Owners have filed 46 complaints
about the 2018 Ford Fiesta with NHTSA between 2019 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 9 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 — 5
Against the median year of the Ford Fiesta. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 67
13% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 71
42% 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
14.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
28.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
729.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
729.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
520.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
28.3%
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.
Apr 2019peak 5Jan 2026
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Indianapolis, INCrash
AIR BAGS
12/4/2023 while attempting to pull into a parking spot in a parking garage car suddenly accelerated forward at a very fast rate, just prior to acceleration felt like it shuddered. Afraid that it would keep going and go over edge so I pulled to the right while trying to brake and hit a concrete barrier. Terrifying! October 23, 2019 another couple had this happen in another parking garage downtown Indianapolis and they were killed. Car went over the edge. Must have been on my mind! Have owned this car since 02/23/2022, no problems whatsoever, checked out in September of this 2023, all maintenance up to date. Weather was dry and floor pads were not in way (bringing this up because I was asked this by a friend). Been driving 50+ years and never had a car do this. Hit the front drivers side of the car, air bags did NOT deploy, but the insurance company totaled my car. The Capitol Police happened to be in the garage at the time making rounds and were on the scene in seconds from when it happened. Luckily that morning I decided to park on the upper level of the garage and no one else had their car damaged and nobody was hurt including myself. Just prior to trying to turn into the parking space the car had been traveling uphill to the 5th floor - going very slow. A lot of people walking and other cars around trying to park. Don't know if this has anything to do with it but on Tuesday, December 19th, another employee had the same thing happen in the same garage. Her car was a different make and model and was not damaged hardly at all but her airbags deployed! The only thing in common is same garage and there has been extensive construction going on in the garage for months now. Not trying to get anything out of this but this could have had far more serious consequences if this had happened at one of the half dozen intersections I went through that morning before arriving in the garage. Lucky no one was hurt or killed. Apparently this happens a lot!
NHTSA complaint #11562850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, INCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
12/4/2023 while attempting to pull into a parking spot in a parking garage car suddenly accelerated forward at a very fast rate, just prior to acceleration felt like it shuddered. Afraid that it would keep going and go over edge so I pulled to the right while trying to brake and hit a concrete barrier. Terrifying! October 23, 2019 another couple had this happen in another parking garage downtown Indianapolis and they were killed. Car went over the edge. Must have been on my mind! Have owned this car since 02/23/2022, no problems whatsoever, checked out in September of this 2023, all maintenance up to date. Weather was dry and floor pads were not in way (bringing this up because I was asked this by a friend). Been driving 50+ years and never had a car do this. Hit the front drivers side of the car, air bags did NOT deploy, but the insurance company totaled my car. The Capitol Police happened to be in the garage at the time making rounds and were on the scene in seconds from when it happened. Luckily that morning I decided to park on the upper level of the garage and no one else had their car damaged and nobody was hurt including myself. Just prior to trying to turn into the parking space the car had been traveling uphill to the 5th floor - going very slow. A lot of people walking and other cars around trying to park. Don't know if this has anything to do with it but on Tuesday, December 19th, another employee had the same thing happen in the same garage. Her car was a different make and model and was not damaged hardly at all but her airbags deployed! The only thing in common is same garage and there has been extensive construction going on in the garage for months now. Not trying to get anything out of this but this could have had far more serious consequences if this had happened at one of the half dozen intersections I went through that morning before arriving in the garage. Lucky no one was hurt or killed. Apparently this happens a lot!
NHTSA complaint #11562850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milwaukee, WICrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 between at the semi-trucks front right tire and his bumper. I was involved in an accident with said semi-truck, thinking he was changing lanes from center lane to right lane and bumped my Left-Rear-Quarter-Panel. After much though and calming down, it seems as if my auto was pushed or lifted in a hydro plane effect by the air between my auto and the semi-truck. The day was clear and dry out around 10:45 AM, on July 15th. 2021. My question is: How many of these Ford Fiesta cars (with manual transmission) have had some type of highway collision with a semi-truck? Or, an unexplained loss (effect) of control while driving on the Interstate. Yes, a rear kind of Hydro-Plane affect with air pressure. Did I really have this happen to me while driving this car, I believe so.
NHTSA complaint #11427692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 23,133 milesBraselton, GACrash1 killed
POWER TRAIN
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 TRANSMISSION END. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE SV HAS NO WAY TO MAINTAIN A SAFE SPEED.-++++++*DT*DT*DT*JB*JB*DT*JB
NHTSA complaint #11398847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 23,000 milesMontreal, MOCrash
AIR BAGS
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 THIS HAPPENED
NHTSA complaint #11230761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Kingman, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The back up camera quit working. The back seats are taller and it has made it very difficult to see if there are children behind my vehicle. I reported it to the dealership and now I have to pay $200.00 to have them check it.
NHTSA complaint #11710639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Back-up camera goes in and out intermittently, sometimes the image is very faint and then totally disappears into a black screen, or says it is not available at this time, then goes black. This started about 4 months ago and I have not been able to identify a triggering factor, rain nor heat does not appear to be the factor that causes it. My car was purchased 2018 with 13 miles and I now have only 21,897 miles never been in an accident or anything to cause this issue. The dealer said my vehicle is not under the recall guidelines although it completely mimics the recalled issues listed under NHTSA#23S48/25V273 also the dealer says the issue has to be present for the mechanic to see. When I took it to the dealer today 10/14/2025 the camera was functioning and I have no idea when it will go back out again to show them. This can definitely become a safety issue and a cost I should not have to be responsible for because there is an indication this could be a production issue. Please assist me with this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11693432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Montgomery, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Purchased vehicle at the end of 2018 and this is the third time I have had to replace the horn. It's not a fuse, it's not wiring, it is the actual horn that either shorts or dies with no notice.
NHTSA complaint #11656291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Clair Shores, MI
POWER TRAIN
Hello, I have zero idea why I am emailing, I may be secretly hoping for...anything. I drive a 2018 Ford Fiesta SE, I have owned it since 2019 as that is when I purchased it used. Over the weekend I experienced transmission issues and an auto shop informed me that I am in need of a transmission rebuild due to the clutch going out. The estimated cost is 3.4k. I came across this article from 2019: [XXX] Within the article Ford notes: "The transmissions (dual-clutch automatic transmissions known as DPS6 designed for fuel efficiency) were introduced in the 2011 model year Fiesta and 2012 Focus. They were used until the Focus was discontinued with the 2018 model year and until the 2019 Fiesta". The article then goes onto state: "technical analysis, warranty data and customer feedback show that the DPS6 transmission in Focus and Fiesta vehicles from 2016 (model year) through 2019 MY are improved from prior model years. They perform well and have competitive levels of customer satisfaction.” But I don't believe that to be true given the clutch issues that have just happened with my 2019 Ford Fiesta. It gets a bit more odd because I think Ford is lying about the 2019 model year being 'improved'. The mechanic I am going through put a pause on rebuilding my transmission because Ford reached out to them with potential fixes per an 'internal bulletin'. Those potential fixes include a redesigned clutch kit for the transmission...why would that be a thing if my model year was 'improved'. Also, they are not covering any repairs. I don't even know if I have the right to demand that they do? Given my model year wasn't included in the lawsuit, despite it being the last year Ford made the Fiesta. I also did find this update [XXX] I just want help or something done. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11635077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bay Point, CA
ENGINE
My engine has been malfuctioning over the following year. I've gotten repairs and it continues to do so. I'm asking for a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11614281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,260 milesWinston Salem, NC
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger’s side door independently opened. The door ajar warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, neither the VIN nor the model year was included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 97,260.
NHTSA complaint #11597942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Las Vegas, NV
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I bought my Ford Fiesta new in 2018. I have less than 35k miles on my car. My car recently started bucking while I stop at stop signs or red lights. My car revs up and tries to go forward. I took my car to the dealership hours later. They did a diagnosis and asked me what kind of gas I use. They said I shouldn't buy my gas from there. I was then told my valve is sticking from the gas and the valve is trying to open and it can't so it bucks and lurches. The part they need is on back order. The part is not available any where in the country. So does that mean the whole country side uses the same gas I do? That is why that part is on back order?
NHTSA complaint #11591658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lithonia, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My fuel canister purge valve needs replacement less than 70,000 on car. The cap less gas cap defective as well. Why did they make these cuz everyone is having problems with the purge valve and cap less. It all on YouTube. Where is the recall,.
NHTSA complaint #11591094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bay Point, CA
ENGINE
My engine is acting up. According to the Auto Repair Shop they say that my car is suffering from Carbon Build Up which is affecting my engine. As well as the throttle body in the car. My car just keeps stopping to the point my engine refuses to start. So I decided to clean it myself only to no avail.
NHTSA complaint #11589553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newfolden, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Trunk randomly pops open during driving. Or when you put it in gear.
NHTSA complaint #11582247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, INCrash
AIR BAGS
12/4/2023 while attempting to pull into a parking spot in a parking garage car suddenly accelerated forward at a very fast rate, just prior to acceleration felt like it shuddered. Afraid that it would keep going and go over edge so I pulled to the right while trying to brake and hit a concrete barrier. Terrifying! October 23, 2019 another couple had this happen in another parking garage downtown Indianapolis and they were killed. Car went over the edge. Must have been on my mind! Have owned this car since 02/23/2022, no problems whatsoever, checked out in September of this 2023, all maintenance up to date. Weather was dry and floor pads were not in way (bringing this up because I was asked this by a friend). Been driving 50+ years and never had a car do this. Hit the front drivers side of the car, air bags did NOT deploy, but the insurance company totaled my car. The Capitol Police happened to be in the garage at the time making rounds and were on the scene in seconds from when it happened. Luckily that morning I decided to park on the upper level of the garage and no one else had their car damaged and nobody was hurt including myself. Just prior to trying to turn into the parking space the car had been traveling uphill to the 5th floor - going very slow. A lot of people walking and other cars around trying to park. Don't know if this has anything to do with it but on Tuesday, December 19th, another employee had the same thing happen in the same garage. Her car was a different make and model and was not damaged hardly at all but her airbags deployed! The only thing in common is same garage and there has been extensive construction going on in the garage for months now. Not trying to get anything out of this but this could have had far more serious consequences if this had happened at one of the half dozen intersections I went through that morning before arriving in the garage. Lucky no one was hurt or killed. Apparently this happens a lot!
NHTSA complaint #11562850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, INCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
12/4/2023 while attempting to pull into a parking spot in a parking garage car suddenly accelerated forward at a very fast rate, just prior to acceleration felt like it shuddered. Afraid that it would keep going and go over edge so I pulled to the right while trying to brake and hit a concrete barrier. Terrifying! October 23, 2019 another couple had this happen in another parking garage downtown Indianapolis and they were killed. Car went over the edge. Must have been on my mind! Have owned this car since 02/23/2022, no problems whatsoever, checked out in September of this 2023, all maintenance up to date. Weather was dry and floor pads were not in way (bringing this up because I was asked this by a friend). Been driving 50+ years and never had a car do this. Hit the front drivers side of the car, air bags did NOT deploy, but the insurance company totaled my car. The Capitol Police happened to be in the garage at the time making rounds and were on the scene in seconds from when it happened. Luckily that morning I decided to park on the upper level of the garage and no one else had their car damaged and nobody was hurt including myself. Just prior to trying to turn into the parking space the car had been traveling uphill to the 5th floor - going very slow. A lot of people walking and other cars around trying to park. Don't know if this has anything to do with it but on Tuesday, December 19th, another employee had the same thing happen in the same garage. Her car was a different make and model and was not damaged hardly at all but her airbags deployed! The only thing in common is same garage and there has been extensive construction going on in the garage for months now. Not trying to get anything out of this but this could have had far more serious consequences if this had happened at one of the half dozen intersections I went through that morning before arriving in the garage. Lucky no one was hurt or killed. Apparently this happens a lot!
NHTSA complaint #11562850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,000 milesBowdoin, ME
AIR BAGS
The contact’s grandmother owns a 2018 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving up a hill, the vehicle started sputtering, vibrating, and jerking. The sputtering was severe, causing the front driver's side seat belt to be activated. The vehicle was immediately driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,000.
NHTSA complaint #11561353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,000 milesStewartstown, PA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and the "Transmission Malfunction Service Now” message was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact stated that the RPM's increased rapidly, but the vehicle did not respond. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a persistent failure. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was 74,000.
NHTSA complaint #11558375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Allendale, MI
POWER TRAIN
Since around 20,000 miles, my 2018 Ford Fiesta SE has had a grinding noise after shifting at certain gears. I got the car serviced at that time. Now I'm at 70,000 miles and the noise has persisted, and has gotten worse. My transmission slipped at 0mph when I was accelerating, almost causing me to lose control of my car.
NHTSA complaint #11556942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that the backup camera displayed a distorted image. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11468501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anderson, SC
AIR BAGS
Fan stopped working out of no where causing car to over heat happened multiple times even after being replaced. Airbag lights say airbag on passenger side is off even when someone is in the seat this happens alot. Back driver side turn signal will not work and everything has been changed and looked at by several mechanics. When driving it sometimes does not want to shift wants to just stay at one rpm and jerk
NHTSA complaint #11467632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesMorrow, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while shifting gears after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated before returning to normal operation. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal sometimes had to be depressed multiple times before the vehicle accelerated properly. The vehicle also displayed several electrical shortages. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a defective canister purge valve. The canister purge valve was replaced and several unknown repairs were performed; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.
NHTSA complaint #11466193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesMartinsburg, WV
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle would stall while at a complete stop. The contact would restart the vehicle and continue to drive. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly and had worsened. The contact stated that the vehicle would only start after several attempts and would only gain motive power after depressing the accelerator pedal several times. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times where it was diagnosed that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced. The canister purge valve was replaced three times. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. The VIN was invalid.
NHTSA complaint #11465995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesMartinsburg, WV
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle would stall while at a complete stop. The contact would restart the vehicle and continue to drive. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly and had worsened. The contact stated that the vehicle would only start after several attempts and would only gain motive power after depressing the accelerator pedal several times. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times where it was diagnosed that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced. The canister purge valve was replaced three times. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. The VIN was invalid.
NHTSA complaint #11465995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,000 milesWashington, DC
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The engine failure message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. No further information was available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 37,000.
NHTSA complaint #11464823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anacortes, WA
POWER TRAIN
The component that failed was the clutch pedal assembly. The part is currently still installed in the vehicle. The clutch pedal randomly will stay full depressed, and requires manually reaching and grabbing the pedal to pull it out. The operator being distracted because they cant get the car into the correct gear and have to pull off the road to reset/pull the clutch pedal back into position. The component has not be inspected. There were no warning signs or symptoms before the failure happened.
NHTSA complaint #11463360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clayton, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My neighbor has been hacking my radio frequencies of my car and has now hacked into my car. He’s following me and controlling my car. I’m afraid he is obsessed with me and will cause my car to have an accident. The police will not and have not helped me and this guy lives right next door to me
NHTSA complaint #11462131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milwaukee, WICrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 between at the semi-trucks front right tire and his bumper. I was involved in an accident with said semi-truck, thinking he was changing lanes from center lane to right lane and bumped my Left-Rear-Quarter-Panel. After much though and calming down, it seems as if my auto was pushed or lifted in a hydro plane effect by the air between my auto and the semi-truck. The day was clear and dry out around 10:45 AM, on July 15th. 2021. My question is: How many of these Ford Fiesta cars (with manual transmission) have had some type of highway collision with a semi-truck? Or, an unexplained loss (effect) of control while driving on the Interstate. Yes, a rear kind of Hydro-Plane affect with air pressure. Did I really have this happen to me while driving this car, I believe so.
NHTSA complaint #11427692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 23,133 milesBraselton, GACrash1 killed
POWER TRAIN
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 TRANSMISSION END. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE SV HAS NO WAY TO MAINTAIN A SAFE SPEED.-++++++*DT*DT*DT*JB*JB*DT*JB
NHTSA complaint #11398847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.