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

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £25,235Avg. savings £2,502 off RRP*Used from £10,295
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £27,145Avg. savings £2,518 off RRP*Used from £16,500
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £10,581 off RRP*Used from £10,295
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £6,189 off RRP*Used from £12,195
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Have you considered?

Used Renault Megane (Mk4, 2016-2022) review and buyer's guide
Renault Megane Mk4

Used Renault Megane (Mk4, 2016-2022) review and buyer's guide

Used car tests
15 Jan 2026
New Skoda Fabia 130 2026 review: a likeable warm hatch, but it’s no vRS
Skoda Fabia 130 - front tracking

New Skoda Fabia 130 2026 review: a likeable warm hatch, but it’s no vRS

Road tests
29 Dec 2025
Cupra Born review
Cupra Born - main image

Cupra Born review

In-depth reviews
11 Dec 2025

Most Popular

Vauxhall sales are up because it’s not greedy, unlike some of its rivals
Opinion - Vauxhall

Vauxhall sales are up because it’s not greedy, unlike some of its rivals

Mike Rutherford takes a closer look at the UK new car sales figures from 2025
Opinion
18 Jan 2026
Dacia’s 2026 plan revealed: can hybrid Sandero, new Spring and more boost UK sales?
Dacia range

Dacia’s 2026 plan revealed: can hybrid Sandero, new Spring and more boost UK sales?

Dacia posted big sales last year – except in the UK. We reveal six new products to boost the budget brand in ‘26
News
20 Jan 2026
New AUDI E5 Sportback 2026 review: the best car Audi has built in decades
AUDI E5 Sportback - front tracking

New AUDI E5 Sportback 2026 review: the best car Audi has built in decades

This is the first car from Audi's China-focused sub-brand, and it's a real shame that we won't be getting it
Road tests
16 Jan 2026