I have a fault in my 181 Ford Fiesta.

I bought a 181 Ford Fiesta 1.5 diesel and to date I have had to call the AA out three times for engine faults. Also the engine warning light comes on every few weeks, but the last time the AA came out, I was told to ignore it as they could find nothing wrong. Ford Ireland is saying they are covered because I have the free AA cover, but I have lost three days work waiting for a replacement car etc. Do you know if there have been other reports of faults in the Fiesta?

Brian Scott (Navan)

Dec 2019 Filed under: fault

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Expert answer

Hi Brian,

To be honest, no — we haven’t heard of any major problems with the current-shape Fiesta, but perhaps the problem lies in the diesel engine and how it’s being used? If you’re only covering a relatively low mileage, you could be getting a clogged up exhaust particulate filter, which is a common issue with diesels that get driven for short hops, or stuck in traffic a lot. Beyond that, if the car has caused you to stop three times in succession, to the point of having to call out roadside assistance, then clearly there is an issue and, if it’s not the particulate filter problem, then it could be something more serious. As a 181, you’re still well within warranty, so I would demand of your Ford dealer that they do something, as there must be a problem somewhere. 

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor
@neilmbriscoe