Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: a solid ownership case with specific caveats below.
Owners have filed 100 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Ford Fiesta, and it carries 3 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Back over prevention | 27 | 27% |
| Power train | 16 | 16% |
| Unknown or other | 9 | 9% |
| Electrical system | 6 | 6% |
| Air bags | 6 | 6% |
| Service brakes | 5 | 5% |
| Engine | 4 | 4% |
| Power train | 2 | 2% |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 2% |
| Structure | 1 | 1% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fiesta. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was con
NHTSA complaint: Back over prevention
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fiesta. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to perform the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated
NHTSA complaint: Back over prevention
The backup camera has been malfunctioning for over 5 years. There has been a recall for over 2 years for this issue. The camera image on the dash will flicker, be inverted or not display at all with an error stating "C
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
I have been made aware of this issue in writing by Ford in October 2025. I took my car in for the service to Ford in Palatka, Florida. I was advised that needed parts had not been authorized by the Ford. I was advised th
NHTSA complaint: Structure
Recall remedy unavailable..I am filing a complaint regarding NHTSA Recall Campaign Number 25V695 (Ford Recall 25SA9) for my 2019 Ford Fiesta. The manufacturer has not provided a timely remedy, leaving me with a blank and
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fiesta. The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was con
NHTSA complaint: Back over prevention
- Backup camera malfunction. Hit a parked car. - My son in the back seat was at risk. - yes - yes - Yes, the backup camera has always been faulty. The manufacturer has failed to promptly remedy this safety recall for my
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse the vehicle, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image would intermittently display
NHTSA complaint: Back over prevention
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2019 Ford Fiesta. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Fiesta vehicles. The brake calipers may have been manufactured with the incorrect assembly fluid, which can cause the caliper's rubber seals to swell.
Risk: The swollen seals can cause the brakes to drag, potentially overheating the brakes and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will flush the brake fluid and replace the front brake calipers and brake hoses, free of charge. The recall began October 10, 2019. Owners may contact Ford custo
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Flex, Fiesta, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. The rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image.
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 22, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image wh
Risk: A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years
| Reliability raw | 82 | excellent |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 79 | good |
| Maintenance | 79 | good |
| Depreciation | 84 | excellent |
| Performance | 41 | below average |
| Efficiency | 53 | average |
| Safety | 80 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other compact cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 100 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and back over prevention is the most reported area with 27 of them (27%). There are 3 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 82/100 (excellent) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 79/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2019 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: worth a look, because a solid ownership case with specific caveats below. Its overall ownership score is 75/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.