The Ford Fiesta Encore, a beloved subcompact car, has a long and storied history. Knowing which model years offer the best reliability, features, and value is crucial before making a purchase. This guide will help you navigate the Fiesta Encore's production run, highlighting the standout years and the ones best left avoided.
Ford Fiesta Encore Model Years: A Quick Overview
| Model Year | Key Features/Improvements | Potential Issues |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Introduction of the Mk6 Fiesta to North America, stylish design, fuel-efficient engine. | Troubled DCT automatic transmission, potential for cooling system leaks. |
| 2012 | Minor trim level adjustments, continued focus on fuel economy. | DCT transmission issues persist, potential for early clutch wear. |
| 2013 | Slight interior upgrades, MyFord Touch infotainment system introduced. | MyFord Touch system known for being glitchy and unresponsive, DCT transmission remains a problem. |
| 2014 | Refined interior materials, improved sound insulation. | DCT transmission issues continue to be a major concern, potential for engine misfires. |
| 2015 | Minor styling tweaks, improved fuel efficiency. | DCT transmission problems remain unresolved, potential for power steering issues. |
| 2016 | SYNC 3 infotainment system replaces MyFord Touch, improved connectivity. | While SYNC 3 is better, DCT transmission issues are still present, potential for evap system problems. |
| 2017 | No major changes. | Continued DCT concerns, potential for water leaks in the cabin. |
| 2018 | Significant facelift, updated interior and exterior styling. | DCT transmission is still a risk, potential for electrical problems. |
| 2019 | Final year of production for North America. | DCT transmission issues, depreciation concerns due to end of production. |
Detailed Explanations
2011: Introduction of the Mk6 Fiesta to North America, stylish design, fuel-efficient engine.
The 2011 model marked the debut of the sixth-generation Fiesta in North America. It boasted a distinctive design, a fuel-efficient engine, and a relatively affordable price point, attracting many first-time car buyers. However, this model year was marred by the infamous DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission) which was prone to issues and significantly impacted the driving experience.
2012: Minor trim level adjustments, continued focus on fuel economy.
The 2012 Fiesta saw only minor adjustments to trim levels, focusing on maintaining its reputation for fuel efficiency. The DCT transmission problems, unfortunately, persisted, making it a risky purchase for some. Early clutch wear was also a common complaint among owners.
2013: Slight interior upgrades, MyFord Touch infotainment system introduced.
In 2013, Ford attempted to improve the Fiesta's interior and introduced the MyFord Touch infotainment system. While the intention was positive, the MyFord Touch system was widely criticized for being glitchy and unresponsive. The DCT transmission issues remained a significant problem, overshadowing any positive changes.
2014: Refined interior materials, improved sound insulation.
The 2014 Fiesta aimed to offer a more refined driving experience with improved interior materials and enhanced sound insulation. Despite these improvements, the DCT transmission issues continued to plague the model year, and some owners reported engine misfires.
2015: Minor styling tweaks, improved fuel efficiency.
The 2015 model received minor styling tweaks and further improvements to fuel efficiency. However, the DCT transmission problems remained unresolved, and some owners experienced power steering issues.
2016: SYNC 3 infotainment system replaces MyFord Touch, improved connectivity.
The 2016 Fiesta marked a significant improvement with the introduction of the SYNC 3 infotainment system, replacing the much-maligned MyFord Touch. SYNC 3 offered improved connectivity and a more user-friendly interface. While this was a step in the right direction, the DCT transmission issues were still present, and some owners reported evap system problems.
2017: No major changes.
The 2017 Fiesta saw no major changes from the previous year. This meant that the SYNC 3 system remained a positive feature, but the DCT transmission concerns lingered, and some owners experienced water leaks in the cabin.
2018: Significant facelift, updated interior and exterior styling.
The 2018 Fiesta received a significant facelift, with updated interior and exterior styling, giving it a more modern appearance. However, the DCT transmission remained a risk, and some owners reported electrical problems.
2019: Final year of production for North America.
The 2019 Fiesta was the final year of production for the North American market. While it offered the same features as the 2018 model, the DCT transmission issues remained a concern, and depreciation was a factor due to the end of production.
The DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission) Issue: A Deeper Dive
The DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission) is the single biggest factor to consider when evaluating any Ford Fiesta Encore from 2011-2019. This transmission, marketed as "PowerShift," was designed to offer the fuel efficiency of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic. However, it was plagued with problems, including:
- Shuddering and Jerking: Many owners reported that the transmission would shudder or jerk during acceleration, particularly at low speeds.
- Delayed Engagement: The transmission often hesitated before engaging a gear, leading to a lag in acceleration.
- Clutch Slippage: Premature clutch wear was a common issue, requiring expensive repairs.
- Complete Failure: In some cases, the transmission completely failed, leaving owners stranded.
Ford issued several Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and extended warranties to address the DCT issues, but the problems persisted for many owners. Class-action lawsuits were filed, and Ford eventually offered buybacks and settlements to affected customers.
How to Mitigate the DCT Risk:
- Research Vehicle History: Thoroughly research the vehicle's history to see if it has had any DCT-related repairs or replacements.
- Test Drive Extensively: Take the car for an extended test drive, paying close attention to the transmission's performance at various speeds and driving conditions.
- Consider a Manual Transmission: If possible, opt for a Fiesta with a manual transmission, as it avoids the DCT issues altogether.
- Check for Warranty Coverage: Verify if the vehicle is still covered by any extended warranties related to the DCT.
- Have it Inspected: Before purchasing, have a trusted mechanic inspect the transmission for any signs of problems.
Best Years to Buy (If You Must Buy a Fiesta Encore with DCT)
While the DCT transmission issues are a significant concern, some model years are considered slightly better than others. If you are considering a Fiesta Encore with the DCT, the 2016-2019 models are generally preferred due to the inclusion of the improved SYNC 3 infotainment system and potential software updates that may have addressed some of the DCT issues (though not entirely resolved).
However, even these models should be approached with caution and thoroughly inspected before purchase.
Years to Avoid
The 2011-2015 Ford Fiesta Encore models are generally best avoided due to the prevalence of DCT transmission problems and the outdated MyFord Touch infotainment system (in the 2013-2015 models). The risk of encountering significant transmission issues outweighs any potential cost savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest problem with the Ford Fiesta Encore?
The biggest problem is the DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission), which is prone to shuddering, jerking, delayed engagement, and premature clutch wear. This issue can lead to costly repairs and a frustrating driving experience.
Which Ford Fiesta Encore years have the best reliability?
No Fiesta Encore with the DCT can be considered truly "reliable." However, the 2016-2019 models are slightly better due to the SYNC 3 system and potential software updates.
Are manual transmission Ford Fiesta Encores more reliable?
Yes, Fiesta Encores with manual transmissions are significantly more reliable than those with the DCT, as they avoid the transmission issues altogether.
Is the Ford Fiesta Encore a good first car?
It can be a decent first car if you find a well-maintained manual transmission model. However, the DCT issues make it a risky choice.
What are the alternatives to the Ford Fiesta Encore?
Alternatives include the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Mazda2, and Kia Rio, which generally offer better reliability.
Conclusion
The Ford Fiesta Encore, while stylish and fuel-efficient, is significantly impacted by the troublesome DCT transmission. If you're considering a Fiesta Encore, prioritize models with a manual transmission or proceed with extreme caution and thorough inspection for models equipped with the DCT, especially models from 2016-2019.