2011 Ford Fiesta: sudden loss of power

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 Nov 7, 2022 · Transmission · RI

My car would lose power while driving. Also, my 2011 Ford Fiesta would jump out of gear to hit the car in front of me when stopped at a light. Shuddering noises and when it lost power I would get locked out of the car. My safety and that of a passenger was at risk! I parked the car afraid to drive it and had it towed to a Ford Dealership. I was told a clutch module was recalled but, they didn't know if it was the problem.. As of today November 7, 2022 since last Wednesday the 3rd of November I have not heard back. I have anxiety waiting and I am afraid of my own car. I feel this car was a danger to drive as there were no warning lights and I did manage to stop at auto zone and 10 different codes came up all referring to the clutch and my ck engine light did not come on. I am a senior and I wish to sue the Ford company for this dangerous problem and safety issue. I could have been killed or have rear ended the car in front of me and the power loss was dangerous as well.

Filed May 19, 2022 · Transmission · FL

We have owned this vehicle for approximately two years. The vehicle would occasionally loose power/shut off while driving, specifically when slowing to a stop or turning a corner. Several times when this occurred the vehicle was being driven in heavy traffic and we were almost rear ended by drivers behind us due to the sudden stopping of the Fiesta. We initially believed that it was due to faulty oxygen sensors and had them replaced. (There was a check engine light that came on and the codes indicated an issue with the oxygen sensors.) Earlier this year the problem started again. When leaving our neighborhood, the car shut off and would not start again. The car was placed in park and would not shift out of park. After leaving the car parked on the side of the road for approximately 30 minutes, we were able to start the car and shift it out of park. It drove fine the rest of the day. The next day the car again lost power while driving. We were unable to shift the car out of drive and had to have it towed. It has been sitting at the dealership since the beginning of February awaiting a replacement Transmission Control Module, which we have been told is on back order. We have purchased three used/rebuilt TCMs and taken them to the dealer (one was pulled from a car at a local junk yard and two were purchased online) to have them installed. None of the parts that we provided were able to be programmed by dealership after being installed. We were originally told by the dealership that a new replacement parts from Ford are on backorder and aren't expected to be received for at least 6 months. Our local Ford dealership (where our vehicle currently is awaiting repairs) has 8 Focus and Fiesta's sitting awaiting new TCMs.

Filed Oct 16, 2020 · Acceleration, Engine · 92,000 miles · OH

I have had the TCM on this vehicle replaced twice after transmission malfunction light suddenly came on. It came on a third time and the issue still causes transmission malfunction indicator to illuminate, however this time it is my dual clutch. Same symptoms in the vehicle every time. With no warning, the vehicle will suddenly lose power, fail to change gears, shutter forward after stopping, come to a complete stop in the middle of driving. Two days ago driving uphill, my vehicle, with no warning at all, started going in reverse, down the hill. I am in the middle of a class action suit with ford that is taking forever to settle. I have tried to get ford to replace my clutch, but they claim it is not part of the extended warranty like the TCM is now, even though it causes the same issues with the vehicle. I can pay to have it fixed myself, but it can go out at any given time again, with no warning. Ford does not believe these issues are safety issues. They are. These cars do these things suddenly. As I am reaching out to ford about this, they do however inform me that there is a recall on my door latches. They consider this a safety issue, but not the transmission? Unbelievable.

Filed Sep 10, 2019 · Brakes, Electrical · 14,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 ford fiesta. While driving at any speed, the brakes squeaked, the steering lost power, and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to friendly kia (877‑544‑6719, located at 5819 us-19, new port richey, fl 34652) where it was determined that the failure was due to humidity. The vehicle was then taken to ford of port richey (727‑233‑7143, located at 10715 us-19, port richey, fl 34668) where it was diagnosed that the brakes, transmission, and battery needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.

Filed May 28, 2019 · Body, Electrical · MA

1) door latches are faulty. Any door can open while car is in motion. Also, door latch sensors are faulty and cause all interior lights to come on if it thinks a door is open. Happens within 1st mile driven every time since 80k miles. 2) in snow, the piece of body plastic in front of the front tires can get caught and dragged underneath the front tires. 3) electrical problems: fuse box rusts, prongs break off in fuse box. Sometimes pushing clutch in would cause lights to dim or speaker static (manual transmission). Problematic 12v (always hot) routinely broke 12v devices. Dealership was unable to fix this at last warranty maintenance. 4) several dealerships were unable to solve or find the cause of any of the following: brake rotor usually causes howling sound under 30mph after a few miles, (started around 50,000 miles) and car sometimes shut off while stopped & idling (rare, started around 70,000 miles). Also, manual transmission lever gets too sticky to move without extreme force unpredictably, (started around 25,0000 miles). Every time was told transmission fluid looks fine. 5) high pitched whirring sound and loss of power with AC or defroster, worse as time went on 6) car was sold because cost to repair faulty door sensors leading to headlights never turning off, thereby causing battery to drain below 12v regularly, exceeded the car's value. Car would not pass inspection with this issue & needed frequent jump starts. 7) extreme distraction: "sync" interface will cut off stereo audio without warning to try and connect to mobile phone for a vehicle health report in the middle of driving. 8) air flow sensor goes off frequently starting around 50,000 miles, only solution is spraying in lots of air flow sensor cleaner. 9) drivers side windshield wiper fell off about a dozen times, even dealership installed. Very unsafe car in my opinion.

Filed Apr 26, 2016 · Electrical, Transmission · 15,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 ford fiesta. While putting out of a parking space, the vehicle jerked and lost power. The contact had to wait until the traffic died down to pull out of the space. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the computer needed to be reset and the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 15,000.

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 Aug 7, 2015 · Transmission · 59,000 miles · AR

In feb. Of 2015 I received a letter from ford motor co. About the transmission control module. The "notice" said my car may experience intermittent symptoms of lose of power while driving,no-start,or a lack of power, among a few other things. When I called a ford dealer...I was basically treated like a stupid old woman and when I ask what I should do, I was told drive it until it happens!. Well, it happened! 5 months later my car stalled, the motor kept running, the car just would not go, I was lucky I had time to get to the side of the road before I was rear-ended. Ford did "fix" my car. Today, 3 months later, my car stalled on a very busy high, 18 wheeler right behind me and once again I was able to quickly turn into a parking lot. Now they have my car and it will take 3 months, that's right 3 months to "fix" it! I'm very happy to be alive to report this. I'm very happy I get to see my family again. Thanks ford for almost taking my life twice!!!! Why is this not a recall!!!!!!! Let's not forget about the people I could've died with today. I'm so mad. How can ford get away with this. Who will die today, tonight or tomorrow because of this? Better pray it's not your family member or mine!

Filed Jul 22, 2015 · Transmission · 69,852 miles · MI

Driving on interstate 75 in the middle lane at 70 MPH my TCM malfunctioned, I knew this because of the customer satisfaction program 14m02 that I received in february 2015. My car abruptly had no power. I feared for my life because I had semi trucks and vehicles coming up behind me at very high speed and I had no power to my vehicle. I had to coast over one lane as safely as possible to the shoulder to safety. I am very thankful me or my family was not in a serious accident. The park and drive symbols on the dash were flashing between p and d and the engine light kept flashing. I turned off my car and called my brother. He said to see if it starts. It did after several tries. I then turned on my hazards and drove to the next exit which was within 200 ft. I got off the highway and took the back roads home. I got within 4 blocks of my home and it did it again, lost power. Let it sit a minute and turned it on again, and pulled into my residence. The next morning I drove the side streets to the dealer but made a stop. Came back out to my car and the vehicle would not start. Called the dealer and they sent a tow truck but I had to wait 1 hour for the truck to arrive. This is a very dangerous situation with the TCM. A very serious problem is since it's not a recall you do not have the option to have it fixed before you're put into a dangerous situation. You have to wait until you have problems before ford's will fix the TCM. Ford did replace the malfunctioning TCM on my car. A recall needs to replace the customer satisfaction program 14m02, this is a very dangerous and life threatening problem.

Filed Jul 10, 2015 · Transmission · 34,000 miles · WA

When acceleration transmission shifts very rough. Bangs gear -> grinding noise. Car feels weak and rolls backward very easy. Gas pedal not responsive. Caused almost a car crash on the freeway when sudden loss of power. I have been driving manual and automatic cars but this is dangerous!!

Filed Jul 10, 2015 · Transmission · 34,000 miles · WA

Suddenly hard shift, and weak performance. Grinding noise when shifting or driving slow. Gas pedal not responsive. Caused almost a accident on the freeway when suddenly the car lost power and neither up or downshift was possible. I have been driving manual and automatic cars and trucks for years, this is poor engineering and very dangerous. Cars also tends to roll back and engine often vibrates, it wants to stall because its in the wrong gear or something. And again, it bangs the gears and the car literally wants to jump forward in the car in front of me.