2013-2017 · 1.0L 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol (100hp/125hp)
Popular city car and first-time buyer favorite with cheap insurance and widely available parts. The award-winning 1.0 EcoBoost engine is efficient and punchy, but comes with serious reliability concerns. Early models (2011-2013) had coolant hose failures causing catastrophic overheating - 96% recall completion rate. The oil-bathed wet timing belt is the biggest issue: designed to last 150,000 miles but often fails between 60,000-100,000 miles, causing engine destruction when belt debris blocks the oil pickup. Ford switched to timing chains around 2019. Clutch hydraulics are weak, turbo actuators stick on gentle-driven cars, and carbon buildup affects direct injection engines. The manual gearbox is reliable - avoid the problematic DPS6 PowerShift automatic found on non-EcoBoost models.
Oil-bathed belt degrades, sheds debris that blocks oil pickup causing engine failure · more· less
This is the most serious issue with the 1.0 EcoBoost. The rubber timing belt runs inside the engine, lubricated by oil. Over time, oil breaks down the rubber causing the belt to deteriorate and shed material. This debris blocks the oil pickup pipe, starving the engine of oil. Ford claimed 150,000 miles lifespan but data shows failures occurring between 60,000-100,000 miles - less than half the promised durability. Preventive replacement costs €1,200-€1,500 at specialists, but if the belt has already degraded and debris has contaminated the oil system, repair requires full engine strip-down costing €3,000-€6,000 or complete engine replacement. Ford has recalled 139,730 vehicles in the US (2016-2018 Focus and 2017-2021 EcoSport with automatics) but has NOT issued a UK/European recall despite over 100,000 affected vehicles. The NHTSA opened a new investigation in December 2025 for manual transmission Fiestas after 44 complaints. Ford switched to timing chains around 2019-2020, which can be identified by the turbo position (chain engines have turbo at the rear, wet belt engines have turbo at the front).
Degas pipe splits at high temperatures, dumps coolant, cracks cylinder head · more· less
Affects 44,682 cars built October 2011 - October 2013. The coolant hose can fail at high temperatures, causing rapid coolant loss. Because the temperature sensor still shows normal readings, drivers continue driving with no coolant, leading to severe overheating and cracked cylinder heads or blocks. Early engines had a floating sleeve on cylinders that could move and fracture the head gasket, allowing coolant into cylinders. Ford issued a recall (Field Service Action) in March 2015 with 96% completion rate. Cylinder head replacement costs €2,500-€4,000 at specialists, but severe cases require complete engine replacement at €5,000-€8,000. Verify recall completion with VIN before purchase. Signs include white smoke from exhaust, coolant consumption with no visible leaks, and white froth under oil filler cap. Later models (2014+) have redesigned hoses and reinforced cylinder heads, making this much less common.
Clutch hydraulic system failure€400 - €1,200
Pedal sticks to floor, slave cylinder seals fail, brake fluid reservoir design flaw · more· less
The clutch hydraulic system has multiple weak points. The concentric slave cylinder is inside the gearbox bellhousing and requires gearbox removal to replace. Slave cylinder seals fail allowing air into the system, causing spongy pedal or complete loss of clutch engagement. The brake fluid reservoir (which also feeds the clutch) has the clutch take-off halfway up the reservoir - if fluid level drops slightly, it draws in air. Master cylinder can fail causing pedal to stick to floor. Clutch pedal mechanism has a clip that connects the cylinder rod to the pedal - this clip can come off. Full clutch replacement including slave cylinder costs €800-€1,200 at dealers, €400-€700 at independents. Labor is 4-6 hours due to gearbox removal. Many specialists now replace the slave cylinder preventively during any clutch job because disturbing the system often damages the seals.
Turbo wastegate actuator failure€500 - €1,800
Actuator sticks from gentle driving, causes limp mode and EPC warning · more· less
The turbo wastegate actuator tends to stick if the car is driven too gently or only for short trips, as carbon builds up. Symptoms include EPC light, limp mode (limited power), and intermittent boost loss - often worse when trying to accelerate above 40mph. The actuator diaphragm seal can fail for as little as €30, but Ford dealerships refuse to sell the actuator separately and require full turbo replacement at €1,200-€1,800. Independent specialists can replace just the diaphragm for €500-€600. The vacuum pump valve (controls actuator) is a simple 1-minute check that could save replacing the entire turbo. Using premium fuel and regular spirited driving (occasional high RPM use on highway) helps prevent carbon buildup and keeps the actuator mechanism free. TurboSmart makes aftermarket replacement actuators with 7lb spring that are more reliable than OEM.
Carbon buildup on intake valves€400 - €800
Direct injection means no fuel wash over valves, carbon accumulates affecting airflow · more· less
The 1.0 EcoBoost uses only direct injection (no port injection), meaning fuel is sprayed directly into the cylinder and never touches the intake valves. This allows oil vapor from the crankcase ventilation (PCV system) to deposit carbon on the valve backs. Over time, this carbon buildup disturbs airflow causing rough running, hesitation, reduced power, and increased fuel consumption. The only effective cleaning method is walnut shell blasting, which requires removing the intake manifold. Ford technicians report that chemical cleaners and tools are largely ineffective. Professional walnut blasting costs €400-€800 and should be done every 60,000-100,000 km to keep the engine running optimally. Installing a catch-can helps reduce the oil vapor entering the intake, significantly slowing carbon accumulation. Regular longer drives, occasional higher RPM use, and fuel system cleaners provide some preventive benefit but cannot eliminate the issue.
Water pump / thermostat housing failure€600 - €1,200
Electric water pump integrated with thermostat, typically fails 70,000-100,000 km · more· less
The TSI engine uses an electric water pump integrated with the thermostat housing. This design is efficient but when it fails, the entire assembly must be replaced. Typical failure occurs between 70,000-100,000 km. Symptoms include coolant warning light, engine overheating, or poor cabin heating. The integrated part costs €400-€500 due to the electric pump design. Labor is approximately 4-6 hours due to accessibility in the engine bay. Some Fiesta owners report coolant leaks from micro-cracks in the coolant reservoir bottle - this is a known weak point and relatively cheap to replace (€50-€100) but leaks are easily missed and can lead to overheating if not caught early. Always check coolant level and condition - brown or milky appearance indicates serious head gasket or water pump issues.
Front suspension spring breakage€150 - €350
Coil springs can fracture, especially on cars with neglected service history · more· less
Front coil springs can fracture on the Fiesta Mk7, causing clunking noises over bumps and uneven ride height. Springs cost €25-€65 each, but it's recommended to replace both front springs at the same time for balanced handling. Total cost at independent garage is €150-€250 including parts, labor (1-2 hours), and wheel alignment. Ford dealers charge around €340 for both front springs. Lower arm bushes also wear and cause knocking sounds - Powerflex polyurethane bushes cost €40-€170 depending on kit, and can be pushed in by hand without special tools. Rear beam bushes may need replacement after 4-5 years on some cars (€200-€330 fitted).
High-risk engine with potentially catastrophic failures
The 1.0 EcoBoost has serious design flaws that can cause total engine failure. The wet timing belt issue alone affects over 100,000 vehicles and Ford has not issued a comprehensive recall in Europe. Early models (2011-2013) had coolant system failures leading to cracked cylinder heads. If you find a well-maintained example with documented wet belt replacement and recall completion, the car can be reliable, but the risk of expensive failures is significantly higher than competitors like the Toyota Yaris or Honda Jazz. Only buy if you have full service history and are prepared for potential major repairs.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records absolutely essential. Verify oil changes with correct 5W-20 specification oil at proper intervals. Wet belt requires clean oil to survive.
Tires
Common sizes: 195/55R15, 195/50R16, 205/40R17. Check tread depth (minimum 1.6mm), tire age (date codes), uneven wear patterns.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for unusual rattles, ticking, or rough running in first 30 seconds.
Body condition
Check for rust, accident damage, paint mismatch. Fiesta bodywork is generally durable.
Test drive
Minimum 20-30 minutes including varied speeds, highway driving, and stop-and-go traffic.
Specific for this vehicle
Verify coolant recall completion (2011-2013 cars)
Contact Ford dealer with VIN to confirm Field Service Action (FSA) for coolant hose replacement completed. 44,682 cars affected, 96% completion rate.
Check wet timing belt replacement history
Ask for proof of belt replacement. If no record exists on a car over 60,000 km, budget €1,200-€1,500 for immediate replacement. Check turbo position: front = wet belt, rear = chain.
Inspect for coolant leaks and consumption
Check coolant level when cold. Look under oil filler cap for white froth (coolant in oil). Check for white smoke from exhaust. Inspect coolant reservoir for cracks.
Test clutch pedal operation thoroughly
Clutch pedal must return smoothly without sticking. Try pumping clutch several times - if pedal becomes firmer, hydraulic system is leaking air. Check for spongy pedal feel.
Check for EPC warning light and turbo boost
During test drive, watch for EPC light. Car should pull strongly when accelerating - any hesitation or loss of power above 40mph suggests wastegate actuator issues.
Listen for suspension clunks over bumps
Drive over speed bumps slowly. Clunking from front indicates broken coil springs or worn bushes. Check ride height is even on both sides.
Verify it has manual gearbox, not PowerShift
The 1.0 EcoBoost typically came with manual or conventional torque converter automatic (6F35). Avoid non-EcoBoost Fiestas with DPS6 PowerShift dual-clutch automatic.
Check for rough running or hesitation when cold
Carbon buildup on intake valves causes poor running, especially when cold. If engine stumbles or lacks power, intake cleaning may be needed soon.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Coolant hose failure (Oct 2011 - Oct 2013)Verify completed - FSA March 2015
Door latch failure (2014 Fiesta)Recall 15S16 - verify completed
Wet timing belt tensioner (US only - automatics)139,730 vehicles - not applicable to EU
TSB: Coolant consumption white smoke (SSM 47587)2014-2017 - check for updates
Contact Ford dealer with VIN to verify all recalls completed. The coolant hose recall (2011-2013) is critical - do not buy without verification. Ford has NOT issued a European wet belt recall despite widespread failures.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years / 60,000 km)Expired on all 2013-2017 models
Powertrain warranty (5 years / 100,000 km)Expired on all 2013-2017 models
Timing belt warranty (10 years / 200,000 km)May still apply to 2013-2015 models
Ford extended service plansAvailable up to 10 years / 280,000 km
All 2013-2017 Fiestas are outside original factory warranty. Extended warranty is available but read exclusions carefully - many wet belt failures may not be covered. Ford agreed to fund 100% of coolant-related overheating repairs for affected 2011-2013 cars with full service history up to 7 years old, but this timeframe has now expired for most vehicles.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.