Credov's researched list of the 6 faults the Ford Fiesta WZ is known for (2011–2016), 6 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
What to look for: Look for a flashing gear indicator, a failed start, or the engine revving without the car pulling.
Why it matters: Loss of drive at speed is a safety hazard, and a TCM replacement plus clutch relearn is the typical remedy.
What to look for: Drive away gently from a stop several times and in stop-start traffic, feeling for judder through the seat or clunky shifts.
Why it matters: This is the single most consequential buy-decision item on small Fords of this era: a regulator-litigated defect pattern, repeat clutch replacements, and a resale market that discounts it. The Federal Court ordered Ford to pay a $10 million penalty in April 2018 over how it handled these complaints.
What to look for: Listen for grinding or scraping from the gearbox when coasting from 80 to 30 km/h with the car cold.
Why it matters: The remedy is a transmission removal and output shaft replacement, not an adjustment.
Sources: 1
What to look for: Check every door latches on the first close, and doesn't move or show 'door ajar' when pushed from inside.
Why it matters: A door opening on the move is a fall-out hazard.
What to look for: Follow the small coolant hoses from the header tank to the turbo with a torch, looking for cracks.
Why it matters: Losing coolant this fast can overheat and warp or crack the aluminium cylinder head and blow the head gasket, and the source reports many affected engines needed full replacement.
What to look for: Ask for the wet belt receipt with its date and km, and for regular oil change records.
Why it matters: A degraded wet belt sheds rubber that can block the engine's oil pickup or the belt can fail outright, and either way the usual result is a damaged or seized engine.
Got a question about a Ford Fiesta WZ? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.