2012 Ford Fiesta transmission problems

Filed Mar 23, 2026 · Transmission · CO

While driving, my son's car started to have issues when it was shifting gears (it's an automatic). Then a warning came up on the dash saying something like "Transmission malfunction, service immediately". We were on our way to a mechanic to pick up another vehicle so we left it with them. They confirmed the issue and stated it is related to the clutch system (which I believe is the dry clutch system that has been recalled with similar car models). We have not taken it to the manufacturer/Ford dealership yet, but are trying to figure out our options on this faulty transmission design. Not aware of any issues prior to this incident.

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 Aug 13, 2025 · Transmission · 42,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to a gas station for servicing, the contact was informed that the brake calipers were sticking, and the calipers and rotors were extremely hot. The calipers and rotors were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission axle shaft had damaged the splines. The dealer determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

Filed Jul 13, 2025 · Transmission · CT

Transmission unexpectedly malfunctions. Car lost the ability to shift into reverse and even numbered gears. rough shifting when it can shift. slipping when attempting to drive. Unable to accelerate from a stop sign. Based on simple web searches, the Ford fiesta and Focus with the DPS6 transmission are notorious for defective transmissions.

Filed Sep 10, 2024 · Electrical, Transmission · 12,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated to move forward or backwards. Additionally, the contact stated that the ignition key had failed to operate as intended also. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified on the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 12,000.

Filed Mar 1, 2024 · Transmission · WV

It is widely known that this vehicle has irreparable transmission problems. My car shudders, loses power, has issues shifting, etc because of known issues. It feels dangerous to drive at times. The dealer no doubt willingly sold it to me used knowing about the problem. I feel taken advantage of as I had to purchase the car during Covid when inventory was low and prices were high. I owe over twice as much on car than it’s worth. No one in their right mind would buy it. I’m on medical leave without pay and in no position to trade it. I bought it after all the class action suits were settled. It doesn’t appear to fall under lemon law. I’m basically waiting for it to completely break down. Praying nobody is hurt when it happens. I’m writing because I’m aggravated and feel I have no recourse.

Filed Feb 21, 2024 · Transmission · NJ

TCM problem. Ford dealer won't replace the TCM module.

Filed Jan 18, 2024 · Transmission · FL

Driving down the street and car started bucking and shifting improperly. I took it in to the dealership and the said the tcm might be under warranty. Then they just said the transmission is bad

Filed Sep 9, 2023 · Transmission · WA

2012 Ford Fiesta DPS6 Automatic transmission failed as described in Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02 rendering the car unable to maintain speed on an interstate highway, leading to a significant collision risk. This transmission was recently replaced (2 years, 10k miles ago) due to the same issue with the previous transmission. The car displayed a "TRANSMISSION FAILED SEEK SERVICE" message or similar on the entertainment console with a wrench icon appearing on the dashboard. This is a known and widely reported issue with these vehicles, Ford has not offered a permanent solution.

Filed Sep 8, 2023 · Transmission · 119,000 miles · NM

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact received notification of Technical Service Bulletin: 16-0109 (DPS 6 Automatic Transmission – Excessive Transmission Clutch Shudder and/or Transmission Fluid Leak); however, the part to do the repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to shift properly with the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.