2012 Ford Fiesta Powertrain & Transmission Problems

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

TCM problem. Ford dealer won't replace the TCM module.

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

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.

I purchased a 2012 Ford Fiesta SE on 3/3/23 from Auto Nation Dealership in Florida. I started noticing the excessive jerking & hesitating when I hit the gas petal. I can't pinpoint exactly when it started but it got progressively worse. I scheduled an appt. with Mechanic for 7/26/23 after almost driving into car in front of me and concerned about getting hit from behind or even worse plowing into a pedestrian. The mechanic concluded problem with transmission- dual clutch B. After doing research I find out about ford recalls as a result of all the lawsuits and complaints on transmissions for this very vehicle. I then brought car to Ford and was told that the recall didn't apply to my specific issue and would require upwards of $4000 to fix either by replacing specific pieces within the transmission or installing a new transmission. They also classified the vehicle as "unsafe to drive" The bottom line is Ford knew the transmission was faulty when they manufactured the car. Whether it's electrical or mechanical they're splitting hairs at this point. It's a failure with their transmission period. I've read many complaints concerning the issue I'm facing, and consumers shouldn't have to dish out thousands of dollars to correct anything that involves the transmission. It's unacceptable that a car I've own for 4 months is sitting in my garage and deemed "unsafe" Any issues concerning the transmission should be included in the existing recall and Ford should take ownership and pay for any repairs.

The dual-clutch transmission on this 2012 Ford Fiesta has ceased to shift gears correctly once it heats up after driving briefly, and becomes unable to shift in reverse. The engine also seems to occasionally be overspeeding between gears. The transmission control module, though recalled, is functioning properly and has been determined to not be the source of the issue. A similar problem occurred approximately the week before this issue began when the transmission control module (TCM) began throwing faults. The TCM was reprogrammed and the car functioned normally for a week before the issue seemed to recur. When brought to the nearest dealership, they determined that the TCM was not the cause of the issue. The vehicle has well under 100k miles. The nearest dealership thought that shift fork B was frozen, which caused damage to the clutch. A second opinion from another mechanic said that this was a common problem with the 2012 Ford Fiesta. I contacted Ford Customer Care and was advised that the VIN of this vehicle was not included in the 2012 service update for these same issues. However, since it is displaying the issues addressed by that service update and is under 100k miles, it may need to be.

On a relatively short trip I experience problems with the automatic Transmission. It was not shifting properly. Downshift from high gear to low gear way to quickly. RPMS up above 2500. Also too many rpms at stop; had be sure to hold down brake. Very poor deceleration. Danger to merger. This happened one day before we received "Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02" from Ford. Which offered to replace TCM. Before contacting Ford dealer took to my mechanic who confirmed condition and said UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I then Called Ruge's Ford in Rhinebeck who said part is unavailable anywhere in United States. They are going to continue to try and locate a part

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact received notification of Technical Service Bulletin: 16-0109 (DPS 6 Automatic Transmission – Excessive Transmission Clutch Shudder and/or Transmission Fluid Leak); however, the part to do the repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to shift properly with the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

Ford is refusing to honor extension of warranty in attached notice from Ford which extended warranty on (Transmission Control Module) TCM module for 2012 ford fiestas to 10 years and 150,000 miles. Computer check of systems reports by independent mechanic showed TCM failure. Car disengaged from transmission during highway travel, car has trouble shifting, car sometimes will not start but if retry immediately restarts. When first starting car car will not go into gear even though selected on gear shift. Sometimes when shifting failure occurs check transmission light goes on. Problems temporarily fixes if perform transmission reset procedure. Ford will not honor warranty. Repair shops reporting 4 month backlog on replacement TCM. Ford will not provide rental car while waiting for part. Car is dangerous to drive because can lose power on highway and acts like car in neutral

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH and attempting to shift gears, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic replaced the clutch, but the failure continued. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not under recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 108,000. The VIN was not available.

Transmission will randomly stop working without any codes or lights warning me it will happen. Driving 60mph the transmission acts like it looses all it power making it hard to get it to a safe place to pull over. This happens when it wants too and at random times it will not go back to first gear in order to take off. I have to turn off the car and wait a few minutes before starting it back up and then put it in drive in order for it to go , sometimes it will not move until I unplug the Battery and wait for 15 minutes up to an hour before it will work as it should again. This transmission has left me out in intersections , on hills, in traffic, on the sides of roads and on highways where there is no place I can pull over because there are concrete walls three feet away from the white line . Also at times there is no reverse and has had me about to cause a major accident because I was sideways in the road trying to back up but it would not move and it was in reverse. Again no lights no warning at all anytime.... I use to love FORD now I would LOVE to SELL MY FORD ... I have spoken to alot of people and this is a common problem with these cars from FORD. Why hasnt this been recalled? Ford use to be the BEST on the roads , What happened? I guess they dont care about their reputation anymore.... IM so mad at this car and I cant afford to buy a new transmission my car has 65,000 miles on it. This shouldnt happen, ask any other Car Manufacturer

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Transmission Malfunction, Service Now" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module (TCM) needed to be replaced; however, the part for the repair was on backorder. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact then stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a loud abnormal sound was heard. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,347.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, he heard an abnormal sound, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 30 MPH while driving back to his residence. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the power train module to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the parts were not available. The contact purchased the parts at an auto parts store and brought them back to the dealer. The dealer stated that the computer failed to code the module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

The contact's son owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and was unable to reverse with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Transmission Control Module Extended Warranty Coverage); however, the warranty had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. Additionally, while the vehicle was changing gear, the vehicle was jerking abnormally. While attempting to reach a safe area, the vehicle stalled twice. The contact was able to restart the vehicle both times however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the Hill Assist warning light and two additional unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while in a safe area, the vehicle failed to restart. The local dealer was contacted and arranged for the vehicle to be towed to their location; however, the contact was unsure if the vehicle had been towed. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stated that the dealer mentioned that the failure might be related to an unknown Technical Service Bulletin for the TCM. The contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty for repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000.

2012 FORD FIESTA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED AN EXTENSION ON THE TRANSMISSION WARRANTY. AS THE FAILURE OCCURED PRIOR TO THE WARRANTY EXPIRATION DATE. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE SERVICED UNTIL AFTER THE WARANTY EXPIRED. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER THE MILEAGE REQUIREMENT FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.