Used Ford Fiesta ST 2018-2024 reliability
Category: Hot hatch
Few cars are as much fun to drive as the Fiesta ST, and not many are as good value either
What should I look for in a used Ford Fiesta ST hatchback?
When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.
Many Ford Fiesta STs will have been used in towns and quite possibly on school runs so it’s worth checking the extremities of the car for any damage to the bodywork. Check the condition of the alloy wheels carefully as any kerb damage could be expensive to put right.
Some owner will have used their ST vigorously so, as well as taking care to do proper visual checks on the car when you’re buying it, it’s vital to watch out for obvious signs of misuse.
Do a visual check of the exhaust gases (they shouldn’t be too dark), the oil on the engine dipstick and the quality of the coolant. Also check for leaks under the car if possible, and look out for worn tyres that might need expensive replacement. It is always advisable to insist on a full service history, preferably with a Ford main dealer.
What are the most common problems with a used Ford Fiesta ST hatchback?
Steering column: Some Fiestas built from 15 May 2019 to 17 June 2019 were fitted with steering columns that weren't up to specification, so speak to your Ford dealer to find out if yours is affected. If it is, the whole column will need to be replaced to prevent potential future issues.
Rear seatbelt latches: The bolts on the rear seatbelt retractors on a small number of examples made between 18-25 September 2019 might not have been tightened down correctly at the factory. Speak to your local dealer to find out if your car is affected by this; it'll need to be inspected by a technician if so.
Click here for more information. Contact your local Ford dealer if you believe your vehicle is involved in a recall.
Is a used Ford Fiesta ST hatchback reliable?
The ST didn't feature in the 2022 What Car? Reliability Survey but the standard Fiesta did. It finished in 12th place out of 19 cars in the small car class of our most recent What Car? Reliability Survey, albeit with a reasonably good overall score of 94.9%. It finished above the Audi A1, Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Polo, but below the Honda Jazz, Mini Hatch and Toyota Yaris.
Ford as a brand finished in 17th place out of 32 car brands in the same survey, with a score of 91.4% – it placed above Audi, Mercedes and Volkswagen but below Honda, Kia and Skoda.
Used Ford Fiesta ST reliability: the owners' view
As a whole, the Ford Fiesta receives mixed reviews for reliability, based on real-world owner reviews from our 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey.
Some owners reported issues with warning lights and unexpected noises, often leading to repeated dealership visits. However, many found the Fiesta generally reliable for daily use.
Opinions on dealer service were varied: some praised the professionalism and quick repairs, while others faced costly repairs and delays. Communication and problem resolution at dealerships greatly influenced overall satisfaction.
