2018 Ford Fiesta Safety Report

The 2018 Ford Fiesta presents a mixed safety picture. While it achieved commendable 4-star overall safety ratings from NHTSA across all categories (Overall, Frontal, Side, and Rollover), indicating solid crash test performance, its complaint data reveals significant reliability and potential safety concerns. With 35 total complaints, including 4 crashes and 1 reported death, there are clear areas of concern beyond crashworthiness. A notable absence of recalls for this model year is unusual given the nature and frequency of some reported issues, suggesting that some widespread problems may not have been addressed at a systemic level by the manufacturer. Common complaint patterns revolve heavily around the powertrain, with 7 complaints specifically mentioning 'POWER TRAIN' and another 2 combining 'POWER TRAIN,ENGINE'. Issues like transmission failure, bucking, shuddering, loss of motive power, and stalling are frequently cited, directly impacting vehicle control and potentially increasing crash risk. For instance, one complaint details a sudden acceleration incident in a parking garage, while others describe the vehicle losing power on the highway. The 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' category also has 7 complaints, which, while vague, often encompass complex or undiagnosed issues that could relate to underlying systemic problems. Beyond the powertrain, electrical system issues (4 complaints) are also prevalent, including backup camera malfunctions, horn failures, and brake light problems due to a faulty body control module. The backup camera issues, in particular, can compromise rear visibility and increase the risk of back-over incidents, as highlighted by a complaint where the camera quit working, making it difficult to see children. The lack of recalls means owners are often left to bear the cost and inconvenience of these repairs, despite the potential safety implications. The reported death, while not detailed, underscores the severity of some of the failures experienced by owners.

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, the 2018 Ford Fiesta exhibits significant powertrain and electrical reliability issues, with no recalls to address these concerns; a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on these areas is crucial.