The Ford Fiesta is a unique subcompact car produced in the United States for one generation from 2011 to 2019. The Fiesta’s history in Europe extends further than that, where Ford made the car as a “supermini” from 1976-2023. However, we are only focused on the American model of the vehicle.
The Ford Fiesta is a popular choice for someone looking for a small vehicle with excellent gas mileage. Mainly used as a commuter car, it was discontinued in 2019 when Ford started its purge of cars and started focusing only on trucks and crossover vehicles. Although there are good and bad in each year of the Fiesta, there are some years we recommend completely avoiding. We ranked the best and worst years of the Ford Fiesta and put the findings in the table below. Afterward, we go over our sources and explain our process. Next, we analyze the best and worst years of the Ford Fiesta.
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Best Years |
Why? |
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Excellent Reliability Scores, no recalls, low number of complaints |
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Top Safety Rating of the Fiesta, great reliability, no recalls |
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Worst Years |
Why? |
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Low FIXD Reliability Score, severe DTCs |
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Low safety scores, high number of recalls and complaints |
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Low safety rating, below-average reliability |
Ford Fiesta Engine Reliability Score, Safety Ratings, MPG, and Value v.s. Maintenance & Repair Costs – Year by Year
The first chart we go over shows the Ford Fiesta’s reliability broken down into FIXD and Owner Reliability Scores. Reliability scores are the main element in choosing the best and worst years of the car.
To determine the FIXD Reliability Score, we used objective data from FIXD devices installed in Ford Fiestas. We used owner surveys to form the subjective Owner Reliability Score. In most vehicles, the first year of a generation is less reliable than the following years. We are only covering one generation of the Fiesta, but the first year, 2011, is one of the vehicle’s least reliable and worst years.
Beyond graphing the reliability data, we graph the average safety scores of Fiesta using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the average miles per gallon from fueleconomy.gov, and the market value using our data and Kelley Blue Book (KBB). After that, we include the annual cost of repairs and maintenance, which we obtained from owner surveys.
After going through graphs of safety, fuel efficiency, market value, and repair costs, we look at the best and worst years of the Fiesta. We review each previous point before looking at the most common diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and safety recalls in the Ford Fiesta.
Most automakers shifted their focus to trucks or crossover SUVs, meaning the subcompact car is a dying product. However, there are still plenty of options comparable to the Ford Fiesta. The Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, and Chevrolet Sonic are all similar small cars.
If you’re in the market for a car, take a look at our article on the USA’s most reliable and cheapest to repair cars in the U.S. Don’t get stuck with a lemon, use our data to help you shop.
Engine Reliability Score – Over The Years
We selected the best and worst years based on the Ford Fiesta’s reliability. We’ve devised two unique scores using our exclusive data, making it easy to compare. Both scores use the same scale: 1 is the worst, 5 is the average, and 10 is the best rating.
The first score is the FIXD Reliability Score, represented by the green line on the graph. We calculated this score by tracking the number of check engine lights (CEL) reported by our app users and dividing it by the number of cars. We then weighted the score based on an average of 12,000 miles driven annually.
We focus on the Fiesta’s CELs that directly affect the engine, which might have similarities with the most common Ford DTCs.
The second score, the Owner Reliability Score (gray line), comes from surveys taken by Ford Fiesta owners. These surveys capture their firsthand experience and provide subjective opinions on reliability. We translated these responses into numerical scores. For more details on the question asked and our methodology for determining this score, please refer to the note about data and information section located at the bottom of this article.
A typical reliability graph starts low in old years and increases in new ones. The Ford Fiesta mostly follows that trajectory, except in mid-generation when it drops from 5/10 in 2012 to 4/10 in 2013 and 1/10 in 2014. It then increases until it reaches its pinnacle of 9/10 in 2018-2019.
The Owner Reliability Score is almost always higher than the FIXD Reliability Score. This is true in the Ford Fiesta in all its years except 2018.
A car’s reliability is often worse than an owner might want to believe. We hypothesize that owners of older models slowly become accepting of higher-than-average check engine lights being thrown because they have owned the car for a long time. They are either a frog in a pot of boiling water, not realizing the car is deteriorating slowly and getting worse. OR they simply haven’t compared the reliability of their older model to the often newer and more reliable models of today.
Loyalty to an older vehicle may also affect the Owner’s Reliability Scores. If a car has lasted 20 years, it would be immensely reliable in the owner’s eyes, even if it had to have repairs and triggered many CELs along the way.
The 2018 Ford Fiesta is the only year receiving a lower Owner Reliability Score than the FIXD Reliability Score. This happens for multiple reasons, but our leading theory is that the owners typically experience an issue unrelated to the engine. The FIXD Reliability Score only registers a score based on DTCs that directly affect the engine. Therefore, a problem with suspension, for example, will not lower the FIXD Reliability Score but could affect the owner’s perception of the car’s reliability.
NHTSA Safety Score – Over The Years
The Ford Fiesta’s average safety rating is graphed in green, while the average safety rating of the auto industry is gray.
The Fiesta is a safe subcompact car, earning a safety rating above the industry average in 2011-2013 and 2016-2017. The NHTSA gave the Fiesta its highest score in 2016-2017 at 4.6 out of 5 stars. The car received its lowest score of 3.8 in 2014-2015.
While the Fiesta is safe, it still scores less than another subcompact car, the Chevrolet Sonic, which received a 4.8 out of 5-star rating from 2013-2020. Its only down year was 2012 when it scored an abysmal 2.6.
A great safety rating can help you get cheaper car insurance, which is one reason we recommend sticking with the 2016-2019 Ford Fiesta. If you live in one of the states listed below, we can show you the cheapest vehicles to insure in yours.
| What Used Cars Are the Cheapest To Insure In: |
| Ohio |
| North Carolina |
| Michigan |
| Georgia |
| Texas |
| New York |
| Illinois |
| Pennsylvania |
| California |
MPG – Over The Years
We graphed the average miles per gallon (combined highway and city) of all trim levels of the Ford Fiesta in green. We took our data from fueleconomy.gov. The strange trend in the Fiesta is that the miles per gallon decreased over time. Regardless, the Fiesta is a highly fuel-efficient vehicle. It starts at 32 mpg in 2011-2013, drops to 31 mpg in 2014-2017, and ends its lifecycle at 30 mpg in 2018-2019.
Current Market Value of All Ford Fiesta Years & Cost Per Year to Repair and Maintain Each
The green line graphs the KBB.com Ford Fiesta market value. The gray line is the average cost of repairs for one year, taken from answers to owner surveys.
The Ford Fiesta’s resale value isn’t extremely high, although the newer years have a higher value than the older ones. However, you’ll notice the 2014 Fiesta has a higher market value than 2015-2018. This is because the average on this model year is only 50,000 miles, while 2015-2018 have 57,500, 93,750, 75,000, and 117,857 miles.
The maximum yearly repair costs of the Ford Fiesta are $972 in the oldest model year, 2011. The lowest is $250 in the 2014 model. The average across all years is $584.
When shopping for a used Ford Fiesta, it’s important to keep in mind that not all vehicles are cared for equally. To protect yourself from lemons, take along a FIXD Sensor on your test drive. FIXD connects to a free app on your smartphone to tell you more about the vehicle you’re checking out, including check engine lights and other hidden issues that the owner or dealership may be attempting to hide. Click here to learn more and get FIXD for only $19.99 (regular price $59)!
Important Features Timeline
2011: Introduction of the new subcompact car, available as a sedan or hatchback model
2012: Seven airbags standard in all trims
2013: Four trims become three, available as an S, SE, or Platinum model
2014: Sportier look, new ST trim available with a more powerful 197 horsepower engine
2015: ST trim gets a new exterior color called “Performance Blue,” highlighting its focus on performance
2016: Sync3 multimedia system available, SE trim adds a Black edition with optional sport-trim package
2017: Relatively unchanged from the previous year, some optional features discarded
2018: The rearview camera becomes standard, and the multimedia screen increases to 4.2 inches
2019: Last year of the Ford Fiesta, the ST-Line trim was introduced, and the S trim ultimately dropped
The Best Years of the Ford Fiesta
By incorporating reliability scores, safety assessments, and input from owners, we’ve constructed a hierarchy showcasing the Fiesta’s standout years. Our journey commences with the best Ford Fiesta years, where we evaluate aspects like fuel economy, prevailing market worth, and annual upkeep costs. During the evaluation of each model year, we delve into prevalent diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and safety recall instances.
While the Ford Fiesta was produced for many other model years overseas, we only include the Fiesta offered in the United States, which spanned from 2011-2019. Although we included it in our analysis, the 2014 Ford Fiesta only had two responses. However, the lack of responses helps it more than hurts, resulting in the lowest repair costs and average miles. We still paired it with 2013 as one of the Fiestas we should avoid.
2018-2019 Ford Fiesta
FIXD Reliability Score: 9/10
Owner Reliability Score: 7-9/10
KBB Value: $5,859-$9,693
Fuel Economy: 30 mpg
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $500-$679
Safety Rating: 4.2/5
The 2018 and 2019 model years are the best of the Ford Fiesta. The 2018 model saw standard review cameras added, while the 2019 received a new S-Line trim focused on performance.
The FIXD Reliability Score is an impressive 9/10, meaning a small number of DTCs are triggered. The Owner Reliability Score for the 2018 Fiesta is 8/10, while the 2019 Fiesta receives 9/10. This score is proof that the Fiesta is a popular car among drivers.
The safety rating for the 2018-2019 Fiesta is 4.2 stars out of 5. While this score is good, it falls below the industry average in both years.
The annual cost of repairs and maintenance is $500 in the 2019 model and $679 in the 2018. This is a reasonable price for yearly maintenance and falls close to the average of $584 for all years of the Fiesta.
The most common DTC for the 2019 Fiesta is P0496, EVAP Flow During a Non-Purge Condition. Possible triggers for this DTC include a faulty EVAP purge volume control valve ($150-$200), a bad EVAP line ($20-$100), or an EVAP pressure sensor ($280-$330). A common code shared by both 2018 and 2019 Fiestas is P0456, which means “evaporative emission control system leak (small).” A loose gas cap costs nothing to tighten and is the most common cause of P0456. The last common code in these model years is P0420, which means “catalyst system efficiency below threshold (Bank 1)” and is commonly caused by a bad catalytic converter ($400-$2,400).
The 2019 Ford Fiesta has one recall and 27 complaints, while the 2018 Fiesta has no recalls and only 21 complaints.
2016-2017 Ford Fiesta
FIXD Reliability Score: 6-7/10
Owner Reliability Score: 7-9/10
KBB Value:$5,562-$6,337
Fuel Economy: 31 mpg
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $438-$625
Safety Rating: 4.6/5
The next best model years of the Ford Fiesta are 2016 and 2017. The Sync3 multimedia replaced the MyFord system these years, and Ford improved trim-level aesthetics.
The FIXD Reliability Score is 7/10 for the 2016 model and 6/10 for the 2017 model. The Owner Reliability Score does the opposite dance, 7/10 in 2016 and an impressive 9/10 in the 2017 model.
The excellent safety rating is another great aspect of the 2016-2017 Ford Fiesta, receiving 4.6 out of 5 stars from the NHTSA. These ratings are the highest out of all Ford Fiestas.
The maintenance and repair cost is only $438 for the 2017 model, well below the average ($584). The 2016 model’s cost is steeper, reported as $625.
A frequent diagnostic trouble code in the 2016 Fiesta is P0420, a catalyst system below efficiency, usually resulting in a catalytic converter replacement ($400-$2,400). However, P0420 may also require an air-fuel sensor ($200-$300), a new oxygen sensor ($275-$500), or a leak in the exhaust ($100-$200). Another common DTC is P0456 or the evaporative emissions issue usually caused by a loose gas cap. If the gas cap is tight and you’re still getting P0456, many potential causes exist.
- Gas Cap ($20-$60)
- Evap Purge Volume Control Valve ($150-$200)
- Charcoal Canister Vent Control Valve ($150-$200)
- Replacement Evap Line ($50-$100)
- Charcoal Canister ($200-$600)
Neither of these model years has any NHTSA recalls, but the 2016 Ford Fiesta has 139 complaints, and the 2017 Ford Fiesta has 53.
The Worst Years of the Ford Fiesta
Starting with the worst and ending with the “best of the worst,” we listed the worst years of the Ford Fiesta below. We utilized the same data from FIXD devices and owner surveys for the overall ranking but also considered each car’s market value, safety rating, and fuel efficiency. We also include the most common DTCs and safety recalls. These years of the Fiesta are less reliable and have more recalls and complaints than the best years of this subcompact car.
2011-2012 Ford Fiesta
FIXD Reliability Score: 4-5/10
Owner Reliability Score: 5-7/10
KBB Value: $3,123-$3,132
Fuel Economy: 32 mpg
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $500-$972
Safety Rating: 4.4/5
The Ford Fiesta was first produced in the United States for the 2011 model year. It was relatively unchanged for the next nine years, always available as a sedan or hatchback version. The first two years of the subcompact car are ones we don’t recommend due to their higher-than-average repair costs and high number of recalls and complaints compared to other years.
The FIXD Reliability Score for the 2011 Fiesta is 4/10, which rose one point the next year to 5/10. The Owner Reliability starts at 5/10 and goes to 7/10. Throughout its life, the Ford Fiesta’s Owner Reliability Score never drops below the average of 5/10.
While we recommend avoiding this Fiesta if possible, if you already own one, you’ll be happy to know the safety rating is a respectable 4.4/5.
The average cost of repairs and maintenance for the Ford Fiesta is $584. The 2011 Fiesta’s average is $982, much higher than all Fiestas. Additionally, 80% of owners claim they paid over $500 for a single repair. 20% of those repairs were related to the AC/Heat, which could make a miserable driving experience. Another 20% of those repairs were engine-related, which is even more concerning. The 2012 Ford Fiesta is below average, at only $500 yearly for maintenance.
P0420 (catalyst system efficiency below threshold) is the 2011-2012 Ford Fiesta’s most common DTC, which is often a catalytic converter ($400-$2,400) but could also just be a leak in the exhaust ($100-$200). Another shared DTC is P0054, which might need a new powertrain control module ($1,021-$1,505). Both codes solidify the 2011-2012 Fiesta’s position as one of the worst.
But wait, there’s more. The 2011 Fiesta also frequently triggers a CEL caused by P0068, MAP/MAF – Throttle Position Correlation. This DTC has many potential causes and repairs, listed below.
- Fix intake/vacuum leak ($150-$250)
- Wiring repair/replacement ($100-$1000)
- Air filter ($20)
- Replace throttle position sensor ($170-$230)
- Throttle body cleaning ($230-$290)
- Replace manifold absolute pressure sensor ($150-$200)
- Clean mass airflow sensor ($100)
- Replace mass airflow sensor ($300)
Last but not least, 2014 adds to the list P0101 (Mass Air Flow (MAF) Circuit/Performance Malfunction). If you experience this code, you might need a new air filter ($50-$70). However, it might be caused by a mass air flow sensor ($220-$320) or a bad catalytic converter ($1,720-$1,780).
The 2011 Ford Fiesta has three recalls, three investigations, and 708 complaints. The 2012 Fiesta has the same number of recalls and investigations but 596 complaints.
2013-2014 Ford Fiesta
FIXD Reliability Score: 1-4/10
Owner Reliability Score: 7-9/10
KBB Value: $4,210-$6,558
Fuel Economy: 31-32 mpg
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $250-$750
Safety Rating: 3.8-4.4/5
The next worst years of the Ford Fiesta are 2013-2014. In 2013, Ford offered the Fiesta in three trim levels for the first time: the S, SE, and Platinum. The 2014 model year introduced the ST trim, which focused on performance.
The 2013 and 2014 models are bad years for the Fiesta due to their low FIXD Reliability Scores. The 2013 has a 4/10, while the 2014 only scored 1/10. The Owner Reliability Score tells the opposite tale, getting 7/10 for the 2013 Fiesta, while the 2014 Fiesta scored an impressive 9/10. The major difference in the FIXD and Owner Reliability Score in 2014 could be due to the lack of data from that model year. They also have an average lower mileage, meaning owners haven’t experienced some problems that might affect their perception of the car’s reliability.
The NHTSA safety ratings are the worst for the 2014 model, getting only 3.8 out of 5 stars. 2013 is much better, 4.5/5, and tied with the average 2013 safety rating for the automotive industry.
The annual maintenance and repair cost is another major difference between the two years. For the 2013 Fiesta, you’ll spend $750 yearly on repairs or regular maintenance. This is above the $584 average of all Fiestas. The 2014 Fiesta only costs $250 a year in maintenance. Once again, a low sample size may contribute to the better than average results.
The most common DTC for the 2013 Fiesta is P0054, which requires a new powertrain control module ($1,021-$1,505). The most common in the 2014 Fiesta is P0420, a frequent code in the 2013 model. P0420 means “catalyst system efficiency below threshold (bank 1).” Here are four potential fixes for the CEL P0420:
- Air fuel sensor ($200-$300)
- Oxygen sensor replacement ($275-$500)
- Catalytic converter ($400-$2400)
- A leak in the exhaust ($100-$200).
The recalls and complaints pick up drastically on our list of worst Ford Fiesta years. The 2013 Ford Fiesta has three recalls, three investigations, and 633 complaints. The 2014 Fiesta has a whopping seven recalls, one investigation, and 457 complaints.
2015 Ford Fiesta
FIXD Reliability Score: 4/10
Owner Reliability Score: 8/10
KBB Value: $5,478
Fuel Economy: 31 mpg
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $375
Safety Rating: 3.8/5
The 2015 Ford Fiesta takes the prize as “best of the worst” Fiestas on this list. The most significant change from the 2014 Fiesta was a “Performance Blue” exterior color added to the ST Trim. This Fiesta was still offered as a hatchback or sedan with a manual or automatic transmission.
The FIXD Reliability Score is 4/10, while the Owner Reliability Score is 8/10.
A major flaw in 2015 was the safety rating of 3.8/5. This is lower than every other year except 2014 and much lower than the industry average. It is also lower than the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic, which received a rating of 4.8/5.
Repair costs are well below average at $375 annually. This is great news if you own a 2015 Ford Fiesta.
The most troublesome code for the 2015 Fiesta is P0420, which often leads to catalytic converter replacement ($400-$2,400). Another code seen often is P2196, which means “O2 Sensor Signal Stuck Rich (Bank 1, Sensor 1).” Possible causes of P2196 include:
- Oxygen sensor: ($200-$300)
- A leak in exhaust: ($100-$200)
- Vacuum leak: ($100-$200)
- Fuel pressure regulator: ($200-$400).
The 2015 Ford Fiesta relaxes a little with the recalls and complaints, registering three recalls, one investigation, and 209 complaints. One of the recalls is doors may open while driving, and another is a potential oil leak from the engine cylinder.
FAQs
What years of the Ford Fiesta have engine and/or transmission problems?
The Ford Fiesta is an excellent subcompact car with good reliability ratings, particularly in the last four years of its life. According to our data, the 2011-2015 model has some issues with the catalytic converter, and 2011-2013 has problems with the power train control module.
From NHTSA data, we can see that almost half of all complaints about the 2011-2015 Fiesta are about the powertrain, particularly about transmission control modules and trouble shifting. Additionally, 2014 and 2015 Ford Fiestas have a recall to repair a potential cylinder head leak, which could lead to significant engine damage if not addressed.
What is considered high mileage for a Ford Fiesta?
High mileage for a Ford Fiesta is anything over 100,000 miles. The highest reported mileage from our data is 150,000 on the 2011 Fiesta, while the 2014 model has the lowest at 50,000 miles. The average is 97,661 miles across all years of the car.
Considering high mileage in the Ford Fiesta takes into account more than just the odometer. The car’s age is also a big indicator of if it has high miles. For example, if the average annual miles traveled is 12,000, a five-year-old car with 60,000 would be average. However, the exact 5-year-old vehicle with 100,000 miles would be categorized as having high mileage.
Mechanical issues can occur at any mileage, so we recommend personally inspecting your Ford Fiesta or a used Fiesta you’re considering buying. Poor maintenance history and rough driving conditions can diminish the car’s overall condition despite having low miles.
What other vehicles should I consider?
If you’re considering purchasing a Ford Fiesta, exploring a few noteworthy subcompact alternatives is worthwhile. The Honda Fit, for instance, boasts a reputation for its exceptionally versatile interior, accommodating your practical needs without compromise.
On the other hand, the Hyundai Accent stands out with its emphasis on a comfortable ride and a user-friendly infotainment system, ensuring a pleasant driving experience. If fuel efficiency and reliability are your priorities, the Toyota Yaris offers a reliable choice, and its reputation for dependable performance speaks for itself.
Take notice of the Nissan Versa, known for its affordability and spacious interior, making it a practical choice in the subcompact car market. Lastly, there’s the Chevrolet Sonic, a contender with excellent safety features and complemented by a well-designed cabin that enhances your overall journey.
What owners of the Ford Fiesta like to use their car for:
Ford Fiesta owners were asked, “What do you use your car for?” The most prominent use for the car is for lots of driving (travel/long commute), which 43% selected. The subsequent most frequent use is as a family vehicle, 35%. Surprisingly, hauling/towing took third place with 8%, and sport/fast driving was next at 7%. 4% use their Fiesta as an office on wheels, 2% for luxurious driving, and 1% for outdoor/off-road environments.
| Frequent Use Categories: | How Useful? (Out of 5 Stars) |
| Family Vehicle | **** |
| Lots of Driving (travel/long commute) | ***** |
| Hauling/Towing | * |
| Office on Wheels | * |
| Sport/Fast Driving | * |
| Luxurious Driving | * |
| Outdoor/Off-Road | * |
A Note About Data and Information Sources
This article has many details about Ford Fiesta’s reliability; here’s what we used for our assumptions and recommendations.
- FIXD Reliability Score & Data: Engine reliability information is captured via the FIXD App.
The FIXD Reliability Score is calculated using the number of DTCs per year, weighted by mileage. This is then turned into a scale of 1-10 for easy graphing.
This is an objective score.
- Owner Reliability Score & Data: This data is the result of surveying Ford Fiesta owners who use FIXD.
The Owner Reliability Score comes straight from owners of the Ford Fiesta.
This is a subjective score.
To determine the Owner Reliability Score we ask each car owner:
How reliable would you say your Ford Fiesta is?
a. Just point A to point B driving
b. A Daily Commuter
c. Good for a 100 mile road trip
d. Good for a 500 mile road trip
e. I could take a cross-country road trip, no problem
From here we translate their answers into the Owner Reliability Score:
a. = 2
b. = 4
c. = 6
d. = 8
e. = 10
Keep in mind, owners may think their car is more or less reliable than it actually is.
One potential problem is that people often buy the same make or model they are used to when they go car shopping, just a newer year.
Ford, for instance, has a number of consumer loyalty awards for the Ford F-Series, Ford Mustang, and Ford Expedition.
Car owners may be so loyal to the make or model they currently own that they would have trouble accurately comparing their cars’ reliability to others.
It’s for this reason that we ask car owners a question that is relative to mileage rather than relative to other cars.
Still, be mindful of the accuracy of these Owner Reliability Scores, people’s perceptions and unconscious blindspots can skew data.
We suggest looking at both the FIXD Reliability Score and the Owner Reliability Score for this reason.
- KBB Value: Average private-seller valuations as supplied by Kelley Blue Book (KBB), based on a Ford Fiesta with typical mileage for that respective model year.
- Fuel Economy: Mileage-per-gallon estimates according to the EPA MPG on Fueleconomy.gov
- Annual Maintenance/Repair: Upkeep expenses as reported by surveyed Ford Fiesta owners
- Safety Rating: Crash test data collected and reported by NHTSA. We average all ratings for each year to come up with a simplified, average safety score. This makes it easier to look at on a graph.
References
- Ford Fiesta model-specific information, edmunds.com (various dates). Retrieved August 23, 2023, from https://www.edmunds.com/
- Model-specific recall information as per the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Retrieved August 23, 2023, from https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
Keith Rollins is a copywriter and author that has been involved in the automotive industry for over 12 years. He has written for hotcars.com and is featured on Copywriting.org. When he’s not writing he’s spending time with his three kids, hiking, working on cars, or running. You can see his work at keithrrollins.com.
