2017 Ford Fiesta Problems

Severe Issues

Used FORD FIESTA shoppers should review this model-year complaint and recall record before making an offer. Based on 72 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain the most reported area.

older3 years2018

Before you buy

This 2017 Ford Fiesta has 72 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.

A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.

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72
Complaints
7
Crashes
1
Fires
12
Injuries
1
Fatalities
β€”
Recalls

2017 Ford Fiesta Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2017 Ford Fiesta trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

27
MPG City
26–31 range
37
MPG Hwy
33–41 range
31
MPG Combined
29–35 range
286
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
πŸ’°Saves $1,250 vs. avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.

2017 Ford Fiesta Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested β€” showing 2017 Ford Fiesta 5 HB FWD

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

4/5

14.3% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

4/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

4/5

14.3% probability

βœ“Stability Control: Standardβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Noβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2017 Ford Fiesta has 72 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2017 Ford Fiesta β€” key reliability facts
Make
Ford
Model
Fiesta
Model year
2017
NHTSA owner complaints
72
Crash-related complaints
7
Safety recall campaigns
0
Top reported component
Transmission / Drivetrain
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
31
EPA MPG city / highway
27 / 37
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
NHTSA overall safety rating
4/5 stars
NHTSA frontal crash rating
4/5 stars
NHTSA side crash rating
5/5 stars
NHTSA rollover rating
4/5 stars
Electronic stability control
Standard

Common problems

Most common 2017 Ford Fiesta problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
22
complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

#2
22
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:2
Injuries:5
#3
11
complaints

Fuel/Propulsion System

Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems, Fuel/Propulsion System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Buyer verdict

Should you buy a used 2017 Ford Fiesta?

This FORD FIESTA year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.

Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.

May Suit

This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.

May Want to Avoid

Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.

Pre-purchase

What to check before buying a used 2017 Ford Fiesta

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
  • Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
  • Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN

Before You Close the Deal

  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase

Check the exact car

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2017 Ford Fiesta, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

AI verdict

What the complaint data suggests

Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

The FORD FIESTA has 72 NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. 7 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Recall context: No recalls are currently on record in this dataset, but buyers should still verify recall status by VIN because campaigns can be added later.

Key Findings
  • 72 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 0 federal recall campaigns
  • 7 crash-related complaints on record
Top Concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume β€” popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Full breakdown

All 2017 Ford Fiesta complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Ford Fiesta. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Transmission / Drivetrain22β€”β€”β€”
Engine Problems222β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System11β€”β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues8β€”β€”β€”
Electrical Faults6β€”β€”β€”
Brake System521β€”
Fuel System4β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline4β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues4β€”β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration42β€”β€”
Steering Defects321β€”
Airbag Malfunctions22β€”β€”
Structural Problems2β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)21β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues11β€”β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB1β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures1β€”β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper1β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

In their words

Real owner complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 Ford Fiesta. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 72 most recent complaints

Transmission / DrivetrainJun 26, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked and experienced hard shifts from first to second gear and from second to third gear. The contact stated that the RPM were significantly high prior to shifting gear, then de…

Fuel/Propulsion SystemMay 16, 2025

I have this car since 2019 with 8000 miles and this is the 3rd time the code came up for the evap system to be repaired. P0456. The first time it was replaced was at mileage 47084 at winner Ford dealership. On June 11th 2021. The second time it was replaced was at Winter For…

Engine ProblemsMay 6, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact was uncertain if any warning lights were illuminated. Due to the failure, …

Fuel SystemMar 18, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with a purge valve solenoid. The contact was informed that the purge valve …

Engine ProblemsMar 12, 2025

On the coldest night of the winter the engine overheated. Pulled over immediately; , , now car will not start believe lit cracked the head or head gasket

Fuel SystemFeb 25, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was jumpstarted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted after refueling. The contact stated that a bysta…

Transmission / DrivetrainFeb 5, 2025

Alarm system going off for no reason. Battery drained and engine wouldn't start. I had battery tested at auto repair shop and it had burnt out cell inside battery. I purchased new battery last week. The automatic transmission is sluggish at times, feels like it hesitates to g…

Engine ProblemsAug 26, 2024

I believe oil pump has malfunctioned. I had a significant loss of power while driving, that could cause sudden accident, had I not been proactive. After the loss of power, I heard a knocking from the engine, then the oil light came on and alerted me. I believe it can be inspected…

Transmission / DrivetrainJul 10, 2024

Transmission failed. Yellow wrench light on with Transmission overheating message with an indication to pull over immediately. Took the vehicle to a shop and this was their conclusion: Firestone: Code. "P2701 Description, Transmission Friction Element "B" Apply Time Range/Perform…

Airbag Malfunctions CrashMay 2, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and making a left turn, The vehicle that was behind her vehicle simultaneously made a left turn into the lane the contact was turning into. The contact stated that the front driver's side tire of the veh…

Engine ProblemsMar 5, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated due to a loss of coolant. The vehicle went into Limp Mode. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be driven to the residence.…

Brake SystemFeb 28, 2024

I was driving down a very busy highway about 60 mph when my oil light started flashing on my dash and my check engine light came on and when I tried to push my brake pedal to stop my car I couldn't push it in. My brakes were very hard, I had to pull my emergency brake to stop my …

Brake SystemFeb 20, 2024

I was driving down [XXX] headed to Columbia and as I was approaching a stop light and getting ready to press my break my oil light on my dash started flashing, and when I attempted to push my brake pedal I couldnt. My brake pedal was hard as a rock and wouldn't press in at all. T…

Transmission / DrivetrainFeb 9, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that upon attempting to reverse the vehicle, the vehicle failed to reverse as intended. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The …

Uncategorized IssuesDec 16, 2023

Clutch "A" stuck engaged...loses power and if driven for a while dash lights up saying "transmission is hot wait 5 minutes " In addition to the previous issue, the car will not will not start right away. If you turn the key forward and pull the car down into last gear and back up…

Transmission / DrivetrainDec 7, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the transmission downshifted intermittently. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that…

Structural ProblemsDec 5, 2023

Drivers door since purchasing the car in 2017 when it's cold out "winter time" by drivers door once open, will not latch back and close- takes it warming up before my drivers door will latch and shut . Temps 30 or under , the mechanism freezes and will not allow the door to latch…

Engine ProblemsNov 29, 2023

My name is [XXX] (phone [XXX] , email: [XXX] ) I bought a Ford Fiesta 2017 VIN # [XXX] in Feb 2021. The car with 25K. Currently, at 59K Cylinder 1 and Cylinder 3 misfire because coolant gets in both cylinders, diagnosed by a local car mechanic! When driven, the car is a fire h…

Fuel SystemOct 16, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact state that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated. A message displayed on the instrument panel β€œTransmission Failure - Service Now”. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch f…

Transmission / DrivetrainJul 13, 2023

As of date in July, starting in february the car had transmission error service now, got a new TCM under warranty. A week later the error came back and was told it was just an error code. A week later it came back and stalled out on the road but was not given help. A week later e…

Page 1 of 4

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Ford Fiesta.

Safety recalls

2017 Ford Fiesta recalls

0 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Ford Fiesta. No recalls are currently on record in this dataset, but buyers should still verify recall status by VIN because campaigns can be added later. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

No recall campaigns on record

No NHTSA recalls were found for this model year. Recalls can be added at any time β€” confirm open-recall status on the exact VIN or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Across model years

Compare Ford Fiesta model years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2017 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

Questions

2017 Ford Fiesta buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2017 Ford Fiesta reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 72 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. This FORD FIESTA year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ford Fiesta?β–Ύ

#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (22 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (22 complaints). #3: Fuel/Propulsion System (11 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Ford Fiesta?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2017 Ford Fiesta?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Ford Fiesta, NHTSA complaints include 7 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 72 total complaints. 12 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2017 Ford Fiesta have any recalls?β–Ύ

No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2017 Ford Fiesta in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.

Should I buy a 2017 Ford Fiesta?β–Ύ

This FORD FIESTA year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.

Wider context: See the full Ford Fiesta reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2017 Ford Fiesta based on your ownership experience.

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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Before you buy

Check the exact vehicle history before you buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.