Ford Fiesta
Ford 1.4L Duratorq TDCi Diesel 68 hp (50 kW) and 70 hp (51 kW). Fiesta, Fusion, and similar models. Robust small-car diesel — watch the timing belt condition.
Diesel Without Soul
The 1.4 TDCi with 70 hp is enough for town, but it's no fun. Economical, but uninspiring.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The turbocharger fails due to oil sludge in the oil feed pipe clogging the fine mesh filter in the banjo bolt connection. A common cause is soot ingestion from leaking injector seals. Repair requires the turbo plus oil pan, oil pump strainer and intercooler.
Symptoms: Whistling or grinding noises from the turbo area, severe power loss, blue smoke clouds
The high-pressure pump on the 1.8 TDCi commonly fails between 150,000 and 220,000 km. Metal debris contaminates the fuel system and injectors, which often means the entire common rail system needs replacement.
Symptoms: Engine cuts out suddenly, glow plug warning lamp flashing, poor throttle response, engine won't restart, blue smoke
The copper seals at the injector seat no longer seal reliably. Fuel escapes into the engine bay, typical diesel and combustion smell inside the car. Often multiple injectors become leaky within a short period.
Symptoms: Strong diesel smell in the car, rough running, smoke from engine bay, power loss
The 1.4 TDCi UEJB is known for leaking injector seals. The original Ford seals fail, diesel enters the crankcase, causing increased fuel consumption and exhaust smell inside the car.
Symptoms: Fuel smell in the cabin, increased diesel consumption, oil level rising (fuel in oil), engine noise, soot smell.
The rubber damper in the crankshaft pulley on the 1.8 TDCi wears from around 100,000 km and generates noise. Continued use risks the auxiliary belt being thrown off and failure of the alternator and power steering.
Symptoms: Ticking or knocking noise at idle from the auxiliary belt area, louder on cold start, vibration at standstill
The EGR valve carbons up with predominantly short-trip use, causing power loss and increased emissions. Cleaning or replacement every 100,000–150,000 km recommended for city drivers.
Symptoms: Hesitation at light load, power loss, increased fuel consumption, check engine light
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
Brake lines and fuel lines corrode faster than comparable competitors. TÃœV 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).