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Ford Fiesta Mk6 (2008-2016) reliability

At a glance

Ford Fiesta Mk6 built around 2016: about average at the MOT

Ford Fiesta Mk6 models built around 2016 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Ford Fiesta Mk6?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

25% of MOT tests on Ford Fiesta Mk6 models built around 2016 ended in a fail (retests included), against 23% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Ford Fiesta Mk6 models built around 2016 involves the tyres.

Ford Fiesta Mk6
poor reliability2008-2016HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 1,184,886 tests of Fiesta models registered 2008-2016.

About 1 in 30 Fiesta Mk6 MOTs (3.3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2016 (9 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 156,543 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 20 Fiesta Mk6 MOTs (5.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2016 (9 years old).

Based on 156,543 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk6 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
55,14524.9%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
156,54325.3%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
167,71226.8%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
162,75628.1%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
142,99729.0%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
128,23530.1%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
113,16930.7%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
122,26531.9%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
98,28332.8%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
37,78133.1%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 17 years old.

How the Fiesta Mk6 compares

At each age below, see how the Fiesta Mk6 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 397,375 tests across 16 Ford models, built around 2016 (9 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateFord average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
55,14524.9%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
156,54325.3%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
167,71226.8%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
162,75628.1%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
142,99729.0%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
128,23530.1%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
113,16930.7%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
122,26531.9%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
98,28332.8%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
37,78133.1%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Axles & Wheels

Worth checking

Inspect the axles & wheels carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Fiesta Mk6.

  1. 1

    Suzuki Celerio

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2%
    Dangerous
    3.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93.5%

    Lower fail rate: 15.9%, against 25.3% for the Ford Fiesta Mk6, both built around 2016.

    9,155 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  2. 2

    Volkswagen up!

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96.7%

    Lower fail rate: 19.2%, against 25.3% for the Ford Fiesta Mk6, both built around 2016.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.

    17,273 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  3. 3

    Toyota Aygo

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.9%
    Dangerous
    4.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96%

    Lower fail rate: 15.6%, against 25.3% for the Ford Fiesta Mk6, both built around 2016.

    27,136 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  4. 4

    Hyundai i10

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    18.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2%
    Dangerous
    5.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.5%

    Lower fail rate: 18.1%, against 25.3% for the Ford Fiesta Mk6, both built around 2016.

    26,634 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

92%of all Ford Fiesta cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · The same

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

41 recalls in all

10 of the 41 Fiesta Mk6 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 4 Critical
  • 6 more

Top concerns

  • Fire may occur
  • Relay may overheat and catch fire
  • Possible risk of fire

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on Fiesta Mk6 cars built around 2016

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 132 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
43%
Drivetrain
3%
Emissions
2%
Steering
1%

Wear items

Tyres
32%
Lighting
28%
Brakes
11%

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2016 (9 years old)

Engine sizes across all petrol Fiesta tests (not specific to Mk6).

Under 1.0 litre25.3%81,184 tests1.0 to 1.4 litres24.3%47,468 tests1.4 to 2.0 litres23.7%10,184 tests
How Fiesta Mk6 cars have aged

How Fiesta Mk6 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%57911131517Age at MOTBuilt around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 21.0% (105,176 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 22.6% (102,385 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 23.2% (98,898 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 23.8% (95,566 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 24.7% (93,650 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 21.4% (112,893 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 22.1% (109,347 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 23.4% (107,076 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 24.7% (104,756 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 26.2% (103,203 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 21.3% (105,907 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 23.1% (104,749 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 24.9% (103,497 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 26.6% (101,856 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.7% (99,723 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 23.6% (96,302 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 25.2% (95,245 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 26.6% (93,378 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (91,443 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (88,752 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (88,249 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 27.4% (86,970 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 28.5% (85,395 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.5% (83,579 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.8% (80,341 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 27.1% (75,656 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.8% (73,802 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.0% (72,168 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.7% (69,621 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.0% (65,939 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 29.3% (82,240 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.8% (79,976 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.6% (77,269 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.4% (73,431 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (68,389 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 30.5% (86,923 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.7% (83,140 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.6% (79,361 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.3% (73,758 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.5% (66,932 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.3% (60,104 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (55,302 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.4% (49,905 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (43,795 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.1% (37,781 tests, 2025 data)2008
First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014First registered around 2013
How each part holds up as Mk6 cars age

How each part holds up as Mk6 cars age

The share of petrol cars built 2013-2016 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car8 years9 years10 years11 years12 years
Suspension43%45%44%39%52%
Brakes11%14%17%22%25%
Emissions2%8%10%11%15%
Tyres32%29%35%37%37%
Lighting28%27%32%36%40%
Drivetrain3%1%1%1%1%
BodyworkNo figureNo figureNo figureNo figure1%
Steering1%1%1%1%1%
Corrosion1%1%2%5%9%

Based on petrol cars in the 2013-2016 build-year band, from 132 to 9,074 cars at each age.

Mk6 variants compared

Fiesta Mk6 variants built around 2016

The fail rate for each Fiesta Mk6 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • FIESTA24.8%138,819 tests

Diesel

  • FIESTA29.2%17,700 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Ford Fiestas of this age

This list covers every Ford Fiesta built around 2016, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk6 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    19.3%
    Advisory: 41,675Fail: 3,302 (7% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    12.4%
    Advisory: 18,958Fail: 8,292 (30% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    12.3%
    Advisory: 24,357Fail: 3,839 (14% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    9.3%
    Advisory: 14,312Fail: 4,392 (23% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Swivel pin or bush slightly worn

    8.3%
    Advisory: 17,107Fail: 3,419 (17% of the times it was found)

Based on 156,543 tests

Looking at a Ford Fiesta Mk6?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2016 (9 years old), the Ford Fiesta Mk6 (2008-2016) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 156,543 9-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 1,184,886 MOT tests on Ford Fiestas first registered between 2008-2016. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.