When it comes to the Ford Fiesta, it is one of the most user-friendly and budget-friendly compact vehicles out in the market.
However, when you are thinking about purchasing a new car, it is crucial to look into the years they were made.
Other than that, it is also important for you to know the best and worst years for Ford Fiesta. This information will make things easier for you to understand and help you decide.
You’re probably wondering about the promising and terrible years of Fiesta, and is it a good buy or not?
The Ford Fiesta is surely a good buy since it has a lot of unique features and excellent driving results.
Besides that, here is the list of years:
Best Years for Ford Fiesta:
- 2015
- 2016
- 2017
- 2018
- 2019
- 2020
Worst Years for Ford Fiesta:
- 2009
- 2010
- 2011
- 2012
- 2013
- 2014
With the information provided in this article, you will have detailed knowledge about Ford Fiesta’s features, the good and the bad, and so much more so when you think about buying you can make your decision smartly.
Table of Contents
List Of The Best Years For The Ford Fiesta: What Years To Buy
In this list, I will be explaining in detail the best years for the Ford Fiesta.
I will mention all the outstanding features these model years have that made many users have an enjoyable experience riding every time.
You need to know that the primary reason these models are the best is their high-quality features and efficient performance.
Since these models are less problematic, people also did not have to spend too much fixing the issues. Do keep in mind that vehicles are not all perfect.
They might have some minor issues that can be repaired easily. In the case of these model years, do not worry as they barely had complaints or problems.
With that being said, let’s get into the list of the best years for Ford Fiesta that you should certainly buy:
#1 Best Year: 2015 Ford Fiesta
Starting with the first model year in this list, you have the 2015 Ford Fiesta. This model ranks in third place for the subcompact car degree.
The actual reason behind this is because of this model’s ability to have great steering handling and a luxurious cabin.
It also has outstanding fuel economy estimates, so you can have the beat ride every time.
This model has an overall rating of 7.8 out of 10 for safety which is pretty great for a car. You can find this car for less than $5000 or $10,000 if you wish to buy a used one.
Other than all that, you will be able to enjoy the driving dynamics this model has to offer with the help of its outstanding two powerful engine options.
The average mileage rating on this vehicle is about 76,100 miles which are pretty good considering the price. This is most certainly a great choice for you.
#2 Best Year: 2016 Ford Fiesta
If you want the best performance, then the 2016 Ford Fiesta is the perfect choice for you. The 2016 model is on the best list because of its various pros and what it offers to users.
With that being said, this model has outstanding handling abilities; it also has an elegant and comforting interior with innovative technological options, remarkable efficiency of the fuel system and EcoBoost engine and just the overall performance.
Besides that, this model also has an upgrade made in the infotainment system, the Sync 3, which has an easy touchscreen interface.
And with the 1.6-litre four-cylinder, it will be able to produce about 120 horsepower and 112 pounds-feet of torque.
#3 Best Year: 2017 Ford Fiesta
When going around turns, the 2017 Ford Fiesta has the best handling so you can have the most perfect and smooth ride that you desire.
This model is on this list because of its efficient performance, advanced technological possibilities, appealing interior design, and so much more that makes owners of this model have an outstanding experience.
This 2017 model has a standard 1.6-litre four-cylinder which will assure you to run smoothly in the vehicle to have a comfortable ride at all times.
Other than that, you will also enjoy the anti-lock brakes system as it will provide better traction and stability.
You will also be happy to know this model includes a 911 Assist system that will allow you to contact the 911 operators immediately.
These features alone make it a reliable and must-have model.
#4 Best Year: 2018 Ford Fiesta
Some changes made in the 2018 Ford Fiesta make it reliable, and one of the best years you should invest your money in.
The changes include the rearview camera, a standard version in this model, and the three-cylinder EcoBoost engine has been discontinued.
Even though these are just some minor changes, they can still make a big difference. This model has great handling as well as brisk acceleration in ST trim.
You will also enjoy the infotainment system installed in this vehicle as it has a lot to offer and will surely work smoothly.
You will be happy to know that this model has an overall rating of 8.4 out of 10 for safety and 8.6 out of 10 for performance which is certainly good.
In addition to that, according to the J.D. POWER, the reliability rating of this model is 3.5 out of 5, which is above average and considered good.
#5 Best Year: 2019 Ford Fiesta
This 2019 Ford Fiesta is one of the best subcompact vehicles out there compared to their rivals.
It also has a lot to offer, from outstanding fuel efficiency to a comfortable and luxurious interior as well as various technology features so you can have a smooth and reliable ride every time.
Another great thing is that you will surely enjoy all these features at such an affordable price and barely face issues afterwards that require you to pay extra money for repairs or replacements.
This design also offers four trims like S, SE, ST-Line and ST.
In addition to that, all of these four trims will make sure to increase the engine’s efficiency by producing outstanding Horsepower and torque, which is something you do not want to miss out on.
#6 Best Year: 2020 Ford Fiesta
The last model in this list of best years for Ford Fiesta is this 2020 Ford Fiesta with its new and unique features.
This model has a spacious and comfortable interior that will also provide safe and comforting driving positions for the driver.
Other than that, the interior also has a great infotainment system for their different designs, such as a six-speaker stereo.
It also has an auto climate control system with a boot capacity of about 311 litres that can be expanded up to 1093 liters, an efficient and smooth engine and amazing fuel economy, making your car reach 60 miles per hour in only 9.1 seconds.
You will enjoy a lot more than that at such an affordable price which makes it a must-have model.
List Of The Worst Years For The Ford Fiesta: What Years To Avoid
If you have made it this far, you will be glad to know the worst gears for the Ford Fiesta.
This information will help you have a broader knowledge regarding why exactly these are considered the worst.
I will be explaining all of these models in detail, including the problems related to them.
Nonetheless, the primary reason these are called the worst years is because of their various issues.
You might not see them when you buy them, but eventually, after reaching some miles or after using them for a couple of months, slowly by slowly, the issues will start occurring.
These problems will require repairs and, in some cases, replacements which might lead you to spend too much.
Anyhow, here are the worst years of the Ford Fiesta that you must avoid:
#1 Worst Year: 2009 Ford Fiesta
Starting with the 2009 Ford Fiesta, this model has various issues. However, you will be surprised to know that now no one asks for this model at all.
The demand for this 2009 model is declining, and people who have this model highly recommend avoiding it, so you do not end up with the same issues as them.
So the main problems with this model are with the AC/Heater not working properly as it will hesitate to turn on and off and does not exactly do its job.
Another major problem with this model is the exterior accessories malfunctioning; some people say that this vehicle design is defective, and they end up paying too much for fixing these issues.
Lastly, people also have steering issues with this model.
This can be quite dangerous especially driving on the road since you cannot handle the steering wheel properly, leading to a serious accident.
#2 Worst Year: 2010 Ford Fiesta
When the 2010 Ford Fiesta came, too many problems were reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
This model did not just have one or two issues but around eight different problems, making it one of the worst models to own.
The most common issues that various disappointed owners faced were with the steering and wheels and hubs.
Other reported complaints were the AC/Heater problems, interior electronic accessories malfunctioning, body and paint problems, brakes issues, an engine problem, and transmission failure.
All of these cannot be taken lightly as they will cost a lot of money for fixing.
#3 Worst Year: 2011 Ford Fiesta
According to the carcomplaints.com website, this 2011 Ford Fiesta is declared one of the worst models to own because it has 174 problems reported by disappointed owners.
You will be surprised to know that about 77 problems were related to the transmission problem as it tends to shake a lot.
Besides that, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this problem has complained about 18 times.
That’s not all!
The 2011 model also has interior design and accessories issues, engine problems as it tends to die randomly while driving, brakes failure, electrical problems fuel and exhaust system, and so much more.
#4 Worst Year: 2012 Ford Fiesta
The 2012 Ford Fiesta is well known to have the worst transmission-related problems ever.
On the carcomplaint.com site, this issue has been reported about 43 times by users who had an unpleasant experience.
Other common issues with this model are clutch problems, engine failure, brakes failing, fuel system issues, and cooling system problems.
There are still a lot of problems that I did not mention here, but this 2012 model has a total of 840 complaints reported to this site.
Other than that, it has more complaints reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and has been recalled three times due to various issues.
#5 Worst Year: 2013 Ford Fiesta
Coming to the 2013 Ford Fiesta, you will be surprised to know this model has been reported over 1000 times by various disappointed users.
This model is said to be the most problematic compared to others because of the transmission problems reported about 129 times to carcomplaints.com.
It also has engine problems that have been reported around 150 times to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
These issues are major problems that can ruin the entire vehicle system, making it not work properly.
The engine tends to die randomly on the road, and the transmission does not respond well. This can also cost a lot of money for repair.
#6 Worst Year: 2014 Ford Fiesta
The last model for the worst years is this 2014 Ford Fiesta. This model has about 687 reported problems by owners who had a bad experience with it.
The most common issue found in this vehicle is transmission failure, as it has been reported around 73 times by disappointed consumers.
The second most annoying issue people faced was the engine since it has been reported around 98 times to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
It also has been recalled seven times since these issues were not small and led to bigger problems like road accidents, other vehicle components malfunctioning, and so much more.
What Are The Most Common Problems With The Ford Fiesta?
Now that you know the best and worst years, it would not be a problem for you to figure out the most common problems.
Looking at the worst years, it is pretty obvious that the most common issues are transmission problems, rear axle issues and door latch failure.
I will explain it in detail to have a better understanding of these issues.
1. Transmission Problem
One of the most obvious issues in the Ford Fiesta is the transmission problem.
If you have read the worst years list, then you probably noticed that this issue was mainly found in 2012, 2013 and 2014 models of the Ford Fiesta.
However, the 2013 transmission issue was the worst. This issue can deteriorate the entire performance of the vehicle and can cost up to $3400 for repairs.
This issue is also likely to occur when the vehicle reaches around 67,000 miles. This issue can delay the engagement, slip the transmission, and stall the vehicle a lot.
Related: What Are The Ford Fiesta Transmission Problems?
2. Rear Axle Issues
Another common issue found in the Ford Fiesta is the rear axle welding.
This issue mostly happened in the 2002 Ford Fiesta model. This problem leads to brakes failing, creating a hazardous situation on the road.
It will also ruin your experience in the vehicle as you ride because it will provide you with unstable driving. You will also hear weird noises while driving and also vibrations.
The welding issue also happens in the 2011 Ford Fiesta. The mounting bolts can lead to the breakage of the bolt.
3. Door Latch Failure
This door latch problem was commonly found in 2011, 2012, 2013, and the 2014 Ford Fiesta models.
This issue will show the “door ajar” warning lights that stay on. Even though the door will be closed, it will still show this warning sign.
This is also white dangerous because it can cause the door to open randomly while driving. If there are issues with the pawl and pawl spring, it can cause door latching issues.
Related: Why Won’t My Ford Fiesta Start?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is A Used Ford Fiesta A Good Buy?
Yes, a used Ford Fiesta is a good buy. This vehicle is perfect for daily use in the city and is considered a better version than a hatchback.
This is because it has many unique and outstanding features to offer users and assures to make the driving experience as smooth as possible.
Q2. How Long Do Ford Fiestas Last?
You will be happy to know that the Ford Fiesta can last up to 32 years if taken well care of and getting regular maintenance.
The Ford Fiesta can also last up to 150,000 miles, but it mainly depends on the vehicle’s condition and how you use it.
Q3. Which Fiesta Engine Is Best?
The 1.0 liter EcoBoost three-cylinder petrol engine is the best engine of Ford Fiesta.
This is because it can mix various attributes well. It is also said to be quite powerful and more likely to increase the vehicle’s performance.
Q4. Why Is Ford Discontinuing The Fiesta?
The main reason Ford is discontinuing the Fiesta is that there is less demand for the subcompact car.
It is stated that SUVs are more profitable than cars and are preferred by many people.
Q5. What Is Better, Ford Focus Or Fiesta?
Which is better will mainly depend on what you are looking forward to from a car.
This is because the Ford Focus is a family vehicle with great mileage to offer to have an enjoyable experience.
Whereas the Ford Fiesta is a small car, that is best to drive in the city and for daily trips.
Conclusion
I hope you liked reading this article and can understand why these were the best and worst years for Ford Fiesta.
This article will certainly help make your decision easier. You got to learn so much about this Ford model, from its great features to its drawbacks.
Although Ford has decided to discontinue all Fiesta cars, it is safe to say they still had the best years, like the 2015 and the 2017 Ford Fiesta models.
Many people loved it and had an enjoyable experience. Ford is a reliable and great company that will be introducing more great models that you would love to purchase in the future.
I am Tahir Azam, and I have been writing amazing articles for TaxiHack for as long as I can remember. I know everything that is to know when it comes to automobiles and is always on top of industry news and developments. While I am not an expert by any means, I pride myself on knowing the ins and outs of many different problems and, of course, their solutions. The articles on our website are some of the best and well-researched content that you will find, and I spend countless hours making sure this remains to be true. This is why I ask you to take your time out and read some of my articles, especially if you find a topic that resonates with you or is something you are looking into. This way, you will find the perfect mix of information and tips on your desired topic. Learn more about Tahir.
