2011 Ford Fiesta: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Aug 16, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 38,556 miles · CA

Lack of power; grinding noise at around 20-30mph;shuddering; acceleration slips; engine oil leaks; clunking noises.

Filed Jun 27, 2018 · Steering · 45,070 miles · CA

I had complained of a grinding or clunking sound when turning the steering wheel. Sound and shudder to steering wheel seemed like it was between steering wheel and steering gear. I looked up online articles and it mentioned steering by wire and other misdirection. Seemed to me to be something like a universal joint; but this is not my educated diagnosis, just a thought. Dealer service writers continued to say something akin to "yeah, that's what they do and it's normal for that vehicle/model/etc". On 6/11/18, when I go to pick up vehicle for another problem, [which had recalls and continues to cause problems that are fixed "under warrantee" see ford "customer satisfaction programs 14m01, 14m02" and ford "software update program 15b22] I am told I need to have recommended work done. This recommended work reads as follows: item 03 concern: steering column shaft clunking/binding when turing (side note: yes, written as "turing"!) left or right. Vehicle is equipped with old design steering column shaft. Updated parts available to corrrect and prevent concern from reappearing. Correction: customer does not want work done". [end of work recommended on form]. It is not that I don't want the work completed, it is that I have been bringing up this problem for at least 4 years; ie, under warrantee time and mileage. This is a safety issues, which brought me to your site. I have had no problem up until now other than the sound and creaking feel in steering wheel. What has me upset first is that all the sudden there is now!!! Updated parts available; previously, it was "normal sound and feel". From 6/20, until 6/27/18 daily, I called the ford west rep for calif central valley area @ 866/631-3788. The phone circle ends with options "leave a message" or "for operator, push 0" which cuts off the phone connection. This "normal" steering clunk appears to have now become a safety issue.

Filed Nov 5, 2017 · Steering · VT

Steering wheel flops and clunks during slow turns

Filed Aug 29, 2016 · Steering · 17,782 miles · MI

Clunk clunk noise when turning wheel forward & backwards, when moving. This was verified with dean seller dealer. Advised that steering wheel shaft needed to be replaced. Vehicle had 17,782 miles. Reported to ford motor 8/24/16. Received case #cas-10397672. No help from ford, even though I suggested a defaulted part was involved. They closed case, with no satisfaction from mfg. Or dealer.

Filed Feb 11, 2016 · Acceleration, Steering · 35,000 miles · PA

My 2011 ford fiesta began giving me problems at about 28,000 miles. It is now 35,000 miles and I have been having problems accelerating out of a stop. It will jerk, rev and shudder getting up to 30 MPH. I have taken care of a few recalls and I have noticed a 5 mile drop in the mpg. I take good care of my car, I have the oil changed regularly and I often take it to a mechanic to ensure it is in good working condition. This only happens when I am driving the fiesta for a while in a city setting so I have to start and stop quite a bit. Additionally, there has been a consistent clunking noise when I turn the wheel at low speeds. Have brought it in a few times and no one has even attempted to fix it.

Filed Oct 27, 2015 · Transmission · 60,500 miles · UT

The transmission in my fiesta has had the same issue for many months. Sluggish on acceleration, jerking motions while cornering, rough shifting, disengagement and grinding noises from the assembly. I have taken it to the dealer numerous times to be looked at. On some occasions they have performed parts replacements, other times they have reprogrammed the cpu. In every case the problem persists. There are instances when the dealer can replicate the problem and others where they cannot. I am very concerned about driving this vehicle as the powertrain is unstable. The vehicle currently has 60,000 miles on the odometer and is 5 years old. The problems have been occurring for several years. The date referenced below is the last date the problem occurred.

Filed Aug 27, 2015 · Steering · 41,418 miles · OH

Began to hear a clunking noise in the steering accompanied by vibration in the steering wheel. This noise and vibration has steadily increased since first noticing it. Feels as though a bearing or bushing has failed or a tooth in the steering gear is missing. Please note: this car has been maintained in a timely fashion and all service has been performed by ford dealerships. Also I am 59 years old and treat the car with respect. I am worried that whatever it is may fail all-together and cause me to have an accident. Please note: there are other complaints of this problem posted on the internet.

Filed Jul 15, 2015 · Steering · 42,000 miles · FL

Pop/clunk/knock noise on turns and loose steering incidental to extreme tire wear on front right tire. Tsb ref # : 11-10-28 issued oct 31,2011 ford:2011-2012 fiesta

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.

Filed Dec 11, 2014 · Transmission · VA

Ever since we bought the vehicle (new), the transmission was hit or miss. From taking a while to shift in lower gears, to shaking, clunking, surges, to just hard shifting. Dealers stated it was normal but you and I know that's not right. It's to the point now where our car won't even shift into reverse or into other gears. We'll have to tow it to the dealership to get it repaired. It's upsetting when you read that there are so many in the same situation and nothing is being done about it at the government level. This is the one time we need government assistance to get the ford corporation to do what's right for their customers. Please go through the pain and begin the process for a transmission recall. You'll restore our faith. Thanks.

Filed May 6, 2014 · Transmission · 500 miles · TX

Harsh shifting of transmission, or other transmission shifting complaints/problems. Loss of power on initial take-off from a stop or from low speeds. The feeling of the transmission "slipping". Harsh or delayed engagement of transmission "jerking" or "shuddering" upon take-off from a stop. Vehicle rolls backwards when on an incline. Vehicle loses power when on the interstate and you try and accelerate to pass another vehicle.

Filed Dec 3, 2013 · Transmission · 55,000 miles · CA

Vehicle has the all too common "leaky seals" at the clutches on the tranny. Had contacted ford prior-was told that the shuddering and rough shift was normal. Little did I know it was failing. The seals have failed, caused oil/fluid to get onto the clutches. Ford pulled tranny apart, twice, put back together and car shutters so bad they refuse to return it to me. Claim "too unsafe to return to you". Ford then instructed dealer to "order new replacement parts (3rd time) and replace-the replacement parts used must have been defective." before parts arrived, ford cancelled order. Informed me "there is no repair available for this issue. There is fiesta and focus's held up at dealerships all over the country. We can put you in a rental for 6 to 8 weeks and hopefully in that time ford will figure out a way to fix this issue." I asked ford why they don't replace the transmission with a new one, was told "no, the new ones have the same defect and they too will fail as well. Ford has had my car since mid october 2013.....currently no fix avail......lemon law vehicle!