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Ford Fiesta knocking problems

14 of the 3,179 owner complaints about the Ford Fiesta describe engine knocking or ticking, most of them for the 2011 model year.

owner complaints
14
worst model year
2011
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2019
    1
  • 2017
    2
  • 2016
    2
  • 2013
    3
  • 2012
    3
  • 2011
    3

What owners say

Filed Jul 17, 2025 · Brakes, Driver assistance · OH

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was distorted or black while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure had obstructed the visibility of the roadway and had prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking and screeching coming from the front passenger's side and the driver's side. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the brake pads and calipers had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 19V629000(Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 24V951000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed May 6, 2025 · Engine · AR

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact was uncertain if any warning lights were illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was discovered that the engine oil pump belt needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the mechanic linked the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was then towed to a dealer and the cause of the failure was confirmed, but the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact was then provided with an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the contact with the same information. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Aug 26, 2024 · Engine · MO

I believe oil pump has malfunctioned. I had a significant loss of power while driving, that could cause sudden accident, had I not been proactive. After the loss of power, I heard a knocking from the engine, then the oil light came on and alerted me. I believe it can be inspected, but have not been able to have it towed to the dealership.

Filed Aug 22, 2024 · Engine · CA

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle began to vibrate violently, after which the contact observed white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact also stated that there was a coolant odor throughout the interior of the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The overheating and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Apr 14, 2023 · Transmission · NC

I only had 77k miles on my fiesta and always well maintained. The transmission system had an internal transmission failure and I was told it would cost $8600 to fix so I had to get a new car. 77k is very low for transmission issues. I called ford and they said only one part within the transmission was recalled so they couldn’t do anything about it. It’s very disheartening that 2011 was a year that didn’t have an extended transmission warranty but other years were. Since I couldn’t pay for the repair, I used it as an only $500 trade in for a new car instead of the Kelly blue book value. There were no problems before. I was driving to work and I heard a knocking sound so drove it to ford to be looked at.

Filed Dec 7, 2022 · Electrical · VT

On Sunday December 4th 2022 my car battery died. I called aaa and they sent out a tow company to jump the battery. I noticed for about a month the car made a "ticking" noise. The noise would sound like a "sighing" when parking the vehicle. The passenger side door latch is broken and will no longer lock my door. My minor daughter used to sit up there but now because the door flys open she can no longer sit there. This is a serious safety hazard and needs to be recalled on Ford Fiesta 2016 as well.

Filed Feb 2, 2020 · Suspension · MN

While driving I hear like a knocking noise coming from the front end, while driving down main streets and side streets.

Filed Oct 29, 2019 · OK

This car has been trash every since I drove it off the lot I have had to have this car serviced so many times for so many different reasons. My complaint today is the compressor has gone out plus it is making a knocking noise when I turn on the heater. Any suggestions? Has any one else complained? If you check the history on this car you will find all the trouble I have had to address?

Filed Oct 17, 2015 · Suspension, Transmission · MO

I bought a used 2011 ford fiesta in december of 2014. Within a couple of weeks I began to experience excessive shuddering, knocking, banging noises. Excessive shaking, stuttering. I have taken it to my ford service department and all they said is ford wont do anything until the car breaks down or fails to move at all. And when that does happen, all corporate ford will do is replace the clutch and they even said that wont be a long-term fix because it will always happen again and again.. I am really fearful of getting into a serious accident with this lemon... I am hoping but not holding my breath on ford taking responsibility for this.. Until the federal safety agency makes them do something about it.

Filed Oct 7, 2015 · Transmission · 5,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford fiesta. While driving at 40 MPH, the contact noticed a loud grinding and knocking sound. The contact stated that the vehicle also jerked into gear. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that it needed a clutch or transmission. The vehicle was not repaired, however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 5,000.

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

Questions about the Ford Fiesta knocking

Which Ford Fiesta years have engine knocking or ticking problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2011 (3 complaints), 2012 (3 complaints) and 2013 (3 complaints).

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