Ford Fiesta Engine Problems
Owners have filed 507 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the Ford Fiesta across 9 model years. The 2013 model year has the most (110).
- 507engine complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 15mention a crash
- 9mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 29%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 377 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 507 complaints, 15 mention a crash, 11 a fire, 9 an injury.
Ford Fiesta engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Fiesta | 10 | 10% | 67,000 |
| 2018 Fiesta | 6 | 17% | 20,000 |
| 2017 Fiesta | 19 | 26% | 58,000 |
| 2016 Fiesta | 33 | 19% | 51,000 |
| 2015 Fiesta | 69 | 27% | 50,000 |
| 2014 Fiesta | 84 | 17% | 50,000 |
| 2013 Fiesta | 110 | 16% | 17,650 |
| 2012 Fiesta | 68 | 11% | 39,798 |
| 2011 Fiesta | 108 | 15% | 68,550 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Model years: 2014, 2015
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Escape, 2014-2015 Fiesta ST, 2013-2014 Fusion and 2013-2015 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 1.6L GTDI engines. If the vehicle is started and driven with an insufficient level of coolant within the engine cooling system, the engine cylinder head may overheat, crack and leak oil.
Risk: If the cylinder head cracks and leaks oil, the oil may contact a hot engine or exhaust component, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a coolant level sensor and the supporting hardware and software, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 21, 2017. The recall began on January 5, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S09.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The "Engine Oil Pressure Low, Stop Safely" warning appeared on the information screen as the car was starting up. The car is available for inspection, but I have not taken it to a Ford dealership or a mechanic for inspection. Google just said that it is a severe "wet timing belt degradation" issue…
My transmission is going out I call ford they tell me there's no recalls on my transmission but I paid for a vin recall check and there is a recall on my transmission
Check engine light illuminated. Dealer retrieved DTC P0457 for an EVAP leak. Dealer performed EVAP diagnostic testing and determined that the canister purge valve was leaking. Purge valve was replaced at owner expense. After replacement, EVAP leak verification passed and DTC was resolved. I am…
Ford has had a long known issue with 2011-2015-FIESTA ( Cuautitlan ) they issued a Customer Satisfaction Program that ended June 2025. I purchased the car July 2026 used w/o none issues. Checked VIN for recall and Maryland Inspected. Driving it one week and the check engine light comes on…
I have taken the vehicle to 2 auto places both have confirmed it has engine failure. It only has 140,000 miles
Frequently asked questions
Do all Ford Fiestas have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 507 owner complaints about engine for the Ford Fiesta. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Ford Fiesta engine?
Yes: 1 safety recall list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
Other Ford Fiesta problems
- Power Train problems (1,498)
- Structure problems (409)
- Electrical System problems (338)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (197)
- Latches/locks/linkages problems (185)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (135)
- Air Bags problems (102)
See all Ford Fiesta problems.