Ford Fiesta JA8
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
200 PS
1.6L EcoBoost Benzin
500 Examples, a Legend
Fun to Drive!75–82 PS
1.25L Duratec Benzin
6 weaknesses
Good Choice182 PS
1.6L EcoBoost Benzin
8 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Ford Fiesta JA8 is available with 9 engine variants — from 60 to 200 hp. 4 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Ford 1.4L TDCi (Diesel, 68–71 PS) has the UEJB (1.4L TDCi) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Ford 1.5L TDCi (Diesel, 75 PS) has the SFJD (1.5L TDCi) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Ford 1.6L TDCi (Diesel, 75–95 PS) comes with 3 different engines: HHJA (2009–2010, Stay Away!) und HHJA (2009–2010, Stay Away!) und SFDA (2012–2017, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.6L TDCi!
The Ford 1.0L EcoBoost (Benziner, 65–125 PS) comes with 4 different engines: M1JL (2012–2017, Be Careful) und M1JL (2012–2017, Be Careful) und M1DA (2012–2017, Stay Away!) und M1DA (2012–2017, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.0L EcoBoost!
The Ford 1.25L Duratec (Benziner, 60–82 PS) comes with 2 different engines: SNJA (2008–2017, Good Choice) und XMJA (2008–2012, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.25L Duratec!
The Ford 1.4L Duratec (Benziner, 97 PS) has the FXJA (1.4L Duratec) — rated: "Good Choice", 6 known weaknesses.
The Ford 1.6L Ti-VCT (Benziner, 120–135 PS) comes with 3 different engines: HXJA (2008–2012, Be Careful) und HXJB (2011–2012, Be Careful) und IQJC (2012–2017, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.6L Ti-VCT!
The Ford Fiesta ST (Benziner, 182 PS) has the JTJA (1.6L EcoBoost) — rated: "Stay Away!", 8 known weaknesses.
The Ford Fiesta ST 200 (Benziner, 200 PS) has the JTJC (1.6L EcoBoost) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| PowerShift DCT (DPS6) — shudder and clutch failure The DPS6 dual-clutch gearbox is widely regarded as a serious reliability problem. Shuddering when pulling away, clutch disc wear, and gearbox oil leaks from as early as 30,000–50,000 km. Repair costs up to 6,000 €. Symptoms: Shuddering when pulling away from rest, burning clutch smell, sporadic slip, judder on the 1st-to-2nd gear change. from 40,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 93 weaknesses have been documented for the Ford Fiesta JA8 (2008–2017) — 86 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. 4 problem engines: JTJA (1.6L EcoBoost), HHJA (1.6L TDCi), SFDA (1.6L TDCi), M1DA (1.0L EcoBoost). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Suspension, Electronics, Rust. Considered reliable: SNJA (1.25L Duratec), XMJA (1.25L Duratec), FXJA (1.4L Duratec).
Fiesta (HHJA, 2009–2010) — Stay Away!: Injector Seal 'Black Death' Failure, Turbocharger Failure from Oil Starvation, Leaking Injector Seals. Power: 75 PS.
Fiesta (HHJA, 2009–2010) — Stay Away!: Injector Seal 'Black Death' Failure, Turbocharger Failure from Oil Starvation, Leaking Injector Seals. Power: 90–95 PS.
Fiesta (UEJB, 2011–2012) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Failure from Oil Starvation, High-Pressure Pump Failure, Leaking Injector Seals. Power: 68–71 PS.
Fiesta (SFDA, 2012–2017) — Stay Away!: Injector Seal 'Black Death' Failure, Turbocharger Failure from Oil Starvation, Leaking Injector Seals. Power: 90–95 PS.
Fiesta (SFJD, 2012–2017) — Be Careful: Recall Camshaft Sprocket Material Fatigue (16B42), EGR Cooler Crack with Coolant Ingestion, DPF Issues from Short-Trip Driving. Power: 75 PS.
Fiesta (HXJA, 2008–2012) — Be Careful: VVT Phaser Faulty — Cold-Start Rattle, Ignition Coil Failure — Misfires, Camshaft Adjuster Faulty. Power: 120 PS.
Fiesta (HXJB, 2011–2012) — Be Careful: VVT Phaser Faulty — Cold-Start Rattle, Ignition Coil Failure — Misfires, Camshaft Adjuster Faulty. Power: 135 PS.
Fiesta (IQJC, 2012–2017) — Be Careful: Timing Belt Change — Loose Crankshaft Pulley, VVT Phaser Faulty — Cold-Start Rattle, Ignition Coil Failure — Misfires. Power: 120 PS.
Fiesta (M1JL, 2012–2017) — Be Careful: Degas Hose Coolant Loss, Oil-Bath Timing Belt Worn Prematurely, Front Cover Seal Leaking — Coolant Loss (TSI 15-1070). Power: 65 PS.
Fiesta (M1JL, 2012–2017) — Be Careful: Degas Hose Coolant Loss, Oil-Bath Timing Belt Worn Prematurely, Front Cover Seal Leaking — Coolant Loss (TSI 15-1070). Power: 80 PS.
Fiesta (M1DA, 2012–2017) — Stay Away!: Wet Timing Belt Dissolves in Wrong or Old Oil, Degas Hose at Coolant Expansion Tank Fractures, Head Gasket Failure from Thermal Stress. Power: 101 PS.
Fiesta (M1DA, 2012–2017) — Stay Away!: Wet Timing Belt Dissolves in Wrong or Old Oil, Degas Hose at Coolant Expansion Tank Fractures, Head Gasket Failure from Thermal Stress. Power: 125 PS.
Fiesta (JTJA, 2013–2017) — Stay Away!: Recall 18S07: Clutch Pressure Plate May Fracture, Cylinder Head Crack from Overheating, Turbocharger Damage from Oil Feed Leak. Power: 182 PS.
Fiesta (JTJC, 2013–2017) — Be Careful: Recall 18S07: Clutch Pressure Plate May Fracture, Cylinder Head Crack from Overheating, Turbocharger Damage from Oil Feed Leak. Power: 200 PS.
What to watch out for with the Ford Fiesta? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee