What kind of engine is in a Ford Fiesta?
There isn’t a single engine that powers every Fiesta. Over its history Ford used a variety of petrol and diesel engines across generations and markets. In Europe today the common modern option is the 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo petrol; older European models offered diesel and other petrol choices. In the United States, the Fiesta was sold with a 1.6-litre Duratec four-cylinder until U.S. sales ended in 2019. The exact engine depends on the year, market, and trim.
Engine families that powered the Fiesta
Ford has deployed several engine families across the model’s lifetime. The following categories cover the main options you’re likely to encounter in listings or historical reviews.
- Petrol engines: primarily the 1.0-litre EcoBoost three-cylinder turbo petrol in recent generations; older petrol options included 1.25- and 1.6-litre four-cylinder units.
- Diesel engines: the 1.5-litre TDCi diesel used in European Fiestas for many years (more common in earlier generations; less so in the latest models).
- United States market: a 1.6-litre Duratec inline-four petrol engine powered most U.S.-market Fiestas before the model’s withdrawal from that market.
- Performance variant: the Fiesta ST used a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine in its Mk7 lineage, delivering higher output for sportier models.
Because the engine lineup shifts by generation and market, verify the exact unit by checking the car’s VIN, engine code plate on the engine, or the door jamb sticker.
Regional differences in practice
The following notes summarize how engine choices differ by region for the Fiesta’s more recent eras.
Europe and other markets
The modern European Fiesta typically uses the 1.0-litre EcoBoost three-cylinder turbo petrol as the baseline engine, with higher-output variants and occasional diesel options such as the 1.5-litre TDCi offered in certain trims or older stock. The Fiesta ST, a performance variant, uses a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine tuned for higher power.
United States and Canada
In North America, the Fiesta was sold with a 1.6-litre Duratec inline-four petrol engine. There were no diesel options in the U.S. market. U.S. sales of the Fiesta ended after the 2019 model year, with the subcompact’s engine lineup centered on the 1.6-litre gasoline family at the time of its final offerings.
Summary
Across its history, the Ford Fiesta never stuck to a single engine. The car has been offered with a mix of petrol and diesel engines depending on generation and region—most notably the 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo petrol in modern European models, the 1.6-litre Duratec petrol in the U.S., and various diesel options in Europe’s earlier generations. To determine the exact engine in a specific Fiesta, check the VIN or engine code plate, and consult the owner’s manual or dealer documentation.
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.
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
Which Fiesta engine is most reliable?
The best option by far is the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine – it's turbocharged, so it's quicker and has the potential to be more efficient than more basic options. There are 95hp, 100hp, 125hp, 140hp and 155hp variants of this seriously impressive engine, and we think it's one of the best small engines around.
What engine does a Ford Fiesta have?
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.
