Ford Fiesta problems are not unknown, and if your Mk7 car is suffering some issues, Haynes can save you money by showing you how to diagnose and solve them. And if you own a Fiesta (including the 2008-2012 model shown above, or the 2013-2017 version below), Haynes can help you with the service, maintenance and repair of it using a Haynes Manual or Autofix before you incur the expense of a garage visit.
The Fiesta Mk7 has had common problems that include a loose seatbelt anchorage bolt, a coolant leak from around the timing cover, and transmission oil leaks. This article will explain what these issues involve and how the DIY mechanic can repair these at home and save money with Haynes.
So, we’re here to offer all the advice, data and help you might need as you do it yourself with Haynes.
Check out this Fiesta Mk7 routine maintenance guide
What recalls has the Ford Fiesta Mk7 been subject to?
The 2008-2017 Ford Fiesta has been the subject of a number of recalls throughout its life, so if you’re buying one, you need to make sure all the relevant work has been carried out. Early diesel cars were recalled because of water getting into the glowplug control unit, causing it to overheat. Numerous models were recalled because of faulty rear seatbelt buckles; these should have been renewed. Four-cylinder petrol cars were also recalled because of a leak from the coolant pump. Some cars were also recalled because they had been fitted with rear suspension bolts of an inferior specification.
However, it’s easy to solve common problems for the Ford Fiesta Mk7 with the Haynes Fiesta 2008-2012 manual or Autofix, or the Haynes Fiesta 2013-2017 manual or Autofix.
What common problems does the Ford Fiesta have?
All versions of the Ford Fiesta Mk7 have been known to suffer from incorrectly tightened front right upper seatbelt mounting points, which could cause the seatbelt to become detached in an accident. The solution is simply to tighten the bolts to the correct torque, which is a simple procedure.
The remote central locking ‘plipper’ has been known to fail, and diesel models were recalled to have a modified (and waterproofed) glow plug control unit fitted.
A number of cars were recalled to have an exhaust blanking plug replaced because the original could fail, sending exhaust fumes into the cabin.
Do you have Ford Fiesta automatic gearbox problems?
You’re not alone. And there’s a very strong chance that these Fiesta automatic gearbox problems are accompanied by a range of other issues, including poor engine performance and an engine malfunction indicator light that remains stubbornly aglow.
When you plug in a fault-code reader you’ll also notice that there are numerous codes indicating various powertrain issues.
The good news is that the issue is usually pretty easy to fix, because it’s an electrical one. The wiring loom can become damaged over time because it rubs against a part of the engine.
So, use your Haynes Fiesta manual to remove the air filter housing and check in this area for wiring damage. After that, it’s a case of repairing the loom and moving it so it doesn’t contact the engine. The just replace the air filter housing and smooth automatic shifts should be the order of the day once more.
Does the Ford Fiesta 2008-2017 have EcoBoost problems?
Some three-cylinder 1.0-litre EcoBoost versions of the Ford Fiesta Mk7 have suffered issues with their coolant pump leaking. The only solution is to renew the coolant pump, which is quite an involved procedure but one that a DIY mechanic should have little trouble completing by following the in-depth chapter in the relevant Haynes Manual.
Solve problems for the Ford Fiesta Mk7 with the Haynes Fiesta 2008-2012 manual or Autofix, or the Haynes Fiesta 2013-2017 manual or Autofix.
Service your Ford Fiesta cooling system with our handy FREE video below:
Is fire a risk for your Ford Fiesta?
Some owners of the Ford Fiesta have reported problems with the glow plug control unit. Water can get into the unit and cause it to overheat, increasing the risk of fire. However, it’s easy enough to replace the glowplug control unit if you follow the procedure listed in your Haynes Fiesta manual.
Why won't the Ford Fiesta Mk7 unlock?
Some owners of the Ford Fiesta Mk7 have reported sudden failure of the remote ‘plipper’ key. The source of the issue is almost always a depleted battery in the key, and it’s easy to swap. The procedure is covered by the relevant Haynes Manual.
Fixing Ford Fiesta 2008-2017 problems is made a whole lot easier if you use the Haynes Fiesta 2008-2012 manual or Autofix, or the Haynes Fiesta 2013-2017 manual or Autofix.
Does the Ford Fiesta have Powershift problems?
A number of Fiesta owners have reported a problem in which the Powershift transmission of their Fiesta engages jerkily, and a warning light appears in the instrument cluster.
If you plug in a fault code reader and it displays the code P090D, then the fault lies with a clutch actuator for the twin-clutch transmission.
If you then check all electrical connections and wiring, and find no issue, then it’s time to swap the clutch actuators. Your Haynes Fiesta manual will be able to tell you how to remove the transmission from the vehicle, but thereafter it’s a job for the experts. Haynes can help you reinstall the transmission, to, so you’ll save hundreds of pounds on labour charges.
Is your Ford Fiesta Mk7 overheating?
There’s a decent chance that a fault in your Ford Fiesta’s engine could cause it to go into limp-home mode then to overheat.
The issue is that the engine is known to suffer the odd leak around the timing cover. This will take a few hours to fix, but is well within the scope of the home mechanic. Simply invest in the required tools and a new seal, then follow the steps detailed in your Haynes Ford Fiesta 2008-2017 Manual.
Once you’ve got that leak fixed, limp-home model should be a thing of the past, and your engine won’t overheat.