2012 Ford Fiesta Life Expectancy

A 2012 Ford Fiesta can keep partying for 150,000 to 200,000 miles, provided it’s driven gently and maintained with great care.
Written by Amber Reed
Reviewed by Pat Roache
A 2012 Ford Fiesta can last 150,000 to 200,000 miles, as long as it’s driven nicely and maintained to perfection. But miss even one oil change or put off that belt replacement? You’re asking for trouble.
  • The 2012 Ford Fiesta has a life expectancy of 150,000 to 200,000 miles with proper maintenance.
  • Transmission and powertrain issues are among the most common problems with the 2012 Ford Fiesta.
  • 2011 and 2013 were considered some of the worst years for the Ford Fiesta.

How many miles can a 2012 Ford Fiesta last?

Most sources report that a 2012 Ford Fiesta can last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles. The average US driver puts about 14,000 miles a year on their car, so a 2012 Fiesta should have a life expectancy of about 10 to 15 years. Of course, these figures are assuming that you take meticulous care of your Ford and drive it lightly, so your mileage may vary.

How long does a Ford Fiesta engine last?

If it’s well cared for, the 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine in the 2012 Fiesta should last for about 150,000 to 200,000 miles as well. But sticking to a routine
car maintenance schedule
is a must! 

Can a Ford Fiesta last 500,000 miles?

Theoretically, it’s possible. But so is winning the lottery. While a Ford Fiesta that’s been treated like royalty might make it to the 500,000-mile mark, it’s highly improbable.
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Average life expectancy for a Ford Fiesta

While a Ford Fiesta can get up to 200,000 miles, how realistic is it? Most of us live in the real world, and there are a lot more variables out here!
According to a study by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the average lifespan of a passenger car in the US is about 11 years, which falls short of the 200,000-mile mark.
At the end of the day, the life of any party depends on how well the guests behave themselves. So the life expectancy of your 2012 Ford Fiesta depends on:
  • Rigorous maintenance: Even one missed
    oil and filter change
    can reduce a car’s lifespan, and putting off routine repairs is even more detrimental.
  • Mileage: If you drive less than 14,000 miles a year, you stand a good chance of getting past the 11-year mark. 
  • History: Accidents, storm damage, and wear and tear by the elements all take quite a toll on your Fiesta’s life span.
One of the first things you should look at if you’re considering a 2012 Ford Fiesta is the mileage. Be wary of purchasing anything with more than 200,000 miles on it. It’s also a smart move to get a
CARFAX report
and take the car in for a quick check-up by a trusted mechanic.

How to extend a 2012 Ford Fiesta’s life expectancy

Now, do you even need to ask at this point? If you want to keep your 2012 Ford Fiesta on the road for as long as possible, proper maintenance is a must! Get your oil and other fluids changed on time, and make sure that you get all your needed or recommended repairs are done as soon as they’re due.

Common 2012 Ford Fiesta problems to watch out for

Unfortunately, Consumer Reports doesn’t have any reliability ratings for the 2012 Ford Fiesta. That being said, the 2011 model year got a dismal 1/5 in reliability, which doesn’t exactly instill confidence.
Here are a few of the most common sources of trouble for the 2012 Ford Fiesta:
  • Recalls: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported three recalls for the 2012 Ford Fiesta. Two had to do with failing door latches that caused the doors to fly open, and one had to do with a side airbag not providing enough coverage. While these issues are not likely to affect the car’s longevity per se, they can certainly affect yours—so make sure to
    check for car recalls with your model’s VIN
    to make sure any issues have been addressed in a timely manner.
  • Powertrain: The NHTSA recorded 588 complaints about the 2012 Fiesta, and 259 of them had to do with the powertrain. This is a pretty broad (but important) category that includes the engine, the transmission, and the axles. 
  • Transmission: Transmission complaints were at the forefront for the 2012 Ford Fiesta, so be on the lookout for things like rough shifting and loud noises when you’re changing gears.
If you see any signs of trouble, have your Fiesta checked out by a mechanic right away—the longer you wait, the more damage it’s likely to cause.
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FAQs

According to many sources, both 2013 and 2011 were bad model years for the Ford Fiesta. Transmission and other powertrain problems were common, and both years received an abundance of complaints from consumers.
Ford has a reputation for making some seriously sturdy trucks, so it should come as no surprise that there are a few
Ford F-150
and
Ford F-250
models that have hit the million-mile mark—and are still going!
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