339 of the
4,342 complaints filed about the Ford Fiesta
are about the electrical system —
8% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2011.
The backup camera has been malfunctioning for over 5 years. There has been a recall for over 2 years for this issue. The camera image on the dash will flicker, be inverted or not display at all with an error stating "Camera Unavailable". This does not happen every time, but does happen approximately 75% of the time.
NHTSA complaint #11755306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Recall remedy unavailable..I am filing a complaint regarding NHTSA Recall Campaign Number 25V695 (Ford Recall 25SA9) for my 2019 Ford Fiesta. The manufacturer has not provided a timely remedy, leaving me with a blank and distorted rearview camera, which severely compromises my rear visibility and creates an immediate safety hazard while backing up. Additionally, screen sometimes fail to load, screen loads and don't function for a long period. Also, experienced a safety lockout over a year ago, where screen displayed an error indicating could not read key and car could not start because the error disabled the car. The issue was not key battery but was some malfunction that was costly to have fixed.
NHTSA complaint #11754263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The A/C vent actuating solenoids under the dash have all failed. They don't allow the cool air to be routed properly. We have had the dealers service center check each time as they would fail, and they found replacement is needed at each visit. The actuators began failing at 6,000 miles, and continued dropping off one by one at various mileage until all three are now not functioning. My car has 11,500 miles now. The solenoids just click now constantly while driving as all three try to activate the vent doors.
NHTSA complaint #11753744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The rear camera stopped working, fall 2025. Received letter from Ford 10/25. Parts not available. Contacted Ford several times. No satisfaction. Situation dangerous. Small car. I park away from large vehicles. Sometimes, they park next to my car, vision is impaired.
NHTSA complaint #11740313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving on the highway, and my car started shaking. All of the sudden I couldn't push on the gas anymore, and out of the blue a notification popped up on my screen that said "transmission failure, service immediately" and the car fully stopped working. I was forced to coast to the side of the highway, where I ended up in an incredibly dangerous spot. I had to call the cops, have them come so I wouldn't get hit (it was fully night time), and had to wait for a tow truck to come tow me and my car off the side of the highway.
NHTSA complaint #11734158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rearview camera displayed a blank or distorted image. The contact stated that the rearview camera activated after driving for an extended period. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V951000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. Additionally, the contact stated that the alarm system activated while driving or while the vehicle was parked. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11698899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 110,000. It was later discovered that the actual mileage was 190,000.
NHTSA complaint #11688825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My rear backup camera has stopped working also, first picture froze often, then I got black and white moving lines in it, now it just shows camera not available all the time.
NHTSA complaint #11687201 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am having issues with the fuse box under the hood. I keep shorting out on my headlights ans AC clutch relay. I've purchased new head lights (bulbs), replaced them and they still didn't work. I checked the fuses after investigation online and they have blown. I had my AC completely fixed and it ran fine for a while, then stopped working. I had it checked and was told the AC relay clutch fuse was loose. I replaced it. Three weeks later it shorted out, again.
NHTSA complaint #11678059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and it was determined that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the ignition coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11675917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am reporting a serious mechanical and safety issue involving my 2011 Ford Fiesta. After receiving a partially state-funded engine replacement in June 2025, my vehicle began experiencing serious transmission problems shortly after. Within a month, it went into limp mode multiple times, and warning lights appeared: the wrench light, incline warning, and “Transmission Malfunction – Service Now” messages. A diagnostic scan revealed multiple DTCs related to the Transmission Control Module (TCM), Input/Output Shaft Speed Sensors, and Clutch A disengagement (P286F) — which I understand are linked to known issues with this model’s transmission. These failures make the car dangerous to drive. The vehicle has lost power unexpectedly, putting me at risk of an accident. I’ve also been told by the repair shop that I may now need a new transmission and/or TCM, despite just receiving a major engine repair. I am unable to afford another large repair and this situation has severely impacted my ability to travel safely. I am requesting an investigation into the Ford Fiesta’s transmission problems and to confirm whether this should have been covered by a recall or warranty extension. I want to also add that my transmission clutch was repaired by Ford only 2 years ago. Please advise if this falls under known manufacturer defects or safety bulletins, and whether Ford Motor Company can be held responsible for the faulty transmission and associated safety risks.
NHTSA complaint #11675540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Customer satisfaction program 16B11 covers a faulty high speed cooling fan relay. This bulletin was issued on April 5, 2016. I purchased the vehicle on [XXX]. An incorrect relay was installed at the factory, and the program should have replaced the relay with the correct part. This was not performed on my vehicle before I purchased it from Sheehy Ford of Ashland. The faulty relay failed, melting the fuse box in the process and causing the vehicle to overheat and cause permanent severe engine damage. Remnants of the melted relay show the part number, which matches the obsolete part number. Visual comparison of the faulty relay matches the obsolete part as well, and differs from the correct superseded part number relay outlined in the 16B11 bulletin. Ford Motor Company insists my vehicle was not a part of this program and any repairs will not be covered. The build date, make/model/engine, assembly plant and most importantly, part number of the relay and mode of failure exactly match the 16B11 CSP bulletin. Ford denies that there is any issue with my vehicle. Local Ford dealers refer me to Ford Motor Company to escalate this problem, but Ford refuses to investigate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11670906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Purchased vehicle at the end of 2018 and this is the third time I have had to replace the horn. It's not a fuse, it's not wiring, it is the actual horn that either shorts or dies with no notice.
NHTSA complaint #11656291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Static through speakers - possible cause, alternator, spark plugs, or faulty wiring. Passenger air bag light - comes on and off on its own randomly. Overheats - with fluids all topped off and car parked and running for 5 minutes it will start extremely overheating with visible smoke. Not sure why. Wire cover - plastic panel on ground towards front of door on driver side needs better coverage. Panel just keeps popping off showing wires. Not sure to what. If gets wet from getting in and out of car can shock you while your driving if touch it just right. Emergency break - don't work Warming indicator - says doors are open when they aren't. Headlights - work when they want to. Theft alarm - don't work Hood pop lever - the lever to pop your hood isn't connected well. The whole lever is just hanging under my steering wheel from the cords. Not latched into anything just kinda floating in the air, makes it hard to pop the hood, can be a distraction while driving with something hitting your knee. Belt buckles - when using seat belts, comes unclicked randomly while driving or won't buckle at all when first trying to put it on. Trunk - unlatches and opens randomly while driving or parked. Shocks? - not sure if it's shocks or what it is. But there is no comfortability while driving. You can feel every bump, pot whole, Crack, anything you drive across. Think it messed up my bearings because of it. But I'm not a mechanic so these are just examples of what's going on and what i think.
NHTSA complaint #11655136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Due to my 2019 ford fiesta SE back up camera glitching in and out and sometimes doesn’t work at all. Today it finally worked as I was backing up out of food lion parking lot. A mother and child were walking behind me all of a sudden the camera glitched and if I had not checked my review mirror quickly. I could have backed up over that small child on his tricycle. Please hurry and come up with an effective solid fix. If a teenager has these vehicles, somebody could really get hurt. Please email me immediately when you have the equipment to fix this problem because this is not OK. It’s dangerous very dangerous. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11654643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact's wife owns a 2015 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling or driving below 20 MPH, the vehicle sputtered and then shut off with the battery and check engine warning lights flashing on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN. The contact asked for an estimate for a diagnostic test but was denied service. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer then referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
NHTSA complaint #11651154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.