Ford Fiesta
Ford 1.5L Duratorq TDCi 75 hp used in Fiesta JA8 facelift 2012-2017.
Barely Any Steam
75 hp diesel is enough for calm city driving. On country roads patience runs out quickly.
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 in the Focus DYB is known for DPF problems. Short trips prevent complete regeneration. Ford temporarily had supply shortages of replacement filters and had to issue software updates.
Symptoms: Check engine light, power loss, increased fuel consumption, DPF warning lamp on, 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 6
Brake lines and fuel lines corrode faster than comparable competitors. TÜV inspection failures due to brake line corrosion are common. Leaking lines are a safety-critical issue.
Brake lines corrode faster than on comparable competitors. On older vehicles there is a risk of line fractures, which can cause complete brake failure. Check thoroughly before buying.
Rear springs break through corrosion at the lowest coil, similar to the predecessor. Shock absorbers leak prematurely and ride quality deteriorates.
A defective auxiliary heater relay results in inadequate cabin warming. The heater blows little or no warm air in cold temperatures. Solution: relay replacement per TSI 70/2010.
Window regulator mechanisms fail and the glass refuses to move or sticks. Steering column stalk (indicators/wipers) responds unreliably or fails completely.
Worn driveshafts create vibrations when accelerating and cornering. Common on vehicles over 100,000 km. Driveshaft bearings and CV boots wear prematurely.
Reports & Tests
3010 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2008–2017). Most reported: Powertrain (1461), Engine (485), Body Structure (406).