2019 Ford Fiesta Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2019 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
- Driver assistance3331.4%
- Powertrain (other)2120.0%
- Brakes1211.4%
- Engine1110.5%
- Electrical98.6%
- Airbags87.6%
- Fuel system43.8%
- Body & structure21.9%
- Visibility21.9%
- Interior & seats11.0%
- Exterior lighting11.0%
- Steering11.0%
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
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fiesta. The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Backup camera malfunction. Hit a parked car. - My son in the back seat was at risk. - yes - yes - Yes, the backup camera has always been faulty. The manufacturer has failed to promptly remedy this safety recall for my vehicle.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact continued to drive the vehicle, and the sound was coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer, where it was diagnosed with a synchronization failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced, and two motor mounts also needed to be replaced. The motor mounts were replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000.
Around 50,000 miles I noticed the car would jerk when trying to shift gears , this issue persisted and would only go on to get worse. It started taking forever to accelerate regardless of pressing on the gas, now at 70,000 miles it won’t shift out of 2nd gear when driving over 40 mph, it’s a huge safety issue .
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The brakes stick and then when i hit the gas its sluggish and just takes off full force. Causing 50% gas loss. The breaks are getting stuck. Calipers sticking. This is a fire hazard
Brakes started seizing up while driving. Became extremely dangerous as the car would rock at speed and also would not start moving if I came to a stop. Went immediately to a shop, when I arrived into the shop, inspection found that the caliper was locked onto the wheel preventing the front wheel from moving. Had the caliper replaced but the caliper was still seizing, and then had to get the ABS Hydraulic Assembly, P/N D2BZ 2C405-E replaced. This P/N seem to be causing a lot of troubles from online forums. This issue had no warming lamps, messages or anything indicating this other than a feel that the car is accelerating more slowly. However, when the brakes started seizing, the situation felt extremely dangerous.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The brakes stick and then when i hit the gas its sluggish and just takes off full force. Causing 50% gas loss. The breaks are getting stuck. Calipers sticking. This is a fire hazard
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact continued to drive the vehicle, and the sound was coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer, where it was diagnosed with a synchronization failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced, and two motor mounts also needed to be replaced. The motor mounts were replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The backup camera has been malfunctioning for over 5 years. There has been a recall for over 2 years for this issue. The camera image on the dash will flicker, be inverted or not display at all with an error stating "Camera Unavailable". This does not happen every time, but does happen approximately 75% of the time.
Recall remedy unavailable..I am filing a complaint regarding NHTSA Recall Campaign Number 25V695 (Ford Recall 25SA9) for my 2019 Ford Fiesta. The manufacturer has not provided a timely remedy, leaving me with a blank and distorted rearview camera, which severely compromises my rear visibility and creates an immediate safety hazard while backing up. Additionally, screen sometimes fail to load, screen loads and don't function for a long period. Also, experienced a safety lockout over a year ago, where screen displayed an error indicating could not read key and car could not start because the error disabled the car. The issue was not key battery but was some malfunction that was costly to have fixed.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle collided with a deer at 75mph on the driver front, the airbags did not deply. Total loss damage.
Car accelerates shifting weirdly, airbag light came on after a few days of signing the lease. I believe this is something that needs to be checked out. The RPM jumps up and down while idling. I feel like this car is very new and shouldn’t have engine problems. Has been routinely maintained.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The brakes stick and then when i hit the gas its sluggish and just takes off full force. Causing 50% gas loss. The breaks are getting stuck. Calipers sticking. This is a fire hazard
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the contact attempted to start the vehicle, but the vehicle jerked and was difficult to start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions but was moderate whenever a lower amount of fuel was added to the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, where the check engine warning light was turned off, but the failure persisted. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have been made aware of this issue in writing by Ford in October 2025. I took my car in for the service to Ford in Palatka, Florida. I was advised that needed parts had not been authorized by the Ford. I was advised that the needed parts are in stock, but to get the problem fixed I would have to pay out of pocket. They advised me to just wait. It should be noted that my reverse camera is out and I am in need of this repair as it is a safety hazard. My camera blinks on and off (sometimes). And other times I turns on, and the image is upside down. I have waited on this recall since October 2025 and we are approaching a year with no resolve. The local dealerships advise me that they can fix the problem, just I will have to pay out of pocket. I do not believe this to be a fair practice. I am in need of help with this matter. I have a [XXX] who is a driver now and this safety hazard is very dangerous. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal mold odor inside the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact found standing water inside the spare tire enclosure inside the trunk of the vehicle. The contact noticed white mold spores growing on the trunk lid. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that her health had been affected by the mold spores. The contact stated that the failure was ongoing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The rear camera stopped working, fall 2025. Received letter from Ford 10/25. Parts not available. Contacted Ford several times. No satisfaction. Situation dangerous. Small car. I park away from large vehicles. Sometimes, they park next to my car, vision is impaired.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 FORD FIESTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 73 MPH, THE SUNROOF SHATTERED WITHOUT IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RIVERTOWN FORD LOCATED AT (168 WHITTLESEY RD, COLUMBUS, GA 31904) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO THE INSURANCE PROVIDER FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED TO BE INSPECTED OR DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 25,252.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
This car very bad no body can't buy
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that during heavy rains, water seeped into the vehicle through the taillights. Upon investigating, the contact stated that he observed what appeared to be water damage, unpleasant odors, mildew, and corrosion. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who informed the contact that there were no recalls open on the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to contact the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 55,000
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving with 54,500 miles on car,owned since new 4 miles on it when bought. Steering went real loose, then went back to normal. Checked rack and pinion did not see any breaks or leaks. Checked steering arms and ball joint all checked out.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .