Do Ford Fiestas have rear brakes?
Yes. Ford Fiestas have braking systems on both the front and rear axles; the exact rear-brake type depends on the model year, market, and trim.
Rear brake types by generation
Typical setups by era
Across the Fiesta lineup, rear braking arrangements have varied. Here is a general guide to what you might find by generation and variant.
- Rear drum brakes are common on many base or older Fiesta variants, especially in European markets and lower trims.
- Rear disc brakes are used on higher-spec trims, later updates, and several performance-oriented versions such as certain Fiesta ST iterations.
- The rear brake and parking brake arrangement can differ: drum rear brakes often pair with a drum-type parking brake, while rear discs typically use a separate parking brake mechanism (cable-driven or integrated caliper).
Because rear brake type varies by year and market, verify the exact configuration for your car by checking the owner's manual, the build/spec sheet, or a VIN-level brake specification.
Maintenance and inspection
Key tips for rear brakes
Regular checks help ensure the rear brakes function safely and stay balanced with the front brakes. Here are common maintenance considerations for the Fiesta’s rear brakes.
- Drum brakes: inspect brake shoes for wear, check wheel cylinders for leaks, and assess the drum inner surface for scoring or out-of-round wear. They may require periodic adjustment.
- Disc brakes: inspect pad thickness, look for rotor grooves or warping, and ensure caliper pistons and slides operate smoothly.
- Parking brake: confirm it holds on an incline and that the mechanism engages evenly; drum-based systems may require shoe adjustment, while disc-based systems rely on a separate brake mechanism or cable.
- Signs of wear or trouble: squealing, grinding, reduced braking efficiency, pulling to one side, or warning lights warrant a professional inspection and potential replacement of pads/shoes, rotors, or drums.
Treat rear brake servicing as part of a balanced, axle-wide maintenance plan. If unsure, consult a qualified technician to perform a full brake inspection and service.
Summary
In short, Ford Fiestas do have rear brakes, but the exact configuration—drums or discs—varies by generation, trim level, and market. To know your specific setup and maintenance needs, consult the owner's manual or a Ford service professional for your particular vehicle. Regular inspection ensures safe, balanced braking between front and rear.
Does the Ford Fiesta have rear brake pads?
Like most cars, your Ford Fiesta has 4 brake pads: two at the front and two at the back.
Is a Ford Fiesta front or rear wheel drive?
The Ford Fiesta is a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle, and it has been designed this way throughout its history. While some custom or one-off modified versions may exist with different drivetrains, all standard production models have been FWD.
This video shows a custom-built rear-wheel drive Ford Fiesta: 57sTwin Engine CorsaYouTube · Apr 15, 2025
- Standard Drivetrain: All factory-produced Ford Fiestas are front-wheel drive (FWD).
- Historical Context: The Fiesta is known as Ford's first globally successful front-wheel-drive model.
- Model Variations: This applies to all trim levels, including the sporty ST models, as well as the sedan and hatchback versions.
- Custom Builds: While rare and not representative of the standard model, some custom or one-off builds may feature different drivetrains.
This video is a review of the Ford Fiesta ST, which is a front-wheel drive model: 57sIt's JoelYouTube · Jun 17, 2020
How to tell if your car has rear drum brakes?
Your front brakes are disc, your rears are drums. You'll notice there's no brake caliper there grabbing onto anything. Take a look at your fronts and you'll see what I'm saying. Good luck!
Do Ford Fiestas have drum brakes?
FORD FIESTA MK 7 08-17 TWO REAR BRAKE DRUMS & A SET OF REAR BRAKE SHOES.
