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2012 Ford Fiesta transmission complaints

Page 2 of 10: complaints 11 to 40 of 274, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2012 Ford Fiesta transmission problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Aug 17, 2023 · Transmission · FL

I purchased a 2012 Ford Fiesta SE on 3/3/23 from Auto Nation Dealership in Florida. I started noticing the excessive jerking & hesitating when I hit the gas petal. I can't pinpoint exactly when it started but it got progressively worse. I scheduled an appt. with Mechanic for 7/26/23 after almost driving into car in front of me and concerned about getting hit from behind or even worse plowing into a pedestrian. The mechanic concluded problem with transmission- dual clutch B. After doing research I find out about ford recalls as a result of all the lawsuits and complaints on transmissions for this very vehicle. I then brought car to Ford and was told that the recall didn't apply to my specific issue and would require upwards of $4000 to fix either by replacing specific pieces within the transmission or installing a new transmission. They also classified the vehicle as "unsafe to drive" The bottom line is Ford knew the transmission was faulty when they manufactured the car. Whether it's electrical or mechanical they're splitting hairs at this point. It's a failure with their transmission period. I've read many complaints concerning the issue I'm facing, and consumers shouldn't have to dish out thousands of dollars to correct anything that involves the transmission. It's unacceptable that a car I've own for 4 months is sitting in my garage and deemed "unsafe" Any issues concerning the transmission should be included in the existing recall and Ford should take ownership and pay for any repairs.

Filed Jul 15, 2023 · Transmission · TX

The dual-clutch transmission on this 2012 Ford Fiesta has ceased to shift gears correctly once it heats up after driving briefly, and becomes unable to shift in reverse. The engine also seems to occasionally be overspeeding between gears. The transmission control module, though recalled, is functioning properly and has been determined to not be the source of the issue. A similar problem occurred approximately the week before this issue began when the transmission control module (TCM) began throwing faults. The TCM was reprogrammed and the car functioned normally for a week before the issue seemed to recur. When brought to the nearest dealership, they determined that the TCM was not the cause of the issue. The vehicle has well under 100k miles. The nearest dealership thought that shift fork B was frozen, which caused damage to the clutch. A second opinion from another mechanic said that this was a common problem with the 2012 Ford Fiesta. I contacted Ford Customer Care and was advised that the VIN of this vehicle was not included in the 2012 service update for these same issues. However, since it is displaying the issues addressed by that service update and is under 100k miles, it may need to be.

Filed Jul 7, 2023 · Transmission · NY

On a relatively short trip I experience problems with the automatic Transmission. It was not shifting properly. Downshift from high gear to low gear way to quickly. RPMS up above 2500. Also too many rpms at stop; had be sure to hold down brake. Very poor deceleration. Danger to merger. This happened one day before we received "Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02" from Ford. Which offered to replace TCM. Before contacting Ford dealer took to my mechanic who confirmed condition and said UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I then Called Ruge's Ford in Rhinebeck who said part is unavailable anywhere in United States. They are going to continue to try and locate a part

Filed May 22, 2023 · Transmission · 101,347 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Transmission Malfunction, Service Now" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module (TCM) needed to be replaced; however, the part for the repair was on backorder. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact then stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a loud abnormal sound was heard. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,347.

Filed Apr 17, 2023 · Transmission · 108,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH and attempting to shift gears, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic replaced the clutch, but the failure continued. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not under recall. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 108,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Feb 15, 2023 · Transmission · KY

loss of power transmission shudder 100,500 miles now started as a small issue at about 94,000 but not constantly, its bad now

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 28, 2022 · Transmission · DC

Ford is refusing to honor extension of warranty in attached notice from Ford which extended warranty on (Transmission Control Module) TCM module for 2012 ford fiestas to 10 years and 150,000 miles. Computer check of systems reports by independent mechanic showed TCM failure. Car disengaged from transmission during highway travel, car has trouble shifting, car sometimes will not start but if retry immediately restarts. When first starting car car will not go into gear even though selected on gear shift. Sometimes when shifting failure occurs check transmission light goes on. Problems temporarily fixes if perform transmission reset procedure. Ford will not honor warranty. Repair shops reporting 4 month backlog on replacement TCM. Ford will not provide rental car while waiting for part. Car is dangerous to drive because can lose power on highway and acts like car in neutral

Filed Nov 12, 2022 · Transmission · CO

On 07/04/2022 my car had a no crank no start condition with a limp mode/PCM/TCM light coming on. It got progressively worse and would not shift into gear while driving; it was stuck in neutral. I took it to a Ford service shop and they determined I needed an entire new clutch assembly. Ford did the repair and then said I need a new transmission control unit. That part is on back order for an estimated 44,000 vehicles. Luckily they ended up having one and installed it and my car was repaired. The total bill was $4000 plus $987 for rental and transportation while it was being repaired. People need to be aware of how much of an inconvenience that Ford will not cover all transmission parts when they know the PowerShift transmission is faulty. Ford dealerships will not cover the clutches because it is a wear part. How am i going to have a $4000 repair bill at 79k miles.

Filed Nov 8, 2022 · Transmission · OH

Transmission will randomly stop working without any codes or lights warning me it will happen. Driving 60mph the transmission acts like it looses all it power making it hard to get it to a safe place to pull over. This happens when it wants too and at random times it will not go back to first gear in order to take off. I have to turn off the car and wait a few minutes before starting it back up and then put it in drive in order for it to go , sometimes it will not move until I unplug the Battery and wait for 15 minutes up to an hour before it will work as it should again. This transmission has left me out in intersections , on hills, in traffic, on the sides of roads and on highways where there is no place I can pull over because there are concrete walls three feet away from the white line . Also at times there is no reverse and has had me about to cause a major accident because I was sideways in the road trying to back up but it would not move and it was in reverse. Again no lights no warning at all anytime.... I use to love FORD now I would LOVE to SELL MY FORD ... I have spoken to alot of people and this is a common problem with these cars from FORD. Why hasnt this been recalled? Ford use to be the BEST on the roads , What happened? I guess they dont care about their reputation anymore.... IM so mad at this car and I cant afford to buy a new transmission my car has 65,000 miles on it. This shouldnt happen, ask any other Car Manufacturer

Filed Oct 18, 2022 · Transmission · 74,870 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled and went into the LIMP mode. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure reoccurred several times while veering to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer; however, the vehicle would not exceed 20 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer diagnosed that the transmission control module (TCM), the transmission clutch assembly, and the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with Ford Customer Satisfaction Program Campaign Number: 14M02 (Transmission Control Module Extended Warranty Coverage). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,870.

Filed Oct 17, 2022 · Transmission · 88,000 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, he heard an abnormal sound, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 30 MPH while driving back to his residence. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the power train module to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the parts were not available. The contact purchased the parts at an auto parts store and brought them back to the dealer. The dealer stated that the computer failed to code the module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

Filed Aug 31, 2022 · Transmission · 112,000 miles · MO

The contact's son owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and was unable to reverse with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Transmission Control Module Extended Warranty Coverage); however, the warranty had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

Filed Aug 31, 2022 · Transmission · 37,520 miles · OK

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and depressing the brake pedal while approaching a traffic light, the vehicle began to shake until the vehicle came to a full stop. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while attempting to make a right turn and depressing on the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to move forward. The contact stated that she turned off the vehicle for a couple of minutes however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that after the 6th attempt, the vehicle restarted but continued to experience the failure. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the clutch and the transmission control module (TCM) to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,520.

Filed Aug 29, 2022 · Transmission · 165,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. Additionally, while the vehicle was changing gear, the vehicle was jerking abnormally. While attempting to reach a safe area, the vehicle stalled twice. The contact was able to restart the vehicle both times however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the Hill Assist warning light and two additional unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while in a safe area, the vehicle failed to restart. The local dealer was contacted and arranged for the vehicle to be towed to their location; however, the contact was unsure if the vehicle had been towed. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stated that the dealer mentioned that the failure might be related to an unknown Technical Service Bulletin for the TCM. The contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty for repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000.

Filed Aug 17, 2022 · Transmission · 60,000 miles · OR

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact initially stated that after making a complete stop, the vehicle would jerk upon the depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where the transmission clutch was replaced. The contact then stated that while driving at 25 MPH, an abnormal noise had emitted from the vehicle as the vehicle stalled out without warning. The contact was able to restart the engine but the vehicle had failed to accelerate. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective PCM(Powertrain Control Module); the contact was also informed that the parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Filed Aug 12, 2022 · Transmission · AZ

2012 ford fiesta. Consumer writes in regard to transmission control module safety recall. The consumer requested an extension on the transmission warranty. As the failure occured prior to the warranty expiration date. The consumer was unable to have the vehicle serviced until after the waranty expired. Also, the vehicle was under the mileage requirement for the failure. The manufacturer was notified.

Filed Jul 11, 2022 · Transmission · GA

According to dealer TCM needs replacing however part is on back order with no ETA. Dealer can install after market TCM but it comes with no warranty. CSP issued by Ford on TCM but have not issued a full recall even though this has been ab issue since 2011 Model. Currently 10 of thousands of parts on back order. Ford needs to stand behind their cars and issue a full recall on this part and cover all repairs. Just recently had to have transmission repaired and not even 3 weeks later the TCM needs to be replaced.

Filed Jun 29, 2022 · Transmission · GA

Transmission malfunction reported on console at around 89,000 miles after care failed to engage in reverse. Took to dealer which resulted in over 5K in repairs to rebuild transmission.

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 Feb 25, 2022 · Transmission · FL

I am writing this email in prayers that I can receive some resolution to the ongoing issues with my 2012 Ford Fiesta. In 2019 I purchased this vehicle through a third party ford dealer in Massachusetts. I have been experiencing issues with the car shutting off since the beginning of purchase such as, slow acceleration and gear slippage. The dealership had my car examined by their service center and replaced spark plugs. Somehow the car passed inspection and was given back to me a couple of weeks later but the issue continued. Unfortunately I was past the 30 day warranty so the dealer would not honor lemon law and any further inspections/ repairs would be my responsibility. The car has had acceleration issues since then despite tuneups, oil changes, battery replacements. I have tried it all. No codes were popping up related to transmission. After relocating to Fort Myers May 2021 I began experiencing more frequent but brief issues with acceleration and stalling. The car was inspected at Ford for a door latch recall. My issues with transmission were reported for Ford but I was advised that I would need another appointment as this is a separate issue and would require a $200 diagnosis fee as well as possible repairs and labor fees. Due to limited income I was discouraged to book this appointment. At that time they were booked out 6 weeks for diagnostic. I researched the codes popping up and discovered a major lawsuit for these very same codes. Upon reaching out to Ford I was told the extended customer satisfaction had expired by 2 months, December 2021. I have tried multiple times to have them rectify the fact that their staff and corporate representatives never made me aware of their fee and repair waivers or settlements I was entitled to. I initially made my complaints to them about the car in September 2021 and was completely dismissed and deceived by their warranty. I was pretty much discouraged with enough time for their extended warranty to expire.

Filed Dec 26, 2021 · Transmission · FL

Car won’t go in reverse. Transmission buckles and shifts violently at times.

Filed Oct 7, 2021 · Transmission · TX

The vehicle is a 2012 Ford Fiesta, purchased on 3/4/2016 by 9/8/2016 I had to have the car repaired for transmission issues. As I was driving to work on the freeway on 9/30/21 I experienced warning lamps from the coolant system and the oil lamp (consistently stayed on since 7/08/21) I exited the freeway, and as soon as I did the vehicle shut off and the gear shifter froze not moving from park to drive or neutral nor would the car start. At this point, I was in the middle of workday traffic and had to get out of my car and put on my safety vest, and direct traffic around my vehicle to keep traffic from lining up right behind the car. Nonetheless I was fortunate that I was able to get off the freeway. I had the vehicle towed to an AAA mechanic who stated the ECM was "shot" and they could not get the vehicle into gear. This caused me to have difficulty getting a tow because the driver could not move the vehicle and a wheel lift had to be used instead of a flatbed tow truck. Multiple times the car was "repaired" at the dealership and since I have a parts warranty I then had the car towed again to the dealership. I found at this time the PCM computer was not communicating with the car allowing it to start. This dealership representative has been the one who worked on the vehicle in the past. At times they were able to reproduce problems or complaints I had regarding stuttering, jerking as if it were going to stall. On 8/7/20, the entire dashboard set of warning lights (engine, oil change reminder, engine oil pressure, power train reduced power) lit up as I was driving the vehicle stuttered jerked, and stalled in the middle of the street. Although I am not a mechanic, I believe the PCM, ECM, and TCM computers are related and cause the car to be unsafe. My fear is the car is a dangerous and unreliable vehicle and I have informed the dealer service representative that I do not wish to repair the vehicle at this time even if I could afford to do so.

Filed Jul 28, 2021 · Locks, Transmission · 105,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 50 mph and coming to a stop, she heard an abnormal sound and the vehicle started shuddering and inadvertently stalled. The "Transmission Failure" message appeared on the instrument panel along with several other unknown warning lights. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission had failed, and the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V331000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). The contact stated the failure reoccurred while driving and the vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed May 24, 2021 · Transmission · NY

I have owned this Fiesta almost two years buying it used. It has shuttering and bucking problems intermittently from a stop-to-go situation. More severe symptoms are approaching a stop sign and/or traffic light and applying the brakes and having the car continue to lurch forward and almost go thru an intersection - where I totally lost control of the car - and had to pull over more than once to shut the car off to stop it. I have spoken to Ford Corporate to please buy the car back from me and crush it so it doesn't wind up on the road again to injure someone. Ford will do nothing. Now, because of the lurching forward and erratic behavior, a Ford dealership did a diagnostic and said I need a new clutch which is the cause of the problem but I am not sure this is the case. Even though Ford admitted they designed a faulty transmission, they will not do a thing to help me out, saying the warranty expired on the clutch and to look down the road, that they may have a recall on it again some day to extend the warranty. I want your organization to know I believe these cars are an accident waiting to happen and should be taken off the road. It is very stressful for me to drive this vehicle knowing at any time I could lose control of it and cause an accident. As it is, because of my experience I now stop almost one and a half car lengths in back of a car when braking so it doesn't lurch forward and I rear end someone. I do not park in front of buildings for the same reason, if the car lurches forward I may go thru the building. I just want to be on the record with my observations of this vehicle.

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 Feb 11, 2021 · Transmission · 113,000 miles · AZ

Transmission fails to operate properly it will not shift into gear and will not start the vehicle without manually shifting through the gears to start the vehicle while driving the computer display reads wait 5 min the transmission is is hot.

Filed Jan 20, 2021 · Brakes, Lights · 75,000 miles · PA

Transmission replaced4 times

Filed Nov 16, 2020 · Transmission · 35 miles · TX

Transmission has failed.

Filed Oct 15, 2020 · Transmission · 85,297 miles · AZ

Car losing acceleration, going into neutral, slipping out of gear, 'while passing a car, vehicle's engine revved up too high and car was not responding while passing a car, almost had a head-on collision

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