2024 Ford Fiesta: known problems and what to check
Cars registered in 2024 haven’t had their first MOT yet (it’s due at 3 years old), so there are no MOT results to show. Here’s what we do know about the 2024 Ford Fiesta, and what to check before you buy one.
Known faults on the 2024 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.
- 1.0 petrol (EcoBoost and non-turbo)
Timing belt that runs in oil (1.0 EcoBoost)
Ford’s 1.0 three-cylinder petrol uses a timing belt that runs in the engine oil on most cars. If oil changes are late or the wrong oil is used, the belt breaks down and sheds rubber that blocks the oil supply, which can wreck the engine. Some later cars have a timing chain instead: a Ford dealer can tell you from the VIN. Ford’s change interval is 10 years or 150,000 miles, and the belt isn’t covered by warranty.
At the viewing: Ask for a full service history with the right oil, and when the belt was changed. An oil-pressure warning light, a rattle or a rough idle are warning signs.
Source: Parkers: everything you need to know about the Ford wet belt
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2024 Ford Fiesta
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the timing belt been changed, and is there a full service history with the right oil?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
What to check on a 2024 car
- Warranty left
Ask for the date it was first registered and check how much of the maker’s warranty is left, and that it transfers to you. Electric and hybrid batteries usually have a longer, separate warranty.
- Servicing
Servicing on time with the maker’s schedule keeps the warranty valid. Ask for the service book or the dealer’s digital record.
- Finance
Nearly new cars are often still on finance. A history check shows outstanding finance, and whether it has been written off or stolen.
- Recalls
Ask whether any recall work has been done, and check the reg on GOV.UK’s free recall checker.
- Logbook (V5C)
The name and address should match the seller, and the VIN on the V5C should match the car.
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Other years
Every year of the Ford Fiesta compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 1,253 | Tyres 15% |
| 2022 | 23,364 | Tyres 21% |
| 2021 | 25,716 | Tyres 25% |
| 2020 | 46,359 | Tyres 30% |
| 2019 | 78,044 | Tyres 31% |
| 2018 | 92,925 | Tyres 31% |
| 2017 | 89,573 | Tyres 31% |
| 2016 | 112,893 | Suspension 34% |
| 2015 | 123,649 | Suspension 37% |
| 2014 | 120,179 | Suspension 42% |
| 2013 | 109,737 | Suspension 47% |
| 2012 | 95,811 | Suspension 49% |
| 2011 | 81,022 | Suspension 48% |
| 2010 | 81,339 | Suspension 49% |
| 2009 | 84,688 | Suspension 51% |
| 2008 | 48,776 | Lights and electrics 47% |
| 2007 | 43,840 | Lights and electrics 48% |
| 2006 | 34,565 | Suspension 49% |
| 2005 | 20,046 | Suspension 51% |
| 2004 | 16,219 | Suspension 50% |
| 2003 | 12,089 | Brakes 49% |
| 2002 | 5,742 | Suspension 46% |
| 2001 | 2,014 | Suspension 54% |
| 2000 | 1,174 | Suspension 55% |
| 1999 | 1,179 | Suspension 54% |
| 1998 | 935 | Suspension 55% |
| 1997 | 430 | Suspension 53% |
| 1996 | 256 | Suspension 42% |
| 1995 | 251 | Brakes 33% |
| 1994 | 163 | Suspension 39% |
| 1993 | 131 | Suspension 34% |
| 1992 | 172 | Suspension 25% |
| 1991 | 278 | Suspension 19% |
| 1990 | 174 | Lights and electrics 22% |
| 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 |
Where this comes from: how many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics (DVLA records), counted by the year each car was first registered. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score