Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government
holds on this vehicle.
Owners have filed 74 safety complaints
about the 2017 Ford Fiesta with the US government. Of those, 7 describe a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 12 people were injured and 1 death is recorded. No recall campaign has been matched to this year, make and model.
The most complained-about system is the power train,
named in 22 complaints, 30% of the total.
The typical failure was reported at 51,500 miles,
the median across the 52
complaints that gave
an odometer reading.
Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files
· Covers July 2017 to September 2026 · How this is counted
What is on file
74 complaints on file
74
Complaints
7
Describe a crash
1
Mention fire
12
People injured
1
Deaths
A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a
finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts
them.
No recall campaign was matched to this year, make and model. That is not
the same as a clean vehicle: recalls are issued against production
ranges, and the only reliable check is your own VIN.
Which system owners named
Complaints naming each system
POWER TRAIN 22 · 30%
22 30%
ENGINE 19 · 26%
19 26%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 12 · 16%
12 16%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 8 · 11%
8 11%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 7 · 9%
7 9%
SERVICE BRAKES 5 · 7%
5 7%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 4 · 5%
4 5%
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 4 · 5%
4 5%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 4 · 5%
4 5%
WHEELS 4 · 5%
4 5%
STEERING 3 · 4%
3 4%
AIR BAGS 2 · 3%
2 3%
01223
One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 74.
When the complaints arrived
By the year NHTSA received them
By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures
happened. They peaked in 2019 at 17.
This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure
happened. The range runs from 2017 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what
happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2017 Ford FIESTA, and it is a separate
question from what owners report going wrong later.
Test
4 DR FWD
5 HB FWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover
14.3%
14.3%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard
A rating belongs to a tested body style and drivetrain, not to the model as a whole, which is why more than one is listed.
A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.
Defect investigations
2 on file
An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A
preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering
analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.
Timing Belt Failure
EA26004
Still open engineering analysis · opened July 31, 2026
the engine, the engine and its cooling
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, ODI investigated a potential failure/degradation of the timing belt that may affect oil pump function resulting in a lack of engine lubrication and potential loss of motive power. The complaints commonly allege a low engine oil pressure warning lamp immediately preceding a complete loss or reduction of motive power while the vehicle is in motion. Some complaints allege that a sudden loss of motive power or engine seizure occurred without warning or prior detectable symptoms. ODI’s analysis supports that this failure can occur without sufficient and advanced warning to the driver that a loss of motive power/engine seizure is imminent. ODI found that the timing belt material may degrade and create debris that clogs the mesh oil pump pick-up screen, resulting in reduced oil pressure in the engine. As additional debris accumulates on the screen, this can progress to a loss of motive power while driving due to a lack of engine lubrication. The failure data provided in response to this investigation revealed an average failure mileage of approximately 70,000 miles, and that 98% of the failures occurred prior to the 150,000 mile timing belt replacement interval per the vehicles’ maintenance schedule. Based on evidence collected via consumer surveys and an engine teardown, failures have occurred despite evidence of proper and routine oil maintenance. The oil pump pick-up screen is not serviceable, so debris accumulation cannot be inspected or manually removed without removing the engine from the vehicle. On June 2, 2026, Ford informed ODI of a non-safety customer satisfaction program for global vehicles with the 1.0L Fox Classic Timing Belt. This program will notify customers globally of a revised maintenance interval for the timing belt, reducing the original 150,000 mile interval down to 100,000 miles/6 years. This customer satisfaction program will also offer reimbursement to eligible customers who previously paid to have their engine repaired or replaced due to a timing belt related issue. Based on NHTSA’s analysis of the data, failure rates, information provided by Ford, preliminary engine teardown analysis, and precedent recalls regarding loss of engine oil pressure with the presence of driver facing warnings, ODI believes there is an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysis to perform component-level and vehicle testing. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Timing Belt Failure
PE25020
Closed preliminary evaluation · opened December 18, 2025 · closed July 31, 2026
the engine, the engine and its cooling
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, ODI investigated a potential failure/degradation of the timing belt that may affect oil pump function resulting in a lack of engine lubrication and potential loss of motive power. The complaints commonly allege a low engine oil pressure warning lamp immediately preceding a complete loss or reduction of motive power while the vehicle is in motion. Some complaints allege that a sudden loss of motive power or engine seizure occurred without warning or prior detectable symptoms. ODI’s analysis supports that this failure can occur without sufficient and advanced warning to the driver that a loss of motive power/engine seizure is imminent. ODI found that the timing belt material may degrade and create debris that clogs the mesh oil pump pick-up screen, resulting in reduced oil pressure in the engine. As additional debris accumulates on the screen, this can progress to a loss of motive power while driving due to a lack of engine lubrication. The failure data provided in response to this investigation revealed an average failure mileage of approximately 70,000 miles, and that 98% of the failures occurred prior to the 150,000 mile timing belt replacement interval per the vehicles’ maintenance schedule. Based on evidence collected via consumer surveys and an engine teardown, failures have occurred despite evidence of proper and routine oil maintenance. The oil pump pick-up screen is not serviceable, so debris accumulation cannot be inspected or manually removed without removing the engine from the vehicle. On June 2, 2026, Ford informed ODI of a non-safety customer satisfaction program for global vehicles with the 1.0L Fox Classic Timing Belt. This program will notify customers globally of a revised maintenance interval for the timing belt, reducing the original 150,000 mile interval down to 100,000 miles/6 years. This customer satisfaction program will also offer reimbursement to eligible customers who previously paid to have their engine repaired or replaced due to a timing belt related issue. Based on NHTSA’s analysis of the data, failure rates, information provided by Ford, preliminary engine teardown analysis, and precedent recalls regarding loss of engine oil pressure with the presence of driver facing warnings, ODI believes there is an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. Therefore, this Preliminary Evaluation is being upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA26004). During this Engineering Analysis, the agency plans to perform component-level and vehicle testing. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
In owners’ own words
Quoted from the complaint file
Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the
people who filed them, not findings of fault.
SERVICE BRAKES
1 death · 2 injured · crash · 2,000 miles
TURNING A CURVATURE ON A MOUNTAIN ROAD STEERING LOCKED AND BRAKES FAILED CAR WENT OVER THE MOUNTAIN AS A RESULT PASSANGERS THREE WERE INJURED AND ONE FATALITY.
NHTSA complaint 11202706. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE
3 injured · crash · towed
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 …
NHTSA complaint 11512849, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
AIR BAGS
3 injured · crash · towed · 89,623 miles
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 …
NHTSA complaint 11586560, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
SERVICE BRAKES
1 injured · fire · crash · towed · 43,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 FORD FIESTA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY DRIFTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE BACK TO THE ROADWAY; HOWEVER, THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO ENGAGE WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONLY THE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOORS AND HAD TO EXIT THROUGH THE PASSENGER WINDOW. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CVC JOINT UNDER THE VEHICLE WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK, ARM, NECK, RIGHT KNEE, AND RIGHT HIP …
NHTSA complaint 11102626, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Check engine light illuminated. Dealer retrieved DTC P0457 for an EVAP leak. Dealer performed EVAP diagnostic testing and determined that the canister purge valve was leaking. Purge valve was replaced at owner expense. After replacement, EVAP leak verification passed and DTC was resolved. I am reporting the failure because Ford has previously identified canister purge valve failures on other Ford vehicles and I believe similar failures may be occurring on Ford Fiesta vehicles.
NHTSA complaint 11762109. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
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. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
POWER TRAIN
86,000 miles
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 …
NHTSA complaint 11669409, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
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. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
towed
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 …
NHTSA complaint 11659244, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE
71,000 miles
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. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's
lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How
many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by
the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.
Complaints: NHTSA's ODI
complaint file, published October 2, 2026. One
complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.
Recalls: NHTSA's recall
campaign API, no campaign on file for this vehicle.
Investigations: NHTSA's ODI
investigation file, published October 2, 2026.
A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by
us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that
sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.
G
Compiled and maintained by guarledes Independent developer and analyst