Research · Subcompact Cars
2018 Ford FiestaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 35 owner complaints for the 2018 Ford Fiesta. Most complaints involve power train (10) and electrical system (6). The EPA rates it 29–31 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Combined MPG
29–31mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
35
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$1,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2018 Ford Fiesta as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
35 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2019 – Jan 2026
- Power train10
- Electrical system6
- Engine6
- Air bags5
- Fuel system, gasoline2
- Suspension2
- Latches/locks/linkages1
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Back over prevention1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Power train
10 reports1 crash
“Hello, I have zero idea why I am emailing, I may be secretly hoping for...anything. I drive a 2018 Ford Fiesta SE, I have owned it since 2019 as that is when I purchased it used. Over the weekend I experienced transmission issues and an auto shop informed me that I am in need of a transmission rebuild due to the clutch going out. The estimated cost is 3.4k. I came across this article from 2019: [XXX] Within the article Ford notes: "The transmissions (dual-clutch automatic transmissions known as DPS6 designed for fuel efficiency) were introduced in the 2011 model year Fiesta and 2012 Focus. They were used until the Focus was discontinued with the 2018 model year and until the 2019 Fiesta". The article then goes onto state: "technical analysis, warranty data and customer feedback show that the DPS6 transmission in Focus and Fiesta vehicles from 2016 (model year) through 2019 MY are improved from prior model years. They perform well and have competitive levels of customer satisfaction.” But I don't believe that to be true given the clutch issues that have just happened with my 2019 Ford Fiesta. It gets a bit more odd because I think Ford is lying about the 2019…”
Electrical system
6 reports
“Purchased vehicle at the end of 2018 and this is the third time I have had to replace the horn. It's not a fuse, it's not wiring, it is the actual horn that either shorts or dies with no notice.”
Engine
6 reports
“My engine is acting up. According to the Auto Repair Shop they say that my car is suffering from Carbon Build Up which is affecting my engine. As well as the throttle body in the car. My car just keeps stopping to the point my engine refuses to start. So I decided to clean it myself only to no avail.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
3 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Subcompact Cars, Compact Cars
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl · 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AM-S6) · Manual 5-spd · Manual 6-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiesta FWD Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 37 | 31 | $1,950 | 286 |
| Fiesta FWD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,000 | 293 |
| Fiesta ST FWD Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 33 | 29 | $2,050 | 308 |
- 31mpg comb.
- 30mpg comb.
- 29mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5Ford Fiesta 5 HB FWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 4 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 14.3%
Overall
4 / 5
Ford Fiesta 4 DR FWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 4 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 14.3%
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2018 Fiesta questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Fiesta have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 12, 2026.
What are the most common 2018 Ford Fiesta problems?
Owners filed 35 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (10), electrical system (6), engine (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2018 Ford Fiesta get?
The EPA rates the 2018 Ford Fiesta at 29–31 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
How safe is the 2018 Ford Fiesta?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 Ford Fiesta 4 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026