Ford Fiesta engine failure problems

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Brakes · 65,400 miles · NC

The contact owned a 2019 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, there was an abnormal burning odor on the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with ABS control modular failure. The contact was informed that during the production of the vehicle, the manufacturer used brake fluid which caused the brake pads to swell and corrode. The contact was informed that the front and rear brake pads and rotors had seized. The contact was informed that the failure was a fire risk. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The contact agreed to a voluntary buy back. The failure mileage was approximately 65,400.

Filed Apr 30, 2026 · Engine · MO

I have taken the vehicle to 2 auto places both have confirmed it has engine failure. It only has 140,000 miles

Filed Jul 23, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · OH

I am reporting a serious mechanical and safety issue involving my 2011 Ford Fiesta. After receiving a partially state-funded engine replacement in June 2025, my vehicle began experiencing serious transmission problems shortly after. Within a month, it went into limp mode multiple times, and warning lights appeared: the wrench light, incline warning, and “Transmission Malfunction – Service Now” messages. A diagnostic scan revealed multiple DTCs related to the Transmission Control Module (TCM), Input/Output Shaft Speed Sensors, and Clutch A disengagement (P286F) — which I understand are linked to known issues with this model’s transmission. These failures make the car dangerous to drive. The vehicle has lost power unexpectedly, putting me at risk of an accident. I’ve also been told by the repair shop that I may now need a new transmission and/or TCM, despite just receiving a major engine repair. I am unable to afford another large repair and this situation has severely impacted my ability to travel safely. I am requesting an investigation into the Ford Fiesta’s transmission problems and to confirm whether this should have been covered by a recall or warranty extension. I want to also add that my transmission clutch was repaired by Ford only 2 years ago. Please advise if this falls under known manufacturer defects or safety bulletins, and whether Ford Motor Company can be held responsible for the faulty transmission and associated safety risks.

Filed Jul 11, 2025 · Brakes · 75,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed over a pothole, the vehicle made a clunking sound, and the front passenger’s side wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the front brake system had melted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the brake pads had previously been replaced a year before the failure. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V629000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. 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 75,000.

Filed May 10, 2025 · Engine · VA

•Make: Ford •Model: Fiesta ST •Model Year: 2019 •Engine: 1.6L EcoBoost •Mileage at Incident: 95000 Component Affected: Engine / Cooling System Summary of Problem: Coolant is leaking into the combustion chamber of my 1.6L EcoBoost engine due to a suspected internal engine defect. This issue caused noticeable white smoke from the exhaust, engine misfires, and a loss of power while driving. The coolant loss was not visible externally, indicating internal leakage. After diagnostic testing at a Ford dealership, I was informed the engine block or cylinder head is compromised, allowing coolant intrusion into the cylinders. The dealer quoted approximately $12,000 for a full engine replacement and confirmed that this is a known issue with Ford EcoBoost engines. Safety Concerns: The vehicle became unreliable and unsafe to drive, especially at highway speeds, due to the misfiring and sudden power loss. If this failure had occurred during certain driving conditions, it could have led to an accident. Furthermore, the cost of repair is unreasonably high for a systemic engine defect not caused by consumer neglect. Request for Investigation: This appears to be part of a broader, well-documented problem with various EcoBoost engines across Ford’s lineup ( TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 19-2346 2.0L EcoBoost - Coolant In Cylinders, White Exhaust Smoke And/Or Illuminated MIL). I am submitting this complaint in hopes that the federal safety agency will investigate the safety implications of this engine defect and push for accountability from Ford through recalls or reimbursement programs.

Filed Aug 19, 2024 · Transmission · 132,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering. The contact stated that previously it was difficult to shift out of park(P). Additionally, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The message "Turn Vehicle Off - Transmission Overheating" and "Transmission Malfunction - Service Now" were temporarily displayed. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch pads had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

Filed Dec 21, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · NV

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH the engine began to smoke. The engine light was illuminated at the time of the failure. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The engine was replaced. The contact then stated that 4 months after while driving the contact was depressing the accelerator and the vehicle would not pass 5 MPH. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The dealer was contacted and stated that next appointment was 2 months wait. The manufacture was not contacted. The failure milage was 86000. VIN tool confirmed no open recalls.

Filed Jun 21, 2023 · Electrical · MI

The vehicle engine has periodically stopped due to a known issue with the fuse box. The same known issue has also affected the headlights and while the engine failure has led to possible safety issues with vehicle control and potential dangerous situations where the vehicle has stopped in high traffic areas, the most significant danger is with the lighting malfunctioning during night driving.

Filed Jan 3, 2023 · Engine · CT

2014 Ford Fiesta ST engine failure due to known issue with engine block design. I had an extended warranty on the vehicle that was purchased with the vehicle from Key Chevrolet in Middletown. After experiencing a piston flutter, I took the vehicle to them under the warranty for repair, however, they could not locate the problem and recommended that I visit a Ford dealer. (9/2/22) Prior to the failure I attempted to have a recall repair performed with multiple ford dealerships throughout the state (Tasca, Monaco, Gengras, Dowling) and was told that they cannot currently get the parts to perform the repair. (Sep 2022) I contacted a recall rep after the failure and I was told it would be 4-6 weeks before a dealer could even look at it and that I could have a private mechanic (I chose to take it to Firestone in Middletown) repair and apply for reimbursement through the recall. I chose that route, however, after $1500 in work, Firestone said that the head was warped too badly & the piston walls were pitted and the engine couldn't be repaired, it needed to be replaced. After contacting both a rep at the Ford Recall center & the service department at Monaco Ford - I was told that towing the vehicle in a mid-repair state to the dealership was acceptable. Firestone did ask if they needed to put the engine back together, and I specifically called and asked, now this is the reason they are denying the claim. Ford has issued recalls for this issue, but refuses to correct the issue with my vehicle because it arrived in a mid-repair state - please see attached emails with executive customer service.

Filed Dec 16, 2022 · Engine · NH · 4 injuries

Catastrophic Engine Failure due to the manufacturer's recommendation and use of conventional motor oils in the form of Synthetic Blend Motor Oil or Super Premium Motor Oil, a specification WSS-M2C945-B1 , from the 2019 Ford Fiesta Owner Manual. It leaves the driver and occupants stranded in the middle of the road with an inoperable vehicle. Being a small 4 cylinder engine the engine is high revving and produces sludge. Whereas if the manufacturer recommended Full Synthetic oil as the car parts store do as part of the oils usable for that specific model. There would have been no engine failure as occurred with my vehicle on 11/22/2022. No sludge would form in the engine. Because synthetic oil is proven not produce any sludge in an engine. I believe a recall should result in the manufacturer recommending full synthetic in the owner manual and engine oil be replaced by dealer service to full synthetic as well as engine work be done due to damage from conventional oil.