2014 Ford Fiesta: complete transmission failure

Filed Aug 5, 2025 · Transmission · OK

I’m reporting a failure with the Transmission Control Module (TCM) in my 2014 Ford Fiesta. The vehicle has exhibited consistent issues tied to the known PowerShift DPS6 transmission defect: including gear slipping, delayed acceleration, hesitation, and sudden loss of power while driving—particularly dangerous during intersections or merging situations. Ford previously issued Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02 to address this issue, but I was told my VIN is no longer eligible due to build date. I also requested coverage under Ford’s one-time TCM replacement extension announced in 2023, which was meant to support customers outside the 10-year window through June 30, 2025—but I was denied this assistance as well. I’ve opened a formal case with Ford Customer Relationship Center under reference number CXH05170436-N7Z6Z1, after being denied support for a documented transmission control module failure. These symptoms present a clear safety risk, and the refusal to support a documented transmission failure—even under goodwill— I hope this will be reconsidered for safety investigation.

Filed Jul 7, 2025 · Transmission · NC

Vehicle presented to A&T Auto Repair with rotation-dependent clunking sound. This clunking started after loud metallic snapping noise occurred while coasting in gear on a flat surface. Mechanic noted that clunking noise came from the transaxle. Once the transmission fluid was drained, metallic grit and large chunks resembling gear teeth were found in fluid. A replacement transaxle was installed, along with a new "clutch kit" containing flywheel, pressure plate, and slave cylinder. Following installation and engine start up, slave cylinder leaked, prompting the order of new parts and replacement labor. According to Mechanic, four different slave cylinders from two separate manufacturers leaked in the same fashion upon engine startup, due to a "locking" malfunction of the slave cylinder. The recurrent nature of the parts failure seems to indicate a deficiency in part design that causes a fluid leak, possibly endangering driver and passengers in the event of a transmission failure.

Filed Oct 24, 2023 · Transmission · 122,000 miles · CO

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. Several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that he waited for several minutes to restart the vehicle after which the warning lights turned off; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialist where the contact was informed that the vehicle was included in Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M01 and 14M02 and advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed, and that the transmission and the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was included in the Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 but not included in Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M01. The contact was then provided a case number and referred to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

Filed Nov 28, 2021 · Transmission · MD

At the time of this complaint, the Ford Fiesta that's the subject of this complaint has received 1 whole new transmission and 1 TCM replacement within 2.5 years. The first two times there were warning lights, but now no warnings are showing. To put this issue into perspective, I have only owned this car for 2.5 years, and it was purchased from a dealership used (however the dealership never mentioned the rampant transmission issues or informed me of the recent lawsuits about the Ford Fiesta). The replacement of the TCM was completed on September 16, 2021. This repair took a month to complete. Now, after being repaired for a mere 2 months, the car is exhibiting the exact same behaviors as both previous occurrences. Both previous repairs were completed by professionals, and should have fixed the issue. However, the transmission issues continue to reoccur. At this point, the car has become a major safety concern. The transmission issues are becoming extremely frequent after the "repairs" and "replacements", and are sudden in occurrence while driving. There is no warning the gear will slip into what seems to be "neutral", or that it will fail to accelerate. Additionally, the car will randomly fail to respond to gas pedal presses, especially at intersections or on hills. I fear that this car is dangerous to drive, as the issues are so sudden in nature. I have tried to settle the issue with Ford directly, but they have ignored me every step of the way. At one point, they said they would try to start a buy-back process, but then refused to return my follow-up calls.

Filed Aug 5, 2021 · Transmission · TX

While I was driving on the interstate I was needing to shift into 5th gear, but it wouldn’t take the shift. I had to drive in the lower gears and it caused backup because I was on a toll road but couldn’t pick up speed. When I got to my destination, I realized I no longer had reverse. Mechanic says the transmission needs to be replaced bc it’s too expensive and difficult to fix, but we can’t find a transmission to fix it. He said he got it to go into 5th and reverse, but they don’t work.

Filed Apr 3, 2020 · Transmission · 137,164 miles · WV

The bearings in the transmission need replaced. The transmission makes a roaring noise.

Filed Aug 23, 2019 · Transmission · 48,000 miles · GA

Major problems in my 2014 ford fiesta with the dps6 dual clutch transmission. At times you cannot get it to shift out of first gear. Very dangerous when you cannot get you car to go above 20 MPH because it is stuck in first. Tach is hitting 7000 RPM's because you can't get it to shift. You have to keep slowing and accelerating until it finally shifts. Then the other major problem is when you shift to park it really is not in park. A warning light comes on the dash and warns the car is not in park even though I have parked and taken the key out. If I am on a slope the car will start rolling. You have to set the parking brake because there is no reliable way to get it to go into park. I have this is a know issue with these transmissions. Thousands of people have ongoing problems similar to mine. I have already taken the car to ford once where they replaced the transmission control module. Within 2 months the same things were happening again.

Filed Aug 14, 2019 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2014 ford fiesta. While driving 40 MPH on an incline, the vehicle failed to accelerate. Also, while at a complete stop, the vehicle abruptly jerked and gradually accelerated when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact refrained from driving highways speeds out of concern that the vehicle would lose acceleration and crash. Wyatt johnson ford (646 thompson lane, nashville, tn 37204, 615‑244‑3615) was contacted and diagnosed that the clutch and transmission failed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Aug 1, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 46,000 miles · CA · crash · 1 injury

I leased the car through my bank on may 5th 2016 with just over 35,000 miles. Two months into that the car didn't start and all electronic lights were flickering. It displayed transmission malfunction. I towed the car to a big ford repair shop. They said it needed a new transmission update and a new clutch. They took care of it. This has happened seven (7) times since I got the car may 2016. Pretty much every four months. It is completely inconvenient and costly. I have also been having problems with the evap fuel components. I have a check engine light on now and it needs to be serviced. The last time I got a transmission update from ford was in march 2019. My car now barely has 66,200 miles so it's very disappointing the amount of work and transmission issues I've had to deal with. I still owe $4,800 on the car. I leased it for $12,000. I am hoping I am able to get some help or some kind of compensation for dealing with the issues for years. I traded in a good working jeep to get this car because I thought it would be good on gas and economical. This is my first ford car. I will probably never buy another ford car. I wouldn't want to get burned again. Thank you for your time.

Filed Jul 23, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 68,480 miles · FL

Takata recall my A/C started to fail with no warning. After putting my car in park, smoke started to rise from the roof and a dark color liquid (perhaps oil) started to leak from underneath the car. I took the vehicle into the ford dealership, and they concluded the coolant was low and it might have caught contact with the engine, causing it to smoke. This initial conclusion from the ford dealership than LED to them claiming; the tubes had a hole, the fan needed to be replaced, and the belt was heat damaged. I purchased the vehicle in cash from the ford dealership as used, but a "ford certified" car; meaning it went through a rigorous 172 point inspection where they examine the cars coolant, engine, transmission, breaks, etc. However, this is far from the truth because months after purchasing my ford certified vehicle the transmission blew out and ford had to replace/fix it for free. I've only owned the car for a year and a half, and I've already have had two major car problems! I requested for a buyback and ford says they aren't able to do so. I am frustrated that I paid for this ford certified vehicle in cash, just to be duped. My make and model has been reported to have both coolant and transmission problems, I believe my car has both these issues. In conclusion, I have been sold a vehicle that is falsely advertised and a danger on the road, with little to no help from the ford dealership.

Filed Jun 24, 2019 · Transmission · 47,000 miles · IL

After 45000 miles the clutch pedal started to get stuck on occasion. At 47000 miles the transmission failed with the clutch pedal stuck all the way down in traffic and the transmission was leaking fluid. It ended up being the slave cylinder that needed replacing. Given that I do not drive a lot this failed outside of warranty while many other have gotten it replaced under warranty as it appears to fail on 2014 models between 40000 and 50000 miles.

Filed Jan 7, 2019 · Transmission · 75,000 miles · NY

I was driving on a road, approaching a 4way intersection; the car engine stopped. The screen stated transmission failure. Service immediately. My car restarted and the screen cleared. I proceeded on and within approximately 100 yards the screen repeated the transmission message. I then turned around to return to my home as the dealer was closed. I attempted to contact ford motor company. But it was sunday. Monday I again called and was told that I had extended coverage on the transmission, to take it to the dealer. I have had repeated work on this vehicle's transmission since I purchased it in 2015. I have not been charged for these repairs, but the inconvenience and the potential for failure of the vehicle have not been addressed. I had slid through the intersection when the car came to a stop. Luckily there was no oncoming traffic.