2002 Ford Fiesta: petrol or diesel?
Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.
Hybrid versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.
Known faults on every 2002 Ford Fiesta
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- All engines
Power steering belt recall
The power steering drive belt could break up and snap, so the steering suddenly goes heavy. There was a recall to fit a new belt.
At the viewing: Ask for proof the recall was done, and look at the belt for cracks.
- Some cars
Rear axle recall
Some cars were recalled because a weld on the rear axle wasn’t up to standard. The axle was replaced free.
At the viewing: Ask whether the rear axle recall was done.
- Manual gearbox
Sticky change into third gear
Worn synchro rings make the change into third and fourth feel sticky. It’s a gearbox-out job for a specialist.
At the viewing: Change up and down through third and fourth several times and feel for stiffness or crunching.
- Cars with air con
Air con that stops working
The air con can stop working, or the compressor runs all the time, usually because of a faulty pressure switch.
At the viewing: Make sure the air con blows cold and switches off properly.
- All engines
Grinding from the front
A worn driveshaft centre bearing makes a grinding noise from under the front.
At the viewing: Listen for grinding when turning and at speed.
Looking at a Ford Fiesta?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Ford Fiesta compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 1,279 | Tyres 15% |
| 2022 | 24,194 | Tyres 21% |
| 2021 | 53,077 | Tyres 23% |
| 2020 | 138,826 | Tyres 26% |
| 2019 | 231,452 | Tyres 30% |
| 2018 | 275,560 | Tyres 31% |
| 2017 | 268,449 | Tyres 31% |
| 2016 | 339,835 | Tyres 32% |
| 2015 | 373,591 | Tyres 33% |
| 2014 | 364,190 | Suspension 38% |
| 2013 | 334,425 | Suspension 44% |
| 2012 | 293,149 | Suspension 46% |
| 2011 | 251,360 | Suspension 45% |
| 2010 | 256,215 | Suspension 46% |
| 2009 | 271,995 | Suspension 48% |
| 2008 | 166,878 | Lights and electrics 44% |
| 2007 | 154,032 | Lights and electrics 46% |
| 2006 | 125,159 | Suspension 47% |
| 2005 | 74,517 | Suspension 49% |
| 2004 | 61,285 | Suspension 48% |
| 2003 | 46,363 | Brakes 48% |
| 2001 | 8,018 | Suspension 54% |
| 2000 | 4,564 | Suspension 53% |
| 1999 | 4,618 | Suspension 53% |
| 1998 | 3,710 | Suspension 53% |
| 1997 | 1,676 | Suspension 52% |
| 1996 | 937 | Suspension 46% |
| 1995 | 805 | Brakes 36% |
| 1994 | 562 | Suspension 39% |
| 1993 | 423 | Suspension 32% |
| 1992 | 508 | Suspension 24% |
| 1991 | 881 | Suspension 18% |
| 1990 | 511 | Suspension 21% |
| 1989 | – | Too few tests |
| 1988 | – | Too few tests |
| 1987 | – | Too few tests |
| 1986 | – | Too few tests |
| 1985 | – | Too few tests |
| 1984 | – | Too few tests |
| 1983 | – | Too few tests |
| 1982 | – | Too few tests |
| 1981 | – | Too few tests |
| 1980 | – | Too few tests |
| 1979 | – | Too few tests |
| 1978 | – | Too few tests |
| 1977 | – | Too few tests |