2018 Ford Fiesta Safety Report
2018 Ford Fiesta Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Ford Fiesta
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 Ford Fiesta. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Low (0) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (35) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 4 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Unknown Or Other | Compare unknown or other issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2017 | Compare against the 2017 Ford Fiesta with 72 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Ford Fiesta before buying across this generation. |
Ford Fiesta Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Ford Fiesta years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Ford Fiesta | 82 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2017 Ford Fiesta | 72 | 0 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2016 Ford Fiesta | 178 | 0 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Ford Fiesta | 253 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2018 Ford Fiesta Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 Ford Fiesta, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Unknown Or Other
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Ford onlyPower Train
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Ford onlyElectrical System
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Ford onlyAir Bags
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Ford onlyEngine
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Ford onlyPower Train,Engine
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Engine issues Ford onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Ford Fiesta
Reliability Score
The 2018 Ford Fiesta receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2018 Ford Fiesta
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2018 Ford Fiesta
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Ford Fiesta:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back-Up Camera Issues Intermittent issues with the back-up camera, including faint images and complete blackouts, have been reported. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Malfunctions Engine malfunctions, including carbon build-up, have been reported, affecting performance and reliability. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Horn Malfunction Multiple reports of the horn failing, requiring multiple replacements. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Front Passenger Side Door Issues Reports of the front passenger side door opening independently while driving have been reported. |
Low | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Ford Fiesta:
Issues with the back-up camera, including intermittent problems and faint images.
Engine malfunctions, including carbon build-up, have been reported.
Multiple reports of the horn failing, requiring multiple replacements.
Reports of the front passenger side door opening independently while driving.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2018 Ford Fiesta
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Ford Fiesta with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 4 complaints involved crashes. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
The back up camera quit working. The back seats are taller and it has made it very difficult to see if there are children behind my vehicle. I reported it to the dealership and now I have to pay $200.00 to have them check it.
Back-up camera goes in and out intermittently, sometimes the image is very faint and then totally disappears into a black screen, or says it is not available at this time, then goes black. This started about 4 months ago and I have not been able to identify a triggering factor, rain nor heat does not appear to be the factor that causes it. My car was purchased 2018 with 13 miles and I now have on...
Purchased vehicle at the end of 2018 and this is the third time I have had to replace the horn. It's not a fuse, it's not wiring, it is the actual horn that either shorts or dies with no notice.
Hello, I have zero idea why I am emailing, I may be secretly hoping for...anything. I drive a 2018 Ford Fiesta SE, I have owned it since 2019 as that is when I purchased it used. Over the weekend I experienced transmission issues and an auto shop informed me that I am in need of a transmission rebuild due to the clutch going out. The estimated cost is 3.4k. I came across this article from 20...
My engine has been malfuctioning over the following year. I've gotten repairs and it continues to do so. I'm asking for a recall.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger’s side door independently opened. The door ajar warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, neither the VIN nor...
I bought my Ford Fiesta new in 2018. I have less than 35k miles on my car. My car recently started bucking while I stop at stop signs or red lights. My car revs up and tries to go forward. I took my car to the dealership hours later. They did a diagnosis and asked me what kind of gas I use. They said I shouldn't buy my gas from there. I was then told my valve is sticking from the gas and the va...
My fuel canister purge valve needs replacement less than 70,000 on car. The cap less gas cap defective as well. Why did they make these cuz everyone is having problems with the purge valve and cap less. It all on YouTube. Where is the recall,.
My engine is acting up. According to the Auto Repair Shop they say that my car is suffering from Carbon Build Up which is affecting my engine. As well as the throttle body in the car. My car just keeps stopping to the point my engine refuses to start. So I decided to clean it myself only to no avail.
Trunk randomly pops open during driving. Or when you put it in gear.
12/4/2023 while attempting to pull into a parking spot in a parking garage car suddenly accelerated forward at a very fast rate, just prior to acceleration felt like it shuddered. Afraid that it would keep going and go over edge so I pulled to the right while trying to brake and hit a concrete barrier. Terrifying! October 23, 2019 another couple had this happen in another parking garage downtow...
The contact’s grandmother owns a 2018 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving up a hill, the vehicle started sputtering, vibrating, and jerking. The sputtering was severe, causing the front driver's side seat belt to be activated. The vehicle was immediately driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repai...
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and the "Transmission Malfunction Service Now” message was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact stated that the RPM's increased rapidly, but the vehicle did not respond. After restarting the vehicle, the ...
Since around 20,000 miles, my 2018 Ford Fiesta SE has had a grinding noise after shifting at certain gears. I got the car serviced at that time. Now I'm at 70,000 miles and the noise has persisted, and has gotten worse. My transmission slipped at 0mph when I was accelerating, almost causing me to lose control of my car.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that the backup camera displayed a distorted image. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Fan stopped working out of no where causing car to over heat happened multiple times even after being replaced. Airbag lights say airbag on passenger side is off even when someone is in the seat this happens alot. Back driver side turn signal will not work and everything has been changed and looked at by several mechanics. When driving it sometimes does not want to shift wants to just stay at one...
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while shifting gears after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated before returning to normal operation. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal sometimes had to be depressed multiple times before the vehicle accelerated properly. The vehicle also displayed several electrical shortages. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and ...
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle would stall while at a complete stop. The contact would restart the vehicle and continue to drive. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly and had worsened. The contact stated that the vehicle would only start after several attempts and would only gain motive power after d...
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The engine failure message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. No further information was available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but...
The component that failed was the clutch pedal assembly. The part is currently still installed in the vehicle. The clutch pedal randomly will stay full depressed, and requires manually reaching and grabbing the pedal to pull it out. The operator being distracted because they cant get the car into the correct gear and have to pull off the road to reset/pull the clutch pedal back into position. T...
Showing 20 of 35 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Ford Fiesta
Has the 2018 FORD FIESTA been recalled?
No, the 2018 FORD FIESTA has no recalls on record with NHTSA as of our latest data update.
How many complaints does the 2018 FORD FIESTA have?
The 2018 FORD FIESTA has 35 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 4 involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 FORD FIESTA?
The 2018 FORD FIESTA received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 4/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 FORD FIESTA?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 FORD FIESTA involve unknown or other (7 complaints), power train (7 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints). Other affected components include air bags, engine, power train,engine.
How many crash reports does the 2018 FORD FIESTA have?
There are 4 crash reports associated with the 2018 FORD FIESTA out of 35 total complaints (11.4% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2018 FORD FIESTA have?
There are no fire reports for the 2018 FORD FIESTA in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 FORD FIESTA?
Yes, 1 death has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 FORD FIESTA. These are self-reported by complainants and do not imply the vehicle caused the death.
How many injuries are reported for the 2018 FORD FIESTA?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 FORD FIESTA.
Should I buy a 2018 FORD FIESTA?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 FORD FIESTA is generally recommended. It has 35 complaints, 0 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Note: 1 death(s) have been reported. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2018 FORD FIESTA?
The components with the most failures on the 2018 FORD FIESTA are: 1. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN (7 complaints), 3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4 complaints), 4. AIR BAGS (3 complaints), 5. ENGINE (2 complaints). UNKNOWN OR OTHER is the single most-reported problem area with 7 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2018 FORD FIESTA?
Be cautious of potential issues with the back-up camera, engine, horn, and front passenger side door. Regular maintenance is recommended. The 2018 FORD FIESTA has 35 NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).
How reliable is the 2018 FORD FIESTA?
The 2018 FORD FIESTA receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 35 owner complaints, 0 recalls, and 4 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Back-up Camera Issues and Engine Malfunctions.
What are the known issues with the 2018 FORD FIESTA?
Known issues with the 2018 FORD FIESTA include: Back-up Camera Issues, Engine Malfunctions, Horn Malfunction, Front Passenger Side Door Issues. These are based on patterns found across 35 NHTSA complaints.
What are the most common issues with the 2018 Ford Fiesta?
Common issues include back-up camera problems, engine malfunctions, horn failures, and front passenger side door issues.
Are there any known safety concerns with the 2018 Ford Fiesta?
There are no major safety concerns, but there have been reports of back-up camera issues and engine malfunctions.
How can I prevent engine malfunctions in my 2018 Ford Fiesta?
Regular maintenance and timely replacement of carbon build-up can help prevent engine malfunctions.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of potential issues with the back-up camera, engine, horn, and front passenger side door. Regular maintenance is recommended.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Ford Fiesta
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Ford Fiesta. The data includes 35 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 reported crashes, and 1 fatalities associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 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 4 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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-15