NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Ford Fiesta Safety Ratings
The 2019 Ford Fiesta scores 69 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Below Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 92 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
Weak avoidance-tech scores plague the 2019 Ford Fiesta, which earned only 2 out of 10 in this sub-category. This low performance contributes to its 69 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index, placing the vehicle in the Below Average band. The Fiesta's three active recall campaigns further impact its overall safety standing. This occurs despite solid crash-test star ratings from NHTSA across all evaluated categories.
The 2019 Ford Fiesta earned a 4-out-of-5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 69 out of 100, sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 119 Sedans from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Ford Fiesta ranks 110 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA Safety Index | 69 / 100 (Below Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 4 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.3% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 92 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 110 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Ford Fiesta?
The 2019 Ford Fiesta achieved a Below Average 69 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, primarily due to a significant deficiency in its active safety technology. The avoidance-tech sub-score registered a mere 2 out of 10, reflecting the absence of standard forward collision warning or lane departure warning systems. Only electronic stability control was a standard feature, a gap in preventative hardware that fundamentally limits its overall Safety Index performance. In terms of crash protection, the Fiesta scored 56 out of 70, with NHTSA awarding consistent 4-star ratings across frontal, side, and rollover tests. The defect-record sub-score stood at 11 out of 20, influenced by three recall campaigns. These included a brake-caliper assembly recall issued in the vehicle's production year, alongside two later campaigns addressing rearview camera issues. The 92 owner complaints, including 26 reports of alleged Back Over Prevention and 21 Power Train reports, align with these recall themes, further penalizing the defect record. This specific model year presents a vehicle capable of adequate crash energy absorption, but with notable omissions in prevention technology and an active recall history that buyers should note.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Ford Fiesta perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Ford Fiesta secured a 4 out of 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This assessment included 4-star results across all individual test categories: frontal impact, side impact, and rollover. The vehicle registered a 14 percent rollover risk, with the dynamic tip test concluding in a "No Tip" outcome. No 5-star ratings were achieved in any category, though no category fell below 4 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13242
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Ford Fiesta have any recalls?
Yes, the 2019 Ford Fiesta carries three recall campaigns. The earliest, from August 2019, targets brake calipers that may have been assembled incorrectly on Fiesta-specific vehicles. Two later campaigns, from December 2024 and October 2025, address rearview-camera sensing systems that may intermittently malfunction. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data provided, but all three campaigns remain worth verifying by VIN.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA25V695000
Risk: A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 25, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Mustang owner notification le
Reported 2025-10-13
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA24V951000
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 22, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated March 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S75.
Reported 2024-12-20
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER19V629000
Risk: The swollen seals can cause the brakes to drag, potentially overheating the brakes and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will flush the brake fluid and replace the front brake calipers and brake hoses, free of charge. The recall began October 10, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S27.
Reported 2019-08-28
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Ford Fiesta?
Owners have filed 92 unverified complaints with NHTSA for this model year. The most-reported components are Back Over Prevention with 26 alleged reports, Power Train with 21, and Service Brakes with 11. These are unverified consumer allegations and have not been independently confirmed as defects.
92 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Ford Fiesta?
The 2019 Ford Fiesta has three open recalls, a notable point for prospective buyers. Two of these address critical safety systems: one for potential brake caliper fractures, and another for rearview camera display issues. A third recall concerns a loss of transmission control. Buyers of used models should verify that all recall remedies have been performed, as unresolved issues transfer with the vehicle's ownership.
- The 2019 Ford Fiesta has three open or previously issued recall campaigns: a brake-caliper assembly defect specific to the 2019 Fiesta, plus two rearview-camera recalls affecting this model year alongside other Ford vehicles.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this model year, both of which are standard on many competing vehicles from the same period.
- NHTSA crash tests returned 4 stars in every tested category, frontal, side, and rollover, with a 14 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result, making crash protection the strongest component of this year's Safety Index.
- Owner-reported complaints total 92, with Back Over Prevention (26 alleged reports) and Power Train (21 alleged reports) as the top categories, all unverified allegations filed with NHTSA.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Ford Fiesta places
The 2019 Ford Fiesta qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Ford Fiesta safety questions
Was the 2019 Ford Fiesta crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Ford Fiesta, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 69 out of 100, placing it in the Below Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Ford Fiesta crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Ford Fiesta earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 4 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 14.3%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Ford Fiesta have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Ford Fiesta. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Ford Fiesta?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 92 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Ford Fiesta. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Rivals in Sedan (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Acura RLX Sport | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi Rs5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S4 | 98/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 60d | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13242), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Fiesta 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 110 of 119 in the Sedan class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.