Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCI Duratorque Problems – Awful Diesel? Or Good to Buy?

If you're planning to get a great-value-for-money small car, then you might have considered Ford Fiesta. Being one of the best-selling Ford models worldwide, it's easy to think that you can't go wrong with this model. But is this true? While Ford Fiesta might bring many useful qualities to the table, it has its shortcomings.

In this article, you will learn about the virtues and vices of the model with the popular in the UK and Europe 1.4 TDCI engine. For each problem, we've also included common symptoms and solutions.

Key features and my opinion about the engine

• Production years:2002-now
• Average lifespan of 1.4 TDCI:180,000-200,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:Common Rail
• Power range:67 hp
• Fuel efficiency:excellent
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:very tricky fuel supply system, bad oil consumption, turbocharger problems, engine mount issues.

Faulty cooling system

Some Fiesta drivers have experienced leaks in their cooling systems. Your car burns fuel via many mini-explosions occurring one after another. Naturally, this produces tremendous amounts of heat. That's why your car needs a good cooling system in place to keep these high temperatures in check. A flaw in the cooling system can wreak havoc on your engine. 

Common symptoms of a faulty cooling system:

• Low coolant levels.Checking the coolant levels is a simple process. Just make sure your Fiesta has cooled down before you begin. If the level's below the marked line, simply replenishing the fluid will solve your overheating problems.
• Coolant pools under your car.If your cooling system is damaged, the fluid may leak and accumulate in pools under your vehicle. As you might have already guessed, replenishing the fluid will only work as a temporary solution in this case.
• Contaminated coolant.A good coolant should be yellowish and translucent. If it's dark and murky, then it won't do its job properly.
• Your engine overheats.The main purpose of the cooling system is to keep your engine cool. Without it, the heat will damage it. If you notice your engine is too hot, checking your system might be a good idea.

How to fix a faulty cooling system

Fixing this problem depends on the scale of the damage. In the best-case scenario, all you need to do is refill the coolant so that it touches the marked line. In case of leaks, you'll need to have your Fiesta inspected by a professional. In case your coolant is contaminated, you will also need an expert's help. All the fluid must be flushed and then replaced.

Buckled alloy wheels

Though once made of steel, most modern cars are equipped with alloy wheels. Ford Fiesta is one such car. However, the alloys used in its wheels are known to be soft and many owners reported that they bend easily. When your car's alloys are buckled, you will experience a wobbling feeling when you drive. This is dangerous as it can potentially make your tire blow. 

Common signs that your wheels are buckled:

• Your tires keep deflating too often. Your tires are meant to wrap tightly around the wheel. If bent, air might start escaping and you will need to refill it more than usual.
• Your wheels are visibly bent. Sometimes, the damage will be visible. Look for any deformations on your wheels.
• You have a harder time steering your car.The loose tire will cause your Fiesta to lean to a side.
• You can feel your car vibrate when you steer.Your wheels are connected to the steering system. The vibration will trouble through it and it might be felt in your seat.

How to fix buckled wheels

Unfortunately, you can't just grab a hammer and even out the deformed parts. You'll need to have the wheels replaced. In addition to getting the new parts, you'll also need to schedule an appointment with a mechanic. You're unlikely to handle the replacement at home.

Damaged fuel pump

When a fuel pump breaks, the odds are you won't be able to get your vehicle moving at all. And even if it does run, expect it to be a bumpy ride with lots of stalling down the road. This nuisance will quickly kill all the joy of driving your car and you should address it immediately.

Common signs of a damaged fuel pump:

• You might hear a buzzing noise when you drive.If you hear strange whining whilst driving, it may be the first omen that the pump is about to go bad. You should be on the lookout for this symptom - a timely inspection of your fuel pump might prevent you from becoming stranded in the middle of nowhere.
• You will have trouble with acceleration.Because the pump is responsible for delivering fuel into the combustion chamber, the engine just won't be able to keep up with the high demand. As a result, you might have trouble reaching higher RPM. Driving uphill might also prove to be an insurmountable challenge for your Fiesta if the pump's bad.
• Your engine will refuse to start.This symptom will start as difficulty with starting your engine. Left unchecked, soon you won't be able to start your Fiesta at all.

How to fix a bad fuel pump

You'll need to replace the entire thing to ensure that the problem won't return. Unfortunately, the diesel fuel delivery system is extremely expensive to repair. Also, when the pump is over, some other problems may occur with fuel injection which is quite costly to deal with, too. 

Bad Fuel Filter

As you may have guessed, this device filters out particles found in fuel. If it becomes clogged or otherwise damaged, it can limit the amount of fuel that reaches the combustion engine. Thus, its symptoms are similar to a bad pump. Some Fiesta 1.4 TDCI owners reported issues with their fuel filters as well. 

Common signs of a bad fuel filter:

• Frequent stalling.Less fuel means less power. Thus, your engine will stall. It might even refuse to start altogether.
• Your car won't be able to keep up at higher RPM demands. Just like with a bad pump, accelerations might prove difficult.

How to fix a bad fuel filter

Much like with the pump, you'll need to replace this component. They are also inexpensive, though the labor costs might make the overall repairs costly.

Faulty Fuel Injector

True to their name, fuel injectors are devices responsible for introducing fuel into the combustion engine. Many Fiesta owners have noticed their injectors going bad. As with the previous components, this will negatively affect your vehicle's performance, and you might end up needing a tow truck to get home. 

Common signs of a faulty fuel injector:

• You might have difficulties when starting your car.Your engine has multiple cylinders where combustion occurs. If even one fails to do its job properly, you won't have enough power to turn on your Fiesta.
• You'll experience misfiring.When you drive your car, you may notice a sudden drop in velocity. This is called misfiring and it might be dangerous if there are other cards on the road when it occurs.
• Your vehicle might shake when you stop at junctions.Stopping your car while the engine is running is called idling. A bad injector will cause your RPM to fluctuate when you're not moving, resulting in shaking and even stalling.
• Poor fuel mileage.A broken injector won't deliver the right amount of fuel/air mixture into the combustion chamber. This results in inefficient use of diesel and you'll have to visit a gas stop more often.

How to fix a faulty fuel injector:

Cleaning a fuel injector can resolve most of these issues. In severe cases, you'll need to replace it altogether. Both these procedures might be tricky to perform if you're not into cars, so expect to spend some money on these services. Also, diesel injectors are a bit costlier than the previous two components.

Loud engine

This is more of an innate fault with the Fiesta model. The engine is notorious for being incredibly loud - you can hear it from inside the poorly insulated cabin. If you prefer a quieter ride, then this model might not be the right fit for you. Since it is a design oversight, you can't fix this issue. 

Conclusion

All told, Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCI Duratorque is a reliable car. Thanks to its commodious interior, it's a great option for families. It also makes for a smooth ride, even in the hectic urban traffic. Its main drawbacks are the loud engine along with the fuel distribution issues. Soft alloy wheels might also pose a problem. However, no car model is flawless. Despite its shortcomings, you should consider the Ford Fiesta model when hunting for a decent small car.