2003 Ford Fiesta
Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2003 Ford Fiesta, categorized by major components and specific engine/transmission options.
The 2003 Ford Fiesta was a popular subcompact car known for its fuel efficiency, nimble handling, and affordability. Engine options included a 1.3L petrol engine, a 1.4L petrol engine, a 1.6L petrol engine and a 1.4L TDCi diesel engine. Gearbox options were a 5-speed manual transmission, 4-speed automatic transmission. The 1.4L petrol engine produced approximately 80 horsepower and 80 lb-ft of torque. Common likes included its compact size for city driving, its fuel economy and how inexpensive it was. Common dislikes included its minimal features, its small size, and its relatively underpowered engines.
Engine
1.3L Petrol Engine
- Excessive Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Burning oil at a high rate, requiring frequent top-ups. Blue smoke from the exhaust is a common symptom.
- Solution: Replacing piston rings, valve stem seals, or potentially the entire engine if wear is severe.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Idling Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Rough or unstable idling, sometimes leading to stalling.
- Solution: Cleaning or replacing the idle air control valve (IACV), checking for vacuum leaks.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300
- Recalls: None Found
1.4L Petrol Engine
- Coil Pack Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running, engine light on. Diagnosed through OBDII code reading indicating a misfire on a particular cylinder.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty coil pack.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
- Recalls: None Found
- Coolant Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating, visible leaks near the water pump or radiator hoses.
- Solution: Replacing leaking hoses, water pump, or radiator as necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
1.6L Petrol Engine
- Camshaft Position Sensor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, difficulty starting, poor fuel economy, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to the camshaft position sensor.
- Solution: Replacing the camshaft position sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
- Recalls: None Found
1.4L TDCi Diesel Engine
- Injector Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Engine knocking, poor performance, excessive smoke, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to the fuel injectors.
- Solution: Replacing or refurbishing the faulty fuel injectors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Turbocharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, excessive smoke, unusual noises (whining, screeching), and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to the turbocharger.
- Solution: Replacing or refurbishing the turbocharger.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
5-Speed Manual Transmission
- Gear Slippage/Difficulty Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty engaging gears, gears popping out during driving, grinding noises when shifting.
- Solution: Replacing worn synchronizers, shift forks, or the entire transmission.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Clutch Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clutch slippage, difficulty shifting, high engagement point, or a complete inability to shift.
- Solution: Replacing the clutch disc, pressure plate, and potentially the flywheel.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800
- Recalls: None Found
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Harsh Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Abrupt or jerky gear changes.
- Solution: Fluid change, valve body issues.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800
- Recalls: None Found
- Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: RPMs increase without corresponding acceleration
- Solution: Replace transmission.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Worn Suspension Bushings
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the suspension, especially when going over bumps. Imprecise handling.
- Solution: Replacing worn bushings (control arm bushings, sway bar bushings).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500
- Recalls: None Found
- Broken Coil Springs
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sitting unevenly, clunking noises, poor handling.
- Solution: Replacing the broken coil spring (usually recommended to replace in pairs).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Central Locking Failures
- Description/Symptoms: Central locking system failing to lock or unlock doors, inconsistent operation.
- Solution: Replacing the central locking module or repairing faulty wiring.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300
- Recalls: None Found
- Instrument Cluster Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Gauges not working properly (speedometer, fuel gauge), warning lights staying on or flickering.
- Solution: Repairing or replacing the instrument cluster.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust (Especially Wheel Arches and Sills)
- Description/Symptoms: Visible rust patches, bubbling paint, structural weakness.
- Solution: Rust repair, panel replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Power Window Regulator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Windows not going up or down, slow or erratic movement.
- Solution: Replacing the power window regulator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2003 Ford Fiesta, while generally a reliable car, has some common issues that owners may encounter. Engine issues like oil consumption, coil pack failures and injector issues are fairly common. Transmission issues, such as slipping and harsh shifting, can also occur. Suspension and electrical issues are also noted but are less frequent. Rust, particularly on the wheel arches and sills, is also common given the age of the vehicles. While not all issues are severe or overly expensive, potential buyers should be aware and inspect the vehicle thoroughly.