John Evans is a long-time motoring journalist and editor from titles such as What Car?, AutoCar and Practical Caravan.
This fifth generation of the Ford Fiesta, offered in three and five-door forms, was the best selling with buyers attracted by its sharp looks, tidy handling, comfortable ride and reasonably spacious cabin.
Thus smitten, they turned a blind eye to the low equipment levels, at least in base versions.
There were six engines, petrols represented by an old and unpopular 1.3 (some versions had overhead cams, and others old-tech pushrods – avoid this one), a frugal and perky 1.25 16V, a more powerful 1.4 16V, a 1.6 16V and a punchy 2.0 litre in the excellent ST 150.
The diesel line-up consisted of a 1.4, and a much torquier and more entertaining 1.6 (both PSA-sourced units).
Rear suspension on all models was twist beam with compact spring damper units. Standard equipment included anti-lock brakes, height-adjustable seats and twin front airbags.
The car was restyled in 2005 (look for the raised blisters on the headlights) and then in 2007 gained a raft of confusing special editions including the Zetec Blue and Zetec Chequered Fag as the all-new Mk6 beckoned in 2008.
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How reliable is a Ford Fiesta Mk5?
On the whole, the Fiesta Mk5 is a reliable car but there are some issues common to most versions and affecting most major areas of the vehicle. All models have experienced serious, official safety recalls [check the government recall website here].
If you’re buying from a dealer, check they are aware of any recalls and whether they have attended to them. If you are buying privately, check whether the seller knows if the work has been carried out.
If they don’t, contact Ford customer services and ask if they have any records of the work (020 3564 4444).
The Ford Fiesta Mk5 has subject to a few recalls over the years. Below is a list of reasons for being recalled and the affected model dates:
Airbag warning lamp
1/8/01 – 18/4/02
Weld seam on rear axle not specification
28/8/02 – 3/9/02
Fuel return pipe leak
14/7/04 – 22/2/05
Potential loss of steering control
18/8/06 – 18/9/06
Power steering may be lost
8/10/07 – 7/11/07
Engine
All ages of 1.25 16V (02-08) suffer jerky engine movement when accelerating, accompanied by the engine warning light. It’s probably a faulty coil.
The 1.3 8V engine suffers the same problem but in addition, the starter motor won’t turn. It’s likely to be a faulty transmission control unit and faulty clutch position sensor.
The 1.4 16V suffers all of the above, plus wayward idling and failure to start, even though the engine turns over (check the engine control unit).
The 1.4 TDCi can belch ominous clouds of black smoke, idle erratically, drink fuel, struggle to start, lose power and default to limp-home mode. In all likelihood it’s a problem with cylinder number four and the fuel injector.
The turbo can even play up (there could be contaminant build up in the oil pump and faulty injector seals).
The 1.6 16V can experience a fluctuating idle speed and engine vibration. Deformed camshaft gearwheels may be the culprit. The engine cooling fan may play up, too.
Check all electrical connections. A refusal to start or even turnover may be a faulty transmission control unit and clutch position sensor. This problem can plague the 1.6 TDCi, too. Happily, the ST150 suffers none of the above.
Transmission
Problems here generally take two forms. A grinding noise from the front of the vehicle is likely to be a damaged driveshaft centre bearing.
A whining noise in fifth gear at a constant speed of around 70mph is most likely incorrect play between the fifth gear gearwheel and the input shaft.
The 1.4 TDCI has a further problem: a noise when the clutch pedal is depressed. It needs greasing.
Steering and suspension
Like the transmission, the Fiesta’s steering and suspension systems are reasonably trouble-free but what few problems exist are all official safety recalls affecting a narrow production range [see Recalls, above].
The weld securing the brake unit mounting plate to the rear axle may not conform to specification. Only some diesels and the ST150 are exempt. Most models were recalled for a damaged steering column with a risk of damage to the column upper universal joint.
Across all models, the power steering pump drive belts could come apart and fail. The result? No power steering.
Brakes
Of all the Fiesta Mk5s, only one version of the 1.4 TDCi (engine code F6JC, built from 2007 to 09) has had problems with the brakes.
It’s described as front brake drag, caused by corrosion and contamination between the brake pad lugs and the fixing clamp. It’s probably worth being aware of this on all versions.
Exterior and interior
Problems with the air-conditioning compressor are common to all Fiesta Mk5s, bar the 1.4 16V and ST150. The unit either runs continuously or not at all.
It’s possibly a faulty air-conditioning pressure switch or damaged wiring at the connector.
Electronics
The big problem here is an airbag warning light that keeps coming on. It’s either the front crash sensor playing up or faulty wiring. No versions of the Fiesta Mk5 are immune.