Ford Fiesta Owners' Guide
- Car ownership
- Ford
FixMyCar provides key information about the Ford Fiesta.
Book a car repair nowEllie Dyer-Brown
Wednesday April 30 2025
11 min read
The Ford Fiesta was the UK’s most popular car for many years (now overtaken by the Ford Puma). After 47 years of success across seven generations, it was discontinued in 2023.
This owners’ guide compiles key information about your Fiesta in one convenient place, covering service intervals, recommended tyre pressures, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you keep your car running smoothly.
Ford Fiesta generations
Ford Fiesta Mk1 1976-1983
The first-generation Fiesta was Ford’s first-ever transverse-engine front-wheel drive car. There were six trim levels to choose from – most were pretty basic, but there was also the upscale Ghia, which came with a sunroof, alloy wheels, and chrome touches.
Body styles:
Three-door hatchback
Key engine options:
957cc 40bhp petrol
1.1-litre 53bhp petrol
1.3-litre 66bhp petrol
Ford Fiesta Mk2 1983-1989
The next generation of the Fiesta was 55mm longer and had a more rounded appearance, though it was based on the same basic shell as its predecessor. It had a bigger engine bay, which allowed Ford to install a 1.6-litre diesel engine to challenge rivals in the fleet sector.
The Fiesta XR2 hot hatch was introduced in 1984.
Body styles:
Three-door hatchback
Key engine options:
957cc 40bhp petrol
1.0-litre 45bhp petrol
1.1-litre 55bhp petrol
1.4-litre 69bhp petrol
1.6-litre 54bhp diesel
Ford Fiesta Mk3 1989-1995
The Mk3 Fiesta was the first to be offered with a five-door body. It was built on an all-new platform with a longer wheelbase and a semi-independent rear suspension design.
There were a vast number of trims to choose from, and the interior benefitted from a much-improved design.
Body styles:
Three-door hatchback
Five-door hatchback
Key engine options:
1.0-litre 45bhp petrol
1.1-litre 55bhp petrol
1.4-litre 71bhp petrol
1.8-litre 60bhp diesel
1.8-litre 75bhp turbo diesel
Ford Fiesta Mk4 1995-2002
The fourth generation Fiesta hit its stride thanks to its improved body stiffness, resulting in best-in-class ride and handling balance. Almost all of the engines were new. A facelift in 1999 added new headlights.
Though the Fiesta continued to sell well, space was increasingly becoming a problem – there was no escaping the fact that the car felt cramped.
Body styles:
Three-door hatchback
Five-door hatchback
Key engine options:
1.25-litre 75bhp Zetec-SE petrol
1.3-litre 60bhp Endura-E petrol
1.4-litre 80/90bhp Zetec-SE petrol
1.6-litre 100bhp Zetec-SE petrol
1.8-litre 60bhp Edura-D diesel
1.8-litre 75bhp turbo diesel
Ford Fiesta Mk5 2002-2008
The fifth generation of the Fiesta was built on a new platform developed with Mazda to address the lack of space and style that had become apparent in its predecessor. Trims included LX, Finesse, Ghia, ST and Zetec.
Body styles:
Three-door hatchback
Five-door hatchback
Key engine options:
1.25-litre 75bhp Duratec petrol
1.3-litre 68bhp Duratec petrol
1.6-litre 100bhp Duratec petrol
1.4-litre 68bhp TDCi diesel
1.6-litre 90bhp TDCi diesel
Ford Fiesta Mk6 2008-2017
The sixth generation of the Fiesta marked a giant leap forward; in 2014, it became the UK’s best-selling car. It was built on Ford’s global B-platform and styled under the ‘kinetic design’ language. The Mk6 was the first Fiesta to come with electronic power steering.
Body styles:
Three-door hatchback
Five-door hatchback
Key engine options:
1.25-litre 60/82bhp Duratec petrol
1.6-litre 120bhp Duratec petrol
1.0-litre 100/125/140bhp EcoBoost petrol
1.6-litre 182bhp EcoBoost petrol
1.4-litre 68bhp turbo diesel
1.6-litre 90/95/105bhp TDCi diesel
Ford Fiesta Mk7 2017-2023
The final generation of the popular Fiesta offered something for everyone. Ford introduced a crossover version, the Fiesta Active, and the speedy 197bhp Fiesta ST hot hatch was also popular. All versions provided lots of passenger space, a comfortable driving position, and an 8-inch infotainment system touchscreen as standard.
Body styles:
Three-door hatchback
Five-door hatchback
Key engine options:
1.0-litre 100/125/140bhp EcoBoost turbo petrol
1.5-litre 200bhp EcoBoost turbo petrol
1.5-litre 85/120bhp TDCi diesel
Service intervals
Maintaining your Ford Fiesta is crucial to minimise breakdowns and extend its lifespan. The following servicing schedule is from a 2019 Ford Fiesta owner’s manual.
| Service every 10,000 miles or 12 months |
|---|
| Change engine oil and filter |
| Rotate tyres |
| Perform multi-point inspection |
| Check automatic transmission fluid level (if applicable) |
| Check brakes and handbrake |
| Check cooling system and hoses |
| Check exhaust system and heat shield |
| Check half-shaft boots |
| Check steering and suspension and lubricate as needed |
| Check tyres for wear and tread depth |
| Check wheels and related components |
| Additional maintenance items | Distance |
|---|---|
| Replace cabin air filter | Every 20,000 miles |
| Replace engine air filter | Every 30,000 miles |
| Change coolant | At 100,000 miles |
| Replace spark plugs | Every 100,000 miles |
| Inspect accessory drive belt(s) | Every 100,000 miles |
| Change transmission fluid | Every 150,0000 miles |
| Replace accessory drive belt(s) | Every 150,000 miles |
| Replace timing belt (1.0L & 1.6L engines) | Every 150,000 miles |
| Replace oil pump drive belt | Every 150,000 miles |
Additionally, Ford recommends you should carry out the following checks at home.
Monthly:
Every six months:
✅ Body and door drain holes
✅ Coolant level and strength
✅ Door weatherstrips
✅ Hinges, latches and outside locks
✅ Safety belts and seat latches
✅ Handbrake
✅ Safety warning lamps
✅ Washer spray and wiper operation
Want to learn more about vehicle servicing? Check out the following guides:
Tyre pressure
What are the tyre pressures for a Ford Fiesta?
The recommended tyre pressure varies depending on the spec and engine of your car. The table below shows tyre sizes and pressures listed for the Fiesta on TyrePressures.com.
However, you should always check this information before adjusting your tyres. You can find the correct pressure for your Fiesta:
In the vehicle handbook/owner’s manual.
Printed on the sill of the driver’s door.
On the inside of the fuel tank cap.
Read our guide to tyre pressure for more information.
| Fiesta model year | Front tyre size | Front tyre pressure | Rear tyre size | Rear tyre pressure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023, 2022, 2021 | 205/45/R17 88 V | 30 PSI/2.1 BAR | 205/45/R17 88 V | 26 PSI/1.8 BAR |
| 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 | 195/55/R16 87 V | 30 PSI/2.1 BAR | 195/55/R16 87 V | 26 PSI/1.8 BAR |
| 2016 | 195/55/R15 85 H | 30 PSI/2.1 BAR | 195/55/R15 85 H | 26 PSI/1.8 BAR |
| 2015 | 195/55/R15 85 V | 30 PSI/2.1 BAR | 195/55/R15 85 V | 6 PSI/1.8 BAR |
Engine oil
It’s crucial to use the correct engine oil for your car – find out why in this guide.
5W-30 oil is commonly used in Ford models, but the recommended oil grade can differ between different Fiesta configurations and depending on whether the car uses petrol or diesel. Your owner’s manual will provide information about the correct oil for your vehicle.
0W-40 oil has a lower viscosity and is recommended for use in countries where the temperature regularly drops below –20 degrees.
Ford recommends using Castrol engine oil.
What is the oil capacity of a Ford Fiesta?
Oil capacity can vary between different Fiesta configurations. Most models will have a capacity of between four and six litres.
Examples:
1.0-litre EcoBoost – 4.6 litres
Fiesta ST (post 25th Feb 2019) - 6.08 litres
Before changing your oil, check this information in your owner’s manual to ensure you don’t overfill the system.
Need help checking and topping up your engine oil? Read this guide.
Battery
What battery do I need for my Ford Fiesta?
The type and size of the battery will depend on the model’s configurations. You can find this information in your owner’s manual. Many Fiesta models use a type 063 battery.
⚠️ If your car has start-stop technology that automatically switches the engine off when stationary, it requires an AGM or EFB battery.
Things to consider when buying a battery for your Ford Fiesta
Start-Stop Systems: Models equipped with start-stop technology require Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) or Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB) due to their enhanced charge cycles and durability.
Battery Dimensions: It's crucial to match the battery dimensions and hold-down type to ensure proper fitment.
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): Higher CCA values are beneficial for cold starts, especially in diesel engines.
Battery Brands: Reputable brands like Bosch, Varta, Exide, and Halfords offer batteries compatible with Ford Fiesta models.
Warning lights
What do the warning lights mean on a Ford Fiesta?
Dashboard warning lights are triggered by the car’s electronic control unit (ECU) when a problem is detected. You can learn some information by looking at the shape and colour of the light, but for a detailed diagnosis, you’ll usually need to book a diagnostic test.
Red lights indicate a severe problem. You should stop driving and contact a mechanic.
Yellow lights are less urgent – you can continue driving to your destination, but you should book your car into a garage.
Learn more about car warning lights and what they mean in this guide.
Ford Fiesta warning lights you might not know
Ford brake pad warning light
The brake pad warning light looks like a brake pad clamping onto a circle with an exclamation mark in the middle. It turns on when a sensor detects that your brake pads have worn too thin and need replacing.
Ford water in fuel light
The water in fuel warning light looks like a fuel pump with some water droplets beside it. Diesel fuel filters are designed to filter out the small amounts of water found in diesel before it reaches the engine and causes damage.
When you see the water in fuel light, the fuel filter is full and needs emptying. This is a manual process in some vehicles and automatic in others. If your car’s fuel filter automatically empties and the warning light still appears, it might mean the system isn’t working.
Spotted a warning light but don’t know what’s causing it? Don’t guess – book a diagnostic test!
Common problems
Whether you’re already a proud Fiesta owner or you’re in the market for one, it’s helpful to know what kind of common problems the model experiences.
Our Ford Fiesta common problems guide explores this topic in detail, so we’ll just cover two top issues here.
1. Faulty door locks
The door lock mechanisms in Fiestas can fail. The most common issues drivers report are seized locks and wiring problems.
2. Wet belt failure
Wet belts are housed in the engine and lubricated with oil. They have proved problematic due to their fast rate of wear, which can lead to debris from the rubber belt circulating in the engine and causing damage.
Not all Fiesta models have a wet belt – only some with a 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine are affected.
Find out how much a Ford wet belt replacement costs.
Need help diagnosing car problems? Check out the following guides for advice:
Top Ford Fiesta questions and answers
How do I open the bonnet on a Ford Fiesta?
Make sure your handbrake is on, and your ignition is off.
Reach under the dashboard on the driver’s side and pull the bonnet release lever.
Lift the bonnet slightly to find the release catch. Slide it to the left.
Lift the bonnet fully and prop it up.
What insurance group is a Ford Fiesta?
Ford Fiesta insurance groups range from 2 to 30. Trend, Style and Style+ models tend to be the cheapest to insure. The sporty Fiesta ST is the most expensive to insure.
Find out how to get car insurance cheaper.
2008-2017 models
Range from group 3 to 30
1.25-litre Studio edition is in group 3
ST-3 1.6T EcoBoost edition is in group 30
2017-2023 models
Range from group 2 to 30
1.1-litre Style edition is in group 3
1.5 EcoBoost ST edition is in group 30
How much does a Ford Fiesta weigh?
The weight of a Ford Fiesta varies depending on the model and year. Most models weigh between 1,044kg and 1,283kg.
1.4 TDCi – 1,044kg
ST 3dr – 1,262kg
How long is a Ford Fiesta?
The latest generation of the Fiesta is 4,040mm long. The sporty ST version (pictured below) is slightly longer at 4,068mm.
How to connect your phone to a Ford Fiesta
The pairing method varies depending on which SYNC system your Fiesta has. SYNC is a factory-installed infotainment system in Ford vehicles. Your owner’s manual will contain pairing instructions for your car.
How to pair via Bluetooth with SYNC 1
Turn the ignition and audio system on.
Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone.
Press the phone button on the car audio system to start pairing.
Press the phone button. When you see a message that no phones are paired, select the option to add one.
When you see a message on the display to begin pairing, search for SYNC on your smartphone to begin the pairing process.
A PIN will appear on your phone. Compare it to the PIN on the audio display and accept the pairing request.
The display will indicate when pairing is complete.
How to pair a phone via Bluetooth with SYNC 4
Enable Bluetooth on your smartphone.
Press the phone icon on your Fiesta’s SYNC screen.
Select ‘add a phone’ on the vehicle’s screen and follow the prompts.
A pop up will appear on the screen with a passcode.
Check that the code on the SYNC screen matches the code on your smartphone.
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Written by Ellie
Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Writer. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers that is easy understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.