The Lemon Index2019 Ford Fiesta.
The 2019 Ford Fiesta is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 20 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 31, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about transmission & drivetrain, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 28 to 31 mpg combined. The best Ford Fiesta year is 2018.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 105 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Ford Fiesta year. 2019 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 25K to 75K miles on the car (41 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- backup camera complaints mostly came at 30K–101K miles
Recalls 3
- back over prevention 2025
The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
- back over prevention 2024
The rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image.
- brakes 2019
The brake calipers may have been manufactured with the incorrect assembly fluid, which can cause the caliper's rubber seals to swell.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 41 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot…
- For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Fiesta 5 HB FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ford Fiesta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2050–2300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
My 2019 Ford Fiesta automatic does not shift gears properly, my car would not reverse and therefore caused a small fender bender. It has no speed and runs rough
2019 Ford Fiesta owner · NHTSA complaint 11399639
More owner reports
Purge valve canister failed on my 2019 Ford Fiesta. I only mention this, because 2012-2018 Ford Focus models had a recall that was similar, and my Purge Valve Canister went out after 1 year and approximately 60,000 miles.
NHTSA complaint 11455194
The vehicle has a problem with the powershift automatic transmission it's very sluggish when shifting when you tap the accelerator with your foot after being at a stop sign the car jolts like previous year and models of this car
NHTSA complaint 11210169
Quick answers
Is the 2019 Ford Fiesta reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 3.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 31; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Ford Fiesta year by this measure is 2018.
What are the most common 2019 Ford Fiesta problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (40%), engine (20%) and brakes (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2019 Ford Fiesta have?
3 safety recalls (latest: back over prevention). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2019 Ford Fiesta get?
28 to 31 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2019 Ford Fiesta safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2019 Ford Fiesta problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 25,400 and 75,000 miles. The middle report was at 51,000 miles, from 41 complaints.
Does the 2019 Ford Fiesta have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 40% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2019 Ford Fiesta cost in fuel a year?
About $2050 to $2300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2019 Ford Fiesta have?
1.6L 4-cyl.
What Ford Fiesta year is better than the 2019?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2018, 2019 and 2017.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works