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Ford Fiesta Reliability Grade

DOverall

Poor reliability

EngineC+
TransmissionF

Grade a specific Ford Fiesta

Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.

The Ford Fiesta earns a D overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a C+ for its engine and an F for its transmission. It ranks 13th of 14 compact cars we grade. The transmission (F) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for transmission service records and pay close attention to shifting on a test drive. Grades are based on 1,819 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2019 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

Ford Fiesta reliability by year

Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.

2011F2012F2013F2014D2015D2016C2017C+2018B+2019C

Years to avoid: 2011–2015 (transmission slipping / rough shifting)

How long does the Ford Fiesta last?

140,000Estimated lifespan (miles)

A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.

Known Ford Fiesta problems

We track 2 known problem areas for the Ford Fiesta, including which model years they affect. They're in the full report, along with miles remaining and a deal score for the car you're looking at.

See Fiesta problems

Ford Fiesta vs. other compact cars

ModelEngineTrans.Overall
Toyota Corolla A A A
Mazda Mazda3 A A A
Subaru Impreza A A A
Toyota Prius A A A
Honda Civic A- A A-
Nissan Versa A- B- A-
Chevrolet Cruze B+ B A-
Nissan Sentra A B- B+
Kia Forte B- B+ B+
Volkswagen Jetta B B+ B+
Volkswagen Golf B B B
Hyundai Elantra C+ B B-
Ford Fiesta C+ F D
Ford Focus F F F

Most reliable compact cars →

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Ford Fiesta reliability FAQ

Is the Ford Fiesta reliable?

Poor reliability. The Ford Fiesta earns a D overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a C+ for its engine and an F for its transmission. It ranks 13th of 14 compact cars we grade. The transmission (F) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for transmission service records and pay close attention to shifting on a test drive. Grades are based on 1,819 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2019 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

How many miles will a Ford Fiesta last?

We estimate a well-maintained Ford Fiesta lasts around 140,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.

What are the best years for the Ford Fiesta?

No Ford Fiesta model year stands out as exceptionally reliable in NHTSA owner complaints. The best-graded years are 2016, 2017 and 2018.

What Ford Fiesta years should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Ford Fiesta years to be most careful with are 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. The 2011 grades an F overall (engine D, transmission F), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting. The 2012 grades an F overall (engine C, transmission F), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting.

Is the Ford Fiesta transmission reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Ford Fiesta transmission an F (poor reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.

Is the Ford Fiesta engine reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Ford Fiesta engine a C+ (average reliability).