2017 Ford Fiesta problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2017 Ford Fiesta carries two red flags at once: 104 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Timing Belt Failure). It is one of the Fiesta years to avoid. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 21 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (23), engine (22), and fuel system (15), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

104

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations · 1 open

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other Fiesta years?

Fiesta NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Fiesta years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Ford Fiesta problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Transmission	23	22%	▼ down
Engine	22	21%	▼ down
Fuel System	15	14%	▲ up
Electrical System	9	9%	▼ down
Other	8	8%	▼ down
Brakes	5	5%	▲ up
Speed Control	4	4%	▼ down
Tires & Wheels	4	4%	▼ down
Steering	3	3%	▼ down
Seats	2	2%	▲ up
Airbags	2	2%	▼ down
Body & Structure	2	2%	▼ down
Visibility & Wipers	1	1%	— flat
Driver Assistance	1	1%	— flat
Lighting	1	1%	▼ down
Seat Belts	1	1%	▼ down
Suspension	1	1%	▼ down

Open NHTSA investigations

PE25020

Timing Belt Failure

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 44 complaints alleging loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford Fiesta and MY 2015-2018 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company. These vehicles are equipped with a 1.0L engine and manual transmission. Some consumers report a low engine oil pressure warning lamp immediately preceding a complete loss or reduction of motive power while the vehicle is in motion. Based on a preliminary review of data currently available to ODI, this may be due to fragments of timing belt material that wear off and accumulate inside the oil pump. This debris can gradually clog the oil pump pick-up screen and result in sudden oil starvation of the engine and ultimately engine seizure. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to determine the scope and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related problems. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Alarm system going off for no reason. Battery drained and engine wouldn't start. I had battery tested at auto repair shop and it had burnt out cell inside battery. I purchased new battery last week. The automatic transmission is sluggish at times, feels like it hesitates to get into the next gear.…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 15, 2021

“TURNING A CURVATURE ON A MOUNTAIN ROAD STEERING LOCKED AND BRAKES FAILED CAR WENT OVER THE MOUNTAIN AS A RESULT PASSANGERS THREE WERE INJURED AND ONE FATALITY.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 11, 2017 · crash

“NOT SURE IF IT'S THE FUEL SYSTEM OR THE POWER TRAIN BUT I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS LOTS OF OTHER PEOPLE WITH THIS CAR! THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND HAS READ A CODE FOR A VALVE. MY CAR IS A 2017 AND WILL NOT START RIGHT AWAY AFTER I ADD GAS! I'VE BEEN TOLD ITS THE ENGINE VALVE AND HAVE HAD…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 30, 2020

“ON JULY 15TH 2019, MY SON WAS GOING AROUND A SHARP RIGHT CORNER WHEN THE CAR SPED UP OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A UTILITY POLE HEAD ON. MY SON WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES AN HOUR. HE'S UNCERTAIN WHAT CAUSED THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THE CAR WAS TOTALED AND…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 15, 2019 · crash

“At intersection making a turn when vehicle wouldn't move forward. Transmission stoped working. Dangerous vehicle position. Signal light changed. Several cars honked horn and had to go around. Car was in gear (drive). After several minutes shifting into drive and reverse and back into drive I was…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 12, 2022

2017 Ford Fiesta — common questions

Is the 2017 Ford Fiesta reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 104 complaints put the 2017 model at #8 of 15 Fiesta years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Fiesta years to avoid.

What are the most common 2017 Fiesta problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (23 complaints), engine (22 complaints), fuel system (15 complaints).

Does the 2017 Ford Fiesta have recalls?

No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2017 Ford Fiesta.

Is the 2017 Ford Fiesta under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Timing Belt Failure). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Ford Fiesta years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Fiesta years to avoid are 2011, 2013, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017. The cleanest record among Fiesta years belongs to 1978.

How safe is the 2017 Ford Fiesta?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Ford Fiesta earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.