DecodedCars2019 Ford Fiesta
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatch, 4dr Sedan, St 4dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 120–197 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 31 combined · 27 city / 37 hwy
- Length
- 159.8–173.2 in
- Curb weight
- 2,538–2,743 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 31 MPG combined — 32% better than the average 2019 subcompact car (23.5 MPG).
- Strong performanceUp to 197 hp, versus about 106 hp for similar 2019 models.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints105 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 15 for similar models — most often about the back over prevention.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 12 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2019 Ford Fiesta is a subcompact car offered with 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl and 1.6L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 160 inches long and 68 inches wide on a 98-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,538 lb (4dr Hatch).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (27 city / 37 highway), 32% better than the 2019 subcompact car average of 23.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,150 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 105 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the back over prevention.
What changed for 2019
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2018 Fiesta — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 Fiesta →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Cuautitlan, State Of Mexico
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2019 Fiesta configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Hatch | 159.8 in | 67.7 in | 58.3 in | 98 in | 57.9 / 57.1 in | 2,538 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr Sedan | 173.2 in | 67.7 in | 58.3 in | 98 in | 57.5 / 57.1 in | 2,577 lb | 59/41 |
| St 4dr Hatchback | 160.2 in | 67.7 in | 57.1 in | 98 in | 57.9 / 57.1 in | 2,743 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiesta FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 37 / 31 | +32% | $2,150 | 286 |
| Fiesta FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 35 / 30 | +28% | $2,250 | 294 |
| Fiesta ST FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 32 / 28 | +4% | $2,400 | 317 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Ford Fiesta 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 14.3% |
| 2019 Ford Fiesta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 14.3% |
Similar 2019 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Ford Fiesta (this car) | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2019 Toyota Yaris | 35 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2019 Nissan Kicks | 33 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2019 MINI Countryman | 28 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2019 Toyota Mirai | – | Not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Volkswagen Beetle | 29 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2019 MINI Clubman | 28 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (3)
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Oct 13, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V695000 · 1,448,655 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
- Risk
- A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 25, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Mustang owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA9. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Dec 20, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V951000 · 30,715 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Flex, Fiesta, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. The rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image.
- Risk
- A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 22, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated March 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S75.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · Aug 28, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V629000 · 2,624 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Fiesta vehicles. The brake calipers may have been manufactured with the incorrect assembly fluid, which can cause the caliper's rubber seals to swell.
- Risk
- The swollen seals can cause the brakes to drag, potentially overheating the brakes and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will flush the brake fluid and replace the front brake calipers and brake hoses, free of charge. The recall began October 10, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S27.
Not every 2019 Ford Fiesta is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2019 Ford Fiesta buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Back Over Prevention — 30 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Power Train — 21 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Service Brakes — 10 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 51,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2019 Ford Fiesta. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Fiesta years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Fiesta | 31 | 159.8 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 35 |
| 2017 Fiesta | 35 | 159.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 74 |
| 2016 Fiesta | 35 | 159.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 179 |
| 2015 Fiesta | 35 | 159.8 in | Not rated | 4 | 258 |
| 2014 Fiesta | 35 | 159.8 in | Not rated | 7 | 468 |
| 2013 Fiesta | 32 | 160.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 497 |
| 2012 Fiesta | 32 | 160.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 446 |
| 2011 Fiesta | 33 | 160.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 449 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →