Ford Fiesta: Common Problems and Solutions (2024)

Damp Patches

Problem:

Damp patches are appearing in your car's interior.

Models affected:

Solution:

This will be caused by a faulty pollen filter. Simply buy and install a replacement pollen filler, which is very low cost and a simple process to do yourself. Get a quote from our website today to make the process of replacing your pollen filler easier.

Difficulty level

1

Part you need

Pollen Filter

Part required

Pollen Filter

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Clutch

Problem:

Clutches are renowned as a part prone to wear and tear regardless of the make or model. Ford Fiesta's, including Zetec models, are far from immune to clutch problems. A particularly common problem with Ford Fiesta hydraulic clutches is caused by the cylinder rod becoming disconnected from the clutch pedal.

Models affected:

Solution:

To fix this the connecting clip (which may have snapped or come loose to cause the problem) simply needs replacing.

Difficulty level

2

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Steering

Problem:

Perhaps one of the most concerning 2006 Ford Fiesta problems was an issue with the steering columns, which could lead to a loss of steering control in some cases. Thankfully, this only affected a small number of the cars built between August and September 2006, and was subject to a vehicle recall at the time.

Models affected:

Solution:

If the steering column universal joint shows signs of damage, the steering column assembly will need replacing.

Difficulty level

5

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Fuel pipe

Problem:

Fuel pipe problems are fairly common in Fiestas built between July 2004 and February 2005. As with the rear axle welding problems with some 2002 Fiestas, this fault resulted in a vehicle recall as the pipes were not built to specification and could cause fuel leaks.

Models affected:

Difficulty level

5

Part you need

Fuel Pipe

Part required

Fuel Pipe

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Water pump

Problem:

If your engine is idling and you hear strange whining or knocking noises coming from it, it is likely there is something wrong with the car’s water pump.

Models affected:

Solution:

Solution: This is a common problem with this generation of Ford Fiesta, and can be fixed by installing a new pump.

Difficulty level

4

Part you need

Water Pump

Part required

Water Pump

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Stereo

Problem:

A number of people who own a fifth-generation Fiesta have reported problems with the car’s stereo: either the stereo has stopped working completely, or stops connecting with mobile phones as it should.

Models affected:

Solution:

Again, a replacement stereo may be required. If you have a faulty stereo and need to know how to remove it, take a look at the video we’ve found below, which shows how to remove a stereo in a Ford Fiesta Triple Dash.

Difficulty level

3

Part you need

CD Player

Part required

CD Player

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Rear axle

Problem:

The rear axle welding was one of the largest Ford Fiesta 2002 problems which resulted in a recall of any models manufactured between August and September 2002.

Models affected:

Solution:

The weld holding the brake unit mounting plate to the rear axle did not meet specified standards and therefore would need to be re-welded to fix the problem.

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Air distribution flap

Problem:

Fiesta's built between 2002 and 2004 had a problem with the fan direction. When set to windscreen, air still blew to the foot well due to a faulty air distribution flap.

Models affected:

Solution:

This can be fixed by installing a new flap.

Difficulty level

3

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Airbag

Problem:

One of the more common Ford Fiesta 2004 problems for Fiesta's built between August 2001 and August 2004 is the faulty airbag warning lights. It has been noted that sometimes when the front crash detectors noticed a fault, the warning lamp failed to work. Faulty sensors can also cause the lights to flash intermittently.

Models affected:

Solution:

This common problem with the Ford Fiesta airbag was subject to a vehicle recall. Fiestas affected by the problem were recalled to main dealerships to have the air bag control module fitted with a later specification unit.

Difficulty level

5

Part you need

Airbag Control Unit ECU

Part required

Airbag Control Unit ECU

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Suspension

Problem:

A further recall for the Ford Fiesta was announced released in 2012 aimed to tackle a problem with the rear suspension of cars built during September 2011. The rear axle mounting bolts used did not meet the required specification and so it was possible they could break.

Models affected:

Solution:

Replacing these bolts will rectify the problem.

Difficulty level

4

Part you need

Suspension Complete System

Part required

Suspension Complete System

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Exhaust

Problem:

Some Fiestas built after 2011 had faults with the exhaust system. In some rare cases the blanking plug was not fitted tightly enough which left a hole in the system. This could potentially cause the moulding on the cooling fan to melt. It was feared in some cases this could result in fumes entering the passenger compartment, and therefore affected models have been subject to a vehicle recall.

Models affected:

Solution:

To fix this fault, the plug could be tightened up, or alternatively new parts may be needed.

Difficulty level

3

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Door Ajar Warning

Problem:

The warning light is always on, even when you know for a fact that the door is closed.

Models affected:

Solution:

This most commonly affects the 2011-2013 Ford edge, but it has been known to happen on Fiestas as well. It's usually a case of simply cleaning the door sensor, but if that doesn't work, then you will need to replace the entire module. Replacing the electrics on a car can be very tricky, but there are guides that will walk you through the process on YouTube. Plus, you can look through our electrical systems car parts pages to find exactly what you need.

Difficulty level

5

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Rattling Steering Column

Problem:

When driving, the steering column is rattling.

Models affected:

Solution:

This was a big problem for Fiestas manufactured between 2015 and 2017 and resulted in a recall. If you notice this happening with your Fiesta, then you should take it to a Ford dealer.

Difficulty level

5

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Loss of Braking Assistance

Problem:

The brakes have become less effective, with a sudden reduction in automatic brake assistance.

Models affected:

Solution:

This affected Fiestas manufactured in 2017 and was caused by a faulty diaphragm plate. The result is a loss of vacuum, which leads to reductions in braking assistance. This caused a recall of some 2017 models, so the best option is to take your car to an authorised Ford dealer.

Difficulty level

5

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Reading these common Ford Fiesta problemsshould help you find out what is wrong with your Ford Fiesta– or just what to look out for in the future. We’ll also give suggestionson what to do if your Ford Fiesta does have one of theseissues.

Ford Fiesta: Common Problems and Solutions (2024)

FAQs

What is the most common problem with the Ford Fiesta? ›

Ford Fiesta common problems include: Worn suspension. Fluid leaks. Corroded or blocked components.

Is the Ford Fiesta a reliable car? ›

Unfortunately, the Fiesta finished in 12th place out of 19 cars in the small car class of our most recent What Car? Reliability Survey, albeit with a reasonably good overall score of 94.9%. It finished above the Audi A1, Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Polo, but below the Honda Jazz, Mini and Toyota Yaris.

How many miles should a Ford Fiesta last? ›

What is Ford Fiesta lifespan? The estimated lifespan of a Ford Fiesta is 151,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit.

Is A Ford Fiesta A Good car to buy? ›

It's also one of the most enjoyable small hatchbacks to drive, thanks to its eager handling and sprightly turbocharged petrol engines. Buy one while you still can." The current Ford Fiesta has been on sale since 2017 yet it remains one of the best small cars you can buy today.

What year did the Ford Fiesta have problems? ›

The first affected cars built between July and November 2011 that could suffer from exhaust fumes getting into the cabin. The next came in February 2012; the rear suspension bolts could fail in 889 Fiestas built in September 2011. In November 2014, the most recent recall was issued.

What year Fiesta has transmission problems? ›

Ford customers have claimed in legal filings their 2012-16 Focus and 2011-16 Fiesta compact cars were built with transmissions prone to shuddering, slipping, bucking, jerking, hesitation while changing gears, premature internal wear, delays in downshifting and, in some cases, sudden or delayed acceleration.

What are the disadvantages of the Ford Fiesta? ›

The Ford Fiesta's base engine has been criticized, particularly in the 2018 and 2019 models, for its lack of power, which is especially noticeable during acceleration. Owners of the 2018 Fiesta have reported experiencing a significant lack of power while accelerating, which usually becomes apparent around 25,000 miles.

Are Ford Fiestas expensive to fix? ›

The annual maintenance cost of a Ford Fiesta is $552. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.

Is Ford Fiesta engine good? ›

Ford Fiesta 1.5 TDCi is an excellent car that has solid ride and handling balance, an extremely torquey diesel engine that is high on fuel efficiency and reliability. You should go for it If it fits your requirements well.

Why is Ford discontinuing the Fiesta? ›

“We decided to build our first high-volume electric vehicle here in Cologne,” said Sander. “There comes the point where we need the space for construction, because we are turning the Fiesta plant into a fully battery-electric plant. This is why we had to make a decision that we have to stop Fiesta production.”

Do Ford Fiesta hold their value? ›

The most popular car with British consumers according to the research, is the Ford Fiesta. However, its resale value drops substantially (23%) compared to the best performing car, the Audi A3 (7%).

What is high mileage for a Ford Fiesta? ›

Thus, the high mileage for the Fiesta is anything above or below 150,000 miles. Once it's at this point, it's much closer to running into critical breaks and issues that will cost far too much to fix than the car is worth. However, you don't always need to run from Ford Fiesta selections with high mileage.

How much should I pay for a Ford Fiesta? ›

The Ford Fiesta has a RRP range of £17,060 to £21,880. Monthly payments start at £307. The price of a used Ford Fiesta on Carwow starts at £6,498. The Ford Fiesta isn't the bargain it perhaps once was, but it is competitively priced among other cars you might consider, such as the SEAT Ibiza and Volkswagen Polo.

Which Fiesta model is best? ›

The best option by far is the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine – it's turbocharged, so it's quicker and has the potential to be more efficient than more basic options. There are 95hp, 100hp, 125hp, 140hp and 155hp variants of this seriously impressive engine, and we think it's one of the best small engines around.

Is Ford Fiesta expensive to maintain? ›

Often, the more popular a car is, the cheaper they are to fix, as the parts and knowledge are much more readily available. The Ford Fiesta is the most commonly seen car on UK roads. Ford parts have always been readily available and reasonably priced, which contributes to the overall affordability of the Fiesta.

Why has Ford discontinued the Fiesta? ›

“We decided to build our first high-volume electric vehicle here in Cologne,” said Sander. “There comes the point where we need the space for construction, because we are turning the Fiesta plant into a fully battery-electric plant. This is why we had to make a decision that we have to stop Fiesta production.”

Do Ford Fiestas handle well? ›

Ride & handling: One of the best things about the Fiesta is the way it drives – few cars are more enjoyable to chuck around on a twisty B-road than this small Ford. It really can give some more expensive sports cars a very good run for their money.

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