.S. 2011-2016 Fiesta models built with the optional PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission (DPS6) developed a well-documented pattern of rough shifting and repeat repairs to the clutch and clutch seals. NHTSA found no evidence that the transmission is a safety risk and did not order a recall. Ford settled a nationwide class action, Vargas v. Ford Motor Co., covering 2011-2016 Fiesta and 2012-2016 Focus PowerShift owners, with final court approval in March 2020; in August 2019 Ford separately extended the clutch warranty to seven years or 100,000 miles on roughly 560,000 of these cars. Only PowerShift-equipped cars are covered by the settlement.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Fiesta years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2018 at 4 (from 35 complaints), 2019 at 5 (from 101 complaints), and 2017 at 7 (from 74 complaints).
Which Ford Fiesta year has the most owner complaints?
2013 has the most complaints per year, at 103 (667 complaints). 2012 through 2014 are in that same range. On the 2013 Ford Fiesta, 266 of 667 complaints name Powertrain.
How do Ford Fiesta owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Ford Fiesta years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. From 2016 on, complaints per year fall.
What generation is the 2016 Ford Fiesta?
6th generation (2011-2019), the only Fiesta generation sold in the US.
Does the Ford Fiesta have PowerShift transmission problems?
2011-2016 Fiestas with the optional DPS6 dual-clutch automatic were covered by a 2020 class-action settlement and a 2019 clutch warranty extension; NHTSA did not order a recall.