2019 Ford Fiesta: common problems and reliability

The 2019 Ford Fiesta has 92 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are back over prevention and power train. Owners most often flag dual-clutch automatic transmission (dct) failures — catastrophic, widespread failures described as "planned obsolescence," leading to costly repairs, often before 100,000 miles. linked to a known class-action lawsuit. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2019 model year

92
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
13
Crash reports
1
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2019 Ford Fiesta vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

back over prevention
26
power train
21
service brakes
11
engine
10
electrical system
8

Recalls affecting the 2019 Fiesta

service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper

Campaign 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.

back over prevention: sensing system: camera

Campaign 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.

back over prevention: sensing system: camera

Campaign 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.…

What owners say across generations

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

  • Dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) failures — Catastrophic, widespread failures described as "planned obsolescence," leading to costly repairs, often before 100,000 miles. Linked to a known class-action lawsuit. Frequency: very frequent.
  • General reliability concerns (non-ST, automatic) — Described as a "money pit," with reports of transmissions needing replacement within a year and various other failures. Frequency: very frequent.
  • HVAC vent motor failure — Motors fail and produce a persistent clicking noise. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Engine overheating (early 2016 Fiesta ST) — Related to a bad cylinder head, similar to a recall on 2014-2015 models; some 2016 models exhibited the same issue without a recall. Frequency: isolated.
  • Body/paint quality issues (Fiesta ST) — Reports of build quality problems requiring hatch repaint under warranty. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Fiesta.

Typical used price

Used Fiesta listings typically run $7,150–$10,189 across 2011 to 2019 model years.

Other Fiesta model years

2018 Fiesta2017 Fiesta2016 Fiesta2015 Fiesta2013 Fiesta2011 Fiesta
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