Owners have filed 833 complaints
about the 2012 Ford Fiesta with NHTSA between 2011 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 86
Against the median year of the Ford Fiesta. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 30
5.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 64
37% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
8049.1%
Door
4427.0%
Latch
2515.3%
Clutch Assembly
42.5%
Headlights
42.5%
Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
21.2%
Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
21.2%
12V/24V/48V Battery
21.2%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
335.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
406.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
9414.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
19729.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
13820.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
7911.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
669.9%
150,000+ miles
172.6%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2011peak 47Apr 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2012 Ford Fiesta
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
RQ19005Opened 19 Dec 2019Closed 7 Feb 2022LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Door Latch Failures
In December 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 235 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging doors failed to latch when closed, and/or inadvertently opened while driving, on model year (MY) 2012-2014 Ford Fiesta, and 2013-2014 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ. Some VOQs reported the failure occurred after the latch had been remedied under a prior recall which involved fracture of the latch pawl spring tab due to thermally induced cyclic fatigue. Other VOQs alleged a similar failure in vehicles not previously recalled. A latch with a fractured pawl sprin...
EA15002Opened 27 Feb 2015Closed 13 Nov 2015LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Door Latch Failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of doors failing to latch and/or inadvertently opening on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford Fiesta, MY 2013 Ford Fusion and MY 2013 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. All of the affected vehicles share the same door latch design.ODI has received 281 unique reports related to the alleged problem, with over 100 claiming that the door(s) opened inadvertently while the vehicle was in motion. There were no crashes reported however three separate injuries were indicated, all caused by a rebounding door striking a consume...
PE14028Opened 11 Sep 2014Closed 18 Mar 2015LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Door Latch Failure
On September 11, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE14-028) to investigate claims of doors failing to latch and/or inadvertently opening on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford Fiesta vehicles. ODI has received 207 unique reports related to the alleged problem, with sixty-five claiming that the door(s) opened inadvertently while the vehicle was in motion. Two injuries were reported, both caused by a rebounding door striking a consumer after they attempted to close it. In response to ODI's Information Request (IR), Ford Motor Company (Ford) responded wit...
Recalls on the 2012 Ford Fiesta
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
20V331000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
15V246000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the agency on April 23, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured July 1, 2012, to May 31, 2013, and 2012-2014 Fiesta vehicles manufactured February 1, 2012, to May 31, 2013. On April 30, 2015, Ford expanded the recall to cover an additional 119,567 vehicles, including certain model year 2011 Ford Fiestas manufactured from November 11, 2009, to May 31, 2013 and certain model year 2013 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured from February 1, 2012, to June 30, 2012. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
12V488000
AIR BAGS
Ford is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Fiesta vehicles, manufactured from November 3, 2009 through September 21, 2012. The vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." The passenger side curtain air bag will not deploy in the event of a side impact collision when the front passenger seat is empty. Although the side curtain air bag system was designed to suppress the side curtain air bag under this scenario, that information is not explained in the owner's guide for these vehicles as required by FMVSS No. 208.
Risk: An occupant in the right rear seating position will not have coverage from the side curtain air bag in a side impact collision when the front passenger seat is empty, increasing the risk of injury to the right rear occupant.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201943213,564 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: On certain cars, water and road debris can enter the battery junction box. This could result in corrosion of some electrical components. If this happens, the low beam headlights and daytime running lights could turn off while driving. This recall applies to cars originally sold or currently registered in areas of heavy road salt usage (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador). Safety Risk: A loss of low beam headlights and/or daytime running lights would reduce visibility. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their car to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to service the battery junction box. The dealer will clean the battery junction box, install foam sealing to the cover, and replace any corroded fuses, terminals or relays.
Recall 201517550,681 units in Canada
Structure
On certain vehicles, the door latches may have a broken pawl spring tab. This could result in the door not latching correctly. As a result, doors which appear to be latched could unlatch while driving. This could increase the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant seated next to the door, or result in damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace all four door latches with a more robust part.
Recall 201233227,967 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the Restraint Control Module will turn OFF the right side air curtain, as well as the front passenger seat-mounted side airbag, when the Occupant Classification System (OCS) senses the right front seat is not occupied. Although the vehicle meets prescribed Standards for side impact protection, failure of the right side air curtain to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the right rear seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the Restraint Control Module.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Martinsburg, WVCrashFire3 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My daughter and 2 friends were driving on the highway, the dash flickers and goes back to normal, flickered again and the car started slowing down so she pulled over, ( car still moving) and puts the car in park but the car still continues to move. Passenger notices out the side mirror the car is on fire, she jumped out; the car then accelerates ( still in park) and hits the “jersey wall “ where the rest of the car eventually went into flames. My daughter & friend ( who was in the back) got out thru the driver side door, the back doors would not open and the Airbags did not deploy.
NHTSA complaint #11734326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denver, CO1 injured
POWER TRAIN
I was driving to work this morning; the car made a horrible "clunk" when I accelerated to around 20 then lost power and nearly crashed. The car then displayed error lights (yellow CEL, yellow wrench icon, HEAD unit showed "transmission issue service immediately" This is a direct result of the DPs6 transmission put into all 7th gen Ford Focus/Fiesta models. This DCT transmission has been replaced 3 times for this particular car and failed the same manner each time - meaning 3 near accidents have occured because this transmission fails. Across the USA; more than 50 people have been injured as a result of this transmission failing.
NHTSA complaint #11696374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denver, CO1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I was driving to work this morning; the car made a horrible "clunk" when I accelerated to around 20 then lost power and nearly crashed. The car then displayed error lights (yellow CEL, yellow wrench icon, HEAD unit showed "transmission issue service immediately" This is a direct result of the DPs6 transmission put into all 7th gen Ford Focus/Fiesta models. This DCT transmission has been replaced 3 times for this particular car and failed the same manner each time - meaning 3 near accidents have occured because this transmission fails. Across the USA; more than 50 people have been injured as a result of this transmission failing.
NHTSA complaint #11696374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denver, CO1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
I was driving to work this morning; the car made a horrible "clunk" when I accelerated to around 20 then lost power and nearly crashed. The car then displayed error lights (yellow CEL, yellow wrench icon, HEAD unit showed "transmission issue service immediately" This is a direct result of the DPs6 transmission put into all 7th gen Ford Focus/Fiesta models. This DCT transmission has been replaced 3 times for this particular car and failed the same manner each time - meaning 3 near accidents have occured because this transmission fails. Across the USA; more than 50 people have been injured as a result of this transmission failing.
NHTSA complaint #11696374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesFrankfort, KYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that occasionally there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact also stated that the vehicle would not restart. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with the battery needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure still occurred. The contact then towed the vehicle to another independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with nothing needing to be replaced. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11423613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,048 milesPort Charlotte, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A CITY STREET IN MY FRIEND'S 2012 FORD FIESTA I NOTICED A WEIRD SMELL, I KEPT GOING ABOUT A QUARTER OF A MILE TIL I REACHED MY DESTINATION. MY FRIEND GETS IN THE CAR HE NOTICED THE SMELL . I LOOKED OUT THE WINDSHIELD AND I SEE A LIL SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD, ALL THE SUDDEN ALOT OF SMOKE COMES OUT . I POP THE HOOD SHUT THE CAR OFF AND GET OUT OF THERE . MY FRIEND RUNS AND GRABS FIRE EXTINGUISHERS HIM AND ANOTHER MAN TRY TO OPEN THE HOOD IT WON'T OPEN YOU COULD SEE THE FLAMES COMING UNDERNEATH THE CAR THEN THERE IS A POP . THEY TAKE A SHOVEL BEAT ON IT ENOUGH TO OPEN IT ENOUGH WHERE THEY COULD PUT THE FIRE OUT. THANK GOD THEY WERE THERE,NO ONE GOT HURT. I AM ENCLOSING PICTURES OF MY CAR, MY FRIEND DIDN'T HAVE FULL COVERAGE INSURANCE SO HE'S WITHOUT A CAR RIGHT NOW . ALL THIS HAPPENED WITHIN 10 MIN.IT WAS VERY SCAREY, I'M GLAD I STOPPED AT MY FRIEND'S PLACE BECAUSE I MIGHT NOT HAVE MADE IT OUT IN TIME.WE DIDN'T MAKE A POLICE REPORT NOR DID WE CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT .A PIECE OF THE CAR WAS LAYING ON THE GROUND AFTER THE FIRE.THE HOOD RELEASE BURNED . THAT'S WHY WE COULDN'T GET THE HOOD OPEN . I AM SENDING PICTURES AFTER THE FIRE . THE CAR LIGHTS AND THE SECURITY SYSTEM STILL WORKS AND IT STARTED RIGHT AFTER, WE TURNED IT OFF RIGHT AWAY
NHTSA complaint #11240725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Martinsburg, WVCrashFire3 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My daughter and 2 friends were driving on the highway, the dash flickers and goes back to normal, flickered again and the car started slowing down so she pulled over, ( car still moving) and puts the car in park but the car still continues to move. Passenger notices out the side mirror the car is on fire, she jumped out; the car then accelerates ( still in park) and hits the “jersey wall “ where the rest of the car eventually went into flames. My daughter & friend ( who was in the back) got out thru the driver side door, the back doors would not open and the Airbags did not deploy.
NHTSA complaint #11734326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greeley, CO
POWER TRAIN
While driving, my son's car started to have issues when it was shifting gears (it's an automatic). Then a warning came up on the dash saying something like "Transmission malfunction, service immediately". We were on our way to a mechanic to pick up another vehicle so we left it with them. They confirmed the issue and stated it is related to the clutch system (which I believe is the dry clutch system that has been recalled with similar car models). We have not taken it to the manufacturer/Ford dealership yet, but are trying to figure out our options on this faulty transmission design. Not aware of any issues prior to this incident.
NHTSA complaint #11726329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maryville, MO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The drivers side door latch will not latch, the door will swing open because the latch is defective. I have seen that this is a common issue with this vehicle and has been recalled on other 2012 ford fiestas but mine has not been.
NHTSA complaint #11706125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntington Beach, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The door latches have a safety recall and needs to be fixed or observed to ensure proper road safety. In addition I cannot move onto my vehicle registration renewal until this recall is repaired. I do not see any visible malfunction but the doors do have to slam shut to ensure they are properly closed. No individuals have been put at risk. The problem has not been confirmed by a dealer or service center, nor inspected by any party. No warning signals, signs or lights appeared on the car telling me about the particular issue or area with issue.
NHTSA complaint #11697545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denver, CO1 injured
POWER TRAIN
I was driving to work this morning; the car made a horrible "clunk" when I accelerated to around 20 then lost power and nearly crashed. The car then displayed error lights (yellow CEL, yellow wrench icon, HEAD unit showed "transmission issue service immediately" This is a direct result of the DPs6 transmission put into all 7th gen Ford Focus/Fiesta models. This DCT transmission has been replaced 3 times for this particular car and failed the same manner each time - meaning 3 near accidents have occured because this transmission fails. Across the USA; more than 50 people have been injured as a result of this transmission failing.
NHTSA complaint #11696374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denver, CO1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I was driving to work this morning; the car made a horrible "clunk" when I accelerated to around 20 then lost power and nearly crashed. The car then displayed error lights (yellow CEL, yellow wrench icon, HEAD unit showed "transmission issue service immediately" This is a direct result of the DPs6 transmission put into all 7th gen Ford Focus/Fiesta models. This DCT transmission has been replaced 3 times for this particular car and failed the same manner each time - meaning 3 near accidents have occured because this transmission fails. Across the USA; more than 50 people have been injured as a result of this transmission failing.
NHTSA complaint #11696374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denver, CO1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
I was driving to work this morning; the car made a horrible "clunk" when I accelerated to around 20 then lost power and nearly crashed. The car then displayed error lights (yellow CEL, yellow wrench icon, HEAD unit showed "transmission issue service immediately" This is a direct result of the DPs6 transmission put into all 7th gen Ford Focus/Fiesta models. This DCT transmission has been replaced 3 times for this particular car and failed the same manner each time - meaning 3 near accidents have occured because this transmission fails. Across the USA; more than 50 people have been injured as a result of this transmission failing.
NHTSA complaint #11696374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burlington, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car has had transmission issues since I purchased the car, and the problems has gotten worse and now the car is not drivable. I have purchased parts after parts and still the problem. I have reached out to the company numerous times, and reached out to programs. Iam stuck without a car now.What do I need to do
NHTSA complaint #11683659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesWooster, OH
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to a gas station for servicing, the contact was informed that the brake calipers were sticking, and the calipers and rotors were extremely hot. The calipers and rotors were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission axle shaft had damaged the splines. The dealer determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
NHTSA complaint #11680428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brockton, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving along the transmission slipped into neutral and would not move forward.Could have been hit from behind.
NHTSA complaint #11674126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salem, CT
POWER TRAIN
Transmission unexpectedly malfunctions. Car lost the ability to shift into reverse and even numbered gears. rough shifting when it can shift. slipping when attempting to drive. Unable to accelerate from a stop sign. Based on simple web searches, the Ford fiesta and Focus with the DPS6 transmission are notorious for defective transmissions.
NHTSA complaint #11673126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tulsa, OK
SERVICE BRAKES
My brakes on my ford fiesta are not giving me enough pressure to stop on time , which is an hazard. The master cylinder and calipers have been replaced and my brakes are still not working properly and safely. The brake pads have been replaced , the rotors as well and nothing is still working. I’ve been driving like this for more than 6 months and it’s a hazard. I’ve taken it to different mechanics , etc nothing still not working. When pressing the brakes it’s no pressure and I have to mash it all the way to the ground which still feels Iike it does not want to stop for me.
NHTSA complaint #11655985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,000 milesDecatur, IL
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated to move forward or backwards. Additionally, the contact stated that the ignition key had failed to operate as intended also. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified on the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 12,000.
NHTSA complaint #11613873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,000 milesDecatur, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated to move forward or backwards. Additionally, the contact stated that the ignition key had failed to operate as intended also. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified on the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 12,000.
NHTSA complaint #11613873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paso Robles, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle began to vibrate violently, after which the contact observed white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact also stated that there was a coolant odor throughout the interior of the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The overheating and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11610228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, TN
AIR BAGS
Air bag light on intermittently, then recently it's been continuously on
NHTSA complaint #11608045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charleston, WV
POWER TRAIN
It is widely known that this vehicle has irreparable transmission problems. My car shudders, loses power, has issues shifting, etc because of known issues. It feels dangerous to drive at times. The dealer no doubt willingly sold it to me used knowing about the problem. I feel taken advantage of as I had to purchase the car during Covid when inventory was low and prices were high. I owe over twice as much on car than it’s worth. No one in their right mind would buy it. I’m on medical leave without pay and in no position to trade it. I bought it after all the class action suits were settled. It doesn’t appear to fall under lemon law. I’m basically waiting for it to completely break down. Praying nobody is hurt when it happens. I’m writing because I’m aggravated and feel I have no recourse.
NHTSA complaint #11574926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Millville, NJ
POWER TRAIN
TCM problem. Ford dealer won't replace the TCM module.
NHTSA complaint #11573187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Longwood, FL
POWER TRAIN
Driving down the street and car started bucking and shifting improperly. I took it in to the dealership and the said the tcm might be under warranty. Then they just said the transmission is bad
NHTSA complaint #11566316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesIndianapolis, IN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the low-beam headlights became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the USB port was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with corrosion and a fractured pin. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000.
NHTSA complaint #11565711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,000 milesStillwater, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while attempting to activate the headlights, the headlights failed to respond. The contact stated that several attempts were needed for the headlights to become operable. However, the failure reoccurred, and the low-beam headlights failed to function as needed. The contact checked the high-beam headlights and the high-beam headlights functioned properly. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 19B22 - Corrosion due to road salts in the Battery Junction Box (Electrical System, Visibility). The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.
NHTSA complaint #11561142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,000 milesStillwater, NY
VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while attempting to activate the headlights, the headlights failed to respond. The contact stated that several attempts were needed for the headlights to become operable. However, the failure reoccurred, and the low-beam headlights failed to function as needed. The contact checked the high-beam headlights and the high-beam headlights functioned properly. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 19B22 - Corrosion due to road salts in the Battery Junction Box (Electrical System, Visibility). The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.
NHTSA complaint #11561142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Renton, WA
POWER TRAIN
2012 Ford Fiesta DPS6 Automatic transmission failed as described in Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02 rendering the car unable to maintain speed on an interstate highway, leading to a significant collision risk. This transmission was recently replaced (2 years, 10k miles ago) due to the same issue with the previous transmission. The car displayed a "TRANSMISSION FAILED SEEK SERVICE" message or similar on the entertainment console with a wrench icon appearing on the dashboard. This is a known and widely reported issue with these vehicles, Ford has not offered a permanent solution.
NHTSA complaint #11543606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 119,000 milesLos Lunas, NM
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact received notification of Technical Service Bulletin: 16-0109 (DPS 6 Automatic Transmission – Excessive Transmission Clutch Shudder and/or Transmission Fluid Leak); however, the part to do the repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to shift properly with the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
NHTSA complaint #11543491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winter Springs, FL
POWER TRAIN
I purchased a 2012 Ford Fiesta SE on 3/3/23 from Auto Nation Dealership in Florida. I started noticing the excessive jerking & hesitating when I hit the gas petal. I can't pinpoint exactly when it started but it got progressively worse. I scheduled an appt. with Mechanic for 7/26/23 after almost driving into car in front of me and concerned about getting hit from behind or even worse plowing into a pedestrian. The mechanic concluded problem with transmission- dual clutch B. After doing research I find out about ford recalls as a result of all the lawsuits and complaints on transmissions for this very vehicle. I then brought car to Ford and was told that the recall didn't apply to my specific issue and would require upwards of $4000 to fix either by replacing specific pieces within the transmission or installing a new transmission. They also classified the vehicle as "unsafe to drive" The bottom line is Ford knew the transmission was faulty when they manufactured the car. Whether it's electrical or mechanical they're splitting hairs at this point. It's a failure with their transmission period. I've read many complaints concerning the issue I'm facing, and consumers shouldn't have to dish out thousands of dollars to correct anything that involves the transmission. It's unacceptable that a car I've own for 4 months is sitting in my garage and deemed "unsafe" Any issues concerning the transmission should be included in the existing recall and Ford should take ownership and pay for any repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11539089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.