What kind of engine does a Ford Fiesta have?

There isn’t a single engine design for the Ford Fiesta. Across its generations and global markets, the Fiesta has used a range of petrol and diesel engines, with the modern mainstream being Ford’s 1.0‑liter EcoBoost turbocharged three‑cylinder, plus a high‑performance 1.6‑liter EcoBoost for the Fiesta ST. Earlier US models relied on a 1.6‑liter Duratec four‑cylinder, and European versions have also offered diesel options such as the 1.5‑litre TDCi.

Engine families that powered the Fiesta through the years

The following overview highlights the main engine families that have equipped the Fiesta in different eras and regions.

• 1.0‑liter EcoBoost three‑cylinder turbo petrol — a lightweight, efficient engine widely adopted in European Fiestas since the early 2010s; power outputs vary by generation and tune, typically around 100–140 horsepower.


• 1.25–1.4–1.3‑litre naturally aspirated petrol variants — older European Fiestas used smaller NA engines with roughly 60–100 horsepower.


• 1.6‑liter Duratec petrol — a larger naturally aspirated four‑cylinder used in several US‑market Fiestas and earlier European models, generally about 110–130 horsepower.


• 1.5‑liter TDCi diesel — turbocharged diesel common in European markets for fuel efficiency, typically in the 75–95 horsepower range depending on version.


• 1.6‑liter EcoBoost — a turbocharged four‑cylinder used in the high‑performance Fiesta ST, producing around 190–200 horsepower depending on market and year.

Over the Fiesta’s history, buyers encountered a mix of petrol, turbo petrol, and diesel options. The 1.0‑liter EcoBoost has become the hallmark of Ford’s efficiency strategy for the model, while the Fiesta ST represents the performance branch of the lineup.

Regional notes on engine choices

Engine availability has varied by market. Here is a quick regional snapshot of what has been typical.

1. United States and Canada: early and mid‑generation Fiestas commonly used a 1.6‑liter Duratec four‑cylinder petrol engine; the 1.0‑liter EcoBoost was not offered on U.S.‑market Fiestas.


2. Europe and many other markets: the 1.0‑liter EcoBoost three‑cylinder petrol engine became the mainstream option, with diesel variants such as the 1.5‑litre TDCi available in several countries; the 1.6‑liter EcoBoost powers the Fiesta ST for performance models.


3. Other regions: engine lineups varied by year and local regulations, but EcoBoost and diesel options were common in many markets outside North America.

In short, the exact engine in a Ford Fiesta depends on where and when the car was built, as Ford offered several configurations across its global production run.

Fiesta ST: the performance engine

The Fiesta ST is powered by a turbocharged 1.6‑liter EcoBoost four‑cylinder engine, tuned to deliver around 190–200 horsepower, depending on the model year and market. This engine is the performance centerpiece of the Fiesta lineup and is paired with sportier handling and exhaust characteristics.

Summary

In summary, the Ford Fiesta has used a variety of engines over its life. The current mainstream in many markets is the 1.0‑liter EcoBoost turbo petrol, with smaller naturally aspirated and diesel options available in older generations and in different regions. The high‑performance Fiesta ST uses a 1.6‑liter EcoBoost, while the US‑market Fiesta historically relied on a 1.6‑liter Duratec petrol. When considering a specific Fiesta, the exact engine depends on the model year and regional configuration.

Do Ford Fiestas have good engines?

By all accounts the 1.5 Ecoboost is a good engine. Offering performance and economy, which would have been unbelievable not that long ago. In Focus in 2012 and Fiesta in 2014. So the early cars are getting on and its not always possible to find out if the cars had the right oil or if it's been changed regularly.

What is the most common problem with the Ford Fiesta?

Common Problems with Ford Fiestas

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

What engine does a Ford Fiesta use?

Engines & Performance: Like its rivals, the Fiesta has a wide range of engines. The petrol range consists of a 1.1-litre petrol with either 69bhp or 84bhp; a fantastic turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder Ecoboost in 99bhp, 123bhp and 138bhp states of tune, or a 1.5-litre diesel with 84bhp or 118bhp power outputs.

What Ford engine to stay away from?

Ford engines to avoid include the 6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke diesels, which had numerous issues like EGR cooler failures and injector problems, and the 5.4L Triton V8 known for spark plug and timing chain problems. Other engines to be cautious of are the 3.8L V6 due to head gasket failures and certain EcoBoost engines, especially early 1.0L and 1.6L models, which have faced issues like premature timing belt wear and overheating. 
You can watch this video to learn about some of the worst Ford engines ever made: 59sCar WisdomsYouTube · May 2, 2025
Engines with high failure rates 

• 6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke diesel engines: These engines (2003-2007 and 2008-2010, respectively) are notorious for expensive problems, including head gasket failures, injector issues, and turbocharger failures. 
• 5.4L Triton V8: This engine (1997-2010) is infamous for spark plugs breaking during removal and cam phaser/timing chain issues. 
• 3.8L SX V6: From 1982 to 2008, this engine had issues with weak head bolts causing head gasket failures, and early versions were prone to coolant leaks. 

This video discusses the 5.4L Triton V8 in detail: 53sSeats & WheelsYouTube · Aug 10, 2025
Problematic EcoBoost engines

• 1.0L EcoBoost (early versions): Early models used a rubber timing belt in hot engine oil, which could degrade and clog the oil pickup, leading to oil starvation and engine damage. 
• 1.6L EcoBoost: This engine has been associated with overheating and coolant leaks. 
• 3.5L EcoBoost: Problems can include carbon buildup, premature timing chain wear, and water pump failures. 
• 2.7L EcoBoost: Early models (around 2016-2017) experienced issues with defective valve guides, excessive oil consumption, and leaking plastic oil pans. 

You can watch this video for more information about EcoBoost engine issues: 1mExoticCar PlayPlaceYouTube · Nov 15, 2025