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Ford Fiesta: which year should you buy?

Across the 2011 to 2019 model years, the public record is strongest on the 2018 (88/100). Every year below is scored on its own NHTSA complaint and recall history. Pick the year, not just the nameplate.

Best years to target

2018 88 · 2017 80 · 2016 74 · 2019 68

Every model year, scored

Same math for every year (how we score). A neutral Unproven or Too New stamp means too few owner reports are on file to affirm the year, not that it’s clean.

201968/100
Buy

92 complaints · 3 recalls

201888/100
Buybest year

35 complaints · 0 recalls

201780/100
Buy

72 complaints · 0 recalls

201674/100
Buy

178 complaints · 0 recalls

201568/100
Buy

258 complaints · 4 recalls

201458/100
Caution

501 complaints · 7 recalls

201367/100
Caution

667 complaints · 3 recalls

201267/100
Caution

616 complaints · 3 recalls

201160/100
Caution

729 complaints · 3 recalls

Zeroing in on the 2018?

The full year-by-year verdict is free. When you’re ready to inspect and negotiate one specific car, the Full Report turns the 2018 Ford Fiesta’s complaint breakdown and recall list into an inspection-ready, shareable PDF.

Recalls, complaint breakdown & inspection checklist, all in a shareable PDF

Cross-shopping a different nameplate? Compare the 2019 Ford Fiesta head-to-head →

The fine print: each year’s verdict is computed from public NHTSA complaint and recall records for the Ford Fiesta as a model, not for any individual car. A well-kept example of a weaker year can outlast a neglected strong one. Informational only, so always get a professional pre-purchase inspection.