2011 Ford Fiesta: engine failure

Filed Jul 23, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · OH

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.

Filed Jun 21, 2023 · Electrical · MI

The vehicle engine has periodically stopped due to a known issue with the fuse box. The same known issue has also affected the headlights and while the engine failure has led to possible safety issues with vehicle control and potential dangerous situations where the vehicle has stopped in high traffic areas, the most significant danger is with the lighting malfunctioning during night driving.

Filed Jan 29, 2016 · Engine · 50,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owned a 2011 ford fiesta. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost power and the engine failed. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

Filed Oct 7, 2014 · Steering · 15,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 ford fiesta. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the steering wheel seized and excessive force on the steering wheel was required. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis. The technician stated that the power steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle has been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 15,000.

Filed Mar 20, 2014 · Transmission · 44,500 miles · OH

In january 2014 I was unable to accelerate past 55 MPH. The seemed the car would go into neutral. The engine would rev but wouldn't shift into gear. I would have to coast to the sign of the road, put it into park, and then start again. The dealership replaced a module and reset the computer, but it happened again about 5 miles from the dealership. The computer was reset again. The same thing happened 2 weeks later, but this time I couldn't get it into gear. It was towed to the dealership. Approx. 2 weeks later the vehicle sounded like an air horn was going off when I tried to accelerate. The dealership pulled the transmission and said a major part of the transmission had broken and it was more cost effective to replace the engine. That was 3 weeks ago. The dealership is waiting for the new transmission from ford.

Filed May 17, 2013 · Acceleration, Engine · 85,000 miles · MO

All three occurrences requiring my car to be taken to a shop for repairs involved the vehicle moving at hi-way speeds. While travelling at 65mph, the cruise control cut out and engine died, so I had to coast to the side of the road. Eventually it restarted and I got home. The issue was electronic in nature according to the dealership where I bought the car, and took it for service. The part was not immediately available and when asked, the dealership said it was safe to drive until the part came in. The repair was made under warranty. The second problem was very similar to the first occurrence, and the dealership told me it was a different problem, but was nonetheless electronic in nature. The repair was made under warranty. The third and most recent issue involves the transmission. On my daily commute, cruise set at 65mph, the transmission disengaged. There was no power to the drivetrain. When I coasted to the shoulder, no gear could be achieved. When shut off, the car would not restart. After about ten minutes, after many clunking and clicking noises had occurred under the hood, the car started and I continued. It happened again...and again. This occurred five times in 30 miles, and finally the car would not restart. This was about five miles from home and my car had to be towed to the dealer for repair. The car is two years old with 85,000 miles. All miles are hi-way miles. All routine maintenance has been performed with receipts. This vehicle is a safety hazard, for intermittent, total loss of power and control on the hi-way, as well as leaving the occupants stranded at risk, on the shoulder of said hi-way. Ford does not seem to want to acknowledge publically that this is a safety problem (I.e. Recall).

Filed Apr 10, 2012 · Engine, Fuel system · WA

22 days plus additional 6 days: told by ford dealership mechanic that oil pan is leaking oil, and water pump leaking. Dye pen fluorescent light inspection shows front crank seal leak, inspection of engine block damaged threads. Replaced engine per ford, removed transmission from engine, disassemble engine from engine mount, mount new short block and install, reseal components, re-time engine, install engine to transmission assembly, rechecked for leaks coolant and oil. Ford fiesta broke down next day after I picked up car from ford shop for 22 days, automatic transmission would not go into drive, reverse or neutral, called tow truck for help to get vehicle back to ford mechanic, who still working on car. I am very disappointed with the quality of the 2011 ford fiesta, doesn't get 40mpg, gets 35mpg, does not accelerate when you need to kind of lags, then makes gurgling noise in the water pump. 2011 ford fiesta is not made in the USA and it shows, it's a lemon.