Ford Fiesta acceleration problems

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The transmission does not shift properly.\n And causes it to overheat, this has been a known problem with Ford motor company. I have called and can get no help with them. The repair cost way more than my vehicle is worth. I can't find a transmission company to even do it. There have been buybacks and extended warranties for this very issue. However, my car has more miles. Than the extended more, she allows and Had I had known about this before the end of June of last year. They would have covered it, and I think this is unfair. I'm a [XXX] veteran that's disabled, and as far as the back up camera, it's been out Within a year of me purchasing the car and I have trouble with my neck and I needed the backup camera that's one of the reasons I bought the car and now they have waited so long that the transmission is having issues. And if I can't get that help, then they will waited until it won't even be necessary to work on the backup camera they've outlasted the car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11718260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found. The mechanic informed the contact that it was possibly the battery and the key fob battery that had caused the issues. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where the key fob battery was replaced. The contact replaced the battery independently. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11674129 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I own a 2014 Ford Fiesta. On June 23, 2025, I brought my car to McCarthy Ford in Chicago due to a check engine light and other concerns. I told them I didn’t know what was wrong and paid for a diagnosis on my car. They fixed the hood and only mentioned the issue with my catalytic converter, which I could not afford to repair at the time. However, they never mentioned or inspected the Transmission Control Module (TCM) even though my car was eligible for extended coverage under Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02, which expired a week later on June 30th, 2025. Shortly after that visit, I relocated to Phoenix, AZ, and the vehicle began showing clear TCM failure symptoms: loss of acceleration, inability to reverse, and the wrench warning light. Ford corporate told me only the original servicing dealership could escalate the case for goodwill repair, but despite multiple attempts to contact them, I have received no response. While the converter was noted, that is an emissions issue. My current problem is a known, unrelated transmission defect that has now left my car unsafe to drive. The failure occurred just days after the TCM warranty expired, and Ford’s system never flagged it during my visit. This is a serious safety issue that deserves further investigation, as it puts drivers at risk of stalling or losing control in traffic. I am requesting that NHTSA take action and require Ford to provide repairs or accountability for affected owners.

NHTSA complaint #11673505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The vehicle has experienced ongoing failures with the DPS6 PowerShift transmission system. Symptoms included slipping between gears, failure to engage 6th gear, jerky shifting, and bucking during acceleration. A transmission warning light appeared multiple times. These issues occurred daily and worsened over time. Eventually, the vehicle became unsafe to drive—it would over-rev, buck violently, and lose power during traffic conditions. A retired Ford Senior Master Technician confirmed the issue is consistent with a faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM), which is covered under Ford’s Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) 14M02. Despite this, the dealership refused to replace the TCM. Instead, they replaced a speed sensor and returned it to me. The vehicle broke down again within minutes and had to be returned. The dealership has now suggested dropping the transmission for further inspection at a cost of $2,500, rather than honoring CSP 14M02. They also encouraged me to trade in the vehicle instead of repairing it. The TCM failure has not been resolved, and the vehicle remains unsafe to drive.

NHTSA complaint #11659807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Vehicle fails to accelerate sometimes when gas pedal is pressed.

NHTSA complaint #11630843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Ford Fiesta 2013 had a transmission malfunction warning pop up and the car aggressively jerked back then wouldn’t accelerate past 25 mph. The warning light stayed on. The car a couple miles after the incident wouldn’t accelerate at all even though the engine was on. This type of stopping happened twice. This issue is not related to my driving or accident but due to Ford producing a car with set malfunctions.

NHTSA complaint #11591504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Upon acceleration from a stop the transmission seriously shutters and stalls the vehicles engine seriously putting the occupants life and safety at risk as well as others. I also noticed that the vehicle shutters badly at speeds 3mph through 25mph bucking and stalling the engine all the way through making driving the vehicle a real danger and threat to the safety of others on the road. This is a serious and dangerous situation I’ve been placed in and by this vehicle being my only source of transportation endangers my life and safety and the safety of others on the road due to the stalling and hesitation upon entering traffic it’s deadly. Weather conditions also contribute to the life threatening dangers while traveling. Vehicle has not been inspected by a certified technician due to to my extended hours of required employment with no other source of transportation yet I am more than willing to get a free inspection by a Ford Facility. Yes there is a yellow check engine light on the dashboard that was never present up until the shuttering and stalling started 3 to 4 months ago. Please update me with any solutions you may have ASAP to address this urgent and faulty issue, this is of great importance and safety concern. It has been brought to my attention that a article dated July 18, 2019 in the Detroit Free Press states “Ford is aware of this problem yet still put the vehicle into production and sent a memo to its dealers advising them to address the issue and customers concerns and repair the Known Problem free of charge. Please reach out and instruct me with this Known Ford Problem so that we can resolve this ASAP.

NHTSA complaint #11526239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that the transmission was not working as designed. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle accelerated abruptly. While changing gears at low speed, the vehicle was shaking and shuddering. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the RPM raised up to 3,000 RPM. While attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle failed to move. Additionally, while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that a vapor valve replacement was needed. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

NHTSA complaint #11520069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I am writing to request Autofair Ford of Haverhill immediately repurchase the 2014 Ford Fiesta Titanium I purchased from them in 2019. I am requesting to be refunded the full purchase price plus all additional costs for registration, warranties and expenses associated with the 2014 Ford Fiesta Titanium that was sold to me. This vehicle, has since August 2022, been at Jannell Ford in Hanover Massachusetts, with a transmission defect that is unable to be repaired. As you will see from the enclosed documentation Ford apparently knew the transmission was defective and prone to serious safety concerns when they sold the cars originally and resold them through their dealerships. Additionally, Ford has allegedly (per news articles in the Detroit Free Press) instructed its dealerships to stall and delay resolving issues with the customers who purchased Fiestas and Focuses. My experience with Jannell Ford of Hanover and Autofair Ford of Haverhill can only be categorized as a concerted effort to delay and stall, by the dealerships not returning phone calls, not doing what they said they would, not providing information when asked repeatedly and most especially by not informing me that no repair would fix a known and documented defective transmission that came with the car. Since my Fiesta is a resale in 2019 and there have been tens of thousands of complaints made to the Ford Corporation regarding the unsafe and mal-functioning transmissions, Autofair Ford of Haverhill, I believe, had an obligation not to have sold me a car that has been so thoroughly documented to be defective and a safety hazard to car occupants and other drivers on the road. I originally bought the car from Autofair Ford of Haverhill because of the reviews from customers. I am requesting your assistance in resolving this matter as soon as possible.

NHTSA complaint #11503628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

This car very bad no body can't buy

NHTSA complaint #11503610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Vehicle will not go in reverse and will not accelerate

NHTSA complaint #11502445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission module and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. While driving, the vehicle continued to jerk and there was smoke coming through the vents. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, there was an abnormal booming sound detected. The contact had to depress the accelerator pedal continually for the vehicle to respond as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 28,100. The consumer stated parts alone were $872 of which he doesn't have due to his disability.

NHTSA complaint #11501099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

My 2011 Ford Fiesta shudders, has sudden or Delayed Acceleration,delays in downshift, difficulty stopping/braking,it hesitates when changing gears.also has harsh engagement.I purchased from a private owner in 2021. I have contacted Ford Motor Company Headquarters. I have taken it to my local Ford Dealership,told them what it does, they would not drive it so they could see what it does and how dangerous it can be at times. All they said was "oh it's the TCM and we got them back ordered for 6 mths" But if I want to pay for and order the part and just leave my car setting at the Ford Dealership until the part comes in I can do that. Then pay God only knows how much for them to put the part on. This is the only vehicle I have right now. I told them that. They said "oh we can't give ya no loaner car for that long. And the longer you drive it like that the more it's gonna tear up other parts of your car. And The Ford Motor Company said Oh you missed the deadline for the buy back program or any compensation for your carI Ford has failed to meet the standards required by The Federal Motor Safety Commission and yhey refuse to acknowledge me or help me in any way. All the other 2011 Ford Fiesta cars with the Dual Shift Clutch Transmission were fixed or bought back or the owners were compensated. I am in the same unsafe predicament as those consumers were. I'm not asking for a brand new vehicle Or thousands of dollars. I just want my car fixed and something to drive to work and to the grocery store while they fix it. Or another car of equal value to what my car is supposed to be. Thank you in advance for anything you can help me with.

NHTSA complaint #11499946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Car won't go in reverse.vehicle will only go 30 mph at times and cause safety issues

NHTSA complaint #11483413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Defected transmissions were installed on these cars. Ford recalled the least number with the least loss, but they kept the rest with their defected transmissions which cost more money than the car’s value. Ford sold their cars with defected transmissions and they knew it!

NHTSA complaint #11462557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY MY CARS THROTTLE BODY STOPPED FUNCTIONING. HAVING TO TRY AND PULL OVER I GOT STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND STARTED IT AGAIN AND EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE. DURING THE SAME TRIP HOME I GOT STUCK ON A SMALL TWO LANE BRIDGE TWICE FOR THE SAME REASON. AFTER GETTING OFF THE BRIDGE IT HAPPENED A FOURTH TIME ON THE HIGHWAY AGAIN DOING 70MPH.

NHTSA complaint #11406957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

OM SUNDAY MARCH 28,2021 MY HUSBAND AND I ATTENDED A AUTO AUCTION. WHEN THE DEALER BROUGHT OUT A 2012 FORD FIESTA. BEFORE BIDDING STARTED EVERYTHING LOOKED AND SOUNDED ALRIGHT. WE ENDED UP PAYING $3200.00 FOR A VEHICLE THAT THEY FAILED TO PROVIDE FAULTY PROBLEMS. CAR HAS A LIEN ON IT. AFTER DRIVING OFF THE LOT I CAME TO A RED LIGHT WHEN IT TURNED GREEN THE CAR STARTED SPUTTERING LOOSING FUEL AS WELL AS ACCELERATION. I THAN PULLED INTO THE A PARKING AT THE GAS STATION TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON. AND TO MY KNOWLEDGE IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION MAKING NOISE AS WELL AS SLIPPING, SPARK PLUGS, OIL CHANGE. I THEN DROVE BACK TO THE CAR BUT EVERYONE WAS GONE FOR THE DAY. I TRIED CALLING THE OFFICE THE NEXT DAY AND LEFT MESSAGES. NO RESPONSE WHAT SO EVER. THE GIRLS ARE REALLY UNORGANIZED AND SHOULD TREAT OTHERS THE SAME YOU WOULD TREAT THEM. I AM WRITING THIS LETTER TO INFORM EVERYONE I WAS SOLD A VEHICLE THAT SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN ON THE ROAD. I WAS ALSO TOLD TODAY 4/5/21 THAT ON MARCH 5TH A LIEN WAS FILLED OUT AND TURNED IN. I'M REQUESTING THE AMOUNT I PAID FOR THIS LEMON LAW VEHICLE ALONG WITH COMPENSATION FOR GIVING FALSE INFORMATION.

NHTSA complaint #11406629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON AND THEN GOES OFF. THE VEHICLE SLOWS DOWN IN TRAFFIC ON THE STREET OR HIGHWAY AND JERKS WHEN TAKING OFF. IT DRAGS UPON TAKE OFF AND YOU CAN HEAR A RATTLING SOUND UNDER CARRIAGE

NHTSA complaint #11405669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT IN 2019 A FEW MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING CAR SINCE THEN MY ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. HAD IT SERVICED AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON. WAS TOLD IT COULD BE A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. EVERY NOW AND THEN IT WOULD SHUTTLE ONCE STARTED. TODAY IT DIDN'T WANT TO EXCELLERATE WHILE DRIVING

NHTSA complaint #11390009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.