Buying a slightly used Ford Fiesta seems like a great way to get a newer car without the high prices. As 2021 production model years hit the dealership lots over the next few weeks — well, the modes that aren’t being delayed due to factory shutdowns — the prices of 2019 model years will drop even further. That can work to consumer benefits because most of the 2019 Ford Fiesta isn’t that different from their 2020 counterparts, but they came with a much more reasonable price.

The spunky Ford Fiesta

The minimal qualities of the Ford Fiesta are part of the car’s overall charm. You can buy one for as low as $12,775 or potentially lower in less-than-perfect condition. There isn’t anything notably luxurious or sporty about the Fiesta inside or out, but that is part of what makes it a great option as a commuter vehicle or first car. They are inexpensive to workout and repair, and you won’t be too worried about wear or tear on the interior.

The Fiesta might be small in size, but it doesn’t lack practicality. The seats aren’t wrapped in luxurious leather, but they are well-padded enough to be comfortable, and they do offer an adequate amount of space. Both the sedan and the hatchback have a decent amount of trunk space for cargo. Other than that, there isn’t much to talk about except the abysmal reliability ratings.

A pretty dramatic recall

The word recall itself sounds pretty scary, but anyone who has dealt with a less than life-threatening recall knows that that word doesn’t have to be so negative. That isn’t the case for the 2019 Ford Fiesta, however, because this recall is pretty severe, and it has to do with a system you never want to fail: the brakes.

There is only one recall out for this model year, and if you’ve ever had problems with your brakes, this one might send shivers down your spine. During manufacturing, some of the Fiesta’s brake systems were filled with the wrong brake fluid. This doesn’t sound like a big deal, but the brake fluid has been known to cause the caliper’s seals to swell up. In less technical terms, when this happens, the brakes can drag and overheat. If you’ve seen the movie Ford v Ferrari, you know that overheated brakes have the potential to cause some pretty severe crashes, and even if you’re not going race car speeds, a crash on any significant roadway could lead to a pretty bad day.

The NHTSA and Ford claim that less than 2700 models will be affected by the recall, which is just a fraction of the 2019 cars produced. As long as dealerships and owners stay aware of the recall, it can be resolved at no cost to owners. Current owners or potential buyers can use the car’s VIN to see if a specific vehicle needs the recall right on the Ford service website, or you can contact the NHTSA safety hotline.