Ford Fiesta Mk7 (2017-2023) reliability
Ford Fiesta Mk7 built around 2018: about average at the MOT
Ford Fiesta Mk7 models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.
Looking at a Ford Fiesta Mk7?
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Key figure
16% of MOT tests on Ford Fiesta Mk7 models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 18% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Ford Fiesta Mk7 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.
Based on 415,254 tests of Fiesta models registered 2017-2023.
About 1 in 12 petrol Fiesta cars registered in 2022 (8.9%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 23,193 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 50 Fiesta Mk7 MOTs (1.8%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 105,722 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 Mk7 MOTs (5.1%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).
Based on 105,722 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Mk7 fail rate by age
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 8 years old.
How the Fiesta Mk7 compares
At each age below, see how the Fiesta Mk7 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 306,729 tests across 17 Ford models, built around 2018 (7 years old).
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.
Brake pads
High priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck 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 Mk7.
- 1
Volkswagen up!
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 14.2%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 96.7%
Lower fail rate: 14.2%, against 16.4% for the Ford Fiesta Mk7, both built around 2018.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
15,657 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 2
Suzuki Celerio
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 13.9%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.5%
- Dangerous
- 2.4%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 93.5%
Lower fail rate: 13.9%, against 16.4% for the Ford Fiesta Mk7, both built around 2018.
5,662 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 3
DS 3
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 24.5%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 90.9%
No clear edge over the Ford Fiesta Mk7 on these figures.
3 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
6,861 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 4
Toyota Aygo
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 13%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.2%
- Dangerous
- 4.6%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 96%
Lower fail rate: 13.0%, against 16.4% for the Ford Fiesta Mk7, both built around 2018.
25,028 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 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.
Recall context
41 recalls in all12 of the 41 Fiesta Mk7 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 12 recalls
Top concerns
- 25S10 – puma Fiesta courier – fuel line chafing
- The front suspension lower ball joint bolt/nut may not be torqued correctly on a small number of Fiesta vehicles.
- The right-hand engine oil seperator may have been damaged prior to engine assembly.
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on Fiesta Mk7 cars built around 2018
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 6,949 cars.
Fail rate by engine size, built around 2018 (7 years old)
Engine sizes across all petrol Fiesta tests (not specific to Mk7).
How Fiesta Mk7 cars have aged
How Fiesta Mk7 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.
Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.
How each part holds up as Mk7 cars age
How each part holds up as Mk7 cars age
The share of petrol cars built 2017-2020 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 car | 5 years | 6 years | 7 years | 8 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 8% | 3% | 2% | 20% |
| Brakes | 5% | 7% | 9% | 11% |
| Emissions | 2% | 2% | 3% | 5% |
| Tyres | 12% | 18% | 21% | 24% |
| Lighting | 5% | 7% | 10% | 16% |
| Drivetrain | No figure | No figure | No figure | 1% |
| Steering | No figure | No figure | No figure | 1% |
| Corrosion | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Based on petrol cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 1,459 to 6,949 cars at each age.
Mk7 variants compared
Fiesta Mk7 variants built around 2018
The fail rate for each Fiesta Mk7 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Petrol
- FIESTA16.1%100,970 tests
Diesel
- FIESTA20.8%4,738 tests
Most common issues on Ford Fiestas of this age
This list covers every Ford Fiesta built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk7 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 118.8%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 212.8%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 310.9%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 47.8%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 53.1%Advisory
Brake disc worn, but not excessively
Based on 105,722 tests
Looking at a Ford Fiesta Mk7?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Ford Fiesta Mk7 (2017-2023) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 105,722 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.