IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2011 Ford Fiesta Mk7 pre-facelift (B299)

2011 brought the 134PS 1.6 Ti-VCT Metal and S1600 special editions plus the six-speed Powershift automatic, the gearbox that became the pre-facelift car's biggest risk.

What changed for 2011

  • •1.6 Ti-VCT 134PS offered in Metal and S1600 special editions
  • •Six-speed Powershift dual-clutch automatic offered on 1.6 petrol models
  • •Zetec S and Titanium trims expanded with more standard equipment

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Powershift clutch judder and transmission warning lamps
  • !Front lower arm bushes and ball joints worn on 17-inch wheel cars
  • !Water leaks through door seals into the footwells
3
Known Issues
1
Serious
1
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

Powershift Transmission Judder

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

The early 6DCT250 dry-clutch automatic can judder, hesitate and eventually need clutch or mechatronic work if it has been used mostly in stop-start traffic.

Est. Repair Cost: £800–£2,500
Warning Signs:

Judder when pulling away, Hesitation on gear changes, Transmission malfunction warning

What to Inspect:
  • Creep in slow traffic from cold and fully warm
  • Check for smooth reverse engagement
  • Avoid cars with any history of shuddering excuses from the seller
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Front Coil Spring and Top Mount Wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

Broken lower spring coils and tired top mounts are common on UK-used cars, causing knocks, vague steering feel and repeat MOT advisories.

Est. Repair Cost: £180–£400
Warning Signs:

Knocking over potholes, Creaking while steering, One front corner sitting slightly low

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect the bottom coil for fresh breaks or rust
  • Listen for spring or top-mount noise on full lock and over speed humps
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Water Ingress (Boot)

MinorBodywork & Rust

Poor sealing around the rear lamps or roof seam can leave the boot floor, spare-wheel well and rear carpets damp for months at a time.

Est. Repair Cost: £50–£150
Warning Signs:

Damp boot carpet, Condensation on windows, Musty smell inside the car

What to Inspect:
  • Lift the boot floor and side trims if possible
  • Check the spare-wheel well for standing water or surface rust
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2011 Ford Fiesta Mk7 pre-facelift (B299)

  • Drive a Powershift from cold in slow traffic and in reverse; any judder is a walk-away
  • Check the front footwells and boot for damp before judging the interior
  • On a Metal or S1600, verify the special-edition badges and trim are intact
20102012
Check a 2011 Ford Fiesta Mk7 pre-facelift (B299) by Registration