Owners have filed 105 complaints
about the 2017 Ford Fiesta with NHTSA between 2017 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 11
Against the median year of the Ford Fiesta. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
27.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 54
32% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
45.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
811.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
79.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1520.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2027.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1013.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
811.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2017peak 6Jul 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2017 Ford Fiesta
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
1
investigation is
still open.
EA26004Opened 31 Jul 2026Still openENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
Timing Belt Failure
On December 18, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE25020 to investigate instances of timing belt failure in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford Fiesta and MY 2015-2018 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford), equipped with a 1.0L engine and manual transmission (subject vehicles). Additionally, MY 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport and MY 2016-2018 Focus vehicles with a 1.0L engine and automatic transmission were analyzed as peer vehicles because they utilize a wet timing belt comprised of similar material as the timing belt in the subject vehicles. Through the PE, O...
PE25020Opened 18 Dec 2025Closed 31 Jul 2026ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
Timing Belt Failure
On December 18, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE25020 to investigate instances of timing belt failure in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford Fiesta and MY 2015-2018 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford), equipped with a 1.0L engine and manual transmission (subject vehicles). Additionally, MY 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport and MY 2016-2018 Focus vehicles with a 1.0L engine and automatic transmission were analyzed as peer vehicles because they utilize a wet timing belt comprised of similar material as the timing belt in the subject vehicles. Through the PE, O...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 89,623 milesPalm Coast, FLCrash3 injured
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and making a left turn, The vehicle that was behind her vehicle simultaneously made a left turn into the lane the contact was turning into. The contact stated that the front driver's side tire of the vehicle collided with the front passenger's side tire of the other vehicle, causing the vehicle to roll over, and the vehicle landed on the hood. The front driver's side and passenger's side seats air bags deployed. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat belt failed to unbuckle, and bystanders assisted the contact out of the vehicle by wiggling the seat belt until the seat belt was unbuckled. The contact stated that the front passenger's side seat belt failed to retract during the incident and became loose, causing the passenger to hit his head against the roof of the car. The contact stated that the rear driver's side seat belt unbuckled during the incident, causing the passenger to be propelled inside the cabin of the vehicle. The rear passenger's side seat belt unbuckled during the incident, causing the unoccupied car seat to be propelled and to fracture. The contact sustained abrasion on the neck, bruises on the right shoulder, and between the left under am and the rib cage due to the seat belt, but did not seek medical assistance. The other two passengers were taken to the hospital by emergency services, then they were were taken to another hospital, where they were informed that they had sustained concussions. The vehicle was towed and totaled. A police report was filed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,623. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11586560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,623 milesPalm Coast, FLCrash3 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and making a left turn, The vehicle that was behind her vehicle simultaneously made a left turn into the lane the contact was turning into. The contact stated that the front driver's side tire of the vehicle collided with the front passenger's side tire of the other vehicle, causing the vehicle to roll over, and the vehicle landed on the hood. The front driver's side and passenger's side seats air bags deployed. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat belt failed to unbuckle, and bystanders assisted the contact out of the vehicle by wiggling the seat belt until the seat belt was unbuckled. The contact stated that the front passenger's side seat belt failed to retract during the incident and became loose, causing the passenger to hit his head against the roof of the car. The contact stated that the rear driver's side seat belt unbuckled during the incident, causing the passenger to be propelled inside the cabin of the vehicle. The rear passenger's side seat belt unbuckled during the incident, causing the unoccupied car seat to be propelled and to fracture. The contact sustained abrasion on the neck, bruises on the right shoulder, and between the left under am and the rib cage due to the seat belt, but did not seek medical assistance. The other two passengers were taken to the hospital by emergency services, then they were were taken to another hospital, where they were informed that they had sustained concussions. The vehicle was towed and totaled. A police report was filed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,623. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11586560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Paul, MNCrash3 injured
ENGINE
I was involved in a MINOR motor vehicle accident. 9/21/2022 during the accident my 2017 ford fiesta suffered considerable damage(which I was ticketed for, they said wreckless driving.. I wasn't speeding and I have police reports to back this up). The car did its job and no one was substantially hurt. When I got a chance to look at the car further I noticed the passenger side motor mount(plate not the entire mount) exploded during the crash and allowed the engine to be pushed back. On that side. After retrieving the pieces that remained, there was a clear issue with the part previously mentioned. There is obvious gas porosity in the cast aluminum part. The car has since been brought back to running and driving condition. My over all concern is people potentially being charged criminally over what could be a manufacturing flaw. If the mount plate had held the damage my car received would have been considerably less. I'd like to also note I stopped at my local ford service center to inquire about this aswell. And he recommended I get in contact with ford(manufacturing) I tried by phone and that's almost impossible. I've attached photos for reference
NHTSA complaint #11512849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,000 milesLandover, MD1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE DOOR LATCH CHROME HAS DELAMINATED AND ACTS LIKE A RAZOR BLADE SEVERELY CUTTING MY FINGER. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED. IT OCCURS WHEN I AM OPENING THE DOOR AND THE CHROME DETACHES FROM THE LATCH AND CUTS.
NHTSA complaint #11403044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,000 milesConnelly Springs, NCCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
MY AIRBAG DEPLOYED AFTER AN ACCIDENT BURNT MY LEFT HAND AND THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE AND WAS BURNING AND THEN DEPLOYED AFTER IT BURNED. I WAS DRIVING THE CAR WHEN I HAD THE ACCIDENT
NHTSA complaint #11291206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,200 milesNEW Albany, INCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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 MY SON HAS A SEVERELY BROKEN FOOT.
NHTSA complaint #11232774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Citrus Heights, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The A/C vent actuating solenoids under the dash have all failed. They don't allow the cool air to be routed properly. We have had the dealers service center check each time as they would fail, and they found replacement is needed at each visit. The actuators began failing at 6,000 miles, and continued dropping off one by one at various mileage until all three are now not functioning. My car has 11,500 miles now. The solenoids just click now constantly while driving as all three try to activate the vent doors.
NHTSA complaint #11753744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesTakoma Park, MD
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked and experienced hard shifts from first to second gear and from second to third gear. The contact stated that the RPM were significantly high prior to shifting gear, then decreased before the vehicle accelerated as intended. The contact stated that the transmission had failed to shift to reverse(R). The contact stated that DTC: 4P07A5; was retrieved, indicating transmission friction element B stuck On. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
NHTSA complaint #11669409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cherry Hill, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I have this car since 2019 with 8000 miles and this is the 3rd time the code came up for the evap system to be repaired. P0456. The first time it was replaced was at mileage 47084 at winner Ford dealership. On June 11th 2021. The second time it was replaced was at Winter Ford dealership on March 17th 2022 with mileage 59,678. The light just came on today and the code came up again. PO456. I now have 102,000 mi on my car. I think that this should be a recall worth looking into. Thank you
NHTSA complaint #11661557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jonesboro, AR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact was uncertain if any warning lights were illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was discovered that the engine oil pump belt needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the mechanic linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was then towed to a dealer and the cause of the failure was confirmed, but the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact was then provided with an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the contact with the same information. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11659244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,000 milesBessemer, AL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with a purge valve solenoid. The contact was informed that the purge valve solenoid was stuck in the open position. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the failure had occurred three times within four years. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 71,000.
NHTSA complaint #11649114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,000 milesBessemer, AL
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with a purge valve solenoid. The contact was informed that the purge valve solenoid was stuck in the open position. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the failure had occurred three times within four years. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 71,000.
NHTSA complaint #11649114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilson, OK
ENGINE
On the coldest night of the winter the engine overheated. Pulled over immediately; , , now car will not start believe lit cracked the head or head gasket
NHTSA complaint #11647793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was jumpstarted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted after refueling. The contact stated that a bystander assisted with restarting the vehicle, by depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the canister purge valve had previously been replaced, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
NHTSA complaint #11644795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richland, WA
POWER TRAIN
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. Unknown reasons for cause of issues.
NHTSA complaint #11640776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richland, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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. Unknown reasons for cause of issues.
NHTSA complaint #11640776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richland, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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. Unknown reasons for cause of issues.
NHTSA complaint #11640776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Republic, MO
ENGINE
I believe oil pump has malfunctioned. I had a significant loss of power while driving, that could cause sudden accident, had I not been proactive. After the loss of power, I heard a knocking from the engine, then the oil light came on and alerted me. I believe it can be inspected, but have not been able to have it towed to the dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11611003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,057 milesCedar Park, TX
POWER TRAIN
Transmission failed. Yellow wrench light on with Transmission overheating message with an indication to pull over immediately. Took the vehicle to a shop and this was their conclusion: Firestone: Code. "P2701 Description, Transmission Friction Element "B" Apply Time Range/Performance". TECH ROAD TESTED AND FOUND TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING BADLY, REFER TO TRANS SHOP OR DEALER FOR OVERHAUL/REPLACEMENT. COMPUTERIZED ENGINE ANALYSIS The car has been a at Ford dealer for 2 weeks awaiting a very expensive transmission overhaul. 2017 Ford Fiestas are experiencing the same transmission issues as previous years.
NHTSA complaint #11600800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,623 milesPalm Coast, FLCrash3 injured
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and making a left turn, The vehicle that was behind her vehicle simultaneously made a left turn into the lane the contact was turning into. The contact stated that the front driver's side tire of the vehicle collided with the front passenger's side tire of the other vehicle, causing the vehicle to roll over, and the vehicle landed on the hood. The front driver's side and passenger's side seats air bags deployed. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat belt failed to unbuckle, and bystanders assisted the contact out of the vehicle by wiggling the seat belt until the seat belt was unbuckled. The contact stated that the front passenger's side seat belt failed to retract during the incident and became loose, causing the passenger to hit his head against the roof of the car. The contact stated that the rear driver's side seat belt unbuckled during the incident, causing the passenger to be propelled inside the cabin of the vehicle. The rear passenger's side seat belt unbuckled during the incident, causing the unoccupied car seat to be propelled and to fracture. The contact sustained abrasion on the neck, bruises on the right shoulder, and between the left under am and the rib cage due to the seat belt, but did not seek medical assistance. The other two passengers were taken to the hospital by emergency services, then they were were taken to another hospital, where they were informed that they had sustained concussions. The vehicle was towed and totaled. A police report was filed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,623. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11586560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,623 milesPalm Coast, FLCrash3 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and making a left turn, The vehicle that was behind her vehicle simultaneously made a left turn into the lane the contact was turning into. The contact stated that the front driver's side tire of the vehicle collided with the front passenger's side tire of the other vehicle, causing the vehicle to roll over, and the vehicle landed on the hood. The front driver's side and passenger's side seats air bags deployed. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat belt failed to unbuckle, and bystanders assisted the contact out of the vehicle by wiggling the seat belt until the seat belt was unbuckled. The contact stated that the front passenger's side seat belt failed to retract during the incident and became loose, causing the passenger to hit his head against the roof of the car. The contact stated that the rear driver's side seat belt unbuckled during the incident, causing the passenger to be propelled inside the cabin of the vehicle. The rear passenger's side seat belt unbuckled during the incident, causing the unoccupied car seat to be propelled and to fracture. The contact sustained abrasion on the neck, bruises on the right shoulder, and between the left under am and the rib cage due to the seat belt, but did not seek medical assistance. The other two passengers were taken to the hospital by emergency services, then they were were taken to another hospital, where they were informed that they had sustained concussions. The vehicle was towed and totaled. A police report was filed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,623. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11586560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesHixson, TN
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated due to a loss of coolant. The vehicle went into Limp Mode. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be driven to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine oil pump was faulty, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
NHTSA complaint #11575505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sumter, SC
ENGINE
I was driving down a very busy highway about 60 mph when my oil light started flashing on my dash and my check engine light came on and when I tried to push my brake pedal to stop my car I couldn't push it in. My brakes were very hard, I had to pull my emergency brake to stop my car and coast into a gas station so I didn't hit anyone. I have done a lot of research online and this same issue is already under recall on 2 other Ford Models as well as a class action lawsuit against Ford because of this issue. My model however is not listed under the recall because it has a manual transmission and they said that those models are not affected but that's clearly not true.
NHTSA complaint #11574597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sumter, SC
SERVICE BRAKES
I was driving down a very busy highway about 60 mph when my oil light started flashing on my dash and my check engine light came on and when I tried to push my brake pedal to stop my car I couldn't push it in. My brakes were very hard, I had to pull my emergency brake to stop my car and coast into a gas station so I didn't hit anyone. I have done a lot of research online and this same issue is already under recall on 2 other Ford Models as well as a class action lawsuit against Ford because of this issue. My model however is not listed under the recall because it has a manual transmission and they said that those models are not affected but that's clearly not true.
NHTSA complaint #11574597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sumter, SC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP
I was driving down a very busy highway about 60 mph when my oil light started flashing on my dash and my check engine light came on and when I tried to push my brake pedal to stop my car I couldn't push it in. My brakes were very hard, I had to pull my emergency brake to stop my car and coast into a gas station so I didn't hit anyone. I have done a lot of research online and this same issue is already under recall on 2 other Ford Models as well as a class action lawsuit against Ford because of this issue. My model however is not listed under the recall because it has a manual transmission and they said that those models are not affected but that's clearly not true.
NHTSA complaint #11574597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sumter, SC
ENGINE
I was driving down [XXX] headed to Columbia and as I was approaching a stop light and getting ready to press my break my oil light on my dash started flashing, and when I attempted to push my brake pedal I couldnt. My brake pedal was hard as a rock and wouldn't press in at all. The highway I was traveling on is a very busy 4 lane highway, I was traveling about 60mph and had to pull my emergency brake and practically stand on my brake pedal to get my car to slow down and coast into a gas station parking lot. I barely missed hitting the car in front of me by a few inches. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11572852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sumter, SC
SERVICE BRAKES
I was driving down [XXX] headed to Columbia and as I was approaching a stop light and getting ready to press my break my oil light on my dash started flashing, and when I attempted to push my brake pedal I couldnt. My brake pedal was hard as a rock and wouldn't press in at all. The highway I was traveling on is a very busy 4 lane highway, I was traveling about 60mph and had to pull my emergency brake and practically stand on my brake pedal to get my car to slow down and coast into a gas station parking lot. I barely missed hitting the car in front of me by a few inches. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11572852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesOcilla, GA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that upon attempting to reverse the vehicle, the vehicle failed to reverse as intended. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11570984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Holland, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Clutch "A" stuck engaged...loses power and if driven for a while dash lights up saying "transmission is hot wait 5 minutes " In addition to the previous issue, the car will not will not start right away. If you turn the key forward and pull the car down into last gear and back up into park, the car will start most times, otherwise I will have to jump start it.
NHTSA complaint #11560497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,000 milesSouth Holland, IL
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the transmission downshifted intermittently. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the message "Transmission Hot - Wait 5 minutes" was displayed while driving. The contact stated that she pulled to the side of the roadway. The contact stated that she continued driving; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone where it was diagnosed that the TCM Power Input Signal was low, and the clutch A was stuck engaged. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
NHTSA complaint #11558938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Franklin, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY
Drivers door since purchasing the car in 2017 when it's cold out "winter time" by drivers door once open, will not latch back and close- takes it warming up before my drivers door will latch and shut . Temps 30 or under , the mechanism freezes and will not allow the door to latch shut
NHTSA complaint #11558494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.