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Is the 2017 Ford Fiesta front or rear wheel drive?

The 2017 Ford Fiesta is front-wheel drive (FWD). The car uses a transverse engine layout that powers the front wheels, and Ford did not offer an all-wheel-drive variant for this model year in most markets.

Drivetrain configuration

The following points summarize the Fiesta’s basic drivetrain setup for the 2017 model year.

Drivetrain layout: Front-engine, front-wheel drive (FWD) with a transversely mounted engine.

Platform design: Built on Ford's global B-car platform, optimized for compact packaging and FWD layout.

All-wheel drive availability: No factory all-wheel drive option for the 2017 Fiesta in the United States or most other markets.

Power delivery: Power is sent to the front wheels through manual or automatic transmissions used with FWD (no AWD transfer setup).

In summary, the Fiesta's 2017 drivetrain is a straightforward front-wheel-drive configuration, aligning with its subcompact, city-focused design and pricing.

Regional notes

Across major markets for the 2017 Fiesta, there was a consistent approach to drivetrain: front-wheel drive only.

United States and Canada: Front-wheel drive only; no official all-wheel drive variant.

Europe and Asia-Pacific: Front-wheel drive only; standard subcompact drivetrain for the lineup.

Performance variant context: The high-performance Fiesta ST remains front-wheel drive, not AWD, for 2017.

Overall, the 2017 Fiesta was engineered as a front-wheel-drive subcompact, emphasizing efficiency and urban practicality rather than all-weather traction systems.

Summary

The 2017 Ford Fiesta uses front-wheel drive exclusively. There were no factory all-wheel-drive variants for this model year in the main markets, reflecting its design focus on efficiency, affordability, and city driving.

Is the 2017 Ford Fiesta FWD or RWD?

The 2017 Ford Fiesta is offered as either a sedan or a hatchback in four trim levels: S, SE, Titanium, and ST. The ST comes in hatchback form only. All models are front-wheel-drive (FWD).

How many miles will a 2017 Ford Fiesta last?

The 2017 Ford Fiesta's life expectancy is around 146,000 miles, but can vary significantly based on maintenance. With proper care, some owners report reaching over 200,000 miles, while a known issue is the dual-clutch transmission (PowerShift), which can have problems like hesitation, stalling, or shuddering, especially before 50,000 miles. Regular maintenance, particularly following the timing belt service schedule, is critical for a longer lifespan.

Factors affecting lifespan

Transmission: Models with the dual-clutch PowerShift automatic transmission have a history of problems like hesitation, stalling, and shuddering, sometimes requiring early clutch replacement.
Maintenance: Following the recommended maintenance schedule, including oil changes and timing belt replacements, is crucial for extending the car's life.
Driving conditions: How and where the car is driven impacts its longevity. High-stress driving, like in a city with stop-and-go traffic, can accelerate wear and tear.

Examples of owner experiences

Some owners have reported issues with the dual-clutch transmission, often before 50,000 miles.
Other owners have reached over 100,000 miles with no major problems, provided they religiously followed the maintenance schedule.
One owner reported their 2017 model reached over 200,000 miles, with the main issues being a broken timing belt and a finicky AC.
Another owner, after 4 years and 147,000 miles, noted that while the car looks good from a distance, some cosmetic issues are present.

What to consider when buying

Check for a maintenance history, especially for transmission repairs.
Be wary of models with known issues, particularly the dual-clutch transmission.
Consider the car's driving conditions and how it has been maintained.

What is the most common problem with the Ford Fiesta?

Common Problems with Ford Fiestas

Transmission Problems. Owners of this hatchback report a significant number of transmission problems, especially where models with PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission are concerned.
Engine Problems.
Interior Accessories Problems.
Wider Powertrain Problems.

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

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.