Ford Fiesta
Ford 1.5L Duratorq TDCi diesel 85 hp (or 120 hp). Used in Fiesta Mk8 2017-2020.
Diesel Too Weak
85 hp TDCi: usable daily, no driving fun. Enough for commuters with no aspirations.
Engine Weaknesses 6
Ford recalled approximately 8,400 vehicles (production October 2014 to April 2015) because the camshaft sprocket can fracture due to material fatigue and damage the engine.
The EGR cooler develops cracks under extreme thermal cycling. Coolant enters the intake tract and forms black foam in the expansion tank. In the worst case a hydraulic lock results.
Symptoms: Black or oily foam in the coolant expansion tank, coolant loss with no external leak, white exhaust smoke, tendency to overheat.
The 1.5 TDCi frequently suffers from DPF clogging. Regeneration temperature is not reached on short trips, resulting in failed regeneration cycles and fuel dilution of the oil. Widely reported as the most common warranty complaint.
Symptoms: Check engine light, power loss, raised oil level, DPF warning lamp
As with PSA-related 1.6 TDCi engines, oil sludge and coked oil passages can damage the turbocharger. Regular oil changes at shortened intervals are strongly recommended.
Symptoms: Whistling turbo noise, power drop, increased oil consumption
The 1.5 TDCi SFJH shares the well-known DPF issues of the 1.5 TDCi family. Short trips prevent complete regeneration; the filter clogs, leading to limp mode and high repair costs.
Symptoms: Check engine light, power loss, increased fuel consumption, DPF warning lamp, engine oil smells of fuel.
The EGR valve on the 1.5 TDCi is prone to soot clogging in urban use. Power loss and hesitation at part throttle follow. Cleaning or replacement every 100,000–120,000 km recommended.
Symptoms: Hesitation at part throttle, check engine light, power loss at low rpm
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
Recall 21S13 for 1,568 vehicles (Feb–Mar 2021): seatbelt can tear and thus lose its protective function. Check recall status without delay.
The MK8's manual gearbox jumps out of 1st and 3rd gear. Cause: worn shift forks (sliding pieces) and excessive play at the gear lever. Early diagnosis recommended.
Plastic door edge protector strips break or detach from the door skin. Replacement is surprisingly expensive. Common cause: parking damage and thermal expansion.
The electronic immobiliser develops sporadic malfunctions from 80,000–100,000 km. Tyre pressure sensors become unreliable from 50,000–70,000 km and need replacing.
Rear shock absorbers leak and springs break through corrosion — the same pattern as the predecessor. The loaded rear axle is particularly vulnerable with a fully laden vehicle.
Rust and paint flaking develop at the door hinges on MK8 vehicles from around 50,000 km. Left untreated, rust can spread to the door bodywork.
The SYNC 3 infotainment on the MK8 shows Bluetooth audio drop-outs at low speeds and occasionally frozen screen displays. Software updates from Ford are partially available.
Reports & Tests
189 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2017–2023). Most reported: Powertrain (52), Engine (32), Other (26).