2012 Ford Fiesta problems
Owners have filed 833 complaints about the 2012 Ford Fiesta with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 33.1% of them — the clear leader, ahead of structure at 15.5%.
Complaints833
Crashes19
Fires8
Injuries27
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Power train 33.1% · 276
Structure 15.5% · 129
Unknown or other 9.4% · 78
Engine 8.2% · 68
Electrical system 7.9% · 66
Latches/locks/linkages 6.7% · 56
Vehicle speed control 4.8% · 40
Exterior lighting 2.6% · 22
Severity
Of those complaints, 19 describe a crash, 8 describe a fire and 27 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 8 model years of the Ford Fiesta in this data, 2012 ranks 3rd by complaint volume — 2011 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 20 in the last three years against 74 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 45,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The vehicle has serious transmission issues. In low gears it often lurches, shakes, and stall out as if it's going to drop the gear. There is a loud grinding/rattling sound when the car shifts. It feels very unsafe driving in stop and go traffic or in city conditions. The issues with the lurching gears and dropped gears also make it very difficult to accelerate quickly. This makes merging onto a highway unsafe. Power train · reported at 39,500 miles
Ford has a problem with cvt transmission. The seals leak. They give lip service to repairs. I went many times to lafayette Ford. They replaced the transmission seal. The transmission still slips. Now they say it is the clutches. Ford has the part, on back order. I have asked, for a new transmission. The Ford area manager said no. The think there needs to be a recall of the cvt, on 2012-2014 focuses and Fiesta. Power train · reported at 33,000 miles
At at stop light making a left turn the car failed to accelerate. I hit the gas and nothing happened. The car was still running but did not move. I had to turn the car off and restart it. Twice. The same thing happened on the highway about 15 minutes later after traffic came to a stop. The car has a voluntary recall to fix the trans but the parts are not available. I have been waiting over 2 months for the parts. Power train · reported at 30,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…