There’s nothing particularly wrong with the Ford Fiesta, but models do run into their common issues. This post and video reviews the most common Ford Fiesta problems with the 6th generation, years 2011 to 2019.
Common Problems with the 2011 to 2019 6th Gen Ford Fiesta
1. Throttle Body Failure
Symptoms of Problems with the Throttle Body in the 2011 to 2019 Ford Fiesta
- High idle
- Weak acceleration
- Check engine light
Causes of Problems with the Throttle Body on the 6th Gen Ford Fiesta
The throttle body controls the airflow to the engine. Carbon can build up on the throttle body and cause performance issues and sometimes a check engine light.
How to Fix Throttle Body Problems
The throttle body is located between the engine air filter housing and the intake manifold. You can try to clean it with carburetor cleaner and a soft brush, but you may have to replace it.
To replace the throttle body, you’ll need to detach the air intake tube and remove the bolts and the gasket. Then reverse these steps to install a new one. Once the throttle body has been reinstalled, you’ll need to do an idle relearn procedure.
More on how to clean and diagnose the throttle body
2. Water Pump Failure
Symptoms of Water Pump Failure
- Engine overheating
- Coolant leaking on the ground
- Squeaking bearing noise from the engine
How to Fix a Defective Water Pump
If coolant is dripping onto the ground, make sure it’s leaking from the passenger side. That will indicate it’s likely the water pump. If the leak is closer to the radiator, it’s likely another part of the cooling system leaking.
We recommend inspecting the timing belt and considering replacing it while doing this repair.
More on how to inspect the water pump
3. Front Lower Control Arms
Symptoms of Failing Front Lower Control Arms
- Rattling or clunking sound while driving
- Wonky steering
Causes of Defective Front Lower Control Arms
There are bushings and a lower ball joint on the front lower control arms. These can loosen over time and cause a clunking or rattling sound, and sometimes issues with steering, such as the car not feeling like it’s aligning correctly.
If the bushings are worn, the control arm will move, and that can cause issues with the steering wheel.
How to Fix Bad Front Lower Control Arms
Replace the control arm and have a shop align your car afterwards. Not getting an alignment can cause early tire wear.
More on how to inspect suspension parts
4. Fuel Pump Failure
Symptoms of a Faulty Fuel Pump
- Stalling while driving
- Car is cranking but not starting
- Weak acceleration
How to Fix a Bad Fuel Pump
If you experience these symptoms and think the fuel pump is the issue, you can try a temporary fix. Try tapping the bottom of the fuel tank with a rubber mallet a few times while an assistant cranks the car. This will at the least possibly allow you to move the vehicle.
You don’t have to lower and remove the fuel tank to replace the fuel pump on the 2011 to 2019 Ford Fiesta. You can replace the fuel pump from the access port underneath the rear seat. Remove the base of the back seat to access the cover, and then remove the cover to access the fuel pump.
From here, you can also test the fuel pump. Disconnect the electrical connector that has wires for power and ground, and then test them for power and ground.
More on how to test the fuel pump
5. Blower Motor Resistor Failure
Symptoms of a Bad Blower Motor Resistor
- Certain fan speeds don’t work when the heat or AC is turned on
Causes of a Faulty Blower Motor Resistor
Certain fan speeds not working is a common sign of a bad blower motor resistor. Usually one of the speeds will have burnt out, calling for a blower motor resistor replacement.
How to Fix a Defective Blower Motor Resistor
The blower motor resistor is located near the blower motor. You’ll need to remove the cover from underneath the dash on the passenger side. To replace it, disconnect the electrical connector and remove the screws. Then reverse these steps to install the new one.
More on how to test the blower motor and blower motor resistor
6th Generation Ford Fiesta Model Years
- 2011 Ford Fiesta
- 2012 Ford Fiesta
- 2013 Ford Fiesta
- 2014 Ford Fiesta
- 2015 Ford Fiesta
- 2016 Ford Fiesta
- 2017 Ford Fiesta
- 2018 Ford Fiesta
- 2019 Ford Fiesta
How-to Videos to Help You Fix Your Car
Did you know we have tons of how-to videos to help you maintain and fix your car? Find videos related to the 2011 to 2019 Ford Fiesta and more in our how-to video library.
