FORD FIESTA · model year

2017 FORD FIESTA

104 NHTSA complaints, 12 crash reports for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2017FORDFIESTA carries 104 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 12 crashes, 2 fires, 21 injuries, and 3 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2017 FIESTA is power train with 20 filings, followed by engine (18) and fuel/propulsion system (11). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.

NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2017 FIESTA, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

104
Complaints
12
Crashes
2
Fires
21
Injuries
3
Deaths
2017 FORD FIESTA — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2017 FORD FIESTA. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

104 filings

Crashes Reported

12 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 — Strong NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN20
ENGINE18
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM11
UNKNOWN OR OTHER8
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
SERVICE BRAKES5
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4
STEERING3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE3
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)2
STRUCTURE:BODY2
WHEELS2
SEATS2
AIR BAGS2
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY2

Recent Complaints

20250626POWER TRAIN

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 decreased before the vehicle accelerated as intended. The contact stated that the transmission had failed to shift to reverse(R). The contact stated that DTC: 4P07A5; was retrieved, indicating transmission friction element B stuck On. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

Mileage: 86,000

20250516FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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 Ford dealership on March 17th 2022 with mileage 59,678. The light just came on today and the code came up again. PO456. I now have 102,000 mi on my car. I think that this should be a recall worth looking into. Thank you

20250506ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was discovered that the engine oil pump belt needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the mechanic linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was then towed to a dealer and the cause of the failure was confirmed, but the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact was then provided with an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the contact with the same information. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

20250318ENGINE

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 solenoid was stuck in the open position. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the failure had occurred three times within four years. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 71,000.

Mileage: 71,000

20250318FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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 solenoid was stuck in the open position. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the failure had occurred three times within four years. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 71,000.

Mileage: 71,000

20250312ENGINE

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

20250225FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:CANISTER

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 bystander assisted with restarting the vehicle, by depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the canister purge valve had previously been replaced, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

Mileage: 44,000

20250205ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 get into the next gear. Unknown reasons for cause of issues.

20250205POWER TRAIN

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 get into the next gear. Unknown reasons for cause of issues.

20250205UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 get into the next gear. Unknown reasons for cause of issues.

20240826ENGINE

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, but have not been able to have it towed to the dealership.

20240710POWER TRAIN

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/Performance". TECH ROAD TESTED AND FOUND TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING BADLY, REFER TO TRANS SHOP OR DEALER FOR OVERHAUL/REPLACEMENT. COMPUTERIZED ENGINE ANALYSIS The car has been a at Ford dealer for 2 weeks awaiting a very expensive transmission overhaul. 2017 Ford Fiestas are experiencing the same transmission issues as previous years.

Mileage: 109,057

20240502CrashAIR BAGS

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 vehicle collided with the front passenger's side tire of the other vehicle, causing the vehicle to roll over, and the vehicle landed on the hood. The front driver's side and passenger's side seats air bags deployed. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat belt failed to unbuckle, and bystanders assisted the contact out of the vehicle by wiggling the seat belt until the seat belt was unbuckled. The contact stated that the front passenger's side seat belt failed to retract during the incident and became loose, causing the passenger to hit his head against the roof of the car. The contact stated that the rear driver's side seat belt unbuckled during the incident, causing the passenger to be propelled ins

Mileage: 89,623

20240502CrashSEAT BELTS

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 vehicle collided with the front passenger's side tire of the other vehicle, causing the vehicle to roll over, and the vehicle landed on the hood. The front driver's side and passenger's side seats air bags deployed. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat belt failed to unbuckle, and bystanders assisted the contact out of the vehicle by wiggling the seat belt until the seat belt was unbuckled. The contact stated that the front passenger's side seat belt failed to retract during the incident and became loose, causing the passenger to hit his head against the roof of the car. The contact stated that the rear driver's side seat belt unbuckled during the incident, causing the passenger to be propelled ins

Mileage: 89,623

20240305ENGINE

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. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine oil pump was faulty, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

Mileage: 106,000

20240228SERVICE BRAKES

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 car and coast into a gas station so I didn't hit anyone. I have done a lot of research online and this same issue is already under recall on 2 other Ford Models as well as a class action lawsuit against Ford because of this issue. My model however is not listed under the recall because it has a manual transmission and they said that those models are not affected but that's clearly not true.

20240228ENGINE

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 car and coast into a gas station so I didn't hit anyone. I have done a lot of research online and this same issue is already under recall on 2 other Ford Models as well as a class action lawsuit against Ford because of this issue. My model however is not listed under the recall because it has a manual transmission and they said that those models are not affected but that's clearly not true.

20240228ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP

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 car and coast into a gas station so I didn't hit anyone. I have done a lot of research online and this same issue is already under recall on 2 other Ford Models as well as a class action lawsuit against Ford because of this issue. My model however is not listed under the recall because it has a manual transmission and they said that those models are not affected but that's clearly not true.

20240220SERVICE BRAKES

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. The highway I was traveling on is a very busy 4 lane highway, I was traveling about 60mph and had to pull my emergency brake and practically stand on my brake pedal to get my car to slow down and coast into a gas station parking lot. I barely missed hitting the car in front of me by a few inches. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20240220ENGINE

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. The highway I was traveling on is a very busy 4 lane highway, I was traveling about 60mph and had to pull my emergency brake and practically stand on my brake pedal to get my car to slow down and coast into a gas station parking lot. I barely missed hitting the car in front of me by a few inches. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Compare 2017FORDFIESTA to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2017 FORD FIESTA have?
The 2017 FORD FIESTA has 104 NHTSA complaints, 12 crashes, 2 fires, 21 injuries, and 3 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 FORD FIESTA?
The 2017 FORD FIESTA received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 FORD FIESTA?
The most-complained component for the 2017 FORD FIESTA is POWER TRAIN with 20 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM.
Is the 2017 FORD FIESTA safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2017 FORD FIESTA has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.