For most, safety comes first when buying a used car, and if the Ford Fiesta is on your vehicle shopping list, we’ve got some good news. The 2019 Ford Fiesta‘s safety features and crash test ratings place it among the safest models in its class.
How safe is a Ford Fiesta?
The 2019 Ford Fiesta received a 4-star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA and was granted a “Good” rating by the IIHS. Combine that with a 4.51-star Owner Review and 4.2-star Expert Review Ratings from Vehicle History and you’ve got a safe ride.
We can throw numbers at you all day, but to understand exactly how safe the 2019 Fiesta is, we’re going to have to dig a little deeper. So, let’s look at how these numbers were added up, as well as safety features and common questions.
Ford Fiesta Crash Test Rating
IIHS Safety Test/Results
The IIHS awarded the 2019 Ford Fiesta an overall Good rating, but with some trouble spots. In particular, driver restraints received a rating of Poor, the worst rating available from the IIHS.
In testing, they found that the dummy had a tendency to bounce its head on the instrument panel, barely coming into contact with the frontal airbag.
Note that the IIHS actually tested the 2014 model, which is generally the same car, but the NHTSA rating may provide a more up-to-date rating.
NHTSA Test/Results
The NHTSA gave the 2019 Fiesta an overall 4-Star rating. Overall front impact received four stars, but the NHTSA gave the Fiesta five stars for front driver side impact, contrasting the less-than-stellar results of the IIHS test.
For the overall side crash, the 2019 Fiesta received four stars across the board from the NHTSA, except in side pole impact, where it received five. The Fiesta received four stars for rollover, which is about average for this vehicle class.
Other Reputable Test/Results
Euro NCAP gave the 2017 Ford Fiesta a perfect 5-Star rating. The car received an 87% rating for adult occupants, 84% for children, 64% for pedestrians, and 60% for safety assist.
This puts the Fiesta ahead of many vehicles in its class, which Euro NCAP classifies as a “Supermini.”
Comparing the ratings from Euro NCAP, NHTSA and the IIHS, you can see that crash test ratings aren’t always consistent. No matter how many times you test a car, there will always be the random element.
Ford Fiesta Available Safety Tech
AdvanceTrac Electronic Stability Control
AdvanceTrac is an Electronic Stability Control system that works with your Powertrain Control Module to counteract oversteering and understeering. If you start to lose traction, the system kicks in to slow a wheel down or apply the brakes as needed.
It would be just about impossible for a driver to control every wheel individually on their own, so this was a feature made possible by automation.
MyKey System
The MyKey System is sort of your onboard electronic co-pilot managing all those little things that might slip your mind. It will limit your top speed, turn the volume down on the audio system as needed, and let you know when your fuel is running low.
You’ve already got enough to worry about when you’re behind the wheel. MyKey just keeps all those little things in check.
Low Tire Pressure Warning
It’s a minor feature, but always a nice convenience to have. This feature simply uses a sensor in each tire to check the pressure and then lets you know when the air is getting a little low.
Air is going to seep out of your tires over time, and you might as well be able to check right from the driver seat instead of digging around for your pressure gauge and checking it yourself.
Photos: Ford
