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2012 Ford Fiesta engine problems

75 complaints (12% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 35,000. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints
75
of this car's complaints
12%
typical mileage
35,000
crashes
2
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Fiesta engine problems in other years

1991201120122013201420152016201720182019

Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Ford Fiesta engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Stalling 82Check engine light 30Loss of power 22Won't start 12Engine failure 5

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2012 Ford Fiesta owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 22, 2024 · Engine · CA

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle began to vibrate violently, after which the contact observed white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact also stated that there was a coolant odor throughout the interior of the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The overheating and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jun 21, 2023 · Engine · TX

Car TCM blew and Leif Johnson refusing to schedule repairs with loaner car for fix.

Filed Feb 9, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · PA

2012 ford fiesta check engine light on codes reading o2 sensors, catalytic intake, misfires, fuel injection, etc. I have had my fiesta at 3 mechanics all very known for there reliability all diagnosing it different issue recommending me to go to dealership which I was turned away because the recalls for the vehicle isn’t an issue for any of the possible diagnostics. Single mother of 3 now no vehicle, no money and no way of providing without transportation. Less than 150,000 Miles owned less than two years and the amount of money put into the vehicle ford should be ashamed. Shuddering and accelerating issue was told clutch and transmission issue but no help or actual known diagnosis since ford won’t diagnose the suspected diagnosis from any of the mechanics I have taken the vehicle to and they can’t for sure diagnose it until ford confirms the diagnosis since this is a known issue. They also sent me two recalls but refused to fix the recalls because I wasn’t 100% sure my vehicle needed the repair and threatened to charge me 150 diagnostic charge for the recall after I already poured my heart out to them about the issue I can’t seem to even get repaired due to there lack of care care as a manufacturer

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 Nov 25, 2022 · Engine · IL

Transmission malfunction

Filed Sep 14, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

I just got the car in June 1st.2022 it's broken down 5x stopped in middle of us.19 North 2x it won't keep oil it's leaking out running hot blowed the hose loose 1x last week,it started weeks ago refused to start up and shutting down now, shuddering, it's at machanic shop now in largo, Florida he stated the car is not usable and unsafe to drive any longer the motor as well is gone and white smoke is coming from the muffler.the used car dealership truecars on park blvd.is trying to force me to keep the car I haven't driven the car in 2wks.this week will be 3 I have fixed Alot of things on the car in little time I can't afford to replace something that was damaged already my first to be car and it's been a bad experience.but I do know I will not put my life or anyone else lives in danger to fix the serious major damage with this car someone please contact me and help guide me as to what to do with this situation in desperate need.God bless.sincerly!!!

Filed Aug 10, 2022 · Engine · WV

Dp26 automatic Transmission seals leak contamination of clutch. Constant problems with transmission.

Filed Jun 17, 2022 · Engine, Seats · LA

Seats move after adjusting and sometimes the malfunction check engine code comes on

Filed Mar 4, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · RI

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.

Filed Aug 1, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · AZ

While my 16 yr old twin sons were driving on freeway, a loud pop of pressure release from motor occured, and steam blew out from under hood obscurring their visibilty. they were able to pull over safely and call me. Upon arrival, after confirming they were ok, I checked under hood to see that the intake manifold had built up to much pressure for the PCV hose and the recirculating hose that connects to top of valve cover. Oil had sprayed out everywhere and car will not start. Ive lost compression in 2 cylinders now from the fast overheat. My childrens safety was severily compromised by this chain reaction of a failed PCV valve. Ive since found out of recalls.This is whats stated for my 2015 Ford Focus, but happened to my 2012 Ford Fiesta Oct 22,2018 Manufacturer Recall Number18S32 the federal safety agency Recall Number18V735 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete Summary ON YOUR VEHICLE, THE PCM SOFTWARE MAY NOT ADEQUATELY DETECT A STUCK-OPEN CANISTER PURGE VALVE (CPV) WITHIN THE FUEL VAPOR SYSTEM. IF THE CPV MALFUNCTIONS AND STICKS OPEN, IT CAN LEAD TO EXCESSIVE VACUUM IN THE FUEL VAPOR SYSTEM, POTENTIALLY DEFORMING THE PLASTIC FUEL TANK. THIS CAN CAUSE THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS: ILLUMINATED MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) WITH CERTAIN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) INACCURATE OR ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE INDICATION INACCURATE DISTANCE TO EMPTY (DTE) ENGINE STALL AND/OR OTHER DRIVABILITY CONCERNS RELATED TO STUCK OPEN CPV Safety Risk THIS MAY RESULT IN AN ENGINE STALL WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT WARNING OR WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO RESTART, AND CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. I now have 2 auto loans im upside down on for recalls that I cant even get my car to Ford because I cant afford the tow. I pay over $500 monthly for lemons.

Questions about the 2012 Ford Fiesta engine

Does the 2012 Ford Fiesta have engine problems?

Owners have filed 75 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Ford Fiesta, 12% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2012 Ford Fiesta engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 35,000 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2012 Ford Fiesta engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

Other 2012 Ford Fiesta problems

Transmission 274Body 128Electrical 66Locks 57Acceleration 40Lights 22Brakes 17Airbags 15Steering 13Fuel system 8Seats 8Driver assistance 7Tires 4Seat belts 3Suspension 3Visibility 3Wheels 2

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