NHTSA has 35 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Ford Fiesta[1]. The biggest group is the power train, with 10 complaints[2].
Most reported problems
Here are the complaint groups in the stories we read, biggest first.
- Power train. 10 complaints[2]. Owners describe the car shuddering when pulling away, losing power on hills, and revs climbing while the car slows. Some mention a clutch pedal that sticks down and gears that slip.
- Unknown or other. 9 complaints[5]. These reports do not point to one clear part.
- Electrical system. 6 complaints[6]. Owners describe lights and power cutting out, brake lights that work only some of the time, a weak battery, and a horn that keeps failing.
- Engine. 6 complaints[7]. Owners describe stalling, trouble restarting, and engines that act up again after repairs.
- Air bags. 5 complaints[8]. Owners describe warning lights and one crash where the air bags did not go off.
- Suspension. 2 complaints[9].
- Fuel system, gasoline. 2 complaints[10].
- Electronic stability control. 1 complaint[11].
Recalls
NHTSA's records show 0 recalls for the 2018 Fiesta[12].
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| Fiesta FWD, 1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM-S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive[3] | 27 / 37 / 31 | $2,150 |
| Fiesta FWD, 1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive[13] | 27 / 35 / 30 | $2,250 |
| Fiesta ST FWD, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive[14] | 26 / 33 / 29 | $2,300 |
Safety ratings
Engine and size
Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.
| Engine | Horsepower |
|---|---|
| 2018 Ford Fiesta with 1.6L 4-cylinder[16] | 120 to 175 hp |
These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.
How 2018 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 730 | 3 |
| 2012 | 617 | 3 |
| 2013 | 668 | 3 |
| 2014 | 504 | 7 |
| 2015 | 258 | 4 |
| 2016 | 178 | 0 |
| 2017 | 74 | 0 |
| 2018 | 35 | 0 |
| 2019 | 105 | 3 |
NHTSA's counts for the Fiesta show 35 complaints and 0 recalls for 2018[12]. Among the 9 model years listed, 0 have fewer complaints than 2018 and 8 have more[12]. The fewest complaints are for 2018 (35) and the most are for 2011 (730)[12]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.
Should you buy a used 2018 Fiesta?
The 2018 Fiesta has a modest pile of complaints, 35 in all[1]. They cluster around the power train[2], with electrical[6] and engine[7] reports behind it. Four complaints mention a crash[1]. These are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales. Check the sections above for recalls, fuel costs and safety ratings before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Fiesta?
- The power train group is the biggest, with 10 complaints[2]. Electrical and engine follow with 6 each[6][7].
- Does the 2018 Ford Fiesta have recalls?
- The recalls section on this page lists them. The count for this year is 0[12].
- How reliable is the 2018 Ford Fiesta?
- NHTSA has 35 complaints on file[1]. Owners describe power train trouble most often[2]. These are unverified reports.
- What is the gas mileage of the 2018 Ford Fiesta?
- See the fuel economy section on this page.
- Is 2018 the best year for the Ford Fiesta?
- See the by-year comparison on this page to compare complaints and recalls across years.
Keep exploring
Other model years of the Ford Fiesta
Compare all model years of the Ford Fiesta
Other Ford models from 2018
Similar cars from 2018: compact cars
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 35 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Ford Fiesta (4 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 0 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 10 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 30,066). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Fiesta FWD, 1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM-S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 37 highway / 31 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 5 HB FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 4 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 14.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 9 complaints name the unknown or other component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 6 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 6 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the air bags component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 1 complaints name the electronic stability control (esc) component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Fiesta model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- 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
- EPA rating for Fiesta ST FWD, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 33 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 4 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 14.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2018 Ford Fiesta with 1.6L 4-cylinder: rated 120 to 175 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
- 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
- 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
- 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