Ford Fiesta (2008 – 2017)
Reliability score : 7.0/10
The Ford Fiesta Mk7 (and its facelifted Mk7.5 version from 2013) is an absolute benchmark in the B-segment for dynamism and driving pleasure. Featuring a particularly well-tuned chassis, it has appealed to a very wide global audience. While its design has aged very well, its overall reliability depends heavily on the chosen engine and transmission. The introduction of the 1.0 EcoBoost engine and the PowerShift dual-clutch gearbox brought its share of costly problems, contrasting with the robustness of older naturally aspirated engines.
✅ Strengths
- Benchmark road handling and dynamism
- Precise steering and excellent feel
- Exterior design that has aged very well
- Reliability of naturally aspirated petrol engines (1.25 Duratec)
- Fantastic and very high-performance ST version
- Affordable spare parts cost
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Catastrophic PowerShift automatic gearbox (DPS6 dry clutch) (juddering, failure)
- Disastrous reliability of the wet belt on the 1.0 EcoBoost
- Average interior finish (hard plastics, fit and finish)
- Rear passenger space and boot volume lagging behind competitors
- Central console ergonomics (pre-facelift, too many buttons)
🎯 Verdict
The Ford Fiesta Mk7 is a car with two faces. If you opt for a manual gearbox version equipped with the modest but indestructible 1.25 Duratec, or for the fiery ST version, you will make an excellent purchase. However, versions equipped with the 1.0 EcoBoost require extreme vigilance regarding their maintenance (wet belt), and models with the PowerShift automatic gearbox are to be absolutely avoided due to major design flaws. Diesels are economical but require usual checks (injectors, DPF).
Common issues
Problèmes de transmission automatique PowerShift (à double embrayage sec)
High
🔧 50 000 – 120 000 km
💶 1 500 – 3 000 €
Vérifier l'historique d'entretien et les symptômes de patinage/à-coups. Préférer une manuelle.
Dégradation de la courroie de distribution humide (moteurs 1.0 EcoBoost)
High
🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km
💶 2 000 – 4 000 € (potentiellement remplacement moteur)
Exiger un historique d'entretien rigoureux avec l'huile spécifiée. Coût de remplacement élevé.
Usure des composants de suspension (silentblocs de bras inférieurs, biellettes de barre stabilisatrice)
Medium
🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km
💶 250 – 600 €
Écouter les bruits de claquement sur routes dégradées et vérifier le jeu.
Défaillance des bobines d'allumage ou capteurs d'oxygène (moteurs Duratec)
Low
🔧 80 000 – 140 000 km
💶 150 – 400 €
Entretien régulier des bougies. Attention aux ratés moteur ou voyant.
Estimated maintenance costs
| Oil change |
£70 – 130 |
| Timing belt |
£450 – 850 (Duratec engines) |
| Clutch |
£650 – 1 200 |
| Complete brakes |
£200 – 450 |
| Estimated annual budget |
£500 – 1 000 |
Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.