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

Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,805Avg. savings £4,765 off RRP*Used from £9,000
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £24,040Avg. savings £1,535 off RRP*
Toyota Yaris Cross
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,085Avg. savings £3,144 off RRP*Used from £12,990
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Have you considered?

Used Cupra Born (Mk1, 2021-date) buyer's guide: the EV the VW ID.3 wishes it was
Used Cupra Born - front

Used Cupra Born (Mk1, 2021-date) buyer's guide: the EV the VW ID.3 wishes it was

Used car tests
6 Apr 2026
Cupra Born review
Cupra Born - main image

Cupra Born review

In-depth reviews
30 Mar 2026

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: Tesla Model 3 for £197 a month is the ultimate high fuel price hack
Tesla Model 3 - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Tesla Model 3 for £197 a month is the ultimate high fuel price hack

Elon’s Musk’s big-seller is a premium-feeling and efficient electric saloon. It’s our Deal of the Day for April 10
News
10 Apr 2026
We got it wrong: VW ID.3 and ID.4 will be replaced by “true Volkswagens”
Volkswagen ID.3 - front and rear

We got it wrong: VW ID.3 and ID.4 will be replaced by “true Volkswagens”

The inside story on how the people’s car maker lost touch with the people, before rediscovering its mojo under boss Thomas Schäfer
News
10 Apr 2026
New Ford Explorer Van revealed for those seeking more style than a humble Transit
New Ford Explorer Van - front angled

New Ford Explorer Van revealed for those seeking more style than a humble Transit

Explorer Van has arrived as an official conversion from Ford’s team in Dagenham
News
9 Apr 2026