Ford Fiesta: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 167,865 Ford Fiesta cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1976 and 2025.
In a sample of 395 cars, 70.1% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, more often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre tread depth insufficient (19% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 18 recalls for this model; 0.9% of registered cars still have an open recall.
1.8% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Ford Fiesta
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 19% |
| Stub axle (kingpin) has too much play | 14.9% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 14.9% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 12.4% |
| Brake light not working (properly) | 10.6% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 9.1% |
| Tyre damaged | 9.1% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 6.8% |
| Indicator colour deviates or not permitted | 6.3% |
| Dipped/main beam not working (properly) | 6.1% |
Share of 395 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 14.2% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 6.8% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 6.8% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 1.3% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 167,865 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 0.9% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 1.8% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 1976 to 2025 |
All Ford Fiesta passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-10-02 | other | – | 120 |
| 2025-03-25 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 12,756 |
| 2025-01-10 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 13,297 |
| 2023-06-22 | suspension | serious | 14 |
| 2021-11-11 | electrical system | – | 60 |
| 2021-04-26 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 231 |
| 2021-04-22 | electrical system | serious | 0 |
| 2020-04-08 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 0 |
| 2020-01-02 | steering | – | 3 |
| 2019-07-30 | electrical system | serious | 604 |
| 2018-02-15 | brakes | – | 379 |
| 2018-01-17 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 7,695 |
| 2017-06-06 | axles, wheels and tyres | serious | 3 |
| 2016-10-28 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 3 |
| 2016-08-18 | electrical system | – | 2,573 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Ford Fiesta fail the APK?
In a sample of 395 cars first registered 2012–2021, 70.1% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Ford Fiesta?
The most common APK defects are: tyre tread depth insufficient (19%), stub axle (kingpin) has too much play (14.9%), tyre pressure incorrect (14.9%).
Does the Ford Fiesta have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 18 recalls. 0.9% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Ford models
Focus · Kuga · Ka · Puma · C-Max · Mondeo · Fusion · Ecosport · Mustang · B-Max · S-Max · Explorer · Transit · Galaxy · Grand C-Max
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.