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Ford · Supermini · 2001–2008

Ford Fiesta JH

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
4.0 / 5.0 · Based on 6 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

150 PS

2.0L Duratec ST Benzin

Fiesta ST Mk5

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

75–82 PS

1.25L Duratec Benzin

6 weaknesses

Good Choice

Generations

Engine Overview

The Ford Fiesta JH is available with 4 engine variants — from 49 to 150 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.4L TDCi · Diesel· 68 PS
2001 2008
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.25L Duratec · Benziner· 60–82 PS Engine Change
2001 2008
Good Choice 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2001 2008
Good Choice 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.3L Endura-E · Benziner· 58–69 PS Engine Change
2002 2008
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2002 2007
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.4L Duratec · Benziner· 97 PS
2001 2008
Good Choice 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Ford 1.4L TDCi (Diesel, 68 PS) has the F6JA (1.4L TDCi) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Ford 1.25L Duratec (Benziner, 60–82 PS) comes with 2 different engines: SNJA (2001–2008, Good Choice) und QQJA (2001–2008, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.25L Duratec!

The Ford 1.3L Endura-E (Benziner, 58–69 PS) comes with 2 different engines: JAJA (2002–2008, Be Careful) und JAJA (2002–2007, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.3L Endura-E!

The Ford 1.4L Duratec (Benziner, 97 PS) has the FXJA (1.4L Duratec) — rated: "Good Choice", 6 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Rust on door lower edges and sills

Door lower edges rust due to poor cavity sealing, especially on vehicles up to 2004. Sills and wheel arches are at risk. Springs rust at the lowest coil and break.

Symptoms: Brown discolouration at door lower edges, paint bubbling, broken front axle springs with the car sitting crooked.
from 100,000 km
Ad Ford Fiesta JH door RostFord Fiesta MK6 spring frontFord Fiesta rocker panel
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
2 complaints · 2001–2008
Latches & Locks
1
Powertrain
1

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Latches & Locks (1 complaints)
⚠ Powertrain (1 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 43 weaknesses have been documented for the Ford Fiesta JH (2001–2008) — 36 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Rust, Suspension, Electronics, Body. Considered reliable: SNJA (1.25L Duratec), FXJA (1.4L Duratec), QQJA (1.25L Duratec).

Fiesta (F6JA, 2001–2008) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Failure from Oil Starvation, Injectors leaking / faulty, High-pressure pump failure. Power: 68 PS.

Fiesta (JAJA, 2002–2008) — Be Careful: Head Gasket Leaking, Camshaft Wear — Early Production, Ignition Distributor Worn. Power: 58–60 PS.

Fiesta (JAJA, 2002–2007) — Be Careful: Head Gasket Leaking, Camshaft Wear — Early Production, Ignition Distributor Worn. Power: 68–69 PS.

Fiesta (Duratec-ST-2.0, 2004–2008) — Be Careful: Intake Throttle Plate Risk, Timing Chain and Tensioner, Increased oil consumption due to piston ring wear. Power: 150 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

What problems and weaknesses does the Ford Fiesta JH have? +
The Ford Fiesta JH has 36 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Ford Fiesta JH? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: SNJA (1.25L Duratec), FXJA (1.4L Duratec), QQJA (1.25L Duratec). The most reliable engine is the SNJA (1.25L Duratec) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the Duratec-ST-2.0 (2.0L Duratec ST).
Which Ford Fiesta JH engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Ford Fiesta JH. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 6 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Ford Fiesta JH engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Ford Fiesta JH — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} The Fiesta ST with the 2.0 Duratec is a real entertainer: 150 hp in a light body, direct chassis, good sound.
Is the Ford Fiesta JH worth buying used? +
The Ford Fiesta JH is a good choice as a used car — 3 of 6 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Ford Fiesta JH? +
The Ford Fiesta JH is available with engine variants from 49 to 150 hp. Petrol: JAJA (1.3L Endura-E), SNJA (1.25L Duratec), FXJA (1.4L Duratec), QQJA (1.25L Duratec), Duratec-ST-2.0 (2.0L Duratec ST). Diesel: F6JA (1.4L TDCi).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee