RoadVitals

2012 Ford Fiesta Engine Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Engine reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
75
Latest Aug 22, 2024
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
12%
of 616 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
4
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2012 Ford Fiesta submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 75 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming engine

The 25 most recent of 75, in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Aug 22, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID
11610228
Incident
Aug 22, 2024
Engine
Filed Jun 21, 2023

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

NHTSA ID
11528222
Incident
Jun 1, 2023
ElectricalEngine
Filed Feb 9, 2023

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

NHTSA ID
11506531
Incident
Feb 8, 2023
Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 10, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID
11501099
Incident
Jan 1, 2013
Mileage
28,100 mi
Engine
Filed Nov 25, 2022

Transmission malfunction

NHTSA ID
11494904
Incident
Nov 25, 2022
EngineFuel systemSeat belts
Filed Sep 14, 2022

I just got the car in June 1st.2022 it's broken down 5x stopped in middle of us.19 North 2x it won't keep oil it's leaking out running hot blowed the hose loose 1x last week,it started weeks ago refused to start up and shutting down now, shuddering, it's at machanic shop now in largo, Florida he stated the car is not usable and unsafe to drive any longer the motor as well is gone and white smoke is coming from the muffler.the used car dealership truecars on park blvd.is trying to force me to keep the car I haven't driven the car in 2wks.this week will be 3 I have fixed Alot of things on the car in little time I can't afford to replace something that was damaged already my first to be car and it's been a bad experience.but I do know I will not put my life or anyone else lives in danger to fix the serious major damage with this car someone please contact me and help guide me as to what to do with this situation in desperate need.God bless.sincerly!!!

NHTSA ID
11484503
Incident
Aug 17, 2022
Engine
Filed Aug 10, 2022

Dp26 automatic Transmission seals leak contamination of clutch. Constant problems with transmission.

NHTSA ID
11478553
Incident
Jul 11, 2022
EngineInterior & seats
Filed Jun 17, 2022

Seats move after adjusting and sometimes the malfunction check engine code comes on

NHTSA ID
11469747
Incident
Jan 5, 2022
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 4, 2022

Transmission Malfunction, this is the 4th time that I am having to replace the transmission. I am taking the car back to dealership to get the transmission fixed for the 5th time. The car jerks when it comes to a stop. Hard time accelerating or does not accelerate. I put the car in R and it did not budge at all, even turned the car off and turned it back on same thing. This car should not be permitted on the road. Does not shift gears properly, the RPM run very high. I am afraid to drive this car constantly, even after I get it out of the shop because I just know that the transmission will eventually malfunction on me again. Very unsafe and unreliable to drive.

NHTSA ID
11455164
Incident
Mar 4, 2022
ElectricalEngine
Filed Aug 1, 2021

While my 16 yr old twin sons were driving on freeway, a loud pop of pressure release from motor occured, and steam blew out from under hood obscurring their visibilty. they were able to pull over safely and call me. Upon arrival, after confirming they were ok, I checked under hood to see that the intake manifold had built up to much pressure for the PCV hose and the recirculating hose that connects to top of valve cover. Oil had sprayed out everywhere and car will not start. Ive lost compression in 2 cylinders now from the fast overheat. My childrens safety was severily compromised by this chain reaction of a failed PCV valve. Ive since found out of recalls.This is whats stated for my 2015 Ford Focus, but happened to my 2012 Ford Fiesta Oct 22,2018 Manufacturer Recall Number18S32 NHTSA Recall Number18V735 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete Summary ON YOUR VEHICLE, THE PCM SOFTWARE MAY NOT ADEQUATELY DETECT A STUCK-OPEN CANISTER PURGE VALVE (CPV) WITHIN THE FUEL VAPOR SYSTEM. IF THE CPV MALFUNCTIONS AND STICKS OPEN, IT CAN LEAD TO EXCESSIVE VACUUM IN THE FUEL VAPOR SYSTEM, POTENTIALLY DEFORMING THE PLASTIC FUEL TANK. THIS CAN CAUSE THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS: ILLUMINATED MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) WITH CERTAIN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) INACCURATE OR ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE INDICATION INACCURATE DISTANCE TO EMPTY (DTE) ENGINE STALL AND/OR OTHER DRIVABILITY CONCERNS RELATED TO STUCK OPEN CPV Safety Risk THIS MAY RESULT IN AN ENGINE STALL WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT WARNING OR WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO RESTART, AND CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. I now have 2 auto loans im upside down on for recalls that I cant even get my car to Ford because I cant afford the tow. I pay over $500 monthly for lemons.

NHTSA ID
11427375
Incident
Aug 10, 2020
Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 6, 2021

OM SUNDAY MARCH 28,2021 MY HUSBAND AND I ATTENDED A AUTO AUCTION. WHEN THE DEALER BROUGHT OUT A 2012 FORD FIESTA. BEFORE BIDDING STARTED EVERYTHING LOOKED AND SOUNDED ALRIGHT. WE ENDED UP PAYING $3200.00 FOR A VEHICLE THAT THEY FAILED TO PROVIDE FAULTY PROBLEMS. CAR HAS A LIEN ON IT. AFTER DRIVING OFF THE LOT I CAME TO A RED LIGHT WHEN IT TURNED GREEN THE CAR STARTED SPUTTERING LOOSING FUEL AS WELL AS ACCELERATION. I THAN PULLED INTO THE A PARKING AT THE GAS STATION TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON. AND TO MY KNOWLEDGE IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION MAKING NOISE AS WELL AS SLIPPING, SPARK PLUGS, OIL CHANGE. I THEN DROVE BACK TO THE CAR BUT EVERYONE WAS GONE FOR THE DAY. I TRIED CALLING THE OFFICE THE NEXT DAY AND LEFT MESSAGES. NO RESPONSE WHAT SO EVER. THE GIRLS ARE REALLY UNORGANIZED AND SHOULD TREAT OTHERS THE SAME YOU WOULD TREAT THEM. I AM WRITING THIS LETTER TO INFORM EVERYONE I WAS SOLD A VEHICLE THAT SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN ON THE ROAD. I WAS ALSO TOLD TODAY 4/5/21 THAT ON MARCH 5TH A LIEN WAS FILLED OUT AND TURNED IN. I'M REQUESTING THE AMOUNT I PAID FOR THIS LEMON LAW VEHICLE ALONG WITH COMPENSATION FOR GIVING FALSE INFORMATION.

NHTSA ID
11406629
Incident
Mar 28, 2021
Engine
Filed Aug 26, 2020

MY TRANSMISSION CONTINUES TO SLIP REPEATEDLY AFTER I TOOK IT TO FORD WHERE THEY TOLD ME NOTHING WAS WRONG AND THAT I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT . THEY WERE RUDE AND INCONSIDERATE. IT HAS SLIPPED IN ALL FORMS OF MOVEMENT . WHEN I'VE BEEN BRAKING ,DRIVING URBAN OR HIGHWAY. I TOOK IT BACK TO A DIFFERENT DEALER SHIP AND THEY TOLD ME MY TRANSMISSION WAS BAD.

NHTSA ID
11351381
Incident
Apr 23, 2020
Mileage
103,876 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 21, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FIESTA. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO SHIFT FROM NEUTRAL. ALL THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BILL HOOD FORD (1500 N MORRISON BLVD, HAMMOND, LA 70401 (985) 205-8157) BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,130.

NHTSA ID
11300651
Incident
Jan 11, 2020
Mileage
108,130 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 13, 2019

FORD FIESTA 2012 HAS SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION, FIRST THE CAR JERKS AROUND AND MAKES A HORRIBLE NOISES. THEN THE CAR SHUTS OFF RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING. THIS CAR IS A SAFETY HAZARD. STALLING AND JERKING AROUND IS NOT WHAT A CAR SHOULD DO. PLUS BOTH BACKSEAT LATCHES BOTH BROKE AND THE DOORS WERE UNABLE TO CLOSE.

NHTSA ID
11268219
Incident
Oct 13, 2019
Mileage
136,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Sep 17, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FIESTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WINNER FORD (250 HADDONFIELD-BERLIN RD, CHERRY HILL, NJ 08034, (856) 428-4000) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE A FAULT CODE OR DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. *AS

NHTSA ID
11256080
Incident
Sep 16, 2019
Mileage
90,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Aug 2, 2019

TERRIBLE SHUTTERING FROM THE TRANSMISSION, I HAD TO BRING IT TO THE LOCAL FORD AFTER I CHANGED THE BATTERY, IT WOULDN'T SHIFT THOUGHT THE GEARS. SO THEY CHANGED THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE AND THE SOLENOID'S, 4 MONTHS LATER MY FIANCE WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGH WAY AND THE CAR LOOSES ALL POWER (STEERING, BRAKING, E.C.T) I TAKE IT TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER IT TAKES THEM 32 DAYS TO GET BACK TO ME TO TELL ME ITS GOING TO NEED A NEW TRANSMISSON WITCH COST $4,800 TO FIX A $7,500 CAR AND THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT THAT. KNOWING THAT THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR THESE VEHICLES. CAR JUST REJECTS FUEL AND FUEL PUMPS RANDOMLY.

NHTSA ID
11241353
Incident
Jun 28, 2019
Mileage
100,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jul 31, 2019

I SAVED FOR THREE YEARS TO PURCHASE A CAR. AND TRUSTED THE FORD NAME. MY 2012 FIESTA, WITH 60,000 MILES, IS SHUTTERING AND MISSING WHEN I STOP AND GO. IT TAKES AWHILE TO GET GOING AND JUMPS. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALERSHIP AFTER HEARING ABOUT FORD MOTOR COMPANY TELLING THEIR DEALERSHIPS TO FIX THE ISSUE. AFTER I GOT TO THE DEALER I WAS TOLD I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $120 FOR THEM TO EVEN DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. AND THAT FORD MAY COVER ANYWHERE FROM NOTHING TO EVERYTHING. IT COULD BE 1/3, 2/3 OF THE COST. THEY WOULD DECIDE. I HAVEN'T HAD MY CAR FOR 3 DAYS. IT'S JUST SITTING AT THE SHOP WAITING ON FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO 'DECIDE HOW MUCH THEY WILL COVER, IF ANY'. I AM INFURIATED!

NHTSA ID
11240968
Incident
Jul 29, 2019
Mileage
60,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jul 30, 2019
Fire reported

I WAS DRIVING DOWN A CITY STREET IN MY FRIEND'S 2012 FORD FIESTA I NOTICED A WEIRD SMELL, I KEPT GOING ABOUT A QUARTER OF A MILE TIL I REACHED MY DESTINATION. MY FRIEND GETS IN THE CAR HE NOTICED THE SMELL . I LOOKED OUT THE WINDSHIELD AND I SEE A LIL SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD, ALL THE SUDDEN ALOT OF SMOKE COMES OUT . I POP THE HOOD SHUT THE CAR OFF AND GET OUT OF THERE . MY FRIEND RUNS AND GRABS FIRE EXTINGUISHERS HIM AND ANOTHER MAN TRY TO OPEN THE HOOD IT WON'T OPEN YOU COULD SEE THE FLAMES COMING UNDERNEATH THE CAR THEN THERE IS A POP . THEY TAKE A SHOVEL BEAT ON IT ENOUGH TO OPEN IT ENOUGH WHERE THEY COULD PUT THE FIRE OUT. THANK GOD THEY WERE THERE,NO ONE GOT HURT. I AM ENCLOSING PICTURES OF MY CAR, MY FRIEND DIDN'T HAVE FULL COVERAGE INSURANCE SO HE'S WITHOUT A CAR RIGHT NOW . ALL THIS HAPPENED WITHIN 10 MIN.IT WAS VERY SCAREY, I'M GLAD I STOPPED AT MY FRIEND'S PLACE BECAUSE I MIGHT NOT HAVE MADE IT OUT IN TIME.WE DIDN'T MAKE A POLICE REPORT NOR DID WE CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT .A PIECE OF THE CAR WAS LAYING ON THE GROUND AFTER THE FIRE.THE HOOD RELEASE BURNED . THAT'S WHY WE COULDN'T GET THE HOOD OPEN . I AM SENDING PICTURES AFTER THE FIRE . THE CAR LIGHTS AND THE SECURITY SYSTEM STILL WORKS AND IT STARTED RIGHT AFTER, WE TURNED IT OFF RIGHT AWAY

NHTSA ID
11240725
Incident
Jul 25, 2019
Mileage
43,048 mi
Engine
Filed Jul 27, 2019

POWER SHIFTING CLUTCH ISSUE. FORD SOLD ME A DEFECTIVE MOTOR UPON SALE. THEN THEY TRIED TO BUY MY CAR FOR 1K INSTEAD OF FIXING IT

NHTSA ID
11235316
Incident
Jul 19, 2019
BrakesEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 18, 2019

TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ENGAGE OR DISENGAGE WHEN IT'S SUPPOSED TO. SLOW TO START FROM A COMPLETE STOP; HARD TO ACCELERATE FOR PASSING; LATE TO STOP BECAUSE DOWNSHIFTING IS LATE.

NHTSA ID
11233204
Incident
Nov 1, 2017
Mileage
8,000 mi
EngineExterior lightingPowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 20, 2019

THIS CAR HAS BEEN A DISASTER FROM DAY ONE. THE TRANSMISSION ISSUES THAT FORD IS AWARE OF HAVE ALMOST CAUSED NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS. THE CAR BUCKS AND CARRIES ON ALL THE TIME. WHILE STOPPED FOR A RED LIGHT YOU PUSH ON GAS AND IT DOESN'T MOVE THEM ALL THE SUDDEN IT DARTS INTO TRAFFIC. ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO LOW BEAMS STOPPED WORKING AND NOBODY KNOWS WHY. THEN 2 WEEKS AGO ALL THE SUDDEN CAR OVERHEATS AND WITHIN 2 MINUTES DIES CAUSING $2000 WORTH OF DAMAGE. IM TOLD THESE ARE COMMON AND IM LUCKY IT DIDN'T CATCH ON FIRE. WHAT'S NEXT. FYI, THE LIGHTS STILL DON'T WORK WHICH CAUSES A SAFETY HAZARD. WHY IS THIS CAR NOT RECALLED??

NHTSA ID
11202689
Incident
Apr 3, 2019
Mileage
88,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Apr 9, 2019

RECENTLY MY FIESTA HAS BEEN SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING. IT IS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND I AM NOT STALLING. IT HAPPENS MOST OFTEN WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS OR SWITCHING GEARS. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AND SCARY.

NHTSA ID
11194854
Incident
Apr 9, 2019
Mileage
92,000 mi
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Jul 20, 2018
Crash reported

THIS CAR HAA TROUBLE GOING THE SPEED OF TRAFFIC. IT TAKES VERY LONG TO GAIN SPEED AS WELL AS BREAK AND ALSO JERKS UNCONTROLLABLY.

NHTSA ID
11112793
Incident
Jul 20, 2018
Mileage
65,000 mi
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Jun 11, 2018

I TOOK MY CAR TO A FORD DEALERSHIP TO TAKE ACTION ON RECALL 14M01. THEY REPLACED THE CLUTCH UNDER WARRANTY AND RETURNED MY CAR TO ME. A DAY LATER MY CAR FLASHED A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WHILE I WAS 45 MINUTES AWAY FROM HOME ON THE HIGHWAY. CODES THAT CAME UP WERE ADDRESSED & THE VEHICLES CONDITION WORSENED UNTIL IT WENT FULLY INTO LIMP MODE WHILE RETURNING FROM AN ATTEMPT TO RESTART THE COMPUTER.

NHTSA ID
11101272
Incident
May 31, 2018
Mileage
67,000 mi
AirbagsEngineSuspension
Filed May 4, 2018

THIS FORD FIESTA HAS MANY PROBLEMS I HAVE SPEND OVER 1300 DOLLARS THIS CAR HAS MANY SAFETY ISSUES. THE DOORS POPED OPEN WHILE DRIVING THIS CAR. I CONTACTED FORD AND THE REPRESENTATIVE WAS NOT CARING SHE STATED IT'S OUT OF THEIR WARRANTY . I EXPLAINED TO HER THAT THE DOORS CAME OPEN WITH MY TWO YEAR OLD IN BACK SEAT IN A CAR SEAT COULD HAVE FELL OUT. I ALSO TOLD HER THE CAR STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. IT'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION ON THIS CAR. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE AND I WOULD LIKE THIS LOOKED INTO. I WAS TRAVELING ON A HIGHWAY ALL AMERICAN IN FAYETTEVILLE NC.

NHTSA ID
11091699
Incident
Apr 27, 2018

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .