Ford Fiesta 2011–2019 problems by year and mileage
6th generation (Mk6; sometimes numbered Mk7) · B299 (hatchback) / B409 (sedan), Ford global B-car
NHTSA data through 18 October 20263,169 complaints, 2,437 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
- 201156kmedian
- 201245kmedian
- 201331kmedian
- 201440kmedian
- 201549k†median
- 201657k†median
- 201752k†median
- 2018—too few
- 201951k†median
The 2011 Ford Fiesta
Close- Median failure report
- 56,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 730
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2011
- Transmission and driveline366 reports · median 56,000 mi
- Body structure125 reports · median 55,000 mi
- Engine108 reports · median 69,000 mi
Recall areas Latches/locks/linkages — doors · Air bags
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2012 Ford Fiesta
Close- Median failure report
- 45,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 617
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2012
- Transmission and driveline274 reports · median 42,000 mi
- Body structure128 reports · median 44,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise78 reports · median 56,000 mi
Recall areas Latches/locks/linkages — doors · Air bags
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2013 Ford Fiesta
Close- Median failure report
- 31,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 668
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2013
- Transmission and driveline391 reports · median 20,000 mi
- Engine110 reports · median 18,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise91 reports · median 48,000 mi
Recall areas Latches/locks/linkages — doors · Air bags
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2014 Ford Fiesta
Close- Median failure report
- 40,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 504
- Recalls naming this year
- 7
Most reported on the 2014
- Transmission and driveline208 reports · median 30,000 mi
- Engine84 reports · median 50,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise79 reports · median 42,000 mi
Recall areas Latches/locks/linkages — doors · Engine and engine cooling — engine · Fuel system, gasoline — delivery
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2015 Ford Fiesta
Close- Median failure report
- 49,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 258
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2015
- Transmission and driveline104 reports · median 59,000 mi
- Engine69 reports · median 50,000 mi
- Fuel and propulsion system41 reports · median 60,000 mi
Recall areas Latches/locks/linkages — doors · Engine and engine cooling — engine · Fuel system, gasoline — delivery
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2016 Ford Fiesta
Close- Median failure report
- 57,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 178
- Recalls naming this year
- 0
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2016
- Transmission and driveline101 reports · median 65,000 mi
- Engine33 reports
- Electrical system26 reports
The 2017 Ford Fiesta
Close- Median failure report
- 52,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 74
- Recalls naming this year
- 0
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2017
- Transmission and driveline22 reports
- Engine19 reports
- Fuel and propulsion system12 reports
The 2018 Ford Fiesta
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 35
- Recalls naming this year
- 0
Most reported on the 2018
- Transmission and driveline10 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise9 reports
- Electrical system6 reports
The 2019 Ford Fiesta
Close- Median failure report
- 51,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 105
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2019
- Reversing camera and sensors31 reports
- Transmission and driveline21 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise17 reports
Recall areas Back over prevention — sensing system · Service brakes, hydraulic — foundation components
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. † Median likely runs low (complaints filed after 2020). Latest: the 2016; earliest: the 2013, and the 2013 is 3 years older (part of the gap is age). 1 of these years carries fewer than 30 reports with an odometer reading and shows no median at all, rather than one computed from a handful.
The short answer
“Is the 2011–2019 Ford Fiesta reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 45,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 103,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 2,437
- Recalls
- 12
Most reported
- Transmission and driveline47.2% of complaints · median 40,000 mi
- Engine16.0% of complaints · median 48,000 mi
- Body structure12.9% of complaints · median 45,000 mi
Documented problems
- Transmission (DPS6 PowerShift Dual-clutch)2011–2019
- Transmission Control Module2011–2016
- Door Latches2011–2015
- Clutch Actuator2011–2019
Owners filed 3,169 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011–2019 Ford Fiesta; the transmission and driveline leads with 47.2% of them, and half of the 2,437 that record an odometer reading came by 45,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 18,000 to 73,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2011–2019 Ford Fiesta last?
On the 2011–2019 Ford Fiesta, half of the 2,437 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 45,000 miles and 90% by 103,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
61 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 5 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Fiesta reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Ford Fiesta 2011–2019 · 2,437 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
5,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 294 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 5 complaints (0.2%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 2,500
- 25%
- 18,000
- Median
- 45,000
- 75%
- 73,000
- 90%
- 103,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 294 | 12.1% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 119 | 4.9% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 103 | 4.2% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 113 | 4.6% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 93 | 3.8% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 100 | 4.1% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 107 | 4.4% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 122 | 5.0% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 148 | 6.1% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 120 | 4.9% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 128 | 5.3% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 97 | 4.0% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 119 | 4.9% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 93 | 3.8% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 95 | 3.9% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 79 | 3.2% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 63 | 2.6% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 66 | 2.7% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 54 | 2.2% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 41 | 1.7% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 51 | 2.1% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 32 | 1.3% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 31 | 1.3% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 18 | 0.7% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 22 | 0.9% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 14 | 0.6% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 15 | 0.6% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 16 | 0.7% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 16 | 0.7% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 7 | 0.3% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 15 | 0.6% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 7 | 0.3% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 11 | 0.5% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 5 | 0.2% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 3 | 0.1% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 1 | 0.0% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 5 | 0.2% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 2 | 0.1% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 3 | 0.1% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 4 | 0.2% |
| 200,000+ | 5 | 0.2% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Fiesta problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Ford Fiesta 2011–2019
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Throttle and speed control197 reportsmedian 28,000middle half 9,000–65,000
- Transmission and driveline1,497 reportsmedian 40,000middle half 12,000–72,000
- Body structure409 reportsmedian 45,000middle half 34,000–63,000
- Engine507 reportsmedian 48,000middle half 14,000–78,000
- Latches and locks184 reportsmedian 50,000middle half 36,000–78,000
- Problems owners could not categorise398 reportsmedian 50,000middle half 25,000–70,000
- Electrical system338 reportsmedian 58,000middle half 25,000–92,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission and driveline | 1,497 | 47.2% | 40,000 | 12,000–72,000 |
| Engine | 507 | 16.0% | 48,000 | 14,000–78,000 |
| Body structure | 409 | 12.9% | 45,000 | 34,000–63,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 398 | 12.6% | 50,000 | 25,000–70,000 |
| Electrical system | 338 | 10.7% | 58,000 | 25,000–92,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 197 | 6.2% | 28,000 | 9,000–65,000 |
| Latches and locks | 184 | 5.8% | 50,000 | 36,000–78,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 135 | 4.3% | 55,000 | 38,000–75,000 |
| Airbag system | 102 | 3.2% | 47,000 | 25,000–74,000 |
| Brakes | 76 | 2.4% | 36,000 | 13,000–75,000 |
Known problems with the 2011–2019 Fiesta
Transmission (DPS6 PowerShift Dual-clutch) 2011–2019
Dry dual-clutch shudder on take-off, slipping, bucking, hesitation and loss of motive power. Root causes are degradation of the dry clutch friction material and input shaft seal leakage that contaminates the clutch faces. The Vargas v. Ford class action settlement (final approval 5 March 2020) covered 2011-2016 Fiesta and 2012-2016 Focus, with vehicle repurchase and cash remedies; separate later suits allege the defect continued into 2017-2019 Fiestas. This is the defining failure mode of the model in the US.
Transmission Control Module 2011–2016
DPS6 transmission control module failure causing sudden loss of transmission engagement or unintended vehicle movement; NHTSA recall covering 2011-2016 Fiesta.
Door Latches 2011–2015
Door latch pawl spring tab can fracture, letting a door appear latched but open while driving; NHTSA recall.
Clutch Actuator 2011–2019
Clutch actuator and input shaft seal leakage contaminating the dry clutches - the mechanical precursor to the shudder complaints above, and the reason repeated clutch replacements often failed to cure the symptom.
Before you buy a 2011–2019 Fiesta: the 3-minute check
Generated from 2,437 mileage-tagged complaints, 12 recall campaigns, 4 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 12 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check transmission (DPS6 PowerShift dual-clutch) on 2011–2019 (2011–2016 covered by settlement) cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check transmission control module on 2011–2016 cars.
- Check door latches on 2011–2015 cars.
- Years differ here: from 35 to 730 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Fiesta problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi63% below | At 90k mi84% below | At 120k mi94% below | At 150k mi97% below | At 200k mi100% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission and driveline | 12,000–72,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine | 14,000–78,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Body structure | 34,000–63,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 25,000–70,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 25,000–92,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Throttle and speed control | 9,000–65,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Latches and locks | 36,000–78,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Ford Fiesta 2011–2019 · 2,437 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 63% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 84% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 94% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 97% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 100% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2011–2019 Ford Fiesta recalls (12)
NHTSA records 12 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around latches and locks (5), the reversing camera and sensors (2), the fuel system (2) (why one area can repeat).
Oct 2025 · 2019 · Back Over PreventionA rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a…
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model…
Dec 2024 · 2019 · Back Over PreventionA rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Flex, Fiesta, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. The rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 22, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final…
Nov 2023 · 2015 · Latches/Locks/LinkagesVehicle doors opening unexpectedly while driving can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 Fiesta, 2016 Fusion, and 2016 Lincoln MKZ vehicles sold, or ever registered in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon…
What can happen. Vehicle doors opening unexpectedly while driving can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the door latch date codes and if necessary, replace all four side door latches, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2023. Owners may contact Ford…
Jun 2020 · 2011–2014 · Latches/Locks/LinkagesA door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and…
What can happen. A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also…
Mar 2020 · 2014–2015 · Latches/Locks/LinkagesA door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Fiesta, 2014-2016 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles sold, or ever registered in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma…
What can happen. A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and Ford or Lincoln dealers will replace the side door latches, free of charge. The recall began September 21, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at…
Aug 2019 · 2019 · Service Brakes, HydraulicThe swollen seals can cause the brakes to drag, potentially overheating the brakes and increasing the risk of…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Fiesta vehicles. The brake calipers may have been manufactured with the incorrect assembly fluid, which can cause the caliper's rubber seals to swell.
What can happen. The swollen seals can cause the brakes to drag, potentially overheating the brakes and increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will flush the brake fluid and replace the front brake calipers and brake hoses, free of charge. The recall began October 10, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
Mar 2017 · 2014 · Latches/Locks/LinkagesA door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford Fiesta, 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a…
What can happen. A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches, free of charge. The recall began May 1, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for…
Mar 2017 · 2014–2015 · Engine and Engine CoolingIf the cylinder head cracks and leaks oil, the oil may contact a hot engine or exhaust component, increasing…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. If the cylinder head cracks and leaks oil, the oil may contact a hot engine or exhaust component, increasing the risk of a fire.
The free 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…
Apr 2015 · 2011–2014 · Latches/Locks/LinkagesA door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the agency on April 23, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured July 1, 2012, to May 31, 2013, and 2012-2014 Fiesta vehicles manufactured February 1, 2012…
What can happen. A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches with an improved part, free of charge. Interim notifications were mailed to owners on June 5, 2015. The recall began on…
Jan 2015 · 2014–2015 · Fuel System, GasolineIf the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the agency on January 8, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured April 15, 2014, to May 8, 2014, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured April 21, 2014, to May 15, 2014. On…
What can happen. If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for…
Jul 2014 · 2014 · Fuel System, GasolineA fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Fiesta vehicles manufactured October 25, 2013, to February 27, 2014. Due to a manufacturing error, the fuel tank may leak.
What can happen. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Ford has notified the affected owners. Dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number…
Oct 2012 · 2011–2013 · Air BagsAn occupant in the right rear seating position will not have coverage from the side curtain air bag in a side…
The defect. Ford is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Fiesta vehicles, manufactured from November 3, 2009 through September 21, 2012. The vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." The passenger…
What can happen. 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 free fix. Ford will notify owners and dealers will reprogram the vehicle's software free of charge so that it no longer suppresses the passenger side curtain air bag when the front passenger seat is empty, and…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 3,169 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 129 (4.1%)
- Fires
- 25
- Injury reports
- 84
- Fatality reports
- 6
Fiesta problems by model year
The 2011 drew the most complaints of this generation, 730, most of them about the transmission and driveline, and the 2018 the fewest, 35. A typical year drew about 258.
That makes the 2011 stand out at roughly 2.8 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 730 | 601 | 56,000 | Transmission and driveline (366) | 3 |
| 2012 | 617 | 491 | 45,000 | Transmission and driveline (274) | 3 |
| 2013 | 668 | 547 | 31,000 | Transmission and driveline (391) | 3 |
| 2014 | 504 | 393 | 40,000 | Transmission and driveline (208) | 7 |
| 2015 | 258 | 178 | 49,000† | Transmission and driveline (104) | 4 |
| 2016 | 178 | 117 | 57,000† | Transmission and driveline (101) | 0 |
| 2017 | 74 | 52 | 52,000† | Transmission and driveline (22) | 0 |
| 2018 | 35 | 17 | under 30 reports | Transmission and driveline (10) | 0 |
| 2019 | 105 | 41 | 51,000† | Reversing camera and sensors (31) | 3 |
What Fiesta owners reported
The contact owned a 2019 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, there was an abnormal burning odor on the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with ABS control modular failure. The contact was informed that during the production of the…
2019 · 65,000 miles · Hydraulic brake circuit
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while entering the vehicle and closing the front driver’s side door, the door failed to latch properly. While driving 70 MPH, the front driver’s side door opened. The contact secured the door with a bungee cord and continued driving. A dealer was notified of…
2012 · 190,000 miles · Latches and locks
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fiesta. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to perform the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing at an undisclosed speed, the rearview camera was inoperative. The failure…
2019 · 30,000 miles · Reversing camera and sensors
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fiesta. The contact received the recall notification letter for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V331000 (latches, locks, and linkages). The contact stated that the passenger-side door opened while driving at 30-35 MPH. While her daughter was driving, the passenger side rear door came ajar. No…
2013 · 88,000 miles · Latches and locks
Built from 2,437 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built