2012 FORD FIESTA Recalls, Complaints & Safety

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.

The drivers side door latch will not latch, the door will swing open because the latch is defective. I have seen that this is a common issue with this vehicle and has been recalled on other 2012 ford fiestas but mine has not been.

The door latches have a safety recall and needs to be fixed or observed to ensure proper road safety. In addition I cannot move onto my vehicle registration renewal until this recall is repaired. I do not see any visible malfunction but the doors do have to slam shut to ensure they are properly closed. No individuals have been put at risk. The problem has not been confirmed by a dealer or service center, nor inspected by any party. No warning signals, signs or lights appeared on the car telling me about the particular issue or area with issue.

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.

1 injured

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.

1 injured

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.

1 injured

My car has had transmission issues since I purchased the car, and the problems has gotten worse and now the car is not drivable. I have purchased parts after parts and still the problem. I have reached out to the company numerous times, and reached out to programs. Iam stuck without a car now.What do I need to do

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.

While driving along the transmission slipped into neutral and would not move forward.Could have been hit from behind.

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.

My brakes on my ford fiesta are not giving me enough pressure to stop on time , which is an hazard. The master cylinder and calipers have been replaced and my brakes are still not working properly and safely. The brake pads have been replaced , the rotors as well and nothing is still working. I’ve been driving like this for more than 6 months and it’s a hazard. I’ve taken it to different mechanics , etc nothing still not working. When pressing the brakes it’s no pressure and I have to mash it all the way to the ground which still feels Iike it does not want to stop for me.

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.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle began to vibrate violently, after which the contact observed white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact also stated that there was a coolant odor throughout the interior of the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The overheating and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

Air bag light on intermittently, then recently it's been continuously on

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.

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

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

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the low-beam headlights became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the USB port was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with corrosion and a fractured pin. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while attempting to activate the headlights, the headlights failed to respond. The contact stated that several attempts were needed for the headlights to become operable. However, the failure reoccurred, and the low-beam headlights failed to function as needed. The contact checked the high-beam headlights and the high-beam headlights functioned properly. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 19B22 - Corrosion due to road salts in the Battery Junction Box (Electrical System, Visibility). The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.

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.

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.

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.

Nothing

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.

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

Car TCM blew and Leif Johnson refusing to schedule repairs with loaner car for fix.

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.

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 NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 108,000. The VIN was not available.

Incident= on February 15, 2023 While vehicle is in drive, upon stopping going up a slight hill, the vehicle started rolling backwards.I did not do anything except slow down/stop. It failed to engage in any gear after it started sliding back, including reverse to try to get me out of traffic ( the gear shifter was just sliding without resistance) except park for almost 15 minutes. My mother and my dog were in the car with me at this time. We were also in the left lane of traffic/ during moderate traffic. The car is an automatic. The vehicle finally engaged in low gear and I was able to drive 10mph to get home. Mechanic, the next morning, stated that my transmission is slipping/not engaging properly. He also advised against driving. And, gave me a really long list of diagnostic codes pertaining to my transmission. My check engine light is also on, now. My check engine light has been going on and off for a few weeks because my catalytic converter is starting to go out, but was off until this incident. I do have the list of diagnostic codes from the mechanic. My vehicle is not driveable because I can't guarantee that it will get me from point A to point B without slipping out of gear again and putting my life and other drivers on the road in harm's way.

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

2012 ford fiesta check engine light on codes reading o2 sensors, catalytic intake, misfires, fuel injection, etc. I have had my fiesta at 3 mechanics all very known for there reliability all diagnosing it different issue recommending me to go to dealership which I was turned away because the recalls for the vehicle isn’t an issue for any of the possible diagnostics. Single mother of 3 now no vehicle, no money and no way of providing without transportation. Less than 150,000 Miles owned less than two years and the amount of money put into the vehicle ford should be ashamed. Shuddering and accelerating issue was told clutch and transmission issue but no help or actual known diagnosis since ford won’t diagnose the suspected diagnosis from any of the mechanics I have taken the vehicle to and they can’t for sure diagnose it until ford confirms the diagnosis since this is a known issue. They also sent me two recalls but refused to fix the recalls because I wasn’t 100% sure my vehicle needed the repair and threatened to charge me 150 diagnostic charge for the recall after I already poured my heart out to them about the issue I can’t seem to even get repaired due to there lack of care care as a manufacturer

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while attempting to close the doors, the four doors failed to latch properly. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to be repaired; however, while driving off the lot, the contact became aware that the radio was inoperable, and the brake pedal was firm and difficult to depress. The vehicle was not taken back to the dealer. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000. The VIN was unavailable.

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.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH at night, the low-beam headlights stopped working. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he engaged in the high-beam headlights and continued driving. The contact, who is an electrician, diagnosed that the relay that controlled the low-beam headlights was corroded in the battery junction box. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that he had to pay out of pocket for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 19B22. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

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

Transmission malfunction

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.

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

2012 FORD FIESTA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE DOOR LATCH. THE CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR REPAIRS AND INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

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.

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.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the headlights failed to illuminate. The contact stated that later while driving, they then illuminated independently. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure became recurrent and the low beam headlights no longer illuminated and only the high beam headlights illuminated. The vehicle had not yet been taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnosis or repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed that the diagnosis and repairs were the contact's responsibility and he was advised to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.