Used Ford Fiesta 2017-2024 reliability
Category: Small car
The Ford Fiesta is one of the best used small cars you can buy, although its reliability can be mixed.
What should I look for in a used Ford Fiesta hatchback?
When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.
Top-spec versions of the Fiesta have larger alloy wheels that can be susceptible to kerb damage, so check the wheels carefully. Also, look for any dents, dings and scratches to the bodywork, because paint and body repairs can be expensive. Make sure the clutch engages smoothly and that the car goes into gear easily.
When buying a Fiesta with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, it’s important to check the service history carefully and ensure it has a fully stamped service book. Models built before December 2019 can suffer from issues with the oil-lubricated “wet belt” timing belt, which can degrade prematurely if maintenance hasn’t been meticulous, potentially leading to serious engine damage if it fails. From December 2019 onwards, the engine was updated with a timing chain to fix this problem, although some wet-belt cars were still produced during the changeover, so it’s important to confirm which setup a car has. All 1.0-litre mild hybrid engines use a chain.
The 1.5-litre diesel engine is fitted with a diesel particulate filter (DPF). To ensure that this can regenerate (burn off trapped soot), frequent longer journeys are necessary because this process is only triggered when the exhaust is hot enough. Check how the previous owner has used the car if you are unsure because making lots of short, slow journeys can clog up the filter, potentially leading to an expensive repair bill.
Other potential problems with the DPF can come if the engine has been shut off part way through regeneration. Contamination of the oil system with fuel can result, leading to the oil level rising gradually over time. This can cause damage to the engine, so it’s worth checking the oil level or having the car inspected if you're unsure.
What are the most common problems with a used Ford Fiesta hatchback?
At the time of writing, the Fiesta has nine recalls listed. To check whether a car has been affected, you can contact your local Ford dealer. You will not need to pay for anything involving the recall.
Reason for recall
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.
How the manufacturer will repair: 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.
Number of affected vehicles: 4757
Date of recall: 15/03/2018
Reason for recall
Rear seat latches and centre seat belt retractor bolts may not be tightened to specification.
How the manufacturer will repair: Affected bolts are to be torqued to specification.
Number of affected vehicles: 15
Date of recall: 19/12/2019
Reason for recall
Out of specification steering column.
How the manufacturer will repair: Replace the steering column.
Number of affected vehicles: 90
Date of recall: 08/01/2020
Reason for recall
Vehicle seatbelts may have a defective low G locking mechanism.
How the manufacturer will repair: Inspect the seat belt label for date range. If within suspect range exchange seat belt retractor.
Number of affected vehicles: 1528
Date of recall: 14/04/2021
Reason for recall
Due to a production error, the wiring harness for the crankshaft position sensor may not be secured correctly into position.
How the manufacturer will repair: The crankshaft position sensor harness securing clip must be pushed into the vacant hole on the engine front cover.
Number of affected vehicles: 692
Date of recall: 27/10/2021
Reason for recall
Certain vehicles could have an engine oil separator that may have been damaged prior to engine assembly.
How the manufacturer will repair: Inspect the engine oil separator and if found to be damaged and/or leaking, a replacement engine oil separator must be installed
Number of affected vehicles: 9818
Date of recall: 08/04/2022
Reason for recall
The front suspension lower ball joint bolt/nut may not be torqued correctly.
How the manufacturer will repair: Affected vehicles need to be returned to an authorised Ford dealer to have the torque confirmed.
Number of affected vehicles: 186
Date of recall: 28/06/2023
Reason for recall
Affected vehicles may experience chafing between the fuel line support shield and the fuel line which could result in damage to the fuel line.
How the manufacturer will repair: Replace the fuel line support shield (bracket). Inspect the fuel lines and rework if necessary.
Number of affected vehicles: 26,004
Date of recall: 19/03/2025
Reason for recall
On affected vehicles, a software problem may result in issues with the rear-view camera that reduce the driver's view. Or, it can remain on after reversing.
How the manufacturer will repair: Update the vehicle software to the latest level.
Number of affected vehicles: 1
Date of recall: 08/09/2025
Click here for more information. Contact your local Ford dealer if you believe your vehicle is involved in a recall.
Is a used Ford Fiesta hatchback reliable?
Our data suggests the Ford Fiesta is generally reliable, but it's not perfect.
The model finished in 15th place out of 26 cars in the small car class of our What Car? Reliability Survey, albeit with a reasonably good overall score of 95.2%. It finished above the Peugeot 208, Renault Clio and Skoda Fabia, but below the Honda Jazz, Mini Hatch and Volkswagen Polo.
Ford as a brand finished in 24th place out of 30 car brands in the same survey, with a score of 90.5%. That placed it above Fiat, MG, Nissan and Volkswagen, but below Honda, Kia, Skoda and Toyota.
Used Ford Fiesta reliability: the owners' view
In our reliability survey, owners said the 2017–2023 Ford Fiesta offers a generally dependable ownership experience, though it isn't without its niggles. While the 1.1-litre petrol and manual models are praised for their robustness, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engines have drawn criticism for more complex issues. Readers frequently highlighted concerns regarding the "wet belt" design, which can lead to costly engine damage if debris clogs the oil pump.
Other common faults include electrical glitches within the Sync 3 infotainment system and jerky shifts or total failure in Powershift automatic gearboxes. Suspension knocks and worn rear axle bushes were also noted as recurring minor issues. Feedback on the dealer network is mixed; while Ford’s extensive UK presence makes finding a workshop easy, some owners found repairs for major faults like gearboxes to be expensive. Overall, a full service history is essential to avoid these identified trends.
