A popular choice among smaller vehicles, the Ford Fiesta promises maneuverability and fuel efficiency in a small, affordable city car. While Ford has long promoted the Fiesta overseas, the vehicle has made a sizable splash in North America since it was reintroduced to the continent in 2011.Though it has historically proven itself to be a reliable vehicle on the road, Fiesta drivers have reported a few issues in recent years, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has detailed.
Yearly Ford Fiesta Complaints, Investigations, and Recalls
Before we look at a year-by-year analysis, know this: 2011-2016 Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus vehicles are part of a class action lawsuit for transmission defects.
If you purchased a new Fiesta in the last few years, here’s what you should know about each model year regarding complaints and recalls—outside of the class action lawsuit
2015 Ford Fiesta
Complaints have primarily revolved around:
- Powertrain
- Engine
- Fuel/propulsion system
- Vehicle speed control (the vehicle may sometimes accelerate on its own)
- Visibility
- Electrical system
- Wheels
- Suspension
- Steering
- Airbags
- Seat belts
- Tires
Reasons for recalls include:
- Engine cylinder head may leak oil. This can increase the risk of a fire if the oil lands on a hot surface.
- Improper planting on fuel pump may result in stall. A faulty fuel pump can cause the vehicle to stall without warning, even if it’s already in motion. This increases the risk of a crash.
2016 Ford Fiesta
Reasons for recalls include:
- Powertrain
- Engine
- Electrical systems
- Steering
- Suspension
2017 Ford Fiesta
Complaints have included:
2018 Ford Fiesta
Information reflects nhtsa.gov data as of 7/29/18.
Seek Legal Assistance for Your Ford Fiesta
If you’ve experienced one of the problems above, or something similar, you can report it directly to the NHTSA so they can compile your complaint in their database. If they receive enough complaints on the same topic, they may launch an investigation into the matter.
As long as the original manufacturer’s warranty hasn’t expired, you may still have the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act working in your favor. This federal law was designed to protect consumers from unethical warranty practices. If a dealership failed to fix a warrantable defect within three or more attempts and/or your Ford Fiesta has been out of service for 20 or more days, you may have a viable suit against the manufacturer for breach of warranty.
You may also have state lemon laws on your side. Like the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, these laws exist to extend extra protection to you, the consumer.
Don’t keep driving your Fiesta back to the dealership for repairs. Robison Lemon Law Group LLC can help you navigate both the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and state lemon laws to ensure you receive the justice you deserve.