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2015 Ford Fiesta engine problems

74 complaints (29% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 60,000. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints
74
of this car's complaints
29%
typical mileage
60,000
crashes
2
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Cooling system
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Fiesta engine problems in other years

1991201120122013201420152016201720182019

Specific symptoms reported on the 2015 Ford Fiesta engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Stalling 50Check engine light 36Overheating 13Loss of power 11Won't start 9Engine failure 5

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported March 27, 2017 · 208,584 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Escape, 2014-2015 Fiesta ST, 2013-2014 Fusion and 2013-2015 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 1.6L GTDI engines. If the vehicle is started and driven with an insufficient level of coolant within the engine cooling system, the engine cylinder head may overheat, crack and leak oil.
Risk
If the cylinder head cracks and leaks oil, the oil may contact a hot engine or exhaust component, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a coolant level sensor and the supporting hardware and software, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 21, 2017. The recall began on January 5, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S09.

Recall number 17V209000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Timing Belt FailureOpened July 31, 2026, still open

On December 18, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE25020 to investigate instances of timing belt failure in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford Fiesta and MY 2015-2018 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford), equipped with a 1.0L engine and manual transmission (subject vehicles). Additionally, MY 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport and MY 2016-2018 Focus vehicles with a 1.0L engine and automatic transmission were analyzed as peer vehicles because they utilize a wet timing belt comprised of similar material as the timing belt in the subject vehicles. Through the PE, ODI investigated a potential failure/degradation of the timing belt that may affect oil pump function resulting in a lack of engine lubrication and potential loss of motive power. The complaints commonly allege a low engine oil pressure warning lamp immediately preceding a complete loss or reduction of motive power while the vehicle is in motion. Some complaints allege that a sudden loss of motive power or engine seizure occurred without warning or prior detectable symptoms. ODI’s analysis supports that this failure can occur without sufficient and advanced warning to the driver that a loss of motive power/engine seizure is imminent. ODI found that the timing belt material may degrade and create debris that clogs the mesh oil pump pick-up screen, resulting in reduced oil pressure in the engine. As additional debris accumulates on the screen, this can progress to a loss of motive power while driving due to a lack of engine lubrication. The failure data provided in response to this investigation revealed an average failure mileage of approximately 70,000 miles, and that 98% of the failures occurred prior to the 150,000 mile timing belt replacement interval per the vehicles’ maintenance schedule. Based on evidence collected via consumer surveys and an engine teardown, failures have occurred despite evidence of proper and routine oil maintenance. The oil pump pick-up screen is not serviceable, so debris accumulation cannot be inspected or manually removed without removing the engine from the vehicle. On June 2, 2026, Ford informed ODI of a non-safety customer satisfaction program for global vehicles with the 1.0L Fox Classic Timing Belt. This program will notify customers globally of a revised maintenance interval for the timing belt, reducing the original 150,000 mile interval down to 100,000 miles/6 years. This customer satisfaction program will also offer reimbursement to eligible customers who previously paid to have their engine repaired or replaced due to a timing belt related issue. Based on the federal safety agency’s analysis of the data, failure rates, information provided by Ford, preliminary engine teardown analysis, and precedent recalls regarding loss of engine oil pressure with the presence of driver facing warnings, ODI believes there is an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysis to perform component-level and vehicle testing. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to

EA26004

Timing Belt FailureOpened December 18, 2025, closed July 31, 2026

On December 18, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE25020 to investigate instances of timing belt failure in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford Fiesta and MY 2015-2018 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford), equipped with a 1.0L engine and manual transmission (subject vehicles). Additionally, MY 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport and MY 2016-2018 Focus vehicles with a 1.0L engine and automatic transmission were analyzed as peer vehicles because they utilize a wet timing belt comprised of similar material as the timing belt in the subject vehicles. Through the PE, ODI investigated a potential failure/degradation of the timing belt that may affect oil pump function resulting in a lack of engine lubrication and potential loss of motive power. The complaints commonly allege a low engine oil pressure warning lamp immediately preceding a complete loss or reduction of motive power while the vehicle is in motion. Some complaints allege that a sudden loss of motive power or engine seizure occurred without warning or prior detectable symptoms. ODI’s analysis supports that this failure can occur without sufficient and advanced warning to the driver that a loss of motive power/engine seizure is imminent. ODI found that the timing belt material may degrade and create debris that clogs the mesh oil pump pick-up screen, resulting in reduced oil pressure in the engine. As additional debris accumulates on the screen, this can progress to a loss of motive power while driving due to a lack of engine lubrication. The failure data provided in response to this investigation revealed an average failure mileage of approximately 70,000 miles, and that 98% of the failures occurred prior to the 150,000 mile timing belt replacement interval per the vehicles’ maintenance schedule. Based on evidence collected via consumer surveys and an engine teardown, failures have occurred despite evidence of proper and routine oil maintenance. The oil pump pick-up screen is not serviceable, so debris accumulation cannot be inspected or manually removed without removing the engine from the vehicle. On June 2, 2026, Ford informed ODI of a non-safety customer satisfaction program for global vehicles with the 1.0L Fox Classic Timing Belt. This program will notify customers globally of a revised maintenance interval for the timing belt, reducing the original 150,000 mile interval down to 100,000 miles/6 years. This customer satisfaction program will also offer reimbursement to eligible customers who previously paid to have their engine repaired or replaced due to a timing belt related issue. Based on the federal safety agency’s analysis of the data, failure rates, information provided by Ford, preliminary engine teardown analysis, and precedent recalls regarding loss of engine oil pressure with the presence of driver facing warnings, ODI believes there is an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. Therefore, this Preliminary Evaluation is being upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA26004). During this Engineering Analysis, the agency plans to perform component-level and vehicle testing. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to

PE25020

What 2015 Ford Fiesta owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 30, 2026 · Engine · MO

I have taken the vehicle to 2 auto places both have confirmed it has engine failure. It only has 140,000 miles

Filed Apr 27, 2026 · Engine, Steering · WA

I was driving for couple hours then my oil light came on check engine light came on. Vehicle started to shake very badly. I had to pull over and see what happened. I started the vehicle up again and the oil light and check engine light are still on. I know that these vehicles have the wet belt system on the automatics. But they don't have one for the manual transmission. There should be a recall for these just like the automatics.

Filed Mar 24, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CA

No

Filed Dec 25, 2025 · Engine · OK

Low pressure oil light came on and I stopped driving it 18 miles later drove about 25-30 mph hoping it wouldn’t seize on me before I got home. because I figure the oil pump is clogged with timing belt fragments and I can’t afford to replace the timing belt right now. Afraid to drive it because I have read it could seize up the engine. 1.0 eco boost manual transmission. Car ran great and I had no issues with it until the low pressure oil light came on. Been sitting since March. I have started it 4 times since then and it has been moved around the yard but never ran longer than a few minutes. Still starts just afraid with the low pressure oil light on that it could seize up if I drive it again.

Filed Oct 25, 2025 · Engine · ID

This vehicle has experienced the exact issue of a Ford recall for other model year fiestas. The oil pump belt has experienced premature wear and failure, leading to a sudden loss of power. My local Ford dealer says that this vehicle should have been included in Ford recall #23S64 and that I should report this to the federal safety agency to document and hopefully expand the recall to all years that result in this issue.

Filed Jul 22, 2025 · Engine · CA

In May, my 2015 Ford Fiesta SE went into "limp mode" before reaching the speed limit of 25mph. Immediately afterwards it was taken into a local shop, Mobile Mechanic, where no codes were active and coolant level was between min and max level. Next day, car experienced misfiring check engine light and overheating before being looked at by a mechanic. Mechanic replaced spark plugs due to code reading misfiring in cylinder 3. Car still continued to misfire and due to slight lower level of coolant, Engine overheated and cracked a cylinder block in the 1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost engine. This car is used to travel with two children under [XXX] and [XXX]. The beginning of June the car overheated on a hot day traveling home with the two kids and myself. We had to sit in the heat for close to an hour before temperature gauge returned to normal, I checked the coolant and it was still between min and max levels. On the same trip, it was on the verge of overheating again due to climbing the hill before our house. After finding out the cylinder block was cracked by my mechanic we discovered there has been a recall issue with the same engine, Recall 17S09, that began in January 2018, a month before I purchased my car from Redwood Ford in Ukiah California ([XXX]). I called W. C. Sanderson Ford in Healdsburg, California on July, 15th, 2025 to see if it would be possible to see if this recall was actually fixed on my vehicle, which they responded that the recall has nothing to do with my car and they can't do anything about my car. The representative specifically said that due to my car being 10 years old it has been disqualified of the recall and is no longer attached to my VIN. I have taken this car to the same local mechanic 4 times since the ending of May, 2025 for the same issues before we discovered the cracked cylinder block, mechanic took pictures of fluid and water inside cylinder 3. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 22, 2025 · Engine · AL

In 2020, Documents were subpoened proving that Ford falsified doors and used a dangerous faulty transmission in Ford Fiesta and Focus Moodels from 2011-2015. There were so many lawsuits, they settled through arbitration. The judicial system only required an extended waranty- no recall or redesign. These vehicles are dangerous, and when transmission overheats, the cars stop in the middle of the road. Many will not go in Reverse. Ford is recouping their arbitration settlement money by continuing to sell these cars on the Used Car Market with the same DPS6 Transmissions which they knew were faulty and dangerous, and falsified documents about, with Clean Car Faxes, often low mileage- because heat starts transmission failure, and that is not fair. The pledge does not say...."WitH liberty and justice for ALL WHO CAN AFFORD IT!" I HAVE AMOST BEEN REAR-ENDED TWICE, because car stops when Trans gets hot. One driver of a 4'4 truck, speeding around a blind spot, swerved into oncoming lane, rolled down his window, pointed a pistol at me, cursing because I ALMOST made HIM WRECK! although my safety flashers were on. There are no shoulders on these rural roads. This car is DANGEROUS! WHY WAS FORD ALLOWED TO GET AWAY WITH THIS? Falsification of documents about a cars safety is fraud. There are tens of thousands with Clean Car Faxes still being sold unfairly to unknowing victims with modest incomes who TRUST CAR FAX DOCUMENTATION.

Filed Jul 7, 2025 · Engine · MI

There is a recall (Recall no. 17V209000) that my VIN should have been included in but is not. My vehicle was not equipped with a coolant level sensor from the factory and does not alert to low coolant levels in the vehicle, which can lead to overheating, engine damage, and potential engine fire. The recall fix is a new updated coolant tank design, the inclusion of a coolant level sensor, and a software update for the function of said sensor.

Filed Mar 27, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 112,000 miles · NV

The contact's wife owns a 2015 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling or driving below 20 MPH, the vehicle sputtered and then shut off with the battery and check engine warning lights flashing on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN. The contact asked for an estimate for a diagnostic test but was denied service. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer then referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

Filed Mar 12, 2025 · Engine · CO

On 3/10/2025, when driving my 2015 Ford Fiesta SE, I experienced a sudden failure consisting of a "lurch", lost all drive power to the vehicle, and had to use inertia to steer myself out of traffic to the shoulder of the road. After exiting the vehicle, I inspected all tires (no issues) and popped the hood (no visible issues like smoke). I requested emergency roadside assistance to tow my vehicle to the nearest mechanic shop. After troubleshooting the vehicle, the shop confirmed that all fluid levels were okay and the timing belt had failed, specifically noting that the manufacture-recommended PMI is at 150,000 miles and my vehicle only had 118,579 miles. What component failed = Timing belt. Is it available for inspection = It can be. How was safety at risk = Losing all mechanical power while going up a grade in heavy traffic. Has the problem been confirmed = Yes, by an independent service center. Has the vehicle been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance = No, but I did call Ford's service line to notify them; no action taken on their part. Any warnings = No sounds, no transient loss of power, no warning lights; just a sudden "bang" and "lurch".

Questions about the 2015 Ford Fiesta engine

Does the 2015 Ford Fiesta have engine problems?

Owners have filed 74 complaints about the engine of the 2015 Ford Fiesta, 29% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2015 Ford Fiesta engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 60,000 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2015 Ford Fiesta engine?

Yes, 1 recall: 17V209000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

Other 2015 Ford Fiesta problems

Transmission 105Fuel system 44Electrical 20Acceleration 14Airbags 14Body 12Brakes 9Steering 8Visibility 8Locks 6Suspension 6Wheels 5Driver assistance 2Lights 2Seat belts 2Tires 1

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