Used Ford Fiesta 2017-2024 reliability

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.

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.

Steering column: Some Fiestas built from 15 May 2019 to 17 June 2019 were fitted with steering columns that weren't up to specification, so speak to your Ford dealer to find out if yours is affected. If it is, the whole column will need to be replaced to prevent potential future issues.

Rear seatbelt latches: The bolts on the rear seatbelt retractors on a small number of examples made between 18 - 25 September 2019 might not have been tightened down correctly at the factory. Speak to your local dealer to find out if your car is affected by this; it'll need to be inspected by a technician if so.

Brake servo failure: This recall applies to Fiestas that were manufactured between 5 December 2017 and 20 December 2017, on which you may notice that more brake pedal effort is required to slow the car down. Contact your Ford dealer for further information because a technician will need to check the manufacture date on the servo itself to identify if your car is affected. They will then be able to arrange to have the servo replaced if it is found to be one of those affected.

Click here for more information. Contact your local Ford dealer if you believe your vehicle is involved in a recall.

Our data suggests the Ford Fiesta is generally reliable, but it's not perfect.

The model finished in 12th place out of 19 cars in the small car class of our 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, albeit with a reasonably good overall score of 94.9%. It finished above the Audi A1, Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Polo, but below the Honda Jazz, Mini and Toyota Yaris.

Ford as a brand finished in 14th place out of 31 car brands in the same survey, with a score of 91.5%. That placed it above Audi, Mercedes and Volkswagen but below Honda, Kia and Skoda.

In our 2024 survey, the Fiesta scored 92% – down on last year's result but still pretty respectable.

Used Ford Fiesta reliability: the owners' view

In our reliability survey, our readers expressed mixed feelings about the reliability of the Ford Fiesta and their experiences with dealer service.

Several respondents reported issues related to warning lights and unexpected noises, which sometimes led to repeated dealership visits. Despite these problems, a significant portion of Fiesta owners found the car generally reliable for daily use.

However, feedback on dealer service was varied, with some praising the professionalism and promptness of repairs, while others described experiences as frustrating, citing costly repairs and delays in service. Interestingly, the dealership's ability to communicate and resolve issues played a crucial role in shaping overall satisfaction. It seems that while the Fiesta has a reasonable reliability record, the quality of dealer service significantly impacts owner contentment.