2011 Ford Fiesta Owner Complaints

While driving my car with my two little nieces in the backseat, I heard a sound that made me think a wheel was coming off. As long as I was driving straight, the vehicle seemed to be okay. But when I made a turn onto the next road, something broke underneath the car and we began to spin around. It felt like the wheels were rubbing under the floor of the car and we were in the middle of the street. When I got out, I saw the rear wheels were cocked at an angle to the rest of the car. I thank God we weren't on a busy highway where we could have all been killed.

NHTSA ID

11691605

Incident

Jun 18, 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road on several occasions. The vehicle was able to restart after 10 minutes; however, the failure recurred upon resuming driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed. The mechanic related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 15B22 (Transmission Control Module Reprogramming for Overt TCM Failure Warning). The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled for the vehicle to be repaired under Ford Campaign Number: 15B22. The contact stated that upon towing the vehicle to the dealer, the dealer refused to service the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 106,902.

NHTSA ID

11684826

Incident

Aug 27, 2025

Mileage

106,902 mi

I am having issues with the fuse box under the hood. I keep shorting out on my headlights ans AC clutch relay. I've purchased new head lights (bulbs), replaced them and they still didn't work. I checked the fuses after investigation online and they have blown. I had my AC completely fixed and it ran fine for a while, then stopped working. I had it checked and was told the AC relay clutch fuse was loose. I replaced it. Three weeks later it shorted out, again.

NHTSA ID

11678059

Incident

Jul 10, 2024

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving on a main road at 30 MPH, the transmission shifted independently to neutral(N). The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle. The contact shifted to drive(D) and drove to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11677798

Incident

Jul 16, 2025

Mileage

130,000 mi

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure was not duplicated. Additionally, the contact received notification of Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02; however, the dealer informed the contact that there was no indication of transmission failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair could not be covered under an unknown special program or recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the safety failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.

NHTSA ID

11677361

Incident

May 22, 2025

Mileage

144,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11675540

Incident

Apr 24, 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked, and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle stalled while driving. The contact waited for a short while and was able to restart the vehicle. The contact was able to move over to the side of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while attempting to reverse out of a parking space, the vehicle failed to function while in reverse(R). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission PTU had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that recently while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle and waited for a while and was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that while attempting to enter the driveway, the vehicle failed to respond while in reverse(R) and failed to move while in drive(D). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle warranty had expired in March 2025. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 123,000.

NHTSA ID

11675149

Incident

Jul 21, 2023

Mileage

123,000 mi

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated or jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal with the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the shift motor was defective. The contact was informed that the part was covered under warranty and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that after the repair, the check engine warning light returned while leaving the dealer parking lot. The contact continued driving the vehicle and the vehicle entered LIMP Mode while driving to the residence. The vehicle was returned to the dealer the next day and the contact was informed that the transmission control module was defective and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the repair was not covered under warranty and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair; the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 196,489.

NHTSA ID

11671919

Incident

Jun 17, 2025

Mileage

196,489 mi

Door locks keep unlocking and locking as I'm driving. It is very loud. 4 or 5 times as I'm going 35 and 60 mph

NHTSA ID

11665936

Incident

May 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the engine malfunction, ABS, and Hill Assist warning lights were illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed; however, the contact was unaware of the diagnostic result. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same mechanic who again diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken to a local dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the throttle body, engine electrical harness, and engine mounts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred, and the vehicle stalled with white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The contact had not taken the vehicle back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.

NHTSA ID

11631636

Incident

Feb 9, 2024

Mileage

144,000 mi

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the battery was replaced. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond and sputtered. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle the following day, the vehicle failed to start and was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic related the failure to the transmission. The contact was referred to the dealer for an unknown recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for the TCM to be replaced under Ford Campaign Number: 14M02. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the TCM was replaced; however, the dealer informed the contact that the TCM could not be programmed to the transmission clutch. The dealer determined that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

NHTSA ID

11615956

Incident

Jun 23, 2024

Mileage

82,000 mi

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was abnormal corrosion around the wiring harness, causing an electrical fault. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 22N11. 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 105,000.

NHTSA ID

11587871

Incident

May 1, 2024

Mileage

105,000 mi

The car hasn’t been sold since 2021 and I was told there where no issues with the car but it was sold as is it doesn’t start needs a new modem head gaskets maybe and it’s a lot that needs repairing

NHTSA ID

11580696

Incident

Mar 12, 2024

Transmission overheating stopped car

NHTSA ID

11576437

Incident

Mar 10, 2024

This car literally almost got me killed when it suddenly began jerking like I was hitting the brakes while driving or like suddenly downshifting into first if it was a standard which it isn’t. All the dash lights flickered and the gages went up and down right before this happened. It jerks, stalls, lurches and I have literally just parked it and don’t drive it because my children were inside the car when it began doing this on the highway and stalled causing us to almost be hit by a semi when this happened. I had it towed home out of fear of attempting to drive it. You can’t even drive it a few blocks before it begins lurching and jerking. It feels like something to do with the transmission and the traction control light is now on as well.

NHTSA ID

11575112

Incident

Jun 15, 2022

I have a 2011 Ford Fiesta. The vehicle has a really serious issue relating to the fuse box that is mounted under the hood. This issue has a recall and I scheduled it for service at the Ford dealer in bryan, ohio. (Bryan Ford) I have issues with this vehicle that make it extremely unsafe for me and my family to drive. The headlights randomly go out while driving, both passenger and drivers side are affected by this. The doors will not lock and I have no horn now either, making us a target for car jacking. About a month before I found out there was a recall for this I hit a racoon and it knocked off the plastic wheel cover. After I took it in to have the recall fixed Bryan Ford refused to repair this recall due to the missing plastic. I believe my family and I are going to be seriously injured in this vehicle because of the electrical problems related to the recalled fusebox. I blow a headlight approximately once a week and the fuses blow constantly. I believe they do not want to fix this because it is a very time consuming repair that they feel isn't worth thier time. The anxiety I have while driving this car after dark is excruciating and i feel that my families lives are worth the time for this repair. Is this legal for them to decline a known and well documented safety issue related to the fuse box in this vehicle? Perhaps a buy back should be recalled since this does make the vehicle a serious Hazzard to anyone on the road including my family.

NHTSA ID

11564159

Incident

Aug 8, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle was slow to start. The vehicle started after several attempts. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the clutch needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to reverse or shift into park after the TCM was replaced. While depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop. The manufacturer was contacted, and informed the contact there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 155,567.

NHTSA ID

11561838

Incident

Jun 1, 2023

Mileage

155,567 mi

The car lurches, and hops during acceleration. I came to a stop one morning, and it would NOT move at first. I just bought this car a week ago. I had a test done and the solenoids in the transmission are stuck on.

NHTSA ID

11560247

Incident

Dec 14, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly shuddered before inadvertently losing motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was 56,000.

NHTSA ID

11557413

Incident

Sep 15, 2023

Mileage

56,000 mi

See attached document from complainant

NHTSA ID

11551016

Incident

Jul 13, 2023

The low beam headlights do not turn on, all the other lights work as normal including the high beams. The fuses have not blown and there are no warning lamps or messages. This is a known problem with this make and model, there is a recall in Canada for this issue. The safety of others is put at extreme risk in any kind of low light condition (fog, rain, etc.) As well as my own safety by not being able to see in front of me. It is illegal to drive with high beams on in residential areas so I am just unable to drive at night. The vehicle has not been inspected yet. I suspect this is related to the design of the fuse box which allows debris and moisture to get into the relays, again, see the Canadian recall.

NHTSA ID

11545607

Incident

Sep 17, 2023

On 7/5/22 my Fiesta came to a dead stop while I was driving. It was towed to our local garage and tested for a faulty Transmission Control Module. After waiting over a year for the part Haldeman Ford in Kutztown , Pa claims the Transmission Control Module is not testing as faulty.

NHTSA ID

11533359

Incident

Jul 5, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID

11528161

Incident

Apr 15, 2023

I purchased the car at a buy here, pay here. I drove off the lot with a picture of an engine on my dashboard. I drove my vehicle for 6 months with it feeling like it was jerking. I had trouble excelling. It was stall at stop signs and red lights. I broke down at a red light. When I turned the car on, it would not move from park. It was Stuck and so was I on the highway at a light. It took 15 hours for triple A to arrive. I tried to move the car off the road the best I could but it would not shift into Neutral. I had the car sent back to the lot where I make my payments to. They sent my car to a transmission shop. They said the transmission was a double shifting transmission and the control module has 4. There are 77,000 on back order for this part. I assumed that the dealership would put me in a new vehicle but they are refusing to. With the part being on back order, this recall can not be fixed for a long time. Don’t they need to put me in a vehicle until the one I pay for is fixed? They told me I need to put another down payment on a new car. I thought that recalls of any sort must be fixed and if they don’t get it fixed, they have to put me in a different vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11527123

Incident

May 17, 2023

Upon acceleration from a stop the transmission seriously shutters and stalls the vehicles engine seriously putting the occupants life and safety at risk as well as others. I also noticed that the vehicle shutters badly at speeds 3mph through 25mph bucking and stalling the engine all the way through making driving the vehicle a real danger and threat to the safety of others on the road. This is a serious and dangerous situation I’ve been placed in and by this vehicle being my only source of transportation endangers my life and safety and the safety of others on the road due to the stalling and hesitation upon entering traffic it’s deadly. Weather conditions also contribute to the life threatening dangers while traveling. Vehicle has not been inspected by a certified technician due to to my extended hours of required employment with no other source of transportation yet I am more than willing to get a free inspection by a Ford Facility. Yes there is a yellow check engine light on the dashboard that was never present up until the shuttering and stalling started 3 to 4 months ago. Please update me with any solutions you may have ASAP to address this urgent and faulty issue, this is of great importance and safety concern. It has been brought to my attention that a article dated July 18, 2019 in the Detroit Free Press states “Ford is aware of this problem yet still put the vehicle into production and sent a memo to its dealers advising them to address the issue and customers concerns and repair the Known Problem free of charge. Please reach out and instruct me with this Known Ford Problem so that we can resolve this ASAP.

NHTSA ID

11526239

Incident

Mar 6, 2023