2012 Ford Fiesta acceleration problems

Filed Oct 29, 2025 · Acceleration, Body · CO · 1 injury

I was driving to work this morning; the car made a horrible "clunk" when I accelerated to around 20 then lost power and nearly crashed. The car then displayed error lights (yellow CEL, yellow wrench icon, HEAD unit showed "transmission issue service immediately" This is a direct result of the DPs6 transmission put into all 7th gen Ford Focus/Fiesta models. This DCT transmission has been replaced 3 times for this particular car and failed the same manner each time - meaning 3 near accidents have occured because this transmission fails. Across the USA; more than 50 people have been injured as a result of this transmission failing.

Filed Jan 10, 2023 · Acceleration, Engine · 28,100 miles · NC

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. The consumer stated parts alone were $872 of which he doesn't have due to his disability.

Filed Apr 6, 2021 · Acceleration, Engine · HI

Om sunday march 28,2021 my husband and I attended a auto auction. When the dealer brought out a 2012 ford fiesta. Before bidding started everything looked and sounded alright. We ended up paying $3200.00 for a vehicle that they failed to provide faulty problems. Car has a lien on it. After driving off the lot I came to a red light when it turned green the car started sputtering loosing fuel as well as acceleration. I than pulled into the a parking at the gas station to see what was going on. And to my knowledge it was the transmission making noise as well as slipping, spark plugs, oil change. I then drove back to the car but everyone was gone for the day. I tried calling the office the next day and left messages. No response what so ever. The girls are really unorganized and should treat others the same you would treat them. I am writing this letter to inform everyone I was sold a vehicle that shouldn't have been on the road. I was also told today 4/5/21 that on march 5th a lien was filled out and turned in. I'm requesting the amount I paid for this lemon law vehicle along with compensation for giving false information.

Filed Oct 13, 2020 · Acceleration, Transmission · 140,000 miles · TX

The transmission keeps stalling and shifting in low gears. Stuttering transmission.

Filed Jun 4, 2019 · Acceleration, Steering · MI

My car shudders a lot when stopping especially on the highway or merging off the highway' also happens in city or suburbs if going over 40 MPH; , gear slips when stationery before hitting gas to move car, speed slows down or hesitates when hitting gas pedal, took to dealership many times and nothing ever got fixed. Ford sent a letter stating that I would get double the warranty on the transmission and I will receive a letter stating this, but will not confirm anymore. Problems occured after I purchased this fiesta in june 2012 but did not know that it was not working properly until the recall came out and I took it in for the first time. I was told that I was "too late" to get anything to fix it or have it taken back by ford because I had waited a year. I didn't even know that the car was working poorly! It was brand new and I thought this was the way it was okay to drive because the problems were not as noticable. It got much worse as time passed. I have repair invoices but I need to fine them. I want my complaint filed now so that I am not forgotten. I had a lemon lawyer contact me named trott, who told me that if I accepted a claim he would put in for me, it would be the best deal I would get in terms of attonement. He said he got $8k and took $3k for his work. I received a check for $5k. I asked mr.trott if I should get the car repair with this money. He said people are keeping the money and getting rid of their cars. I kept my car because I cannot afford to buy another one regardless of the $5k I received. I do not use my car very much now because I do not like that it shudders when I use the brakes and that it slows down when I hit the gas pedal. I will upload the documentation you ask for when I locate it.

Filed Sep 12, 2018 · Acceleration, Electrical · 46,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford fiesta. While the vehicle was idling at a red light with the brake pedal depressed, it spontaneously accelerated. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact had to turn the vehicle off in order to stop. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence and then towed the following day to automax ford (3301 e central texas expressway, killeen, tx 76543) where the total control module was reprogrammed. The contact also stated that the failure occurred two other times since july of 2018. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and filed case number: cas-15591505. The approximate failure mileage was 46,000.

Filed Jul 20, 2018 · Acceleration, Engine · 65,000 miles · CA · crash

This car haa trouble going the speed of traffic. It takes very long to gain speed as well as break and also jerks uncontrollably.

Filed Jun 11, 2018 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 67,000 miles · TN

I took my car to a ford dealership to take action on recall 14m01. They replaced the clutch under warranty and returned my car to me. A day later my car flashed a check engine light while I was 45 minutes away from home on the highway. Codes that came up were addressed & the vehicles condition worsened until it went fully into limp mode while returning from an attempt to restart the computer.

Filed Jun 6, 2018 · Acceleration · 35,000 miles · GA

Takata recall, a message will appear and say engine malfunction service now. And when it do appear the car slows down in the middle of the highway and the throttle pedal will not work even after you have had the car serviced, which is very dangerous.

Filed May 3, 2018 · Acceleration, Transmission · 62,000 miles · PA

When starting to accelerate, there is no power. The transmission then kicks back and it goes flying over 4000 rpms before it will shift. While driving, it will randomly give a slight kick and lose power, despite not increasing or decreasing pressure on the gas pedal. There was a class action lawsuit regarding this, I then got it "fixed" under warranty (total replacement of the clutch assembly) but the problem still persists. I have contacted the dealership I bought it from, and they will not return my calls or emails. I contacted ford and they will not take any responsibility either. I bought this car only a year ago and the kbb value has already dropped to less than what I still owe, presumably in part due to the lawsuit. I am at a loss for what to do now. Not only am I financially hurting because of the constant trips to the shop and the loss of value, meaning I will never get out from under this car, but I am legitimately concerned for my safety and my life, and ford doesn't care. I do not want to continue to drive this death trap but as it's worth far less than what I owe, I can't get another vehicle because my funds are wrapped up in this one.