CarBrief

Owners filed 258 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 Fiesta, and the biggest group concerns the power train[1][2]. Four recalls are on file, so check which ones cover the car and that the repairs were done before you buy or keep one[3].

258owner complaints[1]
4recalls[3]
29–35MPG combined (EPA)[4]
4★NHTSA overall rating[5]

Reported problems

NHTSA lists 258 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Sixteen mention a crash. The complaints report 24 injuries in total, and none mention a fire or a death[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name more than one part.

The power train group has the most complaints at 104, with a median mileage at failure of 59,500[2]. The engine group has 74[6], and the fuel and propulsion group has 41[7]. Two smaller groups are worth a glance. Electrical has 19 complaints[8], and air bags has 14, with 7 crashes and 9 injuries reported[9].

We read a small sample of complaint texts in each group. Here is what owners describe in that sample:

Because these are small samples, they show what owners describe. They do not tell you how often a problem happens.

Recalls

NHTSA has four recalls on file for this model year. Newest first:

Ask a dealer to confirm that each recall repair was done on the car you are considering.

Fuel economy

The EPA lists four versions of the 2015 Fiesta. Combined ratings run from 29 to 35 MPG, and the EPA's estimated annual fuel cost runs from $1,900 to $2,300[14][4][15][16].

Version City / Hwy / Combined MPG Annual fuel cost
SFE, 1.0L 3-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd[4] 31 / 41 / 35 $1,900
FWD, 1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd[16] 27 / 35 / 30 $2,250
FWD, 1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6)[14] 27 / 36 / 30 $2,250
ST, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd[15] 26 / 34 / 29 $2,300

The EPA works out fuel cost with its current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gave both the 4 door and the 5 door hatchback 4 stars overall, 4 stars in the frontal test and 4 stars for rollover[5][17]. The side rating is lower at 2 stars[5][17]. Rollover risk is listed at 14.3%[5][17].

Engine and size

The EPA lists the 1.0L 3-cylinder at 120 hp[18]. The 1.6L 4-cylinder is listed at 120 to 175 hp depending on version[19].

These dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
4DR hatch S/SE/Titanium[20] 160 in 68 in 58 in 98 in 2,538 lb
4DR sedan S/SE/Titanium[21] 173 in 68 in 58 in 98 in 2,577 lb
ST 4DR hatchback[22] 160 in 68 in 57 in 98 in 2,743 lb

How 2015 compares with other years

2011: 730 complaints, 3 recalls20112012: 617 complaints, 3 recalls20122013: 668 complaints, 3 recalls20132014: 504 complaints, 7 recalls20142015: 258 complaints, 4 recalls25820152016: 178 complaints, 0 recalls20162017: 74 complaints, 0 recalls20172018: 35 complaints, 0 recalls20182019: 105 complaints, 3 recalls2019
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Fiesta model year. The 2015 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20117303
20126173
20136683
20145047
20152584
20161780
2017740
2018350
20191053

The 2015 model year has 258 complaints and 4 recalls on file[3]. Earlier years have more complaints: 730 for 2011, 617 for 2012, 668 for 2013 and 504 for 2014[3]. Later years have fewer, with 178 for 2016, 74 for 2017 and 35 for 2018[3]. The 2019 model year has 105[3].

So 2015 sits fifth highest of the nine years for complaints. For recalls it is second highest. Only 2014 has more, with 7[3]. The 2011 to 2013 and 2019 model years have 3 each, and 2016 to 2018 have none[3].

Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2015 Fiesta?

The 2015 Fiesta has EPA combined ratings of 29 to 35 MPG and a 4-star overall NHTSA rating, but only 2 stars on the side test[14][4][15][16][5]. Against that, owners filed 104 power train complaints, and the sample we read describes hesitation and shuddering[2]. Four recalls are on file, and two of them are about door latches[10][11].

If you are shopping, ask for proof that the recalls were done, and on a test drive pay attention to how the car pulls away and shifts and whether it runs normally after a fill-up. A pre-purchase inspection is a sensible step.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Ford Fiesta?
Power train is the largest complaint group with 104 of 258 complaints[1][2]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe hesitation, shuddering or jerky shifting[2]. Engine has 74 complaints and fuel/propulsion has 41[6][7].
Does the 2015 Ford Fiesta have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists four recalls for door latches (23V775 and 20V177), engine cooling on the Fiesta ST 1.6L GTDI engine (17V209) and the fuel pump (15V005)[10][11][12][13].
How many miles per gallon does the 2015 Ford Fiesta get?
EPA combined ratings run from 29 to 35 MPG depending on version[14][4][15][16]. The 1.0L turbo SFE with a 5-speed manual is rated 31 city and 41 highway[4].
Is the 2015 Ford Fiesta safe?
NHTSA rates it 4 stars overall and 2 stars for side protection[5][17].
Is 2015 a good year for the Ford Fiesta?
It has fewer complaints than 2011 to 2014 but more than 2016 to 2019, and 4 recalls against 7 for 2014[3]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 258 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Ford Fiesta (16 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 24 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 104 complaints name the power train component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 15 injuries, median mileage at failure 59,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Fiesta model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. EPA rating for Fiesta SFE FWD, 1.0L 3-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 31 city / 41 highway / 35 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 2 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 14.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 74 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 41 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 19 complaints name the electrical system component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 14 complaints name the air bags component group (7 crashes, 0 fires, 9 injuries, median mileage at failure 72,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. Recall 23V775, filed November 17, 2023: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
  11. Recall 20V177, filed March 23, 2020: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
  12. Recall 17V209, filed March 27, 2017: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 15V005, filed January 9, 2015: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
  14. EPA rating for Fiesta FWD, 1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 36 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,250. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. EPA rating for Fiesta ST FWD, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 34 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for Fiesta FWD, 1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 35 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,250. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 5 HB FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 2 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 14.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
  18. EPA Test Car List, 2015 Ford Fiesta with 1.0L 3-cylinder: rated 120 hp. www.epa.gov
  19. EPA Test Car List, 2015 Ford Fiesta with 1.6L 4-cylinder: rated 120 to 175 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  20. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FIESTA 4DR HATCH S/SE/TITANIUM: length 160 in, width 68 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 98 in, curb weight 2,538 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  21. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FIESTA 4DR SEDAN S/SE/TITANIUM: length 173 in, width 68 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 98 in, curb weight 2,577 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  22. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FIESTA ST 4DR HATCHBACK: length 160 in, width 68 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 98 in, curb weight 2,743 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.