2015 Ford Fiesta Safety Report
2015 Ford Fiesta: Significant powertrain issues and door latch recalls overshadow average crash test performance with poor side-impact rating.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2015 Ford Fiesta
Reliability Score
The 2015 Ford Fiesta receives a reliability score of 35 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
Known Issues for the 2015 Ford Fiesta
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2015 Ford Fiesta:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cvt Transmission Failure (Tcm/Clutch) Numerous complaints (71 for POWER TRAIN) describe the transmission control module (TCM) or clutch assembly failing, leading to loss of power, stalling, inability to accelerate, and 'Transmission Malfunction Service Now' messages. This is a widely acknowledged issue by Ford, with some owners reporting extended warranty coverage but not full recalls for all affected VINs. |
High | Common | 30000-80000 miles |
| Door Latch Failure Two recalls (17V209000, 16V643000) address faulty door latches that can cause doors to open unexpectedly while driving, increasing the risk of injury or crash. Complaints indicate issues even after recall repairs. |
Medium | Common | all miles |
| Engine Stalling/Loss Of Power Complaints (27 for ENGINE) detail sudden engine stalling, loss of motive power, and difficulty accelerating, sometimes linked to oil pump belt failure or other engine component issues. One recall (17V209000) for 1.6L GTDI engines addresses potential cylinder head cracks and fire risk. |
High | Occasional | 50000-100000 miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2015 Ford Fiesta:
The most frequent complaint category, with 71 reports, primarily concerning automatic transmission issues, including TCM failure, clutch problems, slipping gears, and loss of acceleration.
With 27 complaints, issues range from stalling, loss of power, check engine lights, and concerns about oil pump belt wear and potential engine damage.
Despite recalls, 5 complaints specifically mention door latch failures, where doors fail to close securely or lock, posing a safety risk.
16 complaints, some of which may overlap with engine or powertrain issues, relate to fuel delivery or propulsion problems, including stalling.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2015 Ford Fiesta
Is the 2015 Ford Fiesta safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2015 Ford Fiesta has an Overall 4-star safety rating, with 4 stars for Frontal and Rollover, but a concerning 2-star rating for Side impact. It has 253 total complaints, with 16 crashes and 24 injuries reported. Major safety concerns stem from widespread powertrain issues (71 complaints) leading to loss of power, and two recalls for faulty door latches that could open unexpectedly.
What are common problems with the 2015 Ford Fiesta?
The most reported issues for the 2015 Ford Fiesta are related to the POWER TRAIN (71 complaints), primarily automatic transmission control module (TCM) and clutch failures, leading to stalling and loss of acceleration. ENGINE problems (27 complaints) are also common, including sudden loss of power. Door latch failures are also a known issue, addressed by two recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2015 Ford Fiesta?
Yes, the 2015 Ford Fiesta has 4 recalls. Two recalls (17V209000, 16V643000) address faulty door latches. Another recall (17V209000) for 1.6L GTDI engines (Fiesta ST) addresses a potential cylinder head crack and fire risk. A fourth recall (15V010000) for the fuel pump is listed but primarily affects other Ford models.
How does the 2015 Ford Fiesta perform in crash tests?
The 2015 Ford Fiesta received an Overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. It scored 4 stars for Frontal crash protection and 4 stars for Rollover resistance. However, it received a low 2-star rating for Side crash protection, indicating a potential weakness in side-impact scenarios.
Is the transmission a known issue in the 2015 Ford Fiesta?
Yes, the transmission is a very well-known and frequently reported issue for the 2015 Ford Fiesta, especially the automatic transmission. The POWER TRAIN component category has 71 complaints, the highest of any category, with many specifically detailing failures of the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and clutch assembly, leading to significant drivability and safety concerns.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the pervasive powertrain issues, particularly with the automatic transmission, and the low 2-star side-impact rating, exercise extreme caution. Prioritize models with documented transmission replacements or extended warranty coverage, and be aware of the door latch recall status.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2015 Ford Fiesta
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2015 Ford Fiesta. The data includes 253 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 16 reported crashes, 24 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2015 Ford Fiesta an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 2 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.