Ford Fiesta loss of power problems

Filed Oct 21, 2026 · Engine · TN

I am reporting a severe safety defect regarding a sudden loss of motive power caused by the internal oil pump drive 'wet belt' system on my 2016 Ford Fiesta SE 1.0L EcoBoost (Manual Transmission). While driving, the vehicle's engine oil pressure warning light illuminated. Shortly thereafter, the vehicle suffered a sudden and severe loss of engine power, dropping speed drastically on a public roadway. This sudden loss of throttle response and speed placed me and surrounding traffic at a severe risk of a rear-end collision. This exact mechanical failure mode—where the oil pump drive belt degrades, strips its teeth, and clogs the oil pickup screen—is identical to the defect described in Ford Safety Recall 23S64 (the federal safety agency Campaign 23V905000). However, because my vehicle is a manual transmission model, Ford has excluded my VIN from the active safety recall. This manual configuration shares the identical defective 'wet belt' component design and poses the exact same 'unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety' currently under active the federal safety agency evaluation. I am requesting that the federal safety agency force Ford to expand Safety Recall 23S64 to include manual transmission 1.0L models to ensure consumer safety and vehicle remediation.

Filed Dec 19, 2025 · Transmission · 131,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was a loud rattling sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle experienced a loss of power and decelerated. The vehicle was driven to a nearby service station. After restarting the vehicle and shifting to drive(D), the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 131,000.

Filed Nov 5, 2025 · Transmission · 75,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost power with the message "Transmission Hot Wait 5 Minutes" displayed on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where the mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a defective dual transmission clutch. The contact was informed that although the transmission could be repaired, the failure might likely return, and the mechanic could not warranty the repair. The contact called several other transmission shops and was provided the same information. Despite the initial repair, the contact stated that the failure returned approximately 15,000-20,000 miles later. The vehicle was taken to back to the independent mechanic where the transmission was replaced another time. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle related to the transmission. Despite the most recent repair, the contact was certain that the failure would return. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

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 Oct 25, 2025 · Engine · ID

This vehicle has experienced the exact issue of a Ford recall for other model year fiestas. The oil pump belt has experienced premature wear and failure, leading to a sudden loss of power. My local Ford dealer says that this vehicle should have been included in Ford recall #23S64 and that I should report this to the federal safety agency to document and hopefully expand the recall to all years that result in this issue.

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 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 Jun 17, 2025 · Transmission · MD

Symptoms: No-start condition (wouldn't crank w/o jump); delayed or harsh shifting; lost power (stalled going up tiny hill). Warning lights: transmission malfunction - service now; check engine light. Our symptoms and warning lights are consistent with Ford's Fiesta Transmission Control Module recall, however the VIN for our car is not part of the original recall. We meet all of Ford's recall eligibility criteria: reported before June 30, 2025; vehicle is less than 10 years old; vehicle has fewer than 150,000 miles. By virtue of the symptoms, warning lights and meeting Ford's other criteria strongly suggest our VIN should be included in the recall.

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 May 8, 2025 · Acceleration, Electrical · VA

The vehicle has experienced ongoing failures with the DPS6 PowerShift transmission system. Symptoms included slipping between gears, failure to engage 6th gear, jerky shifting, and bucking during acceleration. A transmission warning light appeared multiple times. These issues occurred daily and worsened over time. Eventually, the vehicle became unsafe to drive—it would over-rev, buck violently, and lose power during traffic conditions. A retired Ford Senior Master Technician confirmed the issue is consistent with a faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM), which is covered under Ford’s Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) 14M02. Despite this, the dealership refused to replace the TCM. Instead, they replaced a speed sensor and returned it to me. The vehicle broke down again within minutes and had to be returned. The dealership has now suggested dropping the transmission for further inspection at a cost of $2,500, rather than honoring CSP 14M02. They also encouraged me to trade in the vehicle instead of repairing it. The TCM failure has not been resolved, and the vehicle remains unsafe to drive.