2011 Ford Fiesta Problems – Is It As Bad As People Say?

2011 Ford Fiesta Problems – Is It As Bad As People Say?

Currently, in 2022, fuel prices are at an all-time high. Because of this, old economy cars have regained popularity. The 2011 Ford Fiesta is an excellent example of this. Although they are a decade old, these cars are once again selling like hotcakes. Because of this reason, we thought of discussing some 2011 Ford Fiesta problems with you.

Buying an old car can be scary. This is because of many reasons. First off, we don’t know where these vehicles have been during their lifetime. These vehicles can look good from the outside. But, they often have hidden mechanical issues, which can leave you on the side of the road. The same is applicable to the Ford Fiesta.

That’s why it is important to know the common problems of this car before you buy one of them. In this article, we will be discussing everything you need to know about the Ford Fiesta. Before talking about the Fiesta, let’s look at the overall reliability of Ford vehicles. So, let’s begin, shall we?

Ford Reliability

Ford is one of the biggest car manufacturers in the world. They have a stronghold in the modern-day car market. This can especially be seen in North America. Some of the best-selling Ford models include;

Ford vehicles are popular among buyers because of several reasons. One of them is reliability. Ford vehicles are generally reliable. They have a good dealership network, and repair parts are plenty. Not only that, Fords are relatively easy to work on. This increases the reliability score of Ford vehicles.

2011 ford fiesta problems

However, Ford models are plagued with several common issues. We will be looking at these issues later on. There are a number of 2011 Ford Fiesta problems as well. These issues range from small ones to critical ones. If you are hoping to buy one of these vehicles, this information will be very helpful to you. Before looking at the problems, let’s first discuss the history of the Ford Fiesta.

History Of The Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta is one of the most popular vehicles in the world. It has been this way since it made its debut in the late 70s. This is no easy feat. However, the Fiesta has been able to stay popular and relevant for over 4 decades. To date, there have been 8 generations of the Ford Fiesta. The first one was released in 1976. The latest generation of the Fiesta entered the market in 2017. Let’s quickly go through the different generations of the Fiesta.

Ford Fiesta Mk 1

In the late 1970s, the automotive market was going through some changes. The world was going through an economic and fuel crisis. As a result, people moved away from gas-guzzling muscle cars. The need for economical and affordable vehicles emerged from the market.

Ford saw the chance to compete in this market. So, it launched “project Bobcat“. The aim of this project was to build a vehicle that could compete in this new emerging market. The result of this project was the Ford Fiesta compact car. As we said earlier, it was unveiled to the public in 1976. The car was an instant hit. The affordable price and reliability of the Fiesta contributed to this success.

Ford Fiesta Mk 2

7 years after releasing the first generation Fiesta, Ford thought it was time for an update. So, the Fiesta Mk 2 was launched to the public in 1983. The interior and the exterior both received an update with this new generation. A new 1.6-liter diesel engine was also introduced, along with a five-speed manual transmission.

An automatic transmission was another new transmission option on offer. The Mk2 Ford Fiesta was even more of a success than its predecessor. It was the top-selling car in Britain until the decade came to an end.

Ford Fiesta Mk 3

The 3rd generation of the Fiesta entered the market in 1989. With this generation, the fiesta grew in size. It was both wider and longer than the previous two generations. Not only that, but the wheelbase also got an increase. This resulted in a five-door model being introduced for the first time in a Fiesta.

Anti locking brakes were also introduced with generation. This greatly increased the safety of the vehicle. New 1.0 and 1.1. liter engines helped to keep the running costs of the Fiesta lower than its competitors. The third generation carried on the success of the Fiesta into the 90s.

Ford Fiesta Mk 4

1995 saw the introduction of the 4th generation Ford Fiesta. The iconic oval Ford grill made its debut with this generation. Along with that, the Fiesta went through several other changes. The body became more aerodynamic. Power mirrors and power windows were also introduced. Two new Zetec-SE engines were introduced with this generation s well.

Ford Fiesta Mk 5

The fifth generation brought with it the most powerful Fiesta of the time. It was named the “Fiesta ST”. Yes, the ST model we all know and love debuted with this generation. New Duratec engines and a five-door model made this generation a key player in the growing small-car market of the time. The fifth-generation Fiesta was popular among students and young adults. This was because of its reliability and affordability.

Ford Fiesta Mk 6

This generation of the Ford Fiesta is really special. That is because this is the best-selling generation of the Fiesta of all time. This generation was focused on being fuel-efficient. The new Fiesta ECOnetic became the most fuel-efficient family car in the United Kingdom.

Ford Fiesta Mk 7

MyKey safety technology, ambient lighting, keyless entry, and power steering were some of the features introduced with the 7th generation Ford Fiesta. The high-performance Fiesta ST-Line model was released in 2014. This model was powered by the new Ford EcoBoost engine.

Ford Fiesta Mk 8

This is the newest generation of the Ford Fiesta. It was introduced in 2017. Several new body styles of the Fiesta debuted with this generation. They are the Fiesta Active, Fiesta Vignale, and the Fiesta mild hybrid. The Active is a crossover. The Vignale is a more luxurious version of the Fiesta. On the other hand, the mild hybrid is the most efficient Fiesta currently on offer.

Now you know about all the Ford Fiesta generations. Next, we will look at the 2011 Ford Fiesta.

2011 Ford Fiesta

Before looking at the 2011 Ford Fiesta problems, let’s take a look at the vehicle itself. The 2011 model year belongs to the 7th generation of the Fiesta. This model has many features that make it one of the best economy cars of its time. The 2011 Ford Fiesta has an affordable starting price of just $13,995. This makes it one of the cheapest cars money can buy.

Do not let this cheap price fool you. The Fiesta still packs a punch for its low price. It is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. This little power plant produces a respectable 120 horsepower. As a result, the Fiesta can get to 60 mph in just 10 seconds. The fuel economy of the Fiesta is great too. It has an EPA rating of 30 mpg in the city and 40 on the highway.

2011 ford fiesta problems

When compared to its competitors, the cabin space of the Fiesta leaves a bit to be desired. There are two models of the Fiesta on offer, a sedan, and a hatchback. The sedan has a bigger interior. This version also has a cargo space of 12.8 cubic feet. The base model comes with a cloth interior. However, there is an option to add leather seats if you desire.

You may now want to know about the reliability of the Ford Fiesta. Well, this requires its own section. So, without further ado, let’s move on to reliability.

2011 Ford Fiesta Reliability

The Ford Fiesta is an affordable vehicle. It is comfortable and offers good performance for the price as well. However, The Fiesta suffers from a few reliability issues. There have been several well-known problems with this model through the years. The vehicle was recalled a few times as well.

Most issues with the Fiesta were reported relating to the transmission of the vehicle. The interior, engine, and clutch received the next highest complaints respectively. Next, we are going to tell you about these issues one by one.

2011 Ford Fiesta Problems Recalls

As of 2022, three recalls have happened due to the 2011 Ford Fiesta problems. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration ordered these recalls to happen because of the following reasons.

With that, we will now take a deeper dive into each of these recalls.

2011 Ford Fiesta Problems Recalls #1 – Airbags Recall

One of the 2011 Ford Fiesta problems discovered early in the lifecycle of the vehicle was an issue with the airbags. You see, the airbags system on the passenger side of this car had one major oversight. The curtain airbag would only deploy if there was a passenger on the seat. If not, only the driver’s airbag would deploy. As you can see, this is a major safety concern. As a result, the NHTSA ordered Ford to recall Ford Fiestas and fix the issue. This recall was completed in 2012.

2011 Ford Fiesta Problems Recalls #2 – Linkage System Recall

The Ford Fiesta always had some issues with its door latch system. You see, the doors of the Ford Fiestas were flying open while the car was driving on the road. Naturally, this was a scary situation for the owners and passengers of the vehicle.

The heart of the problem was the door pawls. A door pawl is a device situated inside the door handle of a vehicle. The pawl is what keeps the door securely shut while driving. When this part fails, the door can easily unlatch and open itself automatically.

However, the pawl springs used in the 2011 Ford Fiesta were identified as being faulty. These springs did not allow the door to shut completely, making them fly open. To fix this issue, Ford had to issue one of the biggest recalls of all time. In total 830,000 vehicles, including all 2011 Ford Fiestas were recalled to fix this linkage, lock, and latch problem.

Other than this issue, the door latches of the Ford Fiestas could freeze in place as well. This mainly happened in cold climate conditions. Drivers could be locked inside their vehicles due to this issue. However, users were not required to pay any bills in order to get these recalls and fixes completed. Instead, Ford completed them free of charge. They carried out these repairs even on Fiestas with expired warranties.

2011 Ford Fiesta Transmission Problems

There are some 2011 Ford Fiesta problems with the transmission as well. These are some of the most reported issues of this vehicle. The main issues related to the transmission are hesitation when accelerating as well as jerking. The 2011 Ford Fiesta had the option of getting the PowerShift transmission.

This is a 6-speed, dual-clutch transmission. This system was supposed to give a smooth ride for the passenger. Not only that but this system was also designed to give the vehicle the fuel efficiency of a manual combined with the ease of use of an automatic.

However, this system is well known for the above-mentioned issues. Not only that, the system had issues with downshifting as well. As a result, it keeps the engine in higher gears for long periods of time. This is bad for the engine. Not only that, but this issue also affects the fuel economy of the vehicle.

This problem was widespread among 2011 Ford Fiestas. The main cause of this was the use of dry clutches. These dry clutches did not contain enough transmission fluid. As a result, the friction between components was higher and caused these transmission issues.

Due to some lawsuits, Ford had to pay for all transmission repairs carried out on these vehicles regardless of warranty status. Apart from the above two issues, the Ford Fiesta transmission is known to leak fluid as well. This can be harmful to the transmission and the engine of the vehicle alike.

2011 Ford Fiesta Brake Problems

The brakes of the 2011 Ford Fiesta have some issues as well. Brake issues are common among most Ford vehicles. In this case, the brakes tend to deteriorate quicker than in other vehicles. The only way to fix this issue is by replacing the whole brake assembly, including the brake pads and rotors. In many cases, this had to be done in a lower milage like 40,000 miles.

Other than that, brake squealing is another well-known one of the 2011 Ford Fiesta problems. On some occasions, the anti-lock brake system was reported to malfunction. This could lead to the wheels locking up under hard braking, causing an accident. If you are looking to buy a 2011 Ford Fiesta, be sure to go through the brakes system before the purchase.

2011 Ford Fiesta Radio Problems

The radio and audio entertainment system is another area of the 2011 Ford Fiesta which has some problems. The Bluetooth connectivity has a tendency to disconnect without warning. This is an annoying problem for most users. The 2011 Ford Fiesta is equipped with an infotainment system called MyFord Touch.

This was the first system of its kind produced by Ford. But, this system has many issues. One of the main issues is difficulty in using it. This system can also crash frequently, and has difficulty responding to touch controls.

As they implemented this system, Ford removed all physical buttons in favor of it. This made this system extremely difficult to use in cold environments. That is because when a person has gloves on, touch screens have difficulty recognizing touch inputs. But wait, there’s more! The touchscreen could go dark without any warning, and not turn back on for some time. It can even turn off while the reverse camera was on. However, most of these issues can be fixed by updating the system to the latest software.

In most markets, the Fiesta goes head to head with the Ford Focus. This can make it difficult for a buyer to choose one over the other. If you are facing this difficulty as well, the next chapter is dedicated to you.

Ford Fiesta VS Ford Focus

For a normal person, the Fiesta and Focus may seem like they are the same vehicle. However, there are some major differences between the two models. The most obvious difference between the two models is the size. The Focus is a family car, while the Fiesta is a supermini.

This means that the Focus is bigger than the Fiesta in every dimension. This also leads to the next difference, which is the price. When you match the trim level and options between the two models, there is an average price difference of about $2400. However, in higher performance trim levels like the ST models, this difference increases to almost $8400.

2011 ford fiesta problems

As we mentioned before, the Focus is a physically bigger vehicle than the Fiesta. It offers 10mm more headroom along with 50mm of legroom for passengers. The number of doors offered is another difference between the models. The Fiesta comes in 3-door or 5-door forms.

But, the Focus is only offered with a 5-door configuration. The truck capacity is also different between the Focus and the Fiesta. The Fiestas’ trunk capacity is 290 liters, while that of the Focus is 316 liters. Both models have similar engine choices and trim levels on offer.

Both the Fiesta and Focus are pretty similar in most aspects. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide the best model for you. For families looking to get a spacious and comfortable car, the Focus is the best choice. However, if you do not want a lot of space and just looking for a fun daily driver, the Fiesta is the way to go.

2011 Ford Fiesta Transmission Replacement Cost

As we discussed before, there are a number of 2011 Ford Fiesta problems related to the transmission. On most occasions, the only way to fix this issue is by replacing the entire transmission. The parts alone can cost about $1000. Add in the labor cost, and you are looking at a very expensive fix.

2011 Ford Fiesta Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Ford Fiesta depends on how you use it. If the vehicle is treated well and properly maintained, it can last up to 200,000 miles. However, these vehicles are mostly discarded after 150,000 miles or so.

2011 Ford Fiesta Check Engine Light

A check engine light can indicate one of several Ford Fiesta engine issues. The main engine issue of the Ford Fiesta is engine stalls. Oil leaks in the engine are also a common issue in these vehicles. Timing belt failures are also one of the known 2011 Ford Fiesta problems.

Fiesta Woes: Facts on the 2011 Ford Fiesta Problems

  • The 2011 Ford Fiesta has reliable performance but is known for transmission, locking system, and engine issues, among others.
  • The most reported problem with the 2011 Ford Fiesta is its transmission, which results in jerking or hesitation when accelerating.
  • Other significant transmission issues include failed or leaking transmission, the car not staying in the correct gear, and rattling sounds.
  • There have been reports of malfunction in the door locking system, which led to doors flying open while driving.
  • Engine problems reported by some 2011 Ford Fiesta owners include stalling, oil leakage, and timing belt breakage while driving, causing engine seizures.
  • Premature brake wear, squealing, and grinding noises are among the main braking system problems.
  • Interior accessories issues include static in the speakers, rattling in the dashboard, air conditioning system failure, and audio entertainment system issues.
  • The 2011 Ford Fiesta has electrical issues, such as a dying battery, battery melting due to high heat, and an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) issue.
  • The passenger-side curtain airbag sometimes does not deploy in the event of a side collision if there is no passenger in the passenger seat.
  • Most 2011 Ford Fiesta owners report getting 150,000 miles with routine maintenance, and rust on the inner wings of the car has been reported after ten years.

Conclusion For 2011 Ford Fiesta Problems

car name ford

The Ford Fiesta is one of the most popular vehicles on the planet. Because of this, a lot of people are interested in buying this vehicle. That’s why we decided to talk about some of the 2011 Ford Fiesta problems with you. We started off by looking at the reliability of the Ford brand. Then, we looked at the history of the Ford Fiesta.

After that, we told you about the reliability of the 2011 Ford Fiesta. The 2011 Ford Fiesta has gone through several recalls. We took a look at some of the more prominent Ford Fiesta problems in the following sections.

FAQS On 2011 Ford Fiesta Problems

Here are some popular FAQs:

Are Ford Fiestas Good Cars

The Ford Fiesta is an affordable, reliable, and fun compact car. It gets good gas mileage and gives the user a fun driving experience.

Are Ford Fiestas Reliable

Ford Fiestas are mostly reliable vehicles. However, there are some problems that affect the Ford Fiesta. The most well-known ones are issues with the transmission system. Engine issues, interior issues, sound issues as well as brakes issues are also known to plague the Ford Fiesta. Overall, the reliability of the Ford Fiesta is comparable to its competitors.

How Long Do Ford Fiestas Last

If the Ford Fiesta is maintained well, it can last up to 200,000 miles.

Where Is The Ford Fiesta Made

The Ford Fiesta was previously manufactured in plants all over the world. These included countries like India, China, Brazil, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. However, currently, it is only made at the Ford plant located in Cologne, Germany.

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