2012 Ford Fiesta problems
The Ford Fiesta is a supermini car that was marketed by Ford from 1976 to 2023 over seven generations. Over the years, the Fiesta has mainly been developed and manufactured by Ford's European operations, and had been positioned below the Escort (later the Focus).
Ford had sold over 15 million Fiestas from 1976 to July 2011, making it one of the best-selling Ford nameplates behind the Escort and the F-Series. It has been manufactured in the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Mexico, Taiwan, China, India, Thailand, and South Africa.
The Fiesta was discontinued in 2023, after over 22 million units had been made. The final Ford Fiesta rolled off the production line on 7 July 2023.
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Common 2012 Ford Fiesta problems
The 2012 Ford Fiesta has been reported to have several common problems, primarily transmission issues, engine overheating, and electrical system complaints.
Transmission problems account for nearly 60% of the complaints registered against the 2012 Ford Fiesta, as per the NHTSA. Excessive shuddering, slipping out of gear while on the move, unintentional downshifts, and noises are the main issues reported on the Fiesta's dual-clutch automatic transmission. Though the dealers reported the issue as being a faulty TCM module, users who have received a module replacement complain of the issue recurring. Multiple lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturer on this problem, and further reports suggest that Ford knowingly sold the cars with this transmission knowing that its clutch assembly had inherent engineering issues.
The 2012 Ford Fiesta has been reported to have coolant leaks, which might lead to engine overheating and stall when least expected. Owners also report a drop in coolant level in the surge tank without any noticeable leaks on the rest of the plumbing. However, gasket failures are pretty rare for the 1.6L motor, and the issue is mostly traced to microscopic leaks that occur under pressure in the system, with the coolant evaporating as soon as it drips out, leaving no visible leaks.
Electrical system complaints are also prevalent in the 2012 Ford Fiesta. Low-beam headlamp failure is a widespread issue, with excessive corrosion on the relay unit being the primary cause. This issue is said to arise due to excessive corrosion on the relay unit, which is irreparable and does require a replacement, which incidentally is not covered under warranty.
Blower motor resistor failure is another issue to watch out for on the 2012 Ford Fiesta. Though the replacement part is available for $25, the labor charges are said to range between $250 to $300. If the vents don’t blow air or intermittently cuts off from blowing air, there is a high chance that the blower motor resistor is failing.
The 2012 Ford Fiesta is no stranger to complaints, with the infamous PowerShift dual-clutch transmission being the primary culprit. The Fiesta did come out as a nightmare for a majority of users, with probably the most number of individual lawsuits to be filed against a single problem. What essentially should have been an economy-biased, cheap-to-run subcompact sedan, the 2012 Ford Fiesta turned out to be more of a little wallet-burner than it should be, with some of the sketchiest warranty policies that did users no good.
Are Ford Fiestas 2012 reliable?
Cute Little Reliable Car
I've had this vehicle for two years now and it has been the most reliable vehicle I've owned. I've had some transmission issues but that easily fixed under fords extended warranty at the dealership.
What are the most common problem with a Ford Fiesta?
What are the most common problems with a used Ford Fiesta hatchback?
- Steering column. Some Fiestas built from 15 May 2019 to 17 June 2019 were fitted with steering columns that weren't up to specification, so speak to your Ford dealer to find out if yours is affected. ...
- Rear seatbelt latches. ...
- Brake servo failure.
Does 2012 Ford Fiesta have transmission problems?
As thousands of consumers who have purchased or leased a defective 2011-2015 Ford Fiesta or 2012-2015 Ford Focus have discovered, their transmissions and clutch assembly may contain a defect that causes, among other problems, transmission shuddering, slips, bucking, kicking, jerking, harsh engagement, premature ...
How many miles will a 2012 Ford Fiesta last?
200,000 miles
Motor and Wheels estimates that Ford Fiestas can last up to 200,000 miles with proper maintenance and conscientious use. Most people don't drive their cars past 150,000 miles anyway, so you'll probably have a few thousand miles left on your used Ford Fiesta before it breaks down.
Are Ford Fiestas 2012 reliable?
Cute Little Reliable Car
I've had this vehicle for two years now and it has been the most reliable vehicle I've owned. I've had some transmission issues but that easily fixed under fords extended warranty at the dealership.
What is the common problem in Ford Fiesta?
Ford Fiesta common problems include: Worn suspension. Fluid leaks. Corroded or blocked components.
Does 2012 Ford Fiesta have transmission problems?
As thousands of consumers who have purchased or leased a defective 2011-2015 Ford Fiesta or 2012-2015 Ford Focus have discovered, their transmissions and clutch assembly may contain a defect that causes, among other problems, transmission shuddering, slips, bucking, kicking, jerking, harsh engagement, premature ...
Is there any recalls on a 2012 Ford Fiesta?
Owner's may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Summary: Ford is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Fiesta vehicles, manufactured from November 3, 2009 through September 21, 2012. The vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No.
2012 Ford Fiesta car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Fiesta problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Structure problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2012 Ford Fiesta vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2012 Ford Fiesta
The NHTSA has received 606 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Ford Fiesta. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2012 Ford Fiesta vehicles.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-08-15
- VIN: 3FADP4EJ3CM
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-22
- VIN: 3FADP4FJ5CM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-01
- VIN: 3FADP4EJ7CM
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Air bag light on intermittently, then recently it's been continuously on
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-01
- VIN: 3FADP4BJ4CM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-14
- VIN: 3FADP4FJ2CM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TCM problem. Ford dealer won't replace the TCM module.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-04
- VIN: 3FADP4BJ3CM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-31
- VIN: 3FADP4EJXCM
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-18
- VIN: 3FADP4BJ9CM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
- Summary: 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.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-08
- VIN: 3FADP4AJ3CM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-01
- VIN: 3FADP4BJ2CM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-21
- VIN: 3FADP4BJ8CM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-11
- VIN: 3FADP4EJ8CM
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Nothing
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-03
- VIN: 3FADP4BJ4CM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-02
- VIN: 3FADP4BJ1CM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-01
- VIN: 3FADP4BJ1CM
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Car TCM blew and Leif Johnson refusing to schedule repairs with loaner car for fix.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-28
- VIN: 3FADP4FJ2CM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-17
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-15
- VIN: 3FADP4EJ7CM
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Incident= on February 15, 2023 While vehicle is in drive, upon stopping going up a slight hill, the vehicle started rolling backwards.I did not do anything except slow down/stop. It failed to engage in any gear after it started sliding back, including reverse to try to get me out of traffic ( the gear shifter was just sliding without resistance) except park for almost 15 minutes. My mother and my dog were in the car with me at this time. We were also in the left lane of traffic/ during moderate traffic. The car is an automatic. The vehicle finally engaged in low gear and I was able to drive 10mph to get home. Mechanic, the next morning, stated that my transmission is slipping/not engaging properly. He also advised against driving. And, gave me a really long list of diagnostic codes pertaining to my transmission. My check engine light is also on, now. My check engine light has been going on and off for a few weeks because my catalytic converter is starting to go out, but was off until this incident. I do have the list of diagnostic codes from the mechanic. My vehicle is not driveable because I can't guarantee that it will get me from point A to point B without slipping out of gear again and putting my life and other drivers on the road in harm's way.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-15
- VIN: 3FADP4CJ5CM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: loss of power transmission shudder 100,500 miles now started as a small issue at about 94,000 but not constantly, its bad now
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-08
- VIN: 3FADP4FJ8CM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: 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
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,EQUIPMENT,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-06-26
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,EQUIPMENT,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while attempting to close the doors, the four doors failed to latch properly. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to be repaired; however, while driving off the lot, the contact became aware that the radio was inoperable, and the brake pedal was firm and difficult to depress. The vehicle was not taken back to the dealer. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000. The VIN was unavailable.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-01-01
- VIN: 3FADP4CJ1CM
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-02
- VIN: 3FADP4TJ3CM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH at night, the low-beam headlights stopped working. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he engaged in the high-beam headlights and continued driving. The contact, who is an electrician, diagnosed that the relay that controlled the low-beam headlights was corroded in the battery junction box. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that he had to pay out of pocket for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 19B22. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-23
- VIN: 3fadp4ej7cm
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-25
- VIN: 3fadp4bj4cm
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Transmission malfunction
2012 Ford Fiesta recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2012 Ford Fiesta.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
- Consequence: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the agency on April 23, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured July 1, 2012, to May 31, 2013, and 2012-2014 Fiesta vehicles manufactured February 1, 2012, to May 31, 2013. On April 30, 2015, Ford expanded the recall to cover an additional 119,567 vehicles, including certain model year 2011 Ford Fiestas manufactured from November 11, 2009, to May 31, 2013 and certain model year 2013 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured from February 1, 2012, to June 30, 2012. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
- Consequence: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches with an improved part, free of charge. Interim notifications were mailed to owners on June 5, 2015. The recall began on December 18, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S16.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Ford is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Fiesta vehicles, manufactured from November 3, 2009 through September 21, 2012. The vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." The passenger side curtain air bag will not deploy in the event of a side impact collision when the front passenger seat is empty. Although the side curtain air bag system was designed to suppress the side curtain air bag under this scenario, that information is not explained in the owner's guide for these vehicles as required by FMVSS No. 208.
- Consequence: An occupant in the right rear seating position will not have coverage from the side curtain air bag in a side impact collision when the front passenger seat is empty, increasing the risk of injury to the right rear occupant.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners and dealers will reprogram the vehicle's software free of charge so that it no longer suppresses the passenger side curtain air bag when the front passenger seat is empty, and consistent with the description in the owner's guide. The safety recall began on October 26, 2012. Owner's may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Negative 2012 Ford Fiesta car reviews
Positive 2012 Ford Fiesta car reviews
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Your first car is always special, and I'm glad to hear that you love it! I understand that some people may find the shifting a bit annoying, but it's important to remember that this is an economy car and not a high-performance vehicle. While the shifting may feel shaky at low gears, it really depends on how you drive it. If you drive with purpose, you'll find that it's surprisingly responsive and fun. Plus, the sedan is quite spacious, and the trunk is impressively large. And with an average of 33mpg in the city and 39-40mpg on the highway, it's a great choice for anyone looking to save on gas. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
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Firstly, I want to acknowledge that I have come across some negative reviews regarding the transmission of this car. It is marketed as an automatic, but it is actually a manual with a computer-controlled clutching system. After driving it for about 500 miles, some hesitation in shifting and noises could be heard - similar to a manual transmission. However, this is a normal occurrence, and it would be helpful if dealers were more transparent about this. Apart from that, the car delivers on its advertised MPG, has plenty of interior creature comforts, and overall, I am extremely satisfied with it.
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Great little car! It's wonderful to hear that you've kept up with maintenance and haven't had any problems.
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I absolutely love my Fiesta! The longer I own it, the more I appreciate its solid body feel and excellent handling. The car goes exactly where you steer it and can turn on a dime. I was initially concerned about the 5-speed manual, as I had a bad experience with a similar transmission in a 2001 Focus. However, the Fiesta's 5-speed is incredibly smooth and has a unique feel that reminds me of an old 89 Acura Inegra that I used to love driving. While the Fiesta may not be as powerful as some other cars, it certainly feels like it's made with equal quality. The only minor issue I have is that some of the interior parts feel a bit cheap and plasticky, which detracts from an otherwise plush interior.
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I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your Fiesta SE automatic! It's great to hear that you're already seeing the benefits of trading down to save on gas and maintenance costs. The handling and performance sound fantastic, and I'm impressed by the gas mileage you're getting with 100% city driving. I'm sure it will only get better on the highway! The SE with alloys and sync sounds like a great little car, and it's good to know that the first scheduled oil change maintenance isn't required until 10,000 miles. Overall, I highly recommend the Fiesta for its stylish looks, impressive gas mileage, great performance, and affordable cost. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
Additional sources
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Other years of Ford Fiesta
Are you having problems with your 2012 Ford Fiesta?
Cordelia Gerhold 2025-01-03
If you are considering purchasing a vehicle, I would advise against buying an automatic transmission Fiesta from 2012. This particular model has had numerous recalls and ongoing transmission issues that have yet to be resolved, despite multiple attempts at repair. While the car is fuel-efficient and has never left me stranded, the transmission problems have been a persistent headache. In fact, the car has spent over half a year in the garage for repairs, not including the time I have spent driving it back and forth to the garage. However, I am pleased to report that thanks to a recent class action lawsuit against Ford, I have received notification that they will be buying my car back. I hope that this ordeal will soon be over. It is important to note that these issues could have been avoided if Quirk Ford had sold me the standard transmission that I originally wanted.The issues with these cars were already known, so we were able to secure a buy back with confirmation via email. The requisition team is expected to contact us within two weeks. If you have one of these cars, it's best to stick with the class action lawsuit and fight for the buy back. Although the process can be time-consuming and require a lot of paperwork, it's worth it. In my case, I received a check for 2/3 of what I paid for the Fiesta six years ago. It's important to note that our Fiesta had extreme issues, which is why we were compensated for the numerous days it spent in the shop. If you're in the process and feel discouraged, remember that the extended warranty they provided will eventually expire, and you'll be responsible for any issues that arise. Hang in there. Thanks to the buy back check, I was able to purchase a new Hyundai Elantra with 20k miles in cash. Perhaps Ford should have bought it back when I offered it to them for $6k several years ago.
Gillian Hansen 2024-11-16
I purchased this car brand new in May 2012, and initially, everything was fine. However, in Oct 2013 (@15000 miles), it began to experience issues such as shuddering, stalling, and making strange noises. The shuddering was so severe that it caused me to develop back problems from being jolted around so much. Despite having the transmission replaced twice, in 8/2014 and 10/2015, the same issues persisted. When it left me stranded in the middle of an intersection, I decided to stop driving it and instead drove my husband's car until I traded it in for a Toyota. While it may have been fuel-efficient, the frequent trips to the repair shop negated any benefits.
Carmine White 2024-10-18
I have been driving this car for 6 years and, unfortunately, it has had a lot of issues. If I were not in a tough financial situation, I would have gotten rid of it a long time ago. It is no surprise that there is a lawsuit against Ford because of the transmission issue with this car. I have had to take it to the shop several times every year that I have owned it. During the first winter, my heater went out and I have had constant transmission and clutch issues, which have been replaced twice. Additionally, my engine light comes on and goes off due to 'Environmental Reading' issues. I have also had oil leaks because three dealerships could not seem to put the cap on tight enough after an oil change. I am really looking forward to unloading it next month. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend a Fiesta to anyone.
Maxime Ondricka 2024-10-15
The car experienced some issues after only 4000 miles, such as a squeaking noise from the clutch. Although it took two visits to the dealer, the problem was fixed with a simple adjustment. At 30000 miles, I noticed fluid leaking from the front axle. The dealer was unable to schedule me until next week, but assured me that it would be fine until then. While these issues were frustrating, I still have confidence in Ford's ability to build reliable cars.
Anthony Pfannerstill 2024-10-13
This vehicle has been a reliable mode of transportation for me, with only a few minor issues. Unfortunately, the arm rest broke after a year of use, even though I didn't put any undue pressure on it. Additionally, the throttle body began to fail after about 40,000 miles, causing some issues with idling and acceleration. Although it was disappointing that this repair was not covered under the power train warranty, I was able to get it fixed for $900. On the bright side, the vehicle handles well in inclement weather conditions, such as rain and light snow.