2011 Ford Fiesta Electrical Problems

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

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

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 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

Transmission overheating stopped car

NHTSA ID

11576437

Incident

Mar 10, 2024

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 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

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

In 2019 the Ford Fiesta refused to crank, key in the ignition the cars dash would light up, but the only sound produced was a small tick. After several unsuccessful visits to the mechanic, we finally took it to the Ford dealership and it was discovered that the TCM needed to be reprogrammed or replaced, after getting it replaced, for no charge, we no longer experienced the cranking issue. Apparently, the Ford dealership was aware of the recall but this information was left out upon purchase from CarMax. This information was not listed on this site either. I'm reporting this issue so that the next owner of the vehicle won't be surprised and devastated like we were.

NHTSA ID

11481706

Incident

Jun 26, 2020

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH at night he was informed that the exterior rear lights were not working. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with junction box electrical failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 183,968.  Lights stopped working inside, the rear exterior lights, and then the front lights. Ford reports VIN is not part of the recall, but consumer's vehicle has the exact same issue as the other ones. Diagnosed with corrosion from dealership.

NHTSA ID

11457730

Incident

Mar 19, 2022

Mileage

183,968 mi

Interior lighting stopped working. Rear lights stopped working and then front lights stopped working. There is a known recall on this, but Ford states it doesn’t include my VIN. However, when you go to the recall it shows the exact same issue with corrosion in the fuse junction box. Bill Estes Ford diagnosed it as corrosion of fuses in that box. Ford won’t work with me even though this is a known issue with 2011,2012,2013 Fiesta’s.I was almost rear ended not knowing my rear lights were not working in the dark.

NHTSA ID

11457384

Incident

Mar 1, 2021

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle would not start, and the transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

NHTSA ID

11433050

Incident

Sep 7, 2021

Mileage

92,000 mi

TOOK CAR TO MECHANIC TO HAVE O2 SENSORS REPLACED AT TIME OF OIL CHANGE. AUTO SHOP COMPLETED OIL CHANGE AND CHANGED O2 SENSORS, RESET CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, BUT THEN CAR WOULDN'T START. MECHANIC REASSESSED, FOUND BLOWN FUSES IN FUSE BOX, NOTING DIRT IN FUSE BOX AND CORROSION. CAR WAS TOWED TO FORD DEALERSHIP FOR FURTHER DIAGNOSTICS AS AUTO SHOP STATED THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING FOR FORD ECU. FORD RAN DETAILED DIAGNOSTICS TO AGAIN FIND THAT DIRT AND CORROSION IN FUSE BOX LED TO MALFUNCTIONING AND CAR NOT STARTING.

NHTSA ID

11404028

Incident

Mar 17, 2021

MY HEADLIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT AND I KEEP CHANGES THE FUSES. IT LASTS FOR ABOUT A MONTH, THEN HAPPENS AGAIN. IT'S THE FUSE BOX. IF CANADA CAN HAVE A RECALL ON THIS, BECAUSE YOU NEED HEADLIGHTS TO DRIVE, IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE. WHY CAN'T THE UNITED STATES RECALL THESE CARS AND FIX THEM. WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE. CANADA CARES MORE ABOUT THERE PEOPLE'S SAFETY THEN THE UNITED STATES. IS THAT RIGHT. I WAS DRIVING THE CAR. IT HAPPENED YESTERDAY FEBRUARY 9, 2021.

NHTSA ID

11395535

Incident

Feb 9, 2021

Mileage

2 mi

TROUBLE WITH DASH LIGHTS, SEAT HEATERS, TRACTION CONTROL CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND BATTERY LIGHT ALL ON. FUSE BOX COMPLETELY CORRODED EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED IN CANADIAN RECALL OF FUSE BOXES ON 2011 FIESTAS, I AM IN U.S. $1200 INTO ATTEMPTING TO SOLVE PROBLEM, STILL WILL NEED TO REPLACE FUSE BOX COSTING HUNDREDS MORE.

NHTSA ID

11383709

Incident

Dec 16, 2020

Mileage

90,000 mi

CAR WON'T START DUE TO ELECTRICAL ISSUES IN BATTERY JUNCTION BOX. TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND STOPS ENGAGING WHEN DRIVING DUE TO ELECTRICAL ISSUES IN THE BATTERY JUNCTION BOX. CAR STALLS WHEN DRIVING DUE TO ELECTRICAL ISSUES IN THE BATTERY JUNCTION BOX. ISSUES HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING IN CITY TRAFFIC, ALMOST WAS HIT FROM BEHIND AT A LIGHT WHEN THE CAR STALLED. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD FALL UNDER CUSTOMER PROGRAM 17B16, STATING: REASON FOR THIS PROGRAM IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, AN OPENING BETWEEN THE BJB AND ITS COVER COULD ALLOW WATER AND DEBRIS CONTAINING ROAD DE-ICING SALTS TO ENTER INTO THE BJB. THIS COULD RESULT IN CORROSION INSIDE THE BJB FOR VEHICLES OPERATED EXTENSIVELY IN US CORROSION STATES. CORROSION IN THE BJB MAY CAUSE A VARIETY OF SYMPTOMS INCLUDING LOSS OF FUNCTION OF EXTERIOR LIGHTS, VEHICLE STALL, VEHICLE NO START, OR LOSS OF FUNCTION OF INTERIOR LIGHTS. I CALLED AND WAS GIVEN CASE NUMBER CAS-27331475 AND THEY TOLD ME MY VIN WAS NOT AFFECTED, BUT OBVIOUSLY IT IS. PLEASE HELP MAKE THIS RIGHT.

NHTSA ID

11348614

Incident

May 20, 2020

ON JULY 8TH 2020 MYSELF AND MY NEPHEW WAS IN MY CAR AFTER GROCERY SHOPPING DOING ABOUT 70 MILES PER HOUR ON THE FREEWAY A DOOR POPPED OPEN ALL FOUR DOORS THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THAT I HAD THIS RECALL FIX MY NEPHEW ALMOST FELL OUT THE CAR FORD IS VERY AWARE THEY SENT AROUND AN INTERNAL EMAIL AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR ABOUT JANUARY ABOUT THE DOORS POPPING OPEN EVEN AFTER BEING FIXED AND THEY DID NOT ALERT THE PUBLIC MY TRANSMISSION IS CAUSING PROBLEMS AGAIN MY TRANSMISSION AND MY CLUTCH AND OTHER PARTS OF THE TRANSMISSION HAVE BEEN FIXED MORE THAN 32 TIMES THE CAR IS LITERALLY A DEATHMOBILE FORD SO THIS CAR KNOWING THAT ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS COULD HAPPEN I ALMOST DIED IN THIS CAR I AM AFRAID TO PICK THE CAR UP FROM FIVE STAR FORD NORTH RICHLAND HILLS PLEASE HELP ME FORD SHOULD HAVE TO RETURN MY $15,226 I PAID FOR THIS CAR BRAND NEW MY CAR HAS LESS THAN 60,000 MILES ON IT MY CAR STILL LOOKS BRAND-NEW MY CAR RARELY GETS DRIVEN THIS CAR IS SCARY I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT THE DOORS CONTINUE TO POP OPEN WHILE YOU'RE DRIVING PLEASE HELP ME I CAN BE REACHED AT [XXX] MY IS [XXX] PLEASE HELP ME MY CAR IS AT NORTH RICHLAND HILLS FIVE STAR FORD RIGHT NOW AND FORD IS REFUSING TO PAY FOR THE CLUTCH TO BE FIXED AGAIN THEY KNEW THAT THIS CLASS WAS BAD THING WITH THE TRANSMISSION WAS BAD THEY KNEW THAT THE COMPUTER SYSTEM AFTER 30,000 MILES WOULD FORCE THE DOORS TO KEEP POPPING OPEN THEY KNEW THIS FORD SHOULD BE PUNISHED FOR DOING THIS THINK ABOUT HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ON THE HIGHWAY IN THIS CAR ME AND MY NEPHEW COULD HAVE DIED I AM TRAUMATIZED REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC

NHTSA ID

11341040

Incident

Jul 9, 2020

Mileage

5,874 mi

THE PAST TWO DAYS MY CAR HAS BEEN ACTING UP SERIOUSLY, THE CAR DOESN'T WANT TO GO IN REVERSE AT ALL, THE FAN WON'T WORK.THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COME ON EVERY TIME YOU TURN ON THE CAR. WHEN YOU MESS WITH THE FUSE BOX THE CAR STARTS WORKING FINE. THE FAN SMOKES LIKE NO OTHER SO YOU HAVE TO TAKE THE RELAY OUT. THE CAR ALSO DELAYS WHEN GEARS ARE CHANGING. *TR

NHTSA ID

11327031

Incident

Jun 1, 2020

FAILURE TO COMMUNICATE WITH TCM / SUSPECTED TO BE RELATED TO RECALL ON FUSE BOX. ELECTRICAL COMMUNICATION BETWEEN FUSE BOX AND TCM ISN'T WORKING. *TR

NHTSA ID

11325676

Incident

May 10, 2020

Mileage

81,000 mi

RECENTLY MY DASH LIGHTS WENT OUT AS WELL AS MY TAIL LIGHTS. UPON CHECKING THE FUSE BOX LOCATED UNDER THE HOOD, I FOUND IT FILLED WITH SAND AND OTHER FOREIGN MATERIALS. FURTHERMORE, ALL OF THE FUSES WERE CORRODED AND WHEN I TRIED TO REMOVE THEM, THEY BROKE, THUS I WAS UNABLE TO REPLACE THEM. IT IS APPARENT THAT THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW WITH THIS EQUIPMENT AS THE BOX DOES NOT PROPERLY SEAL EVEN THOUGH IT IS EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. AFTER RESEARCHING FURTHER, I DISCOVERED THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AMONG 2011 FORD FIESTA OWNERS AND THAT THE REPAIR FOR THIS IS VERY COSTLY. BECAUSE THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM, IT WOULD SEEM THAT FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CORRECTING THIS DESIGN FLAW AS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT MAKES THE VEHICLE UNUSABLE AFTER DARK. FURTHERMORE, I AM CONVINCED THAT OTHER FUSES WILL SOON FAIL AND THEN THE VEHICLE MAY NOT BE USEFUL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. IN ADDITION, I HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT ENGINE STOPPAGES WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT OR WHEN IDLING IN TRAFFIC. THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THIS TO OCCUR AND I SUSPECT THIS IS ALSO RELATED TO THE ELECTRICAL FUSE BOX ISSUE. WOULD YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE AND HELP PROTECT CONSUMERS FROM A DESIGN FLAW THAT IS BEYOND OUR CONTROL. I'VE ATTACHED A PHOTO OF WHAT THE FUSE BOX LOOKED LIKE THE FIRST TIME I EVER OPENED IT. *TR

NHTSA ID

11323774

Incident

Apr 24, 2020

Mileage

160,000 mi

WORK ORDER WITH DETAILS IS INCLUDED.

NHTSA ID

11323146

Incident

Jan 9, 2020

Mileage

89,993 mi

DOOR FROM THE DRIVER SEAT SIDE WON'T WORK BUT ALL THE REST DOES

NHTSA ID

11290644

Incident

Dec 18, 2019

CAR SHUDDERS EXCESSIVELY ON ACCELERATION. WILL ALSO LURCH FORWARD DURING ACCELERATION. GRINDING NOISES WHEN CAR IS ON LOW SPEED (1-20 MPH). REAR TAILLIGHTS STOPPED WORKING WITHOUT WARNING.

NHTSA ID

11288966

Incident

Dec 10, 2019

Mileage

91,000 mi

WHEN I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE NEW I HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. AFTER SEVERAL TRIPS TO JOE COTTON FORD IN CAROL STREAM, IL THERE WAS NO REMEDY BESIDES REMOVING THE CABLES FROM THE BATTERY TO RESET THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER. ON SEPTEMBER OF THIS YEAR I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM FORD MOTOR CO. TO ADVISE THAT THEY NEED TO DO A SOFTWARE UPDATE DUE TO A TCM CIRCUIT FAILURE. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO FRIENDLY FORD 333 E IRVING PARK, ROSELLE, IL, ON MONDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2019, SO THEY CAN RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. PRIOR TO TAKING MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP I REMOVED THE BATTERY CABLES. APPARENTLY THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT ABLE TO INSTALL THE NEW SOFTWARE. THE SERVICE ADVISOR ADVISED ME THAT THE CARD CODE READER WAS NOT ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE ERROR MESSAGE AND THEY HAD TO CHARGE ME. MY VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR SEVERAL DAYS AND THEY LOANED ME A CAR WHILE IT WAS IN SERVICE. I WAS CHARGED $199.00 FOR THEM TO LOOK AT THE PROBLEM AND SINCE THEY COULD NOT UPDATE THE SOFTWARE I HAD TO PAY THE BILL. I CALLED FORD MOTOR CO. FOR ASSISTANCE AND THE AGENT TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS LITTLE THEY CAN DO SINCE THE DEALERSHIP IS A FRANCHISE. THIS IS UNJUST THAT I WAS CHARGED FOR SOMETHING I WAS ADVISED THAT WOULD BE FREE OF CHARGE. I HOPE TO BE REIMBURSED.

NHTSA ID

11280340

Incident

Nov 11, 2019

Mileage

107,000 mi