Ford Fiesta reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Ford Fiesta is a supermini; the latest version we cover is the Mk8 (2017–2023). In 2024 MOT tests it scored 86 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 347 of 442, and 34.3% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is stop lamp (6.1% of tests). Boot space is 311 litres (1,093 with the seats folded).
Ford Fiesta key specs (Mk8 (2017–2023), 3/5-door hatchback)
Boot
311 litres (1,093 seats folded)
Seats
5
Size (L × W × H)
4,048 × 1,735 × 1,490mm
Power
70–200 PS
0–62mph
6.5–14.9 sec
Euro NCAP
5 stars (2017)
2017–2023 models; figures vary by version. Sources: media.ford.com (archived), euroncap.com.
Ranked 347 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 16 of 31 superminis
In 2024, 1,368,897 Ford Fiestas aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 34.3% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Ford Fiesta is 16% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 13.2% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
34.3%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
13.2%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
6,800
Typical age at test: 10 years
Ford Fiesta MOT failure rate by age
Most common Ford Fiesta MOT faults
- Stop lamp: not working6.1% of tests
- Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn5.0% of tests
- Position lamp: not working3.0% of tests
- Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play2.9% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.7% of tests
- Coil spring: fractured or broken2.3% of tests
What the Ford Fiesta fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 16.3% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Suspension | 12.4% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Tyres | 8.0% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Brakes | 5.4% | ▼ 21% less often |
| Visibility | 4.8% | About average |
| Exhaust and emissions | 3.9% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Steering | 3.7% | ▲ 1.8× as often |
| Body and structure | 3.4% | About average |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.7% | ▼ 25% less often |
| Wheels | 0.4% | ▲ 1.1× as often |
How big is the Ford Fiesta's boot?
The Mk8 (2017–2023) Ford Fiesta has 311 litres of boot space with the rear seats up and 1,093 litres with them folded, according to the manufacturer. That's the 8th biggest of the 13 superminis we compare; the Renault Clio has the most, at 391 litres. The previous Mk7 (2008–2017) had 290 litres.
What MPG does the Ford Fiesta do?
Official economy for the Ford Fiesta ranges from 37.7 to 85.6mpg across the 119 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2024). A typical petrol version manages 53.3mpg and a typical diesel 76.3mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Ford Fiesta?
Any Ford Fiesta first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Ford Fiesta registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £360 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carFord Fiesta specs and running costs
Official figures for 119 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2024.
Fuel types
Diesel, Hybrid, Petrol
Official economy
37.7–85.6 mpg
CO2
85–179 g/km
Power
55–200 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiesta Model Year Pre 2023.25 1.1 Ti-VCT (Stop-Start)55 PS · M5 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 53.3 mpg | 120g | £200 | 30% |
| Fiesta Model Year Post 2023.25 1.1 Ti-VCT (Stop-Start)55 PS · M5 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 53.3 mpg | 120g | £200 | 30% |
| Fiesta Model Year Pre 2023.25 1.0 EcoBoost (Stop-Start)74 PS · M6 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 52.3 mpg | 123g | £200 | 30% |
| Fiesta Model Year Post 2023.25 1.0 EcoBoost (Stop-Start)74 PS · M6 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 52.3 mpg | 123g | £200 | 30% |
| Fiesta Model Year Pre 2023.25 1.0 EcoBoost (Stop-Start) mHEV92 PS · M6 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 57.6 mpg | 111g | £200 | 28% |
| Fiesta Model Year Post 2023.25 1.0 EcoBoost (Stop-Start) mHEV92 PS · M6 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 57.6 mpg | 111g | £200 | 28% |
| Fiesta Model Year Pre 2023.25 1.0 EcoBoost (Stop-Start) mHEV92 PS · DCT7 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 54.3 mpg | 117g | £200 | 29% |
| Fiesta Model Year Post 2023.25 1.0 EcoBoost (Stop-Start) mHEV92 PS · DCT7 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 54.3 mpg | 117g | £200 | 29% |
| Fiesta Model Year Pre 2023.25 1.5 EcoBoost (Stop-Start)147 PS · M6 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 46.3 mpg | 138g | £200 | 33% |
| Fiesta Model Year Post 2023.25 1.5 EcoBoost (Stop-Start)147 PS · M6 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 43.5 mpg | 147g | £200 | 35% |
| Fiesta Model Year Post 2023 1.1 Ti-VCT (Stop-Start)75 PS · M5 · listed 2022 | Petrol | 53.3 mpg | 120g | £200 | 30% |
| Fiesta Model Year Pre 2023 1.1 Ti-VCT (Stop-Start)75 PS · M5 · listed 2022 | Petrol | 53.3 mpg | 120g | £200 | 30% |
| Fiesta Model Year Post 2023 1.0 EcoBoost (Stop-Start)100 PS · M6 · listed 2022 | Petrol | 52.3 mpg | 123g | £200 | 30% |
| Fiesta Model Year Pre 2023 1.0 EcoBoost (Stop-Start)100 PS · M6 · listed 2022 | Petrol | 54.3 mpg | 118g | £200 | 29% |
| Fiesta Model Year Post 2023 1.0 EcoBoost (Stop-Start) mHEV125 PS · M6 · listed 2022 | Petrol | 57.6 mpg | 111g | £200 | 28% |
Economy and CO2 are official WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 119 versions.
What a Ford Fiesta costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 53.3mpg…
- diesel, typical official 76.3mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Ford FiestaPrevious Ford Fiesta generations
Ford Fiesta Mk7 (2008–2017, 5-door hatchback)
boot 290 litres · 60–182 PS · 0–62mph 6.9–16.9 sec · Euro NCAP 5 stars (2012)
38.0% of Ford Fiestas built 2008–2017 failed their 2024 MOT first time (all cars that age: 33.0%).
Buying a used Ford Fiesta?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Ford Fiesta with other superminis
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Ford models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Ford Fiesta reliable?
Its MOT record is worse than average: the Ford Fiesta is 16% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 86 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Ford Fiesta?
The most common MOT fault is “Stop lamp: not working”, found in 6.1% of tests. It fails on steering and lights and electrics more often than similar cars.
›How big is the Ford Fiesta's boot?
The Mk8 (2017–2023) Ford Fiesta has 311 litres of boot space with the rear seats up and 1,093 litres with them folded, according to the manufacturer. That's the 8th biggest of the 13 superminis we compare; the Renault Clio has the most, at 391 litres. The previous Mk7 (2008–2017) had 290 litres.
›What MPG does the Ford Fiesta do?
Official economy for the Ford Fiesta ranges from 37.7 to 85.6mpg across the 119 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2024). A typical petrol version manages 53.3mpg and a typical diesel 76.3mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Ford Fiesta?
Any Ford Fiesta first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Ford Fiesta registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £360 a year.
›How many Ford Fiestas fail their MOT?
34.3% of Ford Fiestas aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 13.2% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Ford Fiesta combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.