Ford Fiesta years to avoid
The Ford Fiesta years to avoid are 2011, 2013, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 1978 is the cleanest year on record.
4,331
Total complaints
15
Recall campaigns
1978–2019
Years covered
7
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Fiesta years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | High complaint rate | 1,039 | |
| 2013 | High complaint rate | 917 | |
| 2012 | High complaint rate | 833 | |
| 2014 | High complaints + open investigation | 652 | |
| 2015 | High complaints + open investigation | 367 | |
| 2016 | High complaints + open investigation | 253 | |
| 2017 | Open safety investigation | 104 |
Every Fiesta year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 113 | 3 | |
| 2018 | 46 | 0 | |
| 2017avoid | 104 | 0 | |
| 2016avoid | 253 | 0 | |
| 2015avoid | 367 | 4 | |
| 2014avoid | 652 | 7 | |
| 2013avoid | 917 | 3 | |
| 2012avoid | 833 | 3 | |
| 2011avoid | 1,039 | 3 | |
| 2002 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2001 | 1 | 0 | |
| 1991 | 3 | 0 | |
| 1989 | 1 | 0 | |
| 1988 | 1 | 0 | |
| 1978 | 0 | 3 |
Common questions
What are the worst Ford Fiesta years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Fiesta years to avoid are 2011, 2013, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017. The cleanest year on record is 1978.
What is the best year for the Ford Fiesta?
By complaint volume, 1978 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Fiesta years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Ford Fiesta have?
Across all model years, the Fiesta has 15 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 4,331 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.