Ford Fiesta Complaints (2012)

617 consumer complaints on file.

#11762980September 9, 2026
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while entering the vehicle and closing the front driver’s side door, the door failed to latch properly. While driving 70 MPH, the front driver’s side door opened. The contact secured the door with a bungee cord and continued driving. A dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V246000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). Additionally, the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The manufacturer, Ford Motor Company, was notified of the failure by phone, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734326April 28, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My daughter and 2 friends were driving on the highway, the dash flickers and goes back to normal, flickered again and the car started slowing down so she pulled over, ( car still moving) and puts the car in park but the car still continues to move. Passenger notices out the side mirror the car is on fire, she jumped out; the car then accelerates ( still in park) and hits the “jersey wall “ where the rest of the car eventually went into flames. My daughter & friend ( who was in the back) got out thru the driver side door, the back doors would not open and the Airbags did not deploy.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
3
Deaths:
0
#11726329March 23, 2026
POWER TRAIN
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706125December 19, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697545November 5, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696374October 29, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY, POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11683659August 28, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680428August 13, 2025
POWER TRAIN
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674126July 16, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving along the transmission slipped into neutral and would not move forward.Could have been hit from behind.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11673126July 13, 2025
POWER TRAIN
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655985April 22, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11613873September 10, 2024
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11610228August 22, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11608045August 12, 2024
AIR BAGS
Air bag light on intermittently, then recently it's been continuously on
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11574926March 1, 2024
POWER TRAIN
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11573187February 21, 2024
POWER TRAIN
TCM problem. Ford dealer won't replace the TCM module.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11566316January 18, 2024
POWER TRAIN
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11565711January 16, 2024
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11561142December 20, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11543606September 9, 2023
POWER TRAIN
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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