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Electrical systemPart report

2018 Ford Fiesta Electrical system Problems

Complaints
6about this part
Share
17%of 35 total for the year
Median mileage
39,982miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the electrical system of the 2018 Ford Fiesta, 17% of the 35 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,982 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Driving down the road... Abs, brake, tsc lights kicked on and the car jerked to the right-hand side and slowed down about 10mph... As I kept going it lit up again and jerked hard... As I got speed to about 55mph did it a few more times before I finally shut the car off and had the dealership come get it..”

NHTSA complaint #11363296, filed 2020-10, 39,982 miles

“The electrical system shut down completely on the 2018 Ford Fiesta. No power, no engine, no lights, no electrical component functioned. No hazard flashers in rush hour traffic at the intersection of an interstate highway and a state highway. The car coasted and I steered it between lanes to as safe a spot as I could reach. The situation was dangerous with a high potential for harm. Fortunately no one was hurt and no accidents resulted. After a two week repair on a new car I had owned for only two weeks the cause was found to be a broken cable connector under the battery.”

NHTSA complaint #11203584, filed 2019-04, 300 miles

“For the past 6 months, the brake lights do not come on properly and occasionally the battery drains. When this was looked into, it was found to be a bad body control module. This seems to be a common part failure issue for Ford. We need this replaced/fixed. Brake lights not working in stationary position, work sometimes while moving and battery to car drains while stationary overnight.”

NHTSA complaint #11326183, filed 2020-05, 50,000 miles

“Several problems one the car vent system actuator failing to open vent making crackling noise, second problem water coolant container lines start leaking failing causing engine to burn up cheap plastic connections failing no water lines should at the container other than refill poor engineering need harder inspectors”

NHTSA complaint #11373710, filed 2020-11

“Purchased vehicle at the end of 2018 and this is the third time I have had to replace the horn. It's not a fuse, it's not wiring, it is the actual horn that either shorts or dies with no notice.”

NHTSA complaint #11656291, filed 2025-04

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20191110%
2018617%
201779%
20162615%
2015208%
2014459%
2013629%
20126611%
20119613%

Other parts of the 2018 Ford Fiesta

Transmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2018 Ford Fiesta

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology