2019 Ford Fiesta Safety Report

2019 Ford Fiesta: Strong Crash Ratings Undermined by Persistent Rearview Camera Recalls and Transmission Failures

82Complaints
3Recalls
★★★★☆Safety Rating
45/100Reliability Score
12Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
9Injuries
Most reported components: Back Over Prevention (19)Power Train (16)Unknown Or Other (6)Air Bags (6)Service Brakes (5)Electrical System (5)Engine (4)Vehicle Speed Control (2)Power Train,Vehicle Speed Control (1)Fuel System, Gasoline,Engine (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Ford Fiesta

The 2019 Ford Fiesta presents a mixed safety picture. While it achieved strong crash test ratings from NHTSA, scoring 4 out of 5 stars in Overall, Frontal, Side, and Rollover categories, the vehicle is plagued by significant recall and complaint issues, particularly concerning its rearview camera and power train. There are 82 total complaints, with 12 crashes and 9 injuries reported. A major concern is the 'BACK OVER PREVENTION' system, which accounts for 19 complaints and is the subject of two recalls (25V695000 and 25SA9). These recalls address rearview cameras displaying blank or distorted images, increasing crash risk. Many complaints highlight the ongoing unavailability of parts for these recall repairs, leaving owners with unsafe vehicles. Furthermore, the 'POWER TRAIN' component has 16 complaints, with several owners reporting severe transmission issues like jerking, failure to shift, and overheating, often at mileages between 50,000 and 70,000 miles, indicating a potential design flaw. Another recall (20V097000) addresses brake caliper issues that can cause dragging and overheating, increasing crash risk, though this component has fewer direct complaints (5 for 'SERVICE BRAKES'). The combination of unaddressed recall issues and significant power train problems suggests that despite good crash test performance, the real-world safety and reliability of the 2019 Ford Fiesta are compromised.

Reliability Score

The 2019 Ford Fiesta receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2019 Ford Fiesta

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Ford Fiesta:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Rearview Camera Malfunction
Rearview camera displays blank, distorted, or upside-down images, or becomes inoperable, significantly increasing the risk of a crash when reversing. This is subject to multiple recalls with widespread reports of parts unavailability.		 High Common all miles
Transmission Failure/Malfunction
Vehicle jerks during shifting, struggles to accelerate, fails to shift out of lower gears, or displays 'Transmission Hot' warnings, often leading to complete transmission failure and costly repairs.		 High Common 50000-70000 miles
Brake Caliper Issues
Brake calipers may have incorrect assembly fluid, causing rubber seals to swell, leading to brake dragging, overheating, and increased crash risk. This is covered by a recall.		 High Occasional all miles
Airbag Non-Deployment
Airbags failed to deploy in a high-speed collision with a deer, resulting in total loss damage and potential for severe injury.		 High Rare 75000 miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Ford Fiesta:

Back Over Prevention 23% of complaints

Frequent issues with the rearview camera displaying blank, distorted, or inoperable images, leading to multiple recalls and owner frustration over unfulfilled repairs.

Power Train 20% of complaints

Significant problems reported with the transmission, including jerking, inability to shift gears, and overheating, often leading to expensive repairs or vehicle immobility.

Air Bags 7% of complaints

Reports of airbags failing to deploy in a crash, despite significant impact.

Service Brakes 6% of complaints

Issues with brakes seizing up or dragging, potentially due to caliper manufacturing defects, leading to a recall.

Electrical System 6% of complaints

General electrical issues, sometimes related to camera malfunctions or other system failures.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Ford Fiesta

Is the 2019 Ford Fiesta safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Ford Fiesta received strong crash test ratings (4 out of 5 stars overall). However, its safety is significantly compromised by persistent issues with the rearview camera, which is subject to multiple recalls with unfulfilled repairs, and numerous complaints about transmission failures, increasing the risk of crashes and breakdowns.

What are common problems with the 2019 Ford Fiesta?

The most reported issues for the 2019 Ford Fiesta are related to the 'BACK OVER PREVENTION' system (23% of complaints), primarily the rearview camera malfunctioning, and the 'POWER TRAIN' (20% of complaints), involving severe transmission problems like jerking and failure to shift. There are also concerns with 'AIR BAGS' (7%) and 'SERVICE BRAKES' (6%).

Are there any recalls for the 2019 Ford Fiesta?

Yes, the 2019 Ford Fiesta has 3 recalls. Two recalls (25V695000, 25SA9) address the rearview camera displaying blank or distorted images. A third recall (20V097000) concerns brake calipers that may have incorrect assembly fluid, leading to brake dragging and overheating.

How reliable is the 2019 Ford Fiesta?

The reliability of the 2019 Ford Fiesta appears to be low, with a significant number of complaints (82 total) for a relatively new vehicle. The high frequency of power train issues and unresolved recall problems for critical safety features like the rearview camera indicate potential long-term reliability concerns.

What should I know about the 2019 Ford Fiesta's transmission?

The 2019 Ford Fiesta has a notable pattern of transmission problems, accounting for 16 complaints under 'POWER TRAIN'. Owners report issues such as jerking, difficulty accelerating, failure to shift gears (especially out of 2nd), and overheating, often occurring around 50,000-70,000 miles. These issues can be severe and costly to repair.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the persistent and unresolved rearview camera recalls, coupled with frequent and severe transmission failures, potential buyers should exercise extreme caution and thoroughly investigate the vehicle's recall status and service history before purchase.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Ford Fiesta

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Ford Fiesta. The data includes 82 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 12 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 9 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 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.