DecodedCars2018 Ford Fiesta
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatch S/Se/Titanium, 4dr Sedan S/Se/Titanium, St 4dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 98–132 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 31 combined · 27 city / 37 hwy
- Length
- 159.8–173.2 in
- Curb weight
- 2,538–2,743 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 31 MPG combined — 31% better than the average 2018 subcompact car (23.7 MPG).
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 10 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Ford Fiesta is a subcompact car offered with 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl and 1.6L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 160 inches long and 68 inches wide on a 98-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,538 lb (4dr Hatch S/Se/Titanium).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (27 city / 37 highway), 31% better than the 2018 subcompact car average of 23.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,150 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 35 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2018
- Engine dropped: 1.0L 3-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG down from 35 to 31
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 4 stars overall
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Fiesta →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Cuautitlan, Mexico · Karmann, Lower Saxony
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 Fiesta configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Hatch S/Se/Titanium | 159.8 in | 67.7 in | 58.3 in | 98 in | 57.9 / 57.1 in | 2,538 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr Sedan S/Se/Titanium | 173.2 in | 67.7 in | 58.3 in | 98 in | 57.5 / 57.1 in | 2,577 lb | 59/41 |
| St 4dr Hatchback | 160.2 in | 67.7 in | 57.1 in | 98 in | 57.9 / 57.1 in | 2,743 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiesta FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 37 / 31 | +31% | $2,150 | 286 |
| Fiesta FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 35 / 30 | +27% | $2,250 | 293 |
| Fiesta ST FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 33 / 29 | +7% | $2,300 | 308 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Ford Fiesta 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 14.3% |
| 2018 Ford Fiesta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 14.3% |
Similar 2018 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Ford Fiesta (this car) | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2018 Toyota Yaris | 35 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2018 MINI Countryman | 28 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2018 Toyota Mirai | – | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Volkswagen Beetle | 29 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2018 MINI Clubman | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Mazda CX-3 | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2018 Ford Fiesta.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2018 Ford Fiesta is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Ford Fiesta buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Power Train — 10 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 6 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 6 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 37,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Ford Fiesta. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Fiesta years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Fiesta | 31 | 159.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 105 |
| 2017 Fiesta | 35 | 159.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 74 |
| 2016 Fiesta | 35 | 159.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 179 |
| 2015 Fiesta | 35 | 159.8 in | Not rated | 4 | 258 |
| 2014 Fiesta | 35 | 159.8 in | Not rated | 7 | 468 |
| 2013 Fiesta | 32 | 160.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 497 |
| 2012 Fiesta | 32 | 160.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 446 |
| 2011 Fiesta | 33 | 160.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 449 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →