2018 Ford Fiesta problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2018 Ford Fiesta sits mid-pack among Fiesta years: 46 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 105, with no recalls and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (10), other (9), and electrical system (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
46
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
1
Deaths
4
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2018 compare to other Fiesta years?
What are the most common 2018 Ford Fiesta problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 10 | 22% | ▼ down |
| Other | 9 | 20% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 7 | 15% | — flat |
| Engine | 6 | 13% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 5 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 3 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Driver Assistance | 1 | 2% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“VEHICLE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE WHEN A VIBRATION WAS FELT THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL, THEN THE VEHICLE STARTED LOSE POWER. GEAR SHIFT STILL IN DRIVE ENGINE STILL RUNNING AND COASTED TO A STOP ON SIDE OF HIGHWAY. VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED FOUND OUT THAT THE LEFT DRIVE AXLE HAD BECOME DISCONNECTED AT THE…”
“Hello. While traveling in the right lane on the Interstate (I-43) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, heading southbound with a semi-truck in the center lane, the rear of my vehicle seemed to Lift/Rise off the ground and move (as if the rear of my auto was floating) to the right. I was at the point of being…”
“SEVERAL PROBLEMS ONE THE CAR VENT SYSTEM ACTUATOR FAILING TO OPEN VENT MAKING CRACKLING NOISE, SECOND PROBLEM WATER COOLANT CONTAINER LINES START LEAKING FAILING CAUSING ENGINE TO BURN UP CHEAP PLASTIC CONNECTIONS FAILING NO WATER LINES SHOULD AT THE CONTAINER OTHER THAN REFILL POOR ENGINEERING…”
“CAR SHUDDERS UPON ACCELERATION FROM STANDSTILL. LOSES POWER SEVERELY GOING UPHILL. ENGINE/TRANSMISSION SHAKES SHUDDERS ENGINE RACES AND QUICKLY ACCELERATES AFTER LOSS OF POWER THEN DECREASES AGAIN. WHEN MOVING FROM STOP CAR SHUDDERS MAKES A GRINDING NOISE AND THEN SLOWLY ACCELERATES BEFORE…”
“ON 7/2/2019 MY WIFE AND I WAS IN A PRETTY BAD WRECK TOTALING OUR CAR. THERE WAS MASSIVE DAMAGE DONE TO THE FRONT OF THE CAR HOWEVER THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. WITH THE DAMAGE DONE THERE'S NO REASON THE AIR BAGS SHOULDN'T HAVE WENT OFF. WE WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY HEADING HOME WHEN…”
2018 Ford Fiesta — common questions
Is the 2018 Ford Fiesta reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 46 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Fiesta year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 2018 Fiesta problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (10 complaints), other (9 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints).
Does the 2018 Ford Fiesta have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2018 Ford Fiesta.
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 2018 Ford Fiesta?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Ford Fiesta earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.