RoadVitals

2017 Ford Fiesta Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
73
Latest Jul 30, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
8

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 Ford Fiesta, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Engine2021.7%
  • Electrical77.6%
  • Driver assistance66.5%
  • Brakes55.4%
  • Other / unspecified44.3%
  • Steering33.3%
  • Airbags22.2%
  • Interior & seats22.2%
  • Body & structure22.2%
  • Transmission22.2%
  • Visibility11.1%
  • Exterior lighting11.1%
  • Seat belts11.1%
  • Suspension11.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

20
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 was then provided with an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the contact with the same information. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID 11659244 · filed May 6, 2025

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 ID 11649114 · filed Mar 18, 2025
All 20 reports naming engine

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

20
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

NHTSA ID 11669409 · filed Jun 26, 2025

Alarm system going off for no reason. Battery drained and engine wouldn't start. I had battery tested at auto repair shop and it had burnt out cell inside battery. I purchased new battery last week. The automatic transmission is sluggish at times, feels like it hesitates to get into the next gear. Unknown reasons for cause of issues.

NHTSA ID 11640776 · filed Feb 5, 2025
All 20 reports naming powertrain (other)

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11661557 · filed May 16, 2025

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 ID 11649114 · filed Mar 18, 2025
All 15 reports naming fuel system

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11753744 · filed Jul 30, 2026

Alarm system going off for no reason. Battery drained and engine wouldn't start. I had battery tested at auto repair shop and it had burnt out cell inside battery. I purchased new battery last week. The automatic transmission is sluggish at times, feels like it hesitates to get into the next gear. Unknown reasons for cause of issues.

NHTSA ID 11640776 · filed Feb 5, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AFTER AN OIL CHANGE, OIL COMPLETELY DRAINED FROM ENGINE. NO VISIBLE LEAK FROM OIL PAN PLUG OR OIL FILTER.*DT THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE WAS DETERMINED TO BE AN UNTIGHTENED OIL FILTER.

NHTSA ID 11407452 · filed Apr 11, 2021

I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT IN 2019 A FEW MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING CAR SINCE THEN MY ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. HAD IT SERVICED AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON. WAS TOLD IT COULD BE A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. EVERY NOW AND THEN IT WOULD SHUTTLE ONCE STARTED. TODAY IT DIDN'T WANT TO EXCELLERATE WHILE DRIVING

NHTSA ID 11390009 · filed Jan 26, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was driving down a very busy highway about 60 mph when my oil light started flashing on my dash and my check engine light came on and when I tried to push my brake pedal to stop my car I couldn't push it in. My brakes were very hard, I had to pull my emergency brake to stop my car and coast into a gas station so I didn't hit anyone. I have done a lot of research online and this same issue is already under recall on 2 other Ford Models as well as a class action lawsuit against Ford because of this issue. My model however is not listed under the recall because it has a manual transmission and they said that those models are not affected but that's clearly not true.

NHTSA ID 11574597 · filed Feb 28, 2024

I was driving down [XXX] headed to Columbia and as I was approaching a stop light and getting ready to press my break my oil light on my dash started flashing, and when I attempted to push my brake pedal I couldnt. My brake pedal was hard as a rock and wouldn't press in at all. The highway I was traveling on is a very busy 4 lane highway, I was traveling about 60mph and had to pull my emergency brake and practically stand on my brake pedal to get my car to slow down and coast into a gas station parking lot. I barely missed hitting the car in front of me by a few inches. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11572852 · filed Feb 20, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, she noticed that the rear driver's side tire was flat. The contact contacted Roadside Assistance however, Roadside Assistance was unable to replace the tire as the lug nuts were swollen and could not be removed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the lug nuts needed to be replaced and the failure was a known issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to a tire store where the lug nut set was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

NHTSA ID 11484610 · filed Sep 15, 2022

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle was jerking while an unknown warning light was illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the contact was not informed of the cause of the failure or what needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated while having maintenance repairs on the vehicle, the mechanic informed her that the lug nuts were swollen on all four wheels and needed to be replaced. The contact mentioned that it was difficult to remove the lug nuts. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,743.

NHTSA ID 11454687 · filed Mar 1, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ONLY HAD VEHICLE A MONTH.HAD 2 BLOW OUTS ON TIRES.HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH SUSPENSION SINCE THAT TIME.HAD TO SEVERAL ALIGNMENTS AND REPLACE MORE TIRES DUE TO WARE.HAVE PROBLEMS WITH STEERING MOSTLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE STILL CONTINUES

NHTSA ID 11351931 · filed Aug 29, 2020

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 ID 11202706 · filed Apr 20, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 stated that the front passenger's side seat belt failed to retract during the incident and became loose, causing the passenger to hit his head against the roof of the car. The contact stated that the rear driver's side seat belt unbuckled during the incident, causing the passenger to be propelled inside the cabin of the vehicle. The rear passenger's side seat belt unbuckled during the incident, causing the unoccupied car seat to be propelled and to fracture. The contact sustained abrasion on the neck, bruises on the right shoulder, and between the left under am and the rib cage due to the seat belt, but did not seek medical assistance. The other two passengers were taken to the hospital by emergency services, then they were were taken to another hospital, where they were informed that they had sustained concussions. The vehicle was towed and totaled. A police report was filed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,623. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID 11586560 · filed May 2, 2024

MY AIRBAG DEPLOYED AFTER AN ACCIDENT BURNT MY LEFT HAND AND THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE AND WAS BURNING AND THEN DEPLOYED AFTER IT BURNED. I WAS DRIVING THE CAR WHEN I HAD THE ACCIDENT

NHTSA ID 11291206 · filed Dec 25, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD FIESTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STATIONARY, THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT FRACTURED. THE CONTACT WAS STUCK BY A METAL PIECE WHEN HE SAT IN THE SEAT. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 43,000.

NHTSA ID 11415993 · filed May 10, 2021

SEATS ARE POORLY MADE. THE HARD PLASTIC PIECE WHERE THE SEAT ADJUSTMENT IS LOCATED BROKE ON MY 2 YEAR OLD VEHICLE. BROKE WHILE STATIONARY.

NHTSA ID 11230492 · filed Jul 9, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Drivers door since purchasing the car in 2017 when it's cold out "winter time" by drivers door once open, will not latch back and close- takes it warming up before my drivers door will latch and shut . Temps 30 or under , the mechanism freezes and will not allow the door to latch shut

NHTSA ID 11558494 · filed Dec 5, 2023

VEHICLE SWERVED IN RIGHT REAR QUARTER PANEL WITH NO WIND, AIR, OR OTHER SOURCE OF PRESSURE ON INTERSTATE.TIRES, ESPECIALLY RIGHT REAR, SPUN WITHOUT MOVEMENT WHEN CLUTCH ENGAGED IN DRIVEWAY; ENTIRE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE OR GAIN TRACTION WHEN CLUTCH FULLY ENGAGED IN FRIENDS DIRT YARD; AT ODD TIMES, VEHICLE MADE NOISE IN RIGHT REAR AXLE/WHEEL AREA FAILING TO RESPOND TO CLUTCH RELEASE--MOST NOTICEABLY ON CONCRETE PAD IN FRONT OF GARAGE WITH TWO MECHANICS QUESTIONING. RETURNED VEHICLE TO DEALER AS UNSAFE TO OPERATE WITH REQUEST THAT IT BE TRASHED RATHER THAN SOLD TO UNSUSPECTING BUYER WHO MIGHT FIND THEMSELVES MAROONED OR WRECKED WITHOUT KNOWING HOW OR WHY IT HAPPENED.

NHTSA ID 11190079 · filed Mar 19, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact state that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated. A message displayed on the instrument panel “Transmission Failure - Service Now”. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that each time after the vehicle was refueled, while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle hesitated. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the TCM failed, and the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the purge valve failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number and advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ID 11550223 · filed Oct 16, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH with the cruise control engaged, the contact depressed the clutch to shift gear however, the clutch seized, and the contact was unable to shift into gear. The contact placed the vehicle into neutral and veered to the side of the road. The contact looked under the hood and smelled an abnormal chemical odor coming from the engine. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle with a faulty clutch. The contact was informed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ID 11443656 · filed Dec 13, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

MY VEHICLE TINTS IN THE BACK AND PASSENGER FRONT SIDE ARE STARING TO WARP. THIS MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO VIEW WHERE I'M TURNING. I CAN ROLL DOWN THE PASSENGER WINDOW FOR VISIBILITY BUT CAN'T DO THIS FOR THE BACK, WHICH SUCKS. I DON'T HAVE THE FUNDS TO HAVE TINTS REDONE. WHAT DO I DO IN THIS SITUATION? *TR

NHTSA ID 11331774 · filed Jun 30, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE CAR WANT START AND THE OIL LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. I HAD A OIL CHANGE DONE ON THE CAR TODAY AFTER GETTING IT HOME IT WILL NOT START UP THE BATTERY IS GOOD BUT THE CAR IS JUST NOT START. ITS TURNING OVER BUT STAYING ON

NHTSA ID 11269820 · filed Oct 20, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 stated that the front passenger's side seat belt failed to retract during the incident and became loose, causing the passenger to hit his head against the roof of the car. The contact stated that the rear driver's side seat belt unbuckled during the incident, causing the passenger to be propelled inside the cabin of the vehicle. The rear passenger's side seat belt unbuckled during the incident, causing the unoccupied car seat to be propelled and to fracture. The contact sustained abrasion on the neck, bruises on the right shoulder, and between the left under am and the rib cage due to the seat belt, but did not seek medical assistance. The other two passengers were taken to the hospital by emergency services, then they were were taken to another hospital, where they were informed that they had sustained concussions. The vehicle was towed and totaled. A police report was filed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,623. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID 11586560 · filed May 2, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

ONLY HAD VEHICLE A MONTH.HAD 2 BLOW OUTS ON TIRES.HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH SUSPENSION SINCE THAT TIME.HAD TO SEVERAL ALIGNMENTS AND REPLACE MORE TIRES DUE TO WARE.HAVE PROBLEMS WITH STEERING MOSTLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE STILL CONTINUES

NHTSA ID 11351931 · filed Aug 29, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .