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CarComplaints.com Notes: Welcome to North America, Ford Fiesta. Thanks for bringing your herky-jerky transmission, numerous interior quality complaints, and an engine that dies while driving.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
7 / 0
Average Mileage:
56,168 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2011 Ford Fiesta engine problems

engine problem

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2011 Ford Fiesta Owner Comments (Page 1 of 6)

problem #103

Mar 122024

Fiesta

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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

- Oldsmar, FL, USA

problem #102

Nov 042022

Fiesta

  • miles
On 4 Nov 22 the engine started shifting abruptly when accelerating - automatic transmission. Vehicle would not reverse while in R on the handle. Check engine light icon appears on dash panel. Unable to go beyond low speeds on road, causing safety hazard.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #101

Jun 262020

Fiesta

  • miles
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.

- Riverdale, GA, USA

problem #100

Mar 282022

Fiesta

  • 106,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the clutch was slipping. Additionally, oil was leaking onto the transmission. The check engine warning light illuminated and then went off. The contact called the local dealer, who informed her that the vehicle did not meet the criteria for the service campaign. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.

- Bryceville, FL, USA

problem #99

Feb 012021

Fiesta

  • 13,600 miles
The engine light has been on and then goes off. The vehicle slows down in traffic on the street or highway and jerks when taking off. It drags upon take off and you can hear a rattling sound under carriage

- Willoughby, OH, USA

problem #98

Mar 242021

Fiesta

  • 127,797 miles
My vehicle began to feel like driving a boat. It was shuddering and driving roughly. My vehicle was repaired by a recall that I believe reprogrammed the tcm, 14M02tsb 16-0129 was done yesterday. Although I can feel some improvement in the 35 mi drive home, it still shudders and feels the same. This did not fix the problem. My boyfriend researched through various service bulletins and found 14M01. He then jacked up the car, removed the tire to get a better look and saw the leak. It does not leak enough to leave noticeable marks on driveway but is leaking. When I called, I was told that my vehicle was no longer covered as I am just outside of this warranty since I have slightly over 127797 miles and this ended at 100,000 or 10 years. My car is a 2011. If I had been aware of this problem, it would have been fixed during that time. Since there was no code or warning and no visible evidence of the leakage, I was unaware. The dealer who reprogrammed the tcm was unaware, there are no codes relating to this issue on the car. They only code I now have is an oxygen sensor or something code that showed up after they reprogrammed the tcm. I believe Ford should extend this warranty for these effected cars, there are many with this problem, we have researched through the complaints. I want Ford to cover the costs of parts, labor and any costs related to the repair of this problem that they were fully aware of. I know they say the 2 bulletins are not related but I feel that they are.

- Gainesville, TX, USA

problem #97

Aug 012020

Fiesta

  • 87,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

About the middle of last year I noticed the problem while driving, so I stopped driving it. About two months ago I tried to start my car and the vehicle shut down completely for the second time and I had it towed to the Ford dealership in southgate, they said that Ford motor told them to reset the software in the car, they did and got it running again.they also told me that there was a clutch problem and that was causing the engine light to be on. What they didn't tell me was that NHTSA and Ford motor had a recall to fix the transmission clutch shudder/transmission input shaft seal which has a warranty extension for free, they told me it would cost me over $2000 dollars to have fix. The field service action number is 14M01 and the fsa tittle is transmission control module extended warranty coverage. I bought this car in January 2018 from dick genthe Chevrolet and have not been able to drive it safely since the middle of 2019. Until now, I tried to get them to take the car back, and they would not. I would like for Ford Motor Company and their dealership to fix my car for free or give me a 2018 in it's place with a minimum payment of $158.12 which is what I'm still paying for the 2011 Ford Fiesta. Thank you for your time in addressing this safety issue. I would like to feel safe in my car when I'm driving.

- Lincoln Park, MI, USA

problem #96

Oct 122020

Fiesta

  • 92,000 miles
I have had the tcm on this vehicle replaced twice after transmission malfunction light suddenly came on. It came on a third time and the issue still causes transmission malfunction indicator to illuminate, however this time it is my dual clutch. Same symptoms in the vehicle every time. With no warning, the vehicle will suddenly lose power, fail to change gears, shutter forward after stopping, come to a complete stop in the middle of driving. Two days ago driving uphill, my vehicle, with no warning at all, started going in reverse, down the hill. I am in the middle of a class action suit with Ford that is taking forever to settle. I have tried to get Ford to replace my clutch, but they claim it is not part of the extended warranty like the tcm is now, even though it causes the same issues with the vehicle. I can pay to have it fixed myself, but it can go out at any given time again, with no warning. Ford does not believe these issues are safety issues. They are. These cars do these things suddenly. As I am reaching out to Ford about this, they do however inform me that there is a recall on my door latches. They consider this a safety issue, but not the transmission? unbelievable.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #95

Jun 282020

Fiesta

  • miles
The vehicle was in motion on a highway and the engine light appear, and at the same time the the transmission control module failed. I took the car to the Ford dealership in bronx and they told I have a clutch problem, plus transmission control module problem. They told me they dont cover the recall, according the warranty department because the damage is internal. But the recall for Ford Fiesta 2011 existing because of transportation fail. Can you tell me for sure why they don't approve and if is a company mistake they should buy your car or to replace it?

- Astoria, NY, USA

problem #94

Dec 302019

Fiesta

  • 90,271 miles
The contact owns 2011 Ford Fiesta. While driving at 50 mph with the accelerator pedal depressed, the vehicle shifted independently into 1st gear. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to heritage Ford, 2100 sisk rd, modesto, ca 95350 where the vehicle was diagnosed with an unknown electrical failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,271.

- Modesto, CA, USA

problem #93

Nov 042019

Fiesta

  • 100,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The vehicle does not downshift. It is an automatic but I have to shift into neutral between gears as well as when I need to slow down. I have had several instances of a car in front of me braking unexpectedly and I must put the car into neutral and it continues revving at a high speed so I throw it in neutral. I could run into the car in front of me unless I slam very hard on the brake or put into neutral. The car does not shift into a higher gear automatically either. Also, I must pump the brake for a minute or two before the car will start.

- Minnetrista, MN, USA

problem #92

Jul 272016

Fiesta

  • 69,968 miles
Vehicle shudders and stalls when taking off. Vehicle will stop fueling when pumping gas. Engine makes a loud noise and vehicle has large water leak.

- Whittier, CA, USA

problem #91

Nov 112013

Fiesta

  • 38,556 miles
Lack of power; grinding noise at around 20-30mph'shuddering; acceleration slips; engine oil leaks; clunking noises.

- San Francisco, CA, USA

problem #90

Jun 012019

Fiesta

  • 76,000 miles
The engine malfunction service light came on and the sorry bottle position sensor keeps on saying it's spelt faulty, but when I replaced the throttle body and replaced the gas pedal it was still having issues, and now I'm barely getting to and from work anymore or anywhere else, even down the street because it continues to put itself in safe mode. So I am out for a thought of body and a gas pedal, and it's still not fixed the issue

- Owensboro, KY, USA

problem #89

Aug 122013

Fiesta

  • 33,464 miles
I purchased my 2011 Ford Fiesta basically when it first came out, brand new.but, just prior to the 10,000 mile mark I started experiencing severe transmission problems, shuddering, stalling out, and eventually overall failure. All of these failing happened either upon taking off or during transit. I've had the car lurch and almost hit another car in traffic as well as fail while driving during rush our traffic; predominantly on city streets but also occasionally on the highway at lower shifts. The issue has been "fixed" and "assessed" more times than I believe and car problem should be without being resolved. Every time I would discuss why it continues the customer service representative would always say "that's just how they work" or some other nonchalant verbage to shrug off the persisting problem that I'm paying for. This continued trouble leaves me with almost no trust in my vehicle and has cost me more money than I would care to admit to. I believe Ford owes me either a lifetime warranty on my faulty vehicle or a brand new replacement for the time and financial damages I have incurred due to their thoughtless/ careless practices as well as the destruction of my peace of mind. Attached is a pdf of my full vehicle service history through cavalier Ford from 2011-2019 as well as pep boys which also includes evidence of attempted fraud in relation to the state of my rear breaks and shocks in the last year.

- Portsmouth, VA, USA

problem #88

Jul 152019

Fiesta

  • 70,000 miles
Takata recall, my car keeps jerking and stuttering to go I've had this car for about four about 4 years, I've took it to the shop about 5 times the workers told me there wasn't anything the could do after I kept taking it because the dual clutch would keep messing up yesterday while driving on the high way my car stayed at 30 mph it then started smoking so I had to pull over I then stopped my car and then my car would not start up until this day now I am stuck with a car note with no car

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #87

Jan 122015

Fiesta

  • 20 miles
The car slips gears which makes it dangerous to drive up any sort of hill. My car has stalled out going up hills and made it dangerous not only for me, but those around me. The car also has an incredible jerky motion when driving that can cause the car to suddenly jerk forward. Sometimes when I put my car into drive or reverse the car won't even move. Very very dangerous car! Ford issued a recall on parts of the transmission about 4 years ago, but this did not fix the problem. I am afraid to drive the car long distances or around town where there are hills. This has been an issue ever since I brought the car.

- Larchmont, NY, USA

problem #86

Jul 062019

Fiesta

  • 114,000 miles
Upon shifting into neutral and or just engaging the clutch the engine will shut off, usually as I approach a stop light or am in a parking lot. Sometimes it is a rough stop like the transmission was not fully disengaged, but most often it is smooth as if turning of the car with the key. The silent shut down occurs both while the vehicle is in motion, any where from 1-70 mph, and when a complete stop has been reached. I have had this happen at least two dozen times in the 2.5 years I have driven this car. Approximately, 80% of the time it is the 'silent shut down', where I do not even notice the car is not running until I put the car back into gear and try to accelerate. I have almost been rear ended at stop lights in traffic several times because of this issue. This issue has occurred at all times of the year with the air conditioner both on and off, but it is much more prevalent in the warm weather with the air conditioner running. In the past week it has happened 3 times all of which were with the air on, and the engine silently shut down.

- Muskegon, MI, USA

problem #85

Oct 262018

Fiesta

  • 130,000 miles
For the past few months I've been trying to figure out what's been happening with my vehicle. I have a 2011 Ford Fiesta. It is a manual. I'm not stalling it, but when I'm driving- whether I'm stopped or actually moving (even at 45 + mph) it will completely shut off. The rpms sometimes fall 2-300 below randomly but will come back and keep going. However, when they fall and for whatever reason the vehicle can't figure out that the rpms should be higher, it shuts off completely. When it actually shuts off I have no warning. Here is the link I found on information about the Ford Focus recalls: Https://www.wftv.com/news/national-news/ap-top-news/Ford-recalls-nearly-15M-focuses-because-engines-can-stall/859721918 luckily I have a manual and I can shift into neutral and restart the car even when I'm going down city streets or busy intersections. This is an incredibly dangerous situation, and I've been trying to diagnose it for months. In a 10 minute drive this can happen as many as 3-4 times. There's no link to why it happens sometimes and not others. Shifting into another gear doesn't effect it. I have noticed after I get fuel it tends to happen more often, but I'm unsure if that's correlation or causation. Sometimes after I get fuel I can't even get back onto the main road with out the car dying completely. When it shuts off it will almost always turn back on just fine. I recently got my battery replaced thinking that that would have possibly solved the issue but it has persisted. Oil changes/tune ups don't fix it either. I'm unsure of what the exact issue is, but I did see that Ford is recalling their Focus models from 2012-2018 for an issue that sounds exactly what I'm experiencing. I would really like to see them open up their investigation to possibly include Fiesta's like mine because it seems to be a related issue.

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #84

Oct 102018

Fiesta

  • miles
2/4/15, dickinson co. Kansas, collision with fixed object, left turn, impact to passenger front corner, ran off right side of the road, struck fixe object, damage to both passenger front corner/quarter of car. 10/11/16, jackson co, Missouri, moving in Transport collision, impact rear of car, towing indicator, driver front and passenger airbags deployed. 2 accidents: Former owner, not me. The car truck is always lifted when closed, front side of windshield frame is bumpy, passenger side near back wheel is bumpy, the car accidents smashed the car. Transmission, jerks back and forth 24/7, going to, from street lights, intersections, like wants to die on normal straight street and on hills. The car rolls back on hills by itself. Lack of acceleration speed from brakes to gas pedal. The 10/8/2018 phone call mike from Florida, Ford, tranmission settlement phone call said "transmission is the Ford flaw". I went to the blue springs, mo, independence, mo, dealerships 4 times from March 13, 2017, July 4, 2018: Battery fuse box recall. Passenger door flew open/door latch recall, Sept. 24, 2018, the blue springs, mo, dealership did not fix the tranmission, under 100,000 mile warrenty. The air conditioning compressor broke and it is not working from Sept., 24, 2018, the cost to fix is $2,172, they charged $99.50 diagnostic, did not fix the air conditioning. The defroster is not working since Oct. 10, 2018, it is connected to the compressor, when turned on the defroster makes a crank noise in the engine. The heater system has a weird crank noise when turned to low, high, does not work either. The BBB autoline closed my lemon law complaint case number frd1825535 case, did not help me, because they limit cases to 36,000 miles. The vehicle is a life hazard 24/7. my car is 82,130 miles. I can not drive this non-reliable car.

- Blue Springs, MO, USA

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