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Ford Fiesta reliability

The Ford Fiesta fails its MOT about as often as most cars over 10 years old: 43% of 645,786 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

Up to 5 years old
13.7% failed their MOT
About average
From 190,091 MOT tests of Ford Fiestas this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 59% more oftenHeadlamp aim2.7% vs 1.7%Fix about £30
Fails 38% more oftenTyre tread depth2.2% vs 1.6%Fix about £90
Fails 55% more oftenWashers1.7% vs 1.1%
Advised 44% more oftenTyre condition12.1% vs 8.4%Fix about £90
6 to 10 years old
30.2% failed their MOT
Worse than most
From 576,414 MOT tests of Ford Fiestas this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 5× as oftenStop lamp7.4% vs 1.5%Fix about £30
Fails 2× as oftenSuspension arms4.7% vs 2.3%
Fails 58% more oftenSprings3.8% vs 2.4%Fix about £150
Fails 44% more oftenHeadlamp aim3.6% vs 2.5%Fix about £30
Advised 19× as oftenAxles5.6% vs 0.3%
Advised 3× as oftenSprings4.7% vs 1.5%Fix about £150
Over 10 years old
43% failed their MOT
About average
From 645,786 MOT tests of Ford Fiestas this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 51% more oftenSuspension arms7.7% vs 5.1%
Fails 87% more oftenStop lamp7.3% vs 3.9%Fix about £30
Fails 37% more oftenTyre condition5.6% vs 4.1%Fix about £90
Fails 54% more oftenSteering linkage components3.7% vs 2.4%
Advised 89% more oftenSprings11.9% vs 6.3%Fix about £150
Advised 41% more oftenRigid brake pipes11.7% vs 8.3%Fix about £120
Advised 6× as oftenWheel condition6.9% vs 1.2%
Advised 83% more oftenDirection indicators4.4% vs 2.4%
Safety recalls

31 DVSA recalls for the Ford Fiesta

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2025/3598 Sept 2025Built 2019–2020CrossCar: Sync3 Rear-View Camera Software Update

On affected vehicles a software problem may result in issues with the rear-view camera that reduce the driver’s view or with it remaining on after a reversing event.

Fix: Update the vehicle software to the latest level.

Recalled models: FIESTA · 1 vehicles

R/2025/08419 Mar 2025Built 2021–202325S10 – Puma Fiesta Courier – Fuel line chafing

Affected vehicles may experience chafing between the fuel line support shield and the fuel line which could result in damage to the fuel line.

Fix: Replace the fuel line support shield (bracket). Inspect the fuel lines and rework if necessary.

Recalled models: FIESTA · 26,004 vehicles

R/2025/09419 Dec 2024Built 2015–2017X-Car Powertain Control Module (PCM) Software Update

Affected vehicles may develop a crack in the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).

Fix: Update software to prevent a cracked DPF. Test and replace DPFs that are already cracked.

Recalled models: Fiesta MCA · 3,351 vehicles

R/2023/27427 Sept 2023Built 2022–2023On the affected vehicles an incorrect Instrument Cluster has been fitted. This results in the speedometer not correctly displaying the maximum vehicle speed.

On the affected vehicles an incorrect Instrument Cluster has been fitted. This results in the speedometer not correctly displaying the maximum vehicle speed.�

Fix: Affected vehicles will have the instrument cluster exchanged.��

Recalled models: FIESTA ST · 21 vehicles

R/2023/18928 Jun 2023Built 2023The front suspension lower ball joint bolt/nut may not be torqued correctly on a small number of Fiesta vehicles.

The front suspension lower ball joint bolt/nut may not be torqued correctly on a small number of Fiesta vehicles.

Fix: Affected vehicles need to be returned to a Ford Authorised Dealer to have the torque confirmed.

Recalled models: FIESTA · 186 vehicles

R/2022/1718 Apr 2022Built 2020–2022The right-hand engine oil seperator may have been damaged prior to engine assembly.

Certain vehicles could have an engine oil separator that may have been damaged prior to engine assembly.

Fix: Inspect the engine oil separator and if found to be damaged and/or leaking a replacement engine oil separator must be installed

Recalled models: FIESTA · 9,818 vehicles

R/2021/34827 Oct 2021Built 2021The wiring harness for the crankshaft position sensor may not be secured correctly into position

Due to a production error the wiring harness for the crankshaft position sensor may not be secured correctly into position.

Fix: The crankshaft position sensor harness securing clip must be pushed into the vacant hole on the engine front cover.

Recalled models: FIESTA · 692 vehicles

R/2021/12314 Apr 2021Built 2021Vehicle seatbelts may have a defective low g locking mechanism

Vehicle seatbelts may have a defective low G locking mechanism.

Fix: Inspect the seat belt label for date range. If within suspect range exchange seat belt retractor.

Recalled models: FIESTA · 1,528 vehicles

R/2021/00818 Jan 2021Built 2020The mhev battery connections may become loose

There is a potential that the vehicle's MHEV battery connections may become loose.

Fix: Inspect and check torque on 48 volt battery cable connections

Recalled models: FIESTA mHEV · 151 vehicles

R/2019/4268 Jan 2020Built 2019Out of specification steering column

Out of specification steering column

Fix: Replace the steering column

Recalled models: FIESTA · 90 vehicles

R/2019/41019 Dec 2019Built 2019Rear seat latches and centre seat belt retractor bolts may not be tightened to specification

Rear seat latches and centre seat belt retractor bolts may not be tightened to specification.

Fix: Affected bolts are to be torqued to specification.

Recalled models: FIESTA · 15 vehicles

R/2018/03915 Mar 2018Built 2017Brake servo may fail

Affected vehicles may have been fitted with a brake booster which may have a faulty diaphragm plate. This could lead to a loss of brake servo assistance.

Fix: An affected brake booster can be identified by its date of manufacture. This can be found on a label on the brake booster. An affected brake booster must be removed and replaced a new one.

Recalled models: FIESTA · 4,757 vehicles

R/2018/0088 Jan 2018Built 2010–2014The engine cylinder head may crack

Localized overheating of the engine cylinder head may cause the cylinder head to crack.This may cause a pressurized oil leak which in extreme circumstances could result in a fire in the engine compartment.

Fix: On affected vehicles Inspect engine and cooling system. Replace affected components and fit a Coolant Level Sensor along with associated software to provide and audible and visual warning to the driver.

Recalled models: FIESTA ST · 15,228 vehicles

R/2016/23927 Oct 2016Built 2016Seat belt anchor bolt security

It has been identified that during production a small number of Fiesta's may not have had the right-hand side front seatbelt top anchor bolt tightened to the correct specification. This may result in the mounting not performing as intended if the vehicle is involved in a collision.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to torque the right-hand side front seatbelt top anchor bolts to the correct specification.

Recalled models: FIESTA · 15 vehicles

R/2016/23114 Oct 2016Built 2016Rear axle may detach

There may not be adequate welding on one of the rear axle side arm bush housings. Therefore it is possible for the twist beam to become detached from the vehicle.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and fit a new rear twist axle.

Recalled models: FIESTA · 69 vehicles

R/2016/1871 Sept 2016Built 2012–2013Fire may occur

The Glow Plug Control Module (GPCM) can be affected by wet conditions. It is not waterproof and water ingress into the module may cause overheating with the potential to result in a fire. As the GPCM has a permanent electrical live feed there is also a potential risk of an unattended vehicle fire.

Fix: Replace the Glow Plug Control Module

Recalled models: FIESTA · 41,304 vehicles

R/2015/0334 Mar 2015Built 2010–2011Relay may overheat and catch fire

On affected vehicles the diesel engine Glow Plug Control Module previously repalced under Recall R/2014102 may not be not waterproof and water ingress into the module may cause overheating with the potential to result in a fire. As the GPCM has a permanent electrical live feed there is also a potential risk of an unattended vehicle fire.

Fix: Recheck those vehicles which may have had a suspect replacement fitted and replace module with correct waterproof version

Recalled models: FIESTA · 10,265 vehicles

R/2015/00816 Jan 2015Built 2014Rear seat belt buckle latch may fail

The rear seat belt buckle (catch) could be defective. In the event of a frontal impact a defective buckle could fail causing the rear seat occupant to be unrestrained by the seat belt.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check the rear seat belt buckles and if found to be part of the defective batch new buckles will be fitted.

Recalled models: FIESTA · 9,257 vehicles

R/2014/1025 Nov 2014Built 2010–2011Possible risk of fire

On affected vehicles the diesel engine Glow Plug Control Module can be affected by wet conditions. The GPCM is not waterproof and water ingress into the module may cause overheating with the potential to result in a fire. As the GPCM has a permanent electrical live feed there is also a potential risk of an unattended vehicle fire.

Fix: Replace existing module with waterproof version

Recalled models: FIESTA · 41,444 vehicles

R/2012/01228 Feb 2012Built 2011Rear suspension bolts may fail

Vehicles may have rear axle mounting bolts that do not meet the required specification. It is possible that the head of the bolt may shear and result in reduced retention of the rear axle.

Fix: Fit replacement bolts of the correct specification.

Recalled models: FIESTA · 889 vehicles

R/2011/15812 Dec 2011Fumes may enter the passenger compartment

Blanking plug on the exhaust may not retain the correct tightness. In rare cases it is possible that the plug may work out completely leaving an open hole in the exhaust system. The hot gases may be hot enough to melt the plastic of the engine cooling fan moulding. Although no cases have been reported there is a risk of fire in the engine compartment.

Fix: Replace the brass plug with a steel plug of a new design.

Recalled models: FIESTA · 5,857 vehicles

R/2007/16728 Nov 2007Built 2007Power steering may be lost

It has been identified that the power steering pump drive belts could de-laminate and fail. Should this occur drive to the power steering pump would be lost likewise the assistance to the steering.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the power steering drive belts checked and renewed should they be found to be within the affected batch.

Recalled models: FIESTA · 7,000 vehicles

R/2007/1056 Aug 2007Built 2006Potential loss of steering control

It has been identified that a small number of Fiesta and Fusion vehicles may have been built with a steering column which may have suffered damage by inappropriate handling prior to vehicle production. In rare cases there may be damage to the column upper universal joint which could result in loss of steering control.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the steering column universal joint inspected for signs of damage. If damage is found the steering column assembly will be replaced.

Recalled models: FIESTA · 496 vehicles

R/2005/02611 Apr 2005Built 2004–2005Fuel return pipe leak

The fuel return pipe is not specification and will degrade. This could lead to seapage of fuel.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the fuel return pipe.

Recalled models: FIESTA · 904 vehicles

R/2003/0387 Mar 2003Built 2002Weld seam on rear axle is not to specification

The weld seam securing the brake unit mounting plate to the rear axle may not be to specification on a small number of vehicles within the affected range..

Fix: Check the production date code and replace the axle where found necessary.

Recalled models: FIESTA · 1,311 vehicles

R/2002/11012 Aug 2002Built 2001–2002Air bag warning lamp

Air bag warning lamp may fail to illuminate continuously when a fault is identified in the front crash detectors.

Fix: Replace air bag control module with a later specification unit

Recalled models: FIESTA · 11,352 vehicles

R/1998/11517 Dec 1998Built 1998Reduction in braking efficiency

Possible loss of one braking circuit due to brake master cylinder failure

Fix: Affected vehicles are being recalled for checking and where necessary replacement of the brake master cylinder.

Recalled models: FIESTA · 1,142 vehicles

R/1996/08418 Sept 1996Built 1995–1996Possible contamination of brake fluid

The clutch system hydraulic hoses have been manufactured from a material which contains mineral oil. Since the clutch and brake systems share a common fluid reservoir fluid from the clutch system which has been contaminated by contact with the hoses may m

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles for the fitment of new seals to the brake master cylinder. At the same time the brake/clutch hydraulic systems will be purged of the original fluid and new clutch hoses will be fitted. In addition vehicles built prior

Recalled models: FIESTA · 81,112 vehicles

R/1996/05910 Jun 1996Built 1995–1996Various - brake and clutch related

1) Due to a defect in the clutch master cylinder the clutch may not disengage. 2) Water ingress to brake servo. 3) The front brake hoses may be incorrectly routed and could in some circumstances contact the retaining bracket nut. 4) Possible contamination

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles and:- 1) Check build date and replace clutch master cylinder where required. 2) Fit a water shield to the brake servo to protect the servo push rod. 3) Check the routing of the front brake hoses re-routing where required.

Recalled models: FIESTA · 2,704 vehicles

R/1996/02223 Jan 1996Built 1995Failure of braking system vacuum assistance

The brake vacuum pump may cease to provide vacuum assistance. Should this occur greater brake pedal pressure would be needed and stopping distances may be increased.

Fix: The affected vehicles are being recalled to Ford dealers to have the brake pump manufacturing codes checked. Vacuum pumps within certain ranges will be replaced with new units. This campaign supersedes recall R1995/081 and includes all the vehicles alrea

Recalled models: FIESTA · 56,864 vehicles

R/1995/08020 Nov 1995Built 1995Stop light switch may be faulty

The stop light switch on a small number of the subject vehicles may not operate as intended. Should this occur the stop lights may fail to illuminate when the footbrake is applied.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles for replacement of the stop light switch with a switch of the latest specification.

Recalled models: FIESTA · 11,760 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Ford Fiesta before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.
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