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2015 Ford Fiesta Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2015 Ford Fiesta carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering engine and fuel pump. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “PowerShift transmission and TCM failure.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Campaign #17V209000 · Mar 27, 2017

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Escape, 2014-2015 Fiesta ST, 2013-2014 Fusion and 2013-2015 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 1.6L GTDI engines. If the vehicle is started and driven with an insufficient level of coolant within the engine cooling system, the engine cylinder head may overheat, crack and leak oil.

Risk: If the cylinder head cracks and leaks oil, the oil may contact a hot engine or exhaust component, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a coolant level sensor and the supporting hardware and software, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 21, 2017. The recall began on January 5, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S09.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #15V005000 · Sep 1, 2015

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the agency on January 8, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured April 15, 2014, to May 8, 2014, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured April 21, 2014, to May 15, 2014. On April 30, 2015, Ford expanded the recall to cover an additional 45,505 vehicles, including certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured November 11, 2013, to August 29, 2014, 2014-2015 Ford Fiesta vehicles manufactured April 10, 2014, to June 17, 2014 and 2014 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 21, 2014. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.

Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S30.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Campaign #20V177000 · Mar 23, 2020

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Fiesta, 2014-2016 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles sold, or ever registered in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford or Lincoln dealers will replace the side door latches, free of charge. The recall began September 21, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S15.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Campaign #23V775000 · Nov 17, 2023

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 Fiesta, 2016 Fusion, and 2016 Lincoln MKZ vehicles sold, or ever registered in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. A component inside the door latches may break, which can make it difficult to latch or possibly allow the doors to open while driving.

Risk: Vehicle doors opening unexpectedly while driving can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the door latch date codes and if necessary, replace all four side door latches, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S15. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-177.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 Ford Fiesta.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Timing Belt Failure

    Action #EA26004 · opened Jul 31, 2026

    On December 18, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE25020 to investigate instances of timing belt failure in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford Fiesta and MY 2015-2018 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford), equipped with a 1.0L engine and…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

PowerShift transmission and TCM failure

POWER TRAIN

72 NHTSA complaints · 2018-03 → 2026-05

“The transmission control module (TCM) on my 2015 Ford Fiesta was failing at 81,000 miles. It was difficult to accelerate the car even at low speeds (25-30 mph) and my check engine light was on”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11675178
“MY VEHICLE IS AFFECTED BY THE PROBLEMATIC POWER SHIFT DUAL-CLUTCH 6 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. IT HAS BEEN TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TWICE SINCE NOVEMBER 2018 FOR TRANSMISSION ISSUES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11222870
“Vehicle will not go in reverse and will not accelerate”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11502445

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Door latch failure

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

16 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2025-01

“REAR LEFT DOOR OPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I STOPPED THE CAR TO CLOSE THE DOOR AND THE DOOR DIDN'T CLOSE ANYMORE. DOOR LATCH IS BROKEN. THERE IS A RECALL 15S16 FOR THE 2011-2014 FIESTAS FOR THIS SAME REASON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11217895
“IT MAY BE POSSIBLE FOR THE PAWL SPRING TAB INSIDE ONE OR MORE OF THE SIDE DOOR LATCHES TO BREAK. THIS CONDITION WILL TYPICALLY PREVENT THE DOOR FROM LATCHING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11458137
“The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fiesta. The contact state while driving 60 MPH, the rear passenger’s side door inadvertently unlatched”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11491945

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Stalling and fuel pump failure after refueling

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

32 NHTSA complaints · 2018-02 → 2026-07

“Car sputters everytime I put gas in it. Sometimes shuts off. It’s every time I put gas. I’m not filling up the gas tank because I notice if I do fill it up. It gives me more problems .. occurring problem”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11750704
“Lost all power to vehicle at freeway speed. Ford dealer indicated fuel pump failure. My vehicle missed existing recall (14S30) for this exact issue by 11 days”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11514867
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD FIESTA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART ON THE FOURTH ATTEMPT, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ONE WEEK LATER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11101818

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Oil pump belt and timing belt failure

ENGINE

8 NHTSA complaints · 2018-10 → 2026-04

“This vehicle has experienced the exact issue of a Ford recall for other model year fiestas. The oil pump belt has experienced premature wear and failure, leading to a sudden loss of power”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11695600
“Low pressure oil light came on and I stopped driving it 18 miles later drove about 25-30 mph hoping it wouldn’t seize on me before I got home”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11707044
“On 3/10/2025, when driving my 2015 Ford Fiesta SE, I experienced a sudden failure consisting of a "lurch", lost all drive power to the vehicle, and had to use inertia to steer myself out of traffic to the shoulder of the road”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11647958

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Coolant loss and engine overheating

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

13 NHTSA complaints · 2018-07 → 2025-07

“There is a recall (Recall no. 17V209000) that my VIN should have been included in but is not. My vehicle was not equipped with a coolant level sensor from the factory and does not alert to low coolant levels in the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11671521
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD FIESTA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE ENGINE OVER HEATED AS THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11397619
“The contact's father-in-law owns a 2015 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while the owner was driving approximately 45 MPH, the engine misfired. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11470820

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light and non-deployment

AIR BAGS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2019-07 → 2023-05

“Airbag indicator light on. Took to repair and can’t fix”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11521236
“The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that the air bags had been inoperable since 2016. The contact stated that the air bag warning light had remained illuminated for several years”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11459270
“I WAS RECENTLY IN A CAR ACCIDENT WHERE THE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG WAS ACTIVATED AND METAL FRAGMENTS CAME THROUGH THE AIR BAG AN CUT MY HEAD OPEN. MY ACCIDENT WAS HEAD ON IMPACT WITH A STATIONARY DWELLING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11323608

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 2 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

F-150 4x4 and Bronco 4x4: replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

85 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

16

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2015 Ford Fiesta reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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