Used buying checklist
Ford Fiesta reliability, common problems and used buying checks
A used Ford Fiesta looks worse than average for reliability in UK MOT data: 21.3% of 1,761,562 tests failed, compared with 18.7% across all indexed models. A good example should have a clean MOT history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). MOT data does not capture every reliability issue, especially intermittent engine, gearbox or infotainment faults that do not appear during the test.
- 21.3% MOT failure rate
- Median tested mileage 64,788 miles
- 374,533 failed MOT tests analysed
Corrosion and structure is the clearest area to check
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in this model's MOT history (32.1 MOT notes per 100 tests). Example MOT phrases from this area include is deformed and structural rigidity is significantly reduced, corroded and seriously weakened, and ferrule excessively corroded.
Example MOT phrases to search in the car's history:
- is deformed and structural rigidity is significantly reduced
- corroded and seriously weakened
- ferrule excessively corroded
- corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened
- ball joint excessively worn
- across an axle
- ball joint has excessive play
- Play in steering rack inner joint(s)
- leaking excessively from engine
- has a major leak of exhaust gases
Focus on corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust
The model's recorded failure rate is 21.3%, +2.5 percentage points compared with the average across all models. Use the seller questions below to check whether repeat MOT notes have actually been repaired.
- MOT tests analysed1,761,562 tests
- Median tested mileage64,788 miles
- Failed MOT tests374,533
Should you buy a used Ford Fiesta?
78.7% of the MOT tests we analysed for this model passed. The model's recorded failure rate is 21.3%, +2.5 percentage points compared with the average across all models. This is a buying brief for the exact car in front of you: clean repeat history matters more than badge reputation.
- Repeat unresolved MOT notes for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust
- corrosion and structure appearing across more than one MOT
- Any dangerous MOT failure on the exact car, especially if the same area appears again later
- No paperwork showing applicable recall work has been completed
- A seller who cannot explain MOT wording such as "is deformed and structural rigidity is significantly reduced"
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (32.1 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Past 100k miles on the Ford Fiesta, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
The MOT failure rate rises from 9.9% at 0-3 years to 27.4% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and lights and electrical. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller.
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
What should I check first?
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and lights and electrical. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller. Each item shows whether it comes from MOT results, recall notices, or a standard used-car check.
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Corrosion and structure Seen in MOT results
Corrosion and structure is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (32.1 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Inspect sills, subframes, mounting points, arches, and underside corrosion advisories.
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Suspension and steering Seen in MOT results
Suspension and steering is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (21.2 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and inspect steering play.
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Emissions, engine, and exhaust Seen in MOT results
Emissions, engine, and exhaust is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (10.6 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check warning lights, smoke, exhaust leaks, recent emissions failures, and service history.
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Lights and electrical Seen in MOT results
Lights and electrical is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (8.5 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check every lamp, warning light, horn, battery condition, and dashboard messages.
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Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors Seen in MOT results
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (6.4 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check windscreen damage, wiper operation, washers, mirrors, and demisting.
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Tyres and wheels Seen in MOT results
Tyres and wheels is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (2.1 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check tyre age, tread depth, sidewall damage, wheel condition, and alignment wear.
What changes with mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Ford Fiesta, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
Common MOT problem areas
Common faults: what usually fails on this model?
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (32.1 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Recall-related areas to verify
Official recall areas
Manufacturer recall notices for the Ford Fiesta mainly involve 6 areas: brakes, suspension and steering, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and lights and electrical. Treat each as something to verify on the specific car you are viewing; the recall table below shows the official notice text.
Mileage and age checks
Mileage changes: what starts showing up after high mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Ford Fiesta, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust. On lower-mileage cars, the most common named areas are corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors.
| Mileage range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-50k | 601,103 | 515,706 | 12.5%+1.7 percentage points vs all models | 33,454 miles |
| 50-100k | 809,542 | 603,754 | 24.2%+3.5 percentage points vs all models | 72,193 miles |
| 100-150k | 295,455 | 206,609 | 30.1%+3.9 percentage points vs all models | 115,845 miles |
| 150-200k | 39,542 | 27,842 | 31.5%+4.2 percentage points vs all models | 162,639 miles |
| 200k+ | 4,536 | 3,222 | 30.1%+3.6 percentage points vs all models | 216,740 miles |
Problem areas by mileage
Past 100k miles on the Ford Fiesta, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
| Mileage range | Car areas most often recorded | Specific MOT defect examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0-50k |
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| 50-100k |
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| 100-150k |
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| 150-200k |
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| 200k+ |
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Fair comparisons: is this problem normal for its age?
The MOT failure rate rises from 9.9% at 0-3 years to 27.4% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%. The highest failure rate by age is 27.4% for 15+ years cars, based on 306,162 tests.
| Age range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-3 years 2023–2026 reg. |
16,899 | 15,267 | 9.9%+1.5 percentage points vs all models | 3.0 years |
| 3-6 years 2020–2023 reg. |
253,457 | 223,500 | 9.6%-1.0 percentage points vs all models | 5.0 years |
| 6-10 years 2016–2020 reg. |
578,286 | 459,852 | 19.1%+2.5 percentage points vs all models | 8.0 years |
| 10-15 years 2011–2016 reg. |
606,758 | 440,052 | 25.5%+1.9 percentage points vs all models | 12.4 years |
| 15+ years pre-2011 reg. |
306,162 | 225,329 | 27.4%+1.5 percentage points vs all models | 17.0 years |
Recall records and data freshness
Recall context: are there safety notices to know about?
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
| 2025-09-08 | CrossCar: Sync3 Rear-View Camera Software Update On affected vehicles a software problem may result in issues with the rear-view camera that reduce the driver’s view or with it remaining on after a reversing event. Update the vehicle software to the latest level. |
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| 2025-03-19 | 25S10 – Puma Fiesta Courier – Fuel line chafing Affected vehicles may experience chafing between the fuel line support shield and the fuel line which could result in damage to the fuel line. Replace the fuel line support shield (bracket). Inspect the fuel lines and rework if necessary. |
| 2023-06-28 | The front suspension lower ball joint bolt/nut may not be torqued correctly on a small number of Fiesta vehicles. The front suspension lower ball joint bolt/nut may not be torqued correctly on a small number of Fiesta vehicles. Affected vehicles need to be returned to a Ford Authorised Dealer to have the torque confirmed. |
| 2022-04-08 | THE RIGHT-HAND ENGINE OIL SEPERATOR MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED PRIOR TO ENGINE ASSEMBLY. Certain vehicles could have an engine oil separator that may have been damaged prior to engine assembly. Inspect the engine oil separator and if found to be damaged and/or leaking a replacement engine oil separator must be installed |
| 2021-10-27 | THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR MAY NOT BE SECURED CORRECTLY INTO POSITION Due to a production error the wiring harness for the crankshaft position sensor may not be secured correctly into position. The crankshaft position sensor harness securing clip must be pushed into the vacant hole on the engine front cover. |
| 2021-04-14 | VEHICLE SEATBELTS MAY HAVE A DEFECTIVE LOW G LOCKING MECHANISM Vehicle seatbelts may have a defective low G locking mechanism. Inspect the seat belt label for date range. If within suspect range exchange seat belt retractor. |
Related searches
Common ways people look up the Ford Fiesta. Each link runs the search and lands on the relevant section of this report.
Related reliability guides
See where this model sits against other Ford reports by MOT failure rate and common problem area.
Compare high-confidence model reports across all makes.
Use the fleet mileage baseline before checking this model's own mileage table.
Compare this model's age pattern with the wider MOT baseline.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). These are patterns from many MOT tests and recall notices. They help you decide what to inspect and what to ask; they do not certify the condition of one specific car.