Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Ford Fiesta hatchback - Reliability & safety (2017-2023)

There’s a long list of clever safety equipment available on the Ford Fiesta, but much of it costs extra

Carbuyer Rating

3.4 out of 5

Owners Rating

2.5 out of 5

Read owner reviews
Reliability & safety Rating

3.5 out of 5

Perhaps a consequence of its huge sales success, the previous generation of Ford Fiesta was marred by a rather average owner satisfaction score. The latest model will need to achieve rather more if it’s to truly reflect the high-quality image Ford is striving for, but recent results show the company still seems to have work to do.

Ford Fiesta reliability

In our 2022 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, the latest Fiesta ranked disappointingly in 67th out of the top 75 cars ranked. Buyers were impressed with the car’s fuel economy, but few complimented the interior design and comfort, or the safety features. Just under 20% of respondents reported an issue with their Fiesta in the first year of ownership.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Overall, Ford itself finished 25th out of 29 brands and its ratings broadly matched those of the Fiesta. This placed it just behind rival Renault in 24th, while the top-rated supermini brand was Kia in third, just ahead of Peugeot in fourth.

Safety

The latest Fiesta has been through the rigorous hands of Euro NCAP, an independent organisation that specialises in car crash-testing, earning a five-star rating in the process. Structurally, the latest car’s design is a strengthened evolution of the previous model’s – and that was given a five-star rating when it was tested, albeit under a less strict regime than today. It doubtless contributed to the latest model's impressive score, though – the Fiesta is rated at 87% and 84% respectively for how it protects adults and children in an impact. Pedestrian protection is rated at 64%.

Although a rating of 60% for driver assistance is only average for the class, an impressive list of safety and crash-mitigation equipment is available on the Fiesta either as standard or optionally – it's a shame that autonomous emergency braking costs extra. Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistance are both standard on all models, though – the latter can pull you back into your lane if it senses the car leaving its lane without you indicating. You can add a driver assistance features pack that includes traffic-sign recognition and driver fatigue monitoring.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Andy is Carbuyer's managing editor, with more than a decade of experience helping consumers find their perfect car. He has an MA in automotive journalism and has tested hundreds of vehicles.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Top 10 best first cars for new drivers 2024
The best first cars 2023
Best cars
17 Apr 2024

Top 10 best first cars for new drivers 2024

Ford EcoBoost engines: what are they and should you buy one?
Ford Puma SUV front tracking
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Ford EcoBoost engines: what are they and should you buy one?

Top 10 best used small cars 2024
The best used small cars hero 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best used small cars 2024

Ford Fiesta review (2017-2023)
Facelifted Ford Fiesta driving
In-depth reviews
16 Oct 2023

Ford Fiesta review (2017-2023)

Most Popular

Renault 4 first glimpse! Retro-renaissance continues with new all-electric small SUV
Renault 4 front fascia teaser
News
1 Oct 2024

Renault 4 first glimpse! Retro-renaissance continues with new all-electric small SUV

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500
Skoda Elroq front quarter
News
1 Oct 2024

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
4 Oct 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024