2011 Ford Fiesta
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 730
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2011
Opened by NHTSA
50% of complaints
Complaints per year
2011: 730 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1991 | 2 |
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2011 | 730 |
| 2012 | 617 |
| 2013 | 668 |
| 2014 | 502 |
| 2015 | 258 |
| 2016 | 178 |
| 2017 | 74 |
| 2018 | 35 |
| 2019 | 101 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
50% · 366 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while traveling 3 MPH the vehicle erroneously accelerated causing another vehicle to crash into the vehicle. The driver and passenger of the contact's vehicle suffered whiplash.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-10-31
See attached document from complainant
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-20
Structure
17% · 126 reportsMost commonly citing body and door.
Show complaint excerpts
2/4/15, dickinson co. Kansas, collision with fixed object,left turn, impact to passenger front corner, ran off right side of the road,struck fixe object, damage to both passenger front corner/quarter of car.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-21
Also filed under Engine and vehicle speed control
Vehicle was in a minor 'fender bender' during rush hour - stop and go - traffic. Airbags did not deploy and damage to the 2011 Fiesta ses was fixable. Very minimal damage (Dent) to car in front of my vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-06-13
Also filed under Air bags
Engine
15% · 108 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Ford has had a long known issue with 2011-2015-FIESTA ( Cuautitlan ) they issued a Customer Satisfaction Program that ended June 2025. I purchased the car July 2026 used w/o none issues. Checked VIN for recall and Maryland Inspected.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-20
Electrical system
13% · 96 reportsMost commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
2011 Ford Fiesta.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-03-10
The low beam headlights do not turn on, all the other lights work as normal including the high beams. The fuses have not blown and there are no warning lamps or messages.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-20
Also filed under Exterior lighting
Vehicle speed control
8% · 57 reportsMost commonly citing cruise control and accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
I was pulling into my parking space at home. I had my foot on the break as I was slowing down. The car then sped up and lunged forward, jumped over the cement bumper and slammed into some potted plants.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-07-11
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2011Complaint volume 730 complaints filed for this model year.
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2012-10-26Air bags12V488000 Ford is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Fiesta vehicles, manufactured from November 3, 2009 through September 21, 2012. The vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners and dealers will reprogram the vehicle's software free of charge so that it no longer suppresses the passenger side curtain air bag when the front passenger seat is empty…
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2014-09-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 2015-03-18 Door Latch Failure
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2015-02-27Engineering analysisClosed 2015-11-13 Door Latch Failure
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2015-12-18Latches/locks/linkages15V246000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the agency on April 23, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured July 1, 2012, to May 31, 2013, and 2012-2014 Fiesta vehicles manufactured...
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches with an improved part, free of charge. Interim notifications were mailed to owners on June 5, 2015. The recall began on December 18, 2015.
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2019-12-19Recall queryClosed 2022-02-07 Door Latch Failures
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2020-07-27Latches/locks/linkages20V331000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge.
Buy-smart checklist
2011 Ford Fiesta — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 366 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 126 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 108 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 12V488000 · Air bags
- Recall 15V246000 · Latches/locks/linkages
- Recall 20V331000 · Latches/locks/linkages
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2011 Ford Fiesta reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Ford Fiesta is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Ford Fiesta?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2011 Ford Fiesta have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.