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CarComplaints.com Notes: Welcome to North America, Ford Fiesta. Thanks for bringing your herky-jerky transmission, numerous interior quality complaints, and an engine that dies while driving.

8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$590
Average Mileage:
55,750 miles
Total Complaints:
46 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (26 reports)
  2. replaced some part in the transmission (11 reports)
  3. replace transmission (8 reports)
  4. ford says "wait until it gets worse" (1 reports)
2011 Ford Fiesta transmission problems

transmission problem

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2011 Ford Fiesta Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #26

Jun 012015

Fiesta Sport 1.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,565 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Love this car, however the transmission is giving me a headache.

- afai5ive, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia

problem #25

May 112013

Fiesta

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,644 miles

So, long story short. I was able to get a full refund from Ford after suing them under the California Lemon Law. The infamous transmission dual clutch problem first appeared in May of 2013. I bought my 2011 Ford Fiesta brand new in May of 2011.

The first problems appeared when the Fiesta had 40644 miles on it and was jerking when I would try to accelerate. They first said that the fix would be some firmware (no fix). Then they replaced the dual clutch assembly in the transmission. That took care of the problem for awhile, but started happening again. Took it back to Ford and they replaced the dual clutch assembly again. During that time my rear right door popped open and would not close (latch).

Took it in and they replaced the door latch assembly (this problem is also happening to many other Fiestas). Then I started having radio problems where the radio would not power off no matter what I did. Car would be turned off and locked, but radio would stay on (drained my battery twice). Could never replicate problem at dealer.

At that point I called a lawyer and sent them all my repair invoices. That was in November 2014. My lawyer said I had a good case under the Lemon Law (even tho I already had the car 3 years and 6 months). I then had to have the dual clutch replaced again (3rd time). It took about 6 months for the case to go to arbitration, and in May 2015, Ford settled with me. I got back every penny that I paid for the car brand new (minus tax and license), plus Ford paid all lawyer fees separately.

All I can say is that the 2011 Ford Fiesta has a major transmission problem that they do not know how to deal with. Their only solution is to keep replacing the dual clutch assembly. They have not come up with a new design for a permanent fix.

- Hector N., Antioch, CA, US

problem #24

Nov 122014

Fiesta

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

The car is very unsafe with the shudder and and lack of acceleration. Ford tells me I might not be used to the dual clutch transmission even though I drove it for 40,000 miles without issue. I think they are waiting for someone to die before they truly acknowledge the problem. This is bullshit !!!

- Candee M., Lancaster, OH, US

problem #23

Jul 202015

Fiesta

  • Automatic transmission
  • 112,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

So the car from day one collected dirt in the wheels and would go out of balance. Fords response was to stop by the dealer and they would clean the wheels. So the wife was complaining about a vibration in the car, I just said we have dirt in the wheels again and cleaned the wheels again for the 2,000 time. She kept complaining so I took the car in and the dealer said I have a problem with the transmission that Ford had extended the warranty but I was over the miles so there is no help. Sure glad Ford knows there is a problem but won't admit that my wife is not a mechanic. She thought, as I did, that the vibration was in the wheels again! Been going on since I bought the car in 2011. Mr Garcia from Ford customer relations said Ford will not cover the transmission past 100,000 miles. I guess that Ford thinks that the car should be replaced. I will never buy another Ford product as long as I live, and I am sure that Ford could care less about customers returning to buy a new car!!!

- Thomas W., Brighton, MI, US

problem #22

Jan 072012

Fiesta SEL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 109,000 miles

My Engine light is on and sometime it will not work in reverse or drive and have a problem with it shifting while driving. Had it for the same problem 3 times and it was not corrected it was covered under the recall those times.

I called Ford and they told me that because now it is out of warranty. I have to pay out of pocket but keep my bills in case there is a recall again. I said the problem should have been fixed the first time I had it in for service. I have it back in for the fourth time now for the same thing feed up with Ford Motor I will never purchase another new Ford again.

- Michael C., Ypsilanti, MI, US

problem #21

Mar 272015

Fiesta

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,335 miles

I bought my Used 2011 Ford Fiesta late 2013, I had been fond of the Fiesta model for years and really wanted one. I didn't know I was making the worst decision of my life.

It wasn't long before I noticed the hesitation acceleration I noticed it early 2014. I knew this wasn't normal so I had my friend try driving the car to see if he could feel it too but he didn't find the issue so I brushed it off. But it got worst over time, I live in Los Angeles, and close enough to work that I don't use the freeways often which means I'm at stop lights a lot going from Break-to-Gas often that's where I notice the jerking hesitation acceleration the most.

I found myself apologizing to my friends every time they traveled with me "Sorry it's not me..its the car". Regular passengers could hear it & feel the transmissions struggling and my struggle to drive my car. It's embarrassing to say the lease.

I finally realized that I couldn't live with it anymore this wasn't normally there was deff something going on with the transmission! So I called my local Ford dealership only get yelled at "Everyone across the nation is dealing with the same problem!! Take it to where you bought it because we have a waiting list!!! It'll be at least five months before we'll have parts for you!!!" I didn't understand why she was so frustrated I was the one with one of the cars. I explained that I bought my car at a Honda dealership not a Ford dealership but she still yelled at me to take it somewhere else. That didn't seem right so I called again a few days later, I got someone else and asked to be put on the waiting list.

But less than a week later.. (late March 2015) I was at a stop light to turn right onto a major road and when the light turned green I took my foot off the break only to realize it was stuck in place. It was like my foot was still on it and it wouldn't shift gears. I struggled with it as angry traffic moved around me. The car was still on but wouldn't move at all. I turned it off the car called AAA to tow it to the same dealership I was on the waiting list for.

The car was brought in Friday afternoon so Saturday morning I called the dealership and they yelled at me to call Ford to order parts. I go ..."But you haven't looked at the car yet? How am I supposed to know what's wrong with it and what parts are needed?" They wouldn't even look at my car until I called Ford and got a case number so I did right away and by Tuesday I had my case going.

I had to get rides to work until they set me up with a rental car while they "fixed" my car it took about a week to fix. On the phone the dealership told me they had been driving my car around and found nothing wrong with it. What are you crazy! Of course there's something wrong with it!

They replaced the transmission and returned the car to me. Only it's not better it might even be worst now. I'm so scared of how much it hesitates I feel like someone is going to hit me one day!! I can't believe how poorly they returned it to me and how they kept saying even before they worked on it that nothing was wrong with it.

I decided I can't live with the danger/embarrassment/stress everything much longer and I just want to work towards getting a new car. I really wanted this car and it's been nothing but a headache not just for me but half the US/Canada!

I'm desperately searching the internet to see what people ending up doing with the same problem. Has anyone tried their BUYBACK program? I do they give you cash or are you forced to buy another Ford? Another option I want to look into is just trading the car in but with the issues it has I might not get much for it. Does anyone have some advise on what my next step should be?

- Clare C., Los Angeles, CA, US

problem #20

Dec 132012

Fiesta Greg 4 Cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I own a Ford Fiesta which has been recalled for the clutch in the transmission twice.They took it in and replaced seals ect.....It still has the same problem in which I was almost killed on Deerfoot Trail when I pushed the gas it sputtered out which left a reaction of 2 cars slamming their brakes and could have been a deadly accident!! I have addressed my concerns to Woodridge Ford and Ford Motor. They tell me it is only sputtering out at 150 rpm and until it does it at 250 rpm they will not fix it?? Even though it is a recall vehicle. I have sought legal advice which now has me documenting all my concerns for a potential law suit. What scares me about this, is before something is done, does my husband or I have to be dead first?? God help Ford if this happens. I am waiting for Ford to fall like GM ignoring there customers issues.

- kdurocher, calgary, AB, Canada

problem #19

May 012015

Fiesta

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

First, let me start off by saying, I am an EMT, volunteer. I use my personal vehicle to run emergency calls as well. I was getting done an emergency call when my car would not go into gear. After shutting it off, turning it on again, and doing this several times, I finally got the car to go into gear. At this time, I noticed a stuttering, shaking etc to the car. This is not the first time either of those problems have happened.

I made it to my local wawa to get coffee. When I came back to my car, it wouldn't even go into first gear period, no matter what I did. Stranded at wawa for a good 2 hours until Ford towing company finally came to get my car, it was towed away. They had the car for nearly 3 weeks, replacing random parts here and there.

After getting the car back, I NOW have whole NEW problems. My car is NOT a manual car. However, it seems to want to be now. If I am in gear, I press down on the brake, come to a complete stop, then release the brake pedal, I roll backwards. Not only that, put while driving I can feel a stalling out, jerky motion around 60 mph, Real great when trying to get up to speed on the highway. Not only that, but it stalls out completely when I decelerate and try to accelerate quickly again. This is the worst problem of them all. This jerk physically throws you in the car.

I thought, since they replaced 2 pages worth of stuff to the transmission that this issue would go away, but sadly it has not. Such a shame, Old Ford cars use to run great. What happened?

- Nicole H., Vineland, NJ, US

problem #18

Jan 012014

Fiesta Ses

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,000 miles

Our Ford Fiesta has the good old transmission that has decided to shake and rattle. Ford has acknowledge that this is a common problem, but does not deem it unsafe (even though the slow acceleration and random shakes have almost resulted in numerous collisions). I have taken it to a dealership, however since the shake does not start at a particular RPM, it does not qualify for the customer satisfaction recall. Their advice "wait until it gets worse" in the meantime the electrical has been compromised and resulted in open circuits that alert "malfunction errors that are to be serviced immediately" Oh no problem only $1000 to fix it! This car is horrible!

I do NOT recommend anyone buy a Ford, sure they have customer service - but all they do is read a script. Save yourself time and hassle. AVOID!

- trebble, Edmonton, AB, Canada

problem #17

Apr 092015

Fiesta SES 1.6L L4 Sfi Dohc 16v

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

Since the day we bought the car, the transmission has been bad: it jerks, shudders and hesitates while accelerating. I almost got into a few accidents because when the car decides to finally accelerate, I would have a pedestrian or car crossing my path (and you can't really blame them - who would want to get stuck behind a Fiesta 2011).

We bought the car back in 2011 I think, in Biddeford Maine and have mentioned this issue to the dealer many times but they told us there is nothing wrong they could find with the car.

We were so happy when we got a letter from the "customer satisfaction program" back in August 2014, I took it to a dealer here in Chicago where they told me they did not see anything wrong with the hardware, the guy told me they "reset the brains of the car so that it gets used to my way of driving" and that "it would take a few months for the car to finally get used to the way you drive." Dealers have been ignoring and dismissing our concerns since day 1, so I took whatever I could and was happy knowing this might be a solution...

Sadly, the car's transmission was not effected by this "brain reset" and the jerking, shuddering and hesitation continue to this day (April 12,2015).

It's been almost 4 years now and this issue has not been fixed.

Update from Oct 25, 2015: Update 10/25/2015: After taking the car to Bredemann Ford in Glenview (2038 Waukegan Rd, Glenview, IL) and Fox Ford Lincoln (2501 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL) several times to "reset the brain of the car, so it could get used to my driving style", which did absolutely nothing except delay solving this issue.... I took the car to Maine; yes, I drove the car all the way to Maine to the dealership I bought the car at, and they told me the transmission had to be changed ASAP, so basically the Chicago/Glenview dealerships were full of BS and lied to me. After replacing the transmission and dealing with the newest recall for Ford Fiesta (thank you Ford for all the recalls), the car seems to drive a little better, but it's too soon to tell for sure.

- gmom, Chicago, IL, US

problem #16

Sep 162014

Fiesta SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I started out with this 2011 Ford Fiesta as a leased car. No problems during the lease, but the minute I started making payments to purchase it, the problems began.At first, it was just dying when I would be at a stop sign or light, or even in a turning lane.

The first notice I received from Ford was extending the warranty and they replaced the catalytic converter, twice. The first time the problem continued and on the second try they finally got it right. Now I am having problems when accelerating - it jerks and takes awhile to get into gear. Just recently I received another extended warranty letter from Ford. How much more can an elderly person take regarding a car that she is afraid to drive, not knowing when it is going to die.

- Lyn H., Yucaipa, CA, US

problem #15

Aug 232013

Fiesta SEL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

Took the car in and had a part replaced under warranty, but the car is doing it again.

- Lucinda T., Worthington, OH, US

problem #14

Nov 012012

Fiesta SE 1.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 7,298 miles

I wonder if the Europeans had the same problem or maybe they didn't have the dual-clutch. This is a serious problem when you try to pass someone. It bogs for about 3 seconds and seems to progress slowly. I had the Dealer preform a test and they tweaked something. It helped somewhat but not enough.

- mkaupas, Maryland Heights, MO, US

problem #13

Mar 312012

Fiesta

  • Automatic transmission
  • 19,000 miles

It went into the shop 3 times. Ford replaced the part and extended the warranty, it was replaced at 34,000 and is extended to 100,000.

- Neile G., Carolina Beach, NC, US

problem #12

Jan 012015

Fiesta SEL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

I've taken this complaint to two Ford Dealerships after I was informed that a recall had been issued about the shuddering/jerking/hesitating complaints from several other owners.. Needless to say, issues still haven't been resolved due to them "fixing" the problem with the same faulty part that's already on the car!

- unhappyfiestaowner, Birmingham, AL, US

problem #11

Jan 142015

Fiesta SES 1.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,894 miles

Huge problem that Ford knows about and continues to ignore. They replaced it with the same stock parts, meaning that this issue will come up again after the warranty. I've had problems with this car multiple times regarding the transmission and have visited the dealership over and over again due to this problem.

- tabion, Toronto, ON, Canada

problem #10

Aug 022011

Fiesta

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

Son of what I believe is the oldest family owned Ford dealership in the country. 100 years this year as Horn Ford Mercury in Brillion, Wisconsin. Owned many many Fords throughout my life (52yrs old). My 1972?? Mercury Comet in college makes this car look bad. My new 1984 Escort, twice the car. Un-frikin' real. Take this piece of junk off the market. Looks great performs like sh*t. Call anytime 203-213-3724

Update from Mar 30, 2016: to the dealer several times early on. Took to dealer other than purchased at with good results at approx. 70000 miles-fixed transmission problem-finally (new clutches I believe) and several other fuel related issues. A lot covered under warranty yet approx. $800 out of pocket. A bit over 10,000 miles later same issue-awful shutter again-almost not able to drive. Went to Ford-ruled they would not help with the problem! This is my 11th Ford owned-now 54 yrs old. Had a great loyalty to the company as my grandfather founded Horn Ford Mercury in 1914 and is still in the family. Worked there from 9 yrs old until finished college in 1984-am a Registered Nurse. Rarely now drive this car. Would love to sell but I couldn't do that to anyone! Thanks for your effort-James F. Horn

- 300horn, Bridgeport, CT, US

problem #9

Jul 132013

Fiesta LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

First attempt of repair, shuddering in acceleration, delay in acceleration, grinding in shifting

Update from Aug 27, 2014: had 3 other attempts of the repair from continuous issues.

October 2013

January 2014

April 2014

Augst 2014 - reported to ford for lemon law

- phonicaubade, Lemon Grove, CA, US

problem #8

Jul 242014

Fiesta SE 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles

I WAS TOLD ABOUT A RECALL ON MY TRANSMISSION WHEN I BROUGHT IN THE CAR FOR AN OIL CHANGE.

THEY HAD THE CAR FOR 3 DAYS, THEN I WAS TOLD I SHOULD GET A DIFFERENT CAR. I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT, MY CAR IS PAID OFF. I DON'T WANT A NEW CAR OR CAN AFFORD MORE PAYMENTS. WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT THIS?

IS THERE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT? WHERE DO I SIGN UP?

Update from Apr 6, 2015: Having the car for 4 years and nothing has changed. I take my car in every 3 months for oil change and transmission check. It drives good for about a week then goes back to no power, hard shifts & no take off power.

- Ton W., Chandler, AZ, US

problem #7

Aug 092013

Fiesta SEL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

What a problem to have with a fairly new car. If I would have known that Ford make such junk I would not have bought this car for my teenage daughter. This car almost caused her to be in several accidents because of the hesitation and slow accelerating. This car needs to be taken off the road. Ford needs to give back everyone their money for this piece of junk. I am waiting for the transmission to go again because it was just a component replacement, not the complete transmission repair.

How can these car companies let these vehicles leave production and be sold? These cars are waiting disasters. Why hasn't this car been recalled? There are so many complaints about this car. There needs to be a class action lawsuit against Ford.

- Lucinda T., Worthington, OH, US

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