Skip advert
Advertisement

Used Ford Fiesta (Mk6, 2008-2017) - What should you look for?

Overall the Fiesta is a robust and reliable car, but there are one or two issues to keep and eye out for

Over the best part of decade Ford refined the Fiesta into a durable and dependable choice. And while there are some weaknesses to be aware of, parts are affordable and most garages can easily undertake repairs.

Common Ford Fiesta problems

Gears

Gear selection can be tricky, especially reverse and first. It’s often easier to select whatever gear you can get, before moving to the one you want.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Seals

Door seals can come away from the frame, leading to wind noise at speed and water leaks into the cabin. A dab of glue should adequately fix things.

Alloys

Alloy wheels can buckle – particularly the 16 and 17-inch rims. Once a wheel has buckled, though, it’ll be obvious because you’ll get a vibration as soon as you start moving.

Steering racks

Steering racks don’t seem to last very long, while track rod ends aren’t always very durable, either. Repairs tend not to be too costly, though.

Interior

The cabin is neatly designed, easy to use and generally has a quality feel. There’s plenty of cubby space, plus head and legroom are good, but not brilliant. The 290-litre boot is also fine without being exceptional; it expands to 974 litres with the seats folded.

Recalls

Ford has recalled the Fiesta Mk6 three times. The first affected cars built between July and November 2011 that could suffer from exhaust fumes getting into the cabin. The next came in February 2012; the rear suspension bolts could fail in 889 Fiestas built in September 2011. In November 2014, the most recent recall was issued. It affected 40,000 diesel cars built in 2010 and 2011. The glow plug control module could short circuit and catch fire.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,085Avg. savings £3,144 off RRP*Used from £12,790
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £25,250Avg. savings £2,502 off RRP*Used from £8,995
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,310Avg. savings £2,713 off RRP*Used from £9,995
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,435Avg. savings £5,965 off RRP*Used from £9,990
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Have you considered?

Cupra Born review
Cupra Born facelift - front tracking

Cupra Born review

In-depth reviews
23 Apr 2026
Long-term test: Skoda Fabia 130
Skoda Fabia 130 long-term test - Senior news reporter Alastair Crooks sat on the bonnet of the Skoda holding a racing car seat

Long-term test: Skoda Fabia 130

Long-term tests
19 Apr 2026

Most Popular

New Citroen 2CV: £13k electric city car to lean on brand nostalgia
Citroen 2CV exclusive image 2026

New Citroen 2CV: £13k electric city car to lean on brand nostalgia

A 2CV-inspired small car is in the works, designed to bridge the gap between the Ami quadricycle and e-C3 supermini
News
24 Apr 2026
Electric car charging stations in the UK: public EV charging prices, networks and top tips
EV charging hacks - front of R5 in front of Gridserve

Electric car charging stations in the UK: public EV charging prices, networks and top tips

Our guide to saving hundreds of pounds on public EV charging covers all the bases
Tips & advice
20 Apr 2026
New Fiat Grande Panda Hybrid 2026 review: supermini rises to the next level with hybrid power
Richard Ingram with the Fiat Grande Panda Hybrid

New Fiat Grande Panda Hybrid 2026 review: supermini rises to the next level with hybrid power

Fiat is on to a winner with the mild-hybrid version of the impressive Grande Panda supermini
Road tests
21 Apr 2026