Power
0–100 km/h
Top speed
Fuel (combined)
What owners say
Overview
Sentiment is sharply divided between standard models and the performance-oriented ST variant. Standard Fiesta models, particularly those equipped with the automatic dual-clutch transmission (DCT), are subject to severe and widespread criticism for catastrophic transmission failur
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Fiesta VII (Mk7)2008–20171,903 complaints · 10 recallsHigh confidenceRead report
Most-reported areas (NHTSA): power train (984) · engine (336) · unknown or other (215)
Overview
Ford Fiesta (Mk7, 2008-2017)
Overall Sentiment
Owners overwhelmingly describe the automatic PowerShift dual-clutch transmission as the defining flaw of this generation, with shuddering, jerking, and hesitation at low speeds being very frequent complaints. The manual transmission versions are praised as reliable, fun to drive, and economical, with several owners reporting hard use without issues. The car's interior quality, fuel economy, and styling receive positive mentions, but the automatic transmission problems dominate the ownership experience and lead many to swear off the brand entirely. No meaningful early-versus-late model year difference emerges from the discussions.
Sentiment Confidence Level
High
Frequently Mentioned Competitors
Honda Fit, Mazda2, Volkswagen Rabbit, Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus
Positioning vs Competitors
Owners cross-shopping the Fiesta against the Honda Fit note the Fiesta has less cargo space but better fuel economy, a nicer interior, and a significantly lower used price. The Mazda2 is described as more engaging to drive, while the Fiesta offers more technology. Volkswagen Rabbit and Golf are suggested as alternatives with superior build quality, ride comfort, and power, though with similar maintenance costs. The Ford Focus is mentioned as a nicer all-around car but shares the same problematic automatic transmission.
Best Version According to Owners
Manual transmission versions are the clear consensus pick. Owners repeatedly state that with a manual gearbox, the Fiesta is reliable, durable, and enjoyable, with one owner reporting 65,000 miles of abusive driving without issues and another noting a friend's 2011 model never broke a fuse.
Recommended Configurations
Owners recommend the manual transmission without exception. The automatic PowerShift is described as a "hunk of failure" and buyers are told to "run as far as you can" from it. A 2013 manual with around 70,000 miles is cited as a good value at roughly $5,000, with the caveat that a pre-purchase inspection by a reputable mechanic is essential.
General Recommendations
Buyers should only consider this generation with a manual transmission. Automatic versions should be avoided entirely, especially without warranty coverage, as the transmission is described as unsafe and prone to failure. For those considering an automatic anyway, owners advise checking for extended warranty coverage on the transmission and clutch, and being prepared for repeated dealer visits. A pre-purchase inspection is strongly recommended, and buyers should verify that any outstanding recalls, particularly for door locks, have been addressed. The car is best suited as a budget commuter or highway cruiser, with city driving being the automatic transmission's weak spot.
Reported Issues
PowerShift automatic transmission shuddering, jerking, and hesitation at low speeds — Frequency: very frequent
Transmission clutch failure requiring replacement — Frequency: very frequent
Transmission control module (TCM) failure and recalls — Frequency: recurrent
Scraping or clunking noise during gear changes — Frequency: recurrent
Transmission input shaft seals leaking fluid onto the clutch — Frequency: recurrent
Extended cranking when starting, possibly due to fuel pressure loss or fuel pump priming — Frequency: recurrent
Battery management system needing reset after battery replacement — Frequency: isolated
Door lock issues and recalls — Frequency: isolated
SYNC infotainment system being unreliable — Frequency: isolated
Exhaust heat shield corroding and falling off — Frequency: isolated
Starter failure or wear around 76,000 miles — Frequency: isolated
Rough idle and stalling possibly caused by vacuum leaks or PCV valve issues — Frequency: isolated
Air conditioning compressor not engaging — Frequency: isolated
Remarks
Owners note that the automatic transmission is technically an automated manual with a dual-clutch setup, not a traditional automatic, and that Ford extended warranty coverage on the transmission and clutch to 10 years or 100,000 miles in some markets. One owner reported a drop in fuel economy from 37 to 31 mpg after a TCM software update. The transmission issue is described as one of the most expensive automotive blunders in recent history, with some owners reporting months-long waits for replacement clutches. Analysis based on approximately 38 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 92 | 3 | back over prevention |
| 2018 | 35 | 0 | power train |
| 2017 | 72 | 0 | power train |
| 2016 | 178 | 0 | power train |
| 2015 | 257 | 4 | power train |
| 2013 | 667 | 3 | power train |
| 2011 | 729 | 3 | power train |
| 2002 | 1 | 0 | power train |
| 2001 | 1 | 0 | latches/locks/linkages |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices13 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2019 · service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:calipercampaign 19V629000
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.
2019 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 24V951000
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.
2019 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 25V695000
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 distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in
2015 · engine and engine cooling:enginecampaign 17V209000
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 engine cooling system, the engine cylinder head may overheat, c
2015 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 15V005000
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 April 30, 2015, Ford expanded the recall to cover an additio
2015 · latches/locks/linkages:doors:latchcampaign 20V177000
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, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, Puerto Rico, Ame
2015 · latches/locks/linkages:doors:latchcampaign 23V775000
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, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, Puerto Rico, America
2013 · latches/locks/linkages:doors:latchcampaign 15V246000
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, to May 31, 2013. On April 30, 2015, Ford expanded the recal
2013 · air bagscampaign 12V488000
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 side curtain air bag will not deploy in the event of a side i
2013 · latches/locks/linkages:doors:latchcampaign 20V331000
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 repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however
2011 · latches/locks/linkages:doors:latchcampaign 20V331000
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 repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however
2011 · latches/locks/linkages:doors:latchcampaign 15V246000
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, to May 31, 2013. On April 30, 2015, Ford expanded the recal
2011 · air bagscampaign 12V488000
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 side curtain air bag will not deploy in the event of a side i
Specifications
Generation
Version
1.0 EcoBoost (125 Hp) Hybrid PowerShift
From 2021-2023
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