Ford Fiesta years to avoid FORD Focus Mk3 Box Body / Estate (DYB) (02.2012 - 02.2020)

The most problems were reported in the compact Ford Fiesta cars of 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 models, many of which were related to the transmission. Anyone planning to buy a Ford Fiesta is advised to avoid buying cars of these model years.

If you're looking at a Ford Fiesta for your daily drive, it's best to avoid the models from 2011 through 2016 due to well-documented transmission problems. These years mostly came with the troublesome PowerShift dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which often caused issues like gear shuddering, hesitation in acceleration, and costly repairs. The 2011 model, in particular, is notorious for early transmission failures.

Other common issues to watch out for include problems with the clutch and gear selector on manual and automatic versions, starter motor failures, central locking system faults, and engine overheating problems related to the cooling system on some older EcoBoost engines. There have also been complaints about door lock troubles and electrical glitches due to fuse box corrosion.

The good news is that Fiesta models before 2011 and after 2016 generally have better reliability records, especially with manual transmissions. For diesel versions, watch out for blocked diesel particulate filters (DPF) if the car has been used mainly for short trips.

Overall, if you want less hassle, aim for a Fiesta from 2017 or newer, preferably manual, and always get a detailed pre-purchase check focusing on the transmission and electrical systems.