The most-reported Fiesta run is 3FADP4BJ2DM (2013 builds) with 39 complaints, 7.1× the typical run. Power train problems make up 40% of reports; 2011 is the worst model year at 9.2 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for Fiesta model years 2011–2019.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Ford Fiesta has 523 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 6% of every Fiesta complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3FADP4BJ2DM•••••• | 2013 | — | 1 | |
| 3FADP4BJ4DM•••••• | 2013 | — | 1 | |
| 3FADP4BJ6DM•••••• | 2013 | — | — | |
| 3FADP4BJXDM•••••• | 2013 | 2 | — | |
| 3FADP4BJ0DM•••••• | 2013 | — | — | |
| 3FADP4BJ5DM•••••• | 2013 | 1 | — | |
| 3FADP4BJ9EM•••••• | 2014 | — | — | |
| 3FADP4BJ9DM•••••• | 2013 | 1 | — | |
| 3FADP4BJ1DM•••••• | 2013 | — | — | |
| 3FADP4BJ3DM•••••• | 2013 | — | — | |
| 3FADP4BJ8DM•••••• | 2013 | — | — | |
| 3FADP4EJ2BM•••••• | 2011 | — | — |
Each of the other 511 Fiesta runs has 23 complaints or fewer. ForCar has checked 74 Fiesta VINs so far, most often 2019, 2013, 2011 builds; 7 of them belong to one of the 12 runs above.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Ford Fiesta the gap between build years is 6.6×: a 2011 car draws 9.2 complaints per run, a 2018 one 1.4.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 104 | 35 | 13 | |
| 2018 | 33 | 23 | 4 | |
| 2017 | 72 | 36 | 7 | |
| 2016 | 172 | 54 | 10 | |
| 2015 | 245 | 80 | 16 | |
| 2014 | 468 | 94 | 22 | |
| 2013 | 583 | 73 | 8 | |
| 2012 | 552 | 73 | 7 | |
| 2011 | 641 | 70 | 28 |
Heaviest year here is 2011 at 9.2 complaints per run; lightest is 2018 at 1.4.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 40% of everything Ford Fiesta owners report: Power Train, 1,337 of 2,870 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 25 | 1 | |
| Engine | 13 | 10 | |
| Unknown Or Other | 10 | 8 | |
| Structure | 10 | 1 | |
| Electrical System | 8 | 8 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 9 | 1 | |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 4 | 2 |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 12 recall campaigns on the Ford Fiesta; the 6 below cover build years 2011 to 2015. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 20V331000 | Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch | 2011–2014 |
| 15V246000 | Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch | 2011–2014 |
| 12V488000 | Air Bags | 2011–2013 |
| 17V209000 | Engine And Engine Cooling:engine | 2014–2015 |
| 15V005000 | Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump | 2014–2015 |
| 20V177000 | Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch | 2014–2015 |
20V331000 was opened in 2020 on cars built from 2011: 9 years on the road before the recall.
The Fiesta against its rivals
The Fiesta draws 5.5 complaints per production run; the Volkswagen Beetle 1.8. That is the highest rate of the 2.
| Model | Complaints | Runs | Per run | Involved a crash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Fiesta | 2,870 | 523 | 4% | |
| Volkswagen Beetle | 588 | 325 | 4.3% |
How serious were they
Of the 2,870 reports on the Ford Fiesta, 4% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, below the norm.
| Outcome | Ford Fiesta | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 2,870 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 115 (4%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 24 (0.8%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 124 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 6 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 31% below the all-vehicle rate.
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Ford Fiesta share of that is 2,870 complaints over 523 runs, 0.26% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Ford Fiesta VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 2,870 NHTSA complaints from 523 Fiesta runs and 12 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which Fiesta production run has the most complaints?
3FADP4BJ2DM, a 2013 build, with 39 complaints. The typical Fiesta run has 5.5.
Which Fiesta years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2011 is heaviest at 9.2 complaints per run and 2018 lightest at 1.4.
Does the Fiesta get more complaints than the Volkswagen Beetle?
Yes: 5.5 complaints per production run for the Fiesta against 1.8 for the Volkswagen Beetle.
How many Fiesta complaints involve a crash?
4% of 2,870 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 24 involved a fire.
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