RoadVitals

2018 Ford Fiesta

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

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.
35
Latest Jan 13, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
0
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
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.
4
0 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 35 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Ford Fiesta, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), electrical and engine categories. 56 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical616.2%
  • Engine616.2%
  • Airbags513.5%
  • Fuel system38.1%
  • Interior & seats25.4%
  • Driver assistance25.4%
  • Suspension25.4%

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

Safety recalls

No recalls in our database for this model year

That does not guarantee a specific vehicle is unaffected — recalls are issued against VINs, and new campaigns are announced regularly. Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov.

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Filed Jan 13, 2026

The back up camera quit working. The back seats are taller and it has made it very difficult to see if there are children behind my vehicle. I reported it to the dealership and now I have to pay $200.00 to have them check it.

NHTSA ID
11710639
Incident
May 22, 2025
Filed Oct 14, 2025

Back-up camera goes in and out intermittently, sometimes the image is very faint and then totally disappears into a black screen, or says it is not available at this time, then goes black. This started about 4 months ago and I have not been able to identify a triggering factor, rain nor heat does not appear to be the factor that causes it. My car was purchased 2018 with 13 miles and I now have only 21,897 miles never been in an accident or anything to cause this issue. The dealer said my vehicle is not under the recall guidelines although it completely mimics the recalled issues listed under NHTSA#23S48/25V273 also the dealer says the issue has to be present for the mechanic to see. When I took it to the dealer today 10/14/2025 the camera was functioning and I have no idea when it will go back out again to show them. This can definitely become a safety issue and a cost I should not have to be responsible for because there is an indication this could be a production issue. Please assist me with this issue.

NHTSA ID
11693432
Incident
Oct 2, 2025
Electrical
Filed Apr 23, 2025

Purchased vehicle at the end of 2018 and this is the third time I have had to replace the horn. It's not a fuse, it's not wiring, it is the actual horn that either shorts or dies with no notice.

NHTSA ID
11656291
Incident
Apr 16, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jan 9, 2025

Hello, I have zero idea why I am emailing, I may be secretly hoping for...anything. I drive a 2018 Ford Fiesta SE, I have owned it since 2019 as that is when I purchased it used. Over the weekend I experienced transmission issues and an auto shop informed me that I am in need of a transmission rebuild due to the clutch going out. The estimated cost is 3.4k. I came across this article from 2019: [XXX] Within the article Ford notes: "The transmissions (dual-clutch automatic transmissions known as DPS6 designed for fuel efficiency) were introduced in the 2011 model year Fiesta and 2012 Focus. They were used until the Focus was discontinued with the 2018 model year and until the 2019 Fiesta". The article then goes onto state: "technical analysis, warranty data and customer feedback show that the DPS6 transmission in Focus and Fiesta vehicles from 2016 (model year) through 2019 MY are improved from prior model years. They perform well and have competitive levels of customer satisfaction.” But I don't believe that to be true given the clutch issues that have just happened with my 2019 Ford Fiesta. It gets a bit more odd because I think Ford is lying about the 2019 model year being 'improved'. The mechanic I am going through put a pause on rebuilding my transmission because Ford reached out to them with potential fixes per an 'internal bulletin'. Those potential fixes include a redesigned clutch kit for the transmission...why would that be a thing if my model year was 'improved'. Also, they are not covering any repairs. I don't even know if I have the right to demand that they do? Given my model year wasn't included in the lawsuit, despite it being the last year Ford made the Fiesta. I also did find this update [XXX] I just want help or something done. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11635077
Incident
Jan 2, 2025
Engine
Filed Sep 12, 2024

My engine has been malfuctioning over the following year. I've gotten repairs and it continues to do so. I'm asking for a recall.

NHTSA ID
11614281
Incident
Sep 10, 2024
Interior & seats
Filed Jul 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger’s side door independently opened. The door ajar warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, neither the VIN nor the model year was included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 97,260.

NHTSA ID
11597942
Incident
Jun 30, 2024
Mileage
97,260 mi
Filed May 30, 2024

I bought my Ford Fiesta new in 2018. I have less than 35k miles on my car. My car recently started bucking while I stop at stop signs or red lights. My car revs up and tries to go forward. I took my car to the dealership hours later. They did a diagnosis and asked me what kind of gas I use. They said I shouldn't buy my gas from there. I was then told my valve is sticking from the gas and the valve is trying to open and it can't so it bucks and lurches. The part they need is on back order. The part is not available any where in the country. So does that mean the whole country side uses the same gas I do? That is why that part is on back order?

NHTSA ID
11591658
Incident
May 25, 2024
Fuel system
Filed May 28, 2024

My fuel canister purge valve needs replacement less than 70,000 on car. The cap less gas cap defective as well. Why did they make these cuz everyone is having problems with the purge valve and cap less. It all on YouTube. Where is the recall,.

NHTSA ID
11591094
Incident
Apr 25, 2024

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

25N17

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING; BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS; LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation

SSM 54601

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY

Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k

25L02

Special Field Action 25L02 Certain 2017-2024 Model Year California Emissions-Certified Vehicles Transmission Control Assembly Reimbursement

TSB 25-2570

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to:  Display operation concerns  Navigation inoperative  Voice recognition concerns  Phone connection issues  Dropped phone connections  Applink related performance  Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic  Slow system response NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of software. The SYNC 3 universal thumb drive will be able to update the APIM software without the use of a scan tool and does not require the process to be monitored. Ford will be monitoring APIM replacements to confirm TSB directed software updates have been performed.

SSM 54366

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN

Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.

TSB 24-2165

This article supersedes TSB 21-2175 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some 2016 MKS, 2016-2017 Navigator, 2016-2018 F-150/Focus/C-MAX/Edge/Fiesta/MKX/Transit Connect/Mustang, 2017-2018 Continental/Fusion/MKZ, 2017-2019 Explorer, 2016-2019 Escape/MKC/Flex/MKT/Taurus/Transit/Expedition/F-Super Duty, and 2018-2019 EcoSport vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone connection issues Dropped phone connections Applink related performance Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic Slow system response This may be due to the SYNC software. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software. NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of software.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford Fiesta by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2019963067.7
2018Viewing350041.8
2017730246.1
20161780244.6
20152584359.8
20145027359.4
20136673355.3
20126163355.1
20117293355.6
2002100
2001100
2000000
1999000
1998000
1997000
1996000
1991200
1989100
1988100
1980000
1979000
1978030

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.