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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
37,714 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Ford Fiesta drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2012 Ford Fiesta Owner Comments (Page 1 of 14)

problem #261

Sep 082023

Fiesta

  • miles

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

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.

- Renton, WA, USA

problem #260

May 012023

Fiesta

  • 119,000 miles
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.

- Los Lunas, NM, USA

problem #259

Jul 212023

Fiesta

  • miles
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.

- Winter Springs, FL, USA

problem #258

Jul 032023

Fiesta

  • miles

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

The dual-clutch transmission on this 2012 Ford Fiesta has ceased to shift gears correctly once it heats up after driving briefly, and becomes unable to shift in reverse. The engine also seems to occasionally be overspeeding between gears. The transmission control module, though recalled, is functioning properly and has been determined to not be the source of the issue. A similar problem occurred approximately the week before this issue began when the transmission control module (TCM) began throwing faults. The TCM was reprogrammed and the car functioned normally for a week before the issue seemed to recur. When brought to the nearest dealership, they determined that the TCM was not the cause of the issue. The vehicle has well under 100k miles. The nearest dealership thought that shift fork B was frozen, which caused damage to the clutch. A second opinion from another mechanic said that this was a common problem with the 2012 Ford Fiesta. I contacted Ford Customer Care and was advised that the VIN of this vehicle was not included in the 2012 service update for these same issues. However, since it is displaying the issues addressed by that service update and is under 100k miles, it may need to be.

- Denton, TX, USA

problem #257

Jul 022023

Fiesta

  • miles
On a relatively short trip I experience problems with the automatic Transmission. It was not shifting properly. Downshift from high gear to low gear way to quickly. RPMS up above 2500. Also too many rpms at stop; had be sure to hold down brake. Very poor deceleration. Danger to merger. This happened one day before we received "Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02" from Ford. Which offered to replace TCM. Before contacting Ford dealer took to my mechanic who confirmed condition and said UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I then Called Ruge's Ford in Rhinebeck who said part is unavailable anywhere in United States. They are going to continue to try and locate a part

- Ulster Park, NY, USA

problem #256

Sep 282022

Fiesta

  • 101,347 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Transmission Malfunction, Service Now" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module (TCM) needed to be replaced; however, the part for the repair was on backorder. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact then stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a loud abnormal sound was heard. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,347.

- Middletown, OH, USA

problem #255

Nov 172022

Fiesta

  • 108,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH and attempting to shift gear, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic replaced the clutch, but the failure continued. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not under recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 108,000. The VIN was not available.

- Canton, GA, USA

problem #254

Jul 152022

Fiesta

  • miles
loss of power transmission shudder 100,500 miles now started as a small issue at about 94,000 but not constantly, its bad now

- Irvington, KY, USA

problem #253

Jan 012013

Fiesta

  • 28,100 miles
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.

- Burlington, NC, USA

problem #252

Nov 232022

Fiesta

  • miles
Ford is refusing to honor extension of warranty in attached notice from Ford which extended warranty on (Transmission Control Module) TCM module for 2012 ford fiestas to 10 years and 150,000 miles. Computer check of systems reports by independent mechanic showed TCM failure. Car disengaged from transmission during highway travel, car has trouble shifting, car sometimes will not start but if retry immediately restarts. When first starting car car will not go into gear even though selected on gear shift. Sometimes when shifting failure occurs check transmission light goes on. Problems temporarily fixes if perform transmission reset procedure. Ford will not honor warranty. Repair shops reporting 4 month backlog on replacement TCM. Ford will not provide rental car while waiting for part. Car is dangerous to drive because can lose power on highway and acts like car in neutral

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #251

Jul 042022

Fiesta

  • miles

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

On 07/04/2022 my car had a no crank no start condition with a limp mode/PCM/TCM light coming on. It got progressively worse and would not shift into gear while driving; it was stuck in neutral. I took it to a Ford service shop and they determined I needed an entire new clutch assembly. Ford did the repair and then said I need a new transmission control unit. That part is on back order for an estimated 44,000 vehicles. Luckily they ended up having one and installed it and my car was repaired. The total bill was $4000 plus $987 for rental and transportation while it was being repaired. People need to be aware of how much of an inconvenience that Ford will not cover all transmission parts when they know the PowerShift transmission is faulty. Ford dealerships will not cover the clutches because it is a wear part. How am i going to have a $4000 repair bill at 79k miles.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

problem #250

Oct 262022

Fiesta

  • miles
Transmission will randomly stop working without any codes or lights warning me it will happen. Driving 60mph the transmission acts like it looses all it power making it hard to get it to a safe place to pull over. This happens when it wants too and at random times it will not go back to first gear in order to take off. I have to turn off the car and wait a few minutes before starting it back up and then put it in drive in order for it to go, sometimes it will not move until I unplug the Battery and wait for 15 minutes up to an hour before it will work as it should again. This transmission has left me out in intersections, on hills, in traffic, on the sides of roads and on highways where there is no place I can pull over because there are concrete walls three feet away from the white line. Also at times there is no reverse and has had me about to cause a major accident because I was sideways in the road trying to back up but it would not move and it was in reverse. Again no lights no warning at all anytime.... I use to love FORD now I would LOVE to SELL MY FORD... I have spoken to alot of people and this is a common problem with these cars from FORD. Why hasnt this been recalled" Ford use to be the BEST on the roads, What happened" I guess they dont care about their reputation anymore.... IM so mad at this car and I cant afford to buy a new transmission my car has 65,000 miles on it. This shouldnt happen, ask any other Car Manufacturer

- Hamilton, OH, USA

problem #249

Jul 252022

Fiesta

  • 74,870 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled and went into the LIMP mode. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure reoccurred several times while veering to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer; however, the vehicle would not exceed 20 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer diagnosed that the transmission control module (TCM), the transmission clutch assembly, and the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with Ford Customer Satisfaction Program Campaign Number: 14M02 (Transmission Control Module Extended Warranty Coverage). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,870.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #248

Sep 012022

Fiesta

  • 88,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, he heard an abnormal sound, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 30 MPH while driving back to his residence. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the power train module to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the parts were not available. The contact purchased the parts at an auto parts store and brought them back to the dealer. The dealer stated that the computer failed to code the module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

- New Haven, CT, USA

problem #247

Aug 072022

Fiesta

  • 37,520 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and depressing the brake pedal while approaching a traffic light, the vehicle began to shake until the vehicle came to a full stop. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while attempting to make a right turn and depressing on the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to move forward. The contact stated that she turned off the vehicle for a couple of minutes however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that after the 6th attempt, the vehicle restarted but continued to experience the failure. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the clutch and the transmission control module (TCM) to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,520.

- Norman, OK, USA

problem #246

Aug 272022

Fiesta

  • 165,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. Additionally, while the vehicle was changing gear, the vehicle was jerking abnormally. While attempting to reach a safe area, the vehicle stalled twice. The contact was able to restart the vehicle both times however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the Hill Assist warning light and two additional unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while in a safe area, the vehicle failed to restart. The local dealer was contacted and arranged for the vehicle to be towed to their location; however, the contact was unsure if the vehicle had been towed. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stated that the dealer mentioned that the failure might be related to an unknown Technical Service Bulletin for the TCM. The contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty for repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000.

- Richmond, KY, USA

problem #245

Jul 012021

Fiesta

  • 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact initially stated that after making a complete stop, the vehicle would jerk upon the depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where the transmission clutch was replaced. The contact then stated that while driving at 25 MPH, an abnormal noise had emitted from the vehicle as the vehicle stalled out without warning. The contact was able to restart the engine but the vehicle had failed to accelerate. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective PCM(Powertrain Control Module); the contact was also informed that the parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

- Springfield, OR, USA

problem #244

Jul 092022

Fiesta

  • miles
According to dealer TCM needs replacing however part is on back order with no ETA. Dealer can install after market TCM but it comes with no warranty. CSP issued by Ford on TCM but have not issued a full recall even though this has been ab issue since 2011 Model. Currently 10 of thousands of parts on back order. Ford needs to stand behind their cars and issue a full recall on this part and cover all repairs. Just recently had to have transmission repaired and not even 3 weeks later the TCM needs to be replaced.

- Lawrenceville, GA, USA

problem #243

May 162022

Fiesta

  • miles
Transmission malfunction reported on console at around 89,000 miles after care failed to engage in reverse. Took to dealer which resulted in over 5K in repairs to rebuild transmission.

- Lawrenceville, GA, USA

problem #242

Mar 042022

Fiesta

  • miles
Transmission Malfunction, this is the 4th time that I am having to replace the transmission. I am taking the car back to dealership to get the transmission fixed for the 5th time. The car jerks when it comes to a stop. Hard time accelerating or does not accelerate. I put the car in R and it did not budge at all, even turned the car off and turned it back on same thing. This car should not be permitted on the road. Does not shift gears properly, the RPM run very high. I am afraid to drive this car constantly, even after I get it out of the shop because I just know that the transmission will eventually malfunction on me again. Very unsafe and unreliable to drive.

- Woonsocket, RI, USA

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