Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Ford Fiesta owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the engine malfunction, ABS, and Hill Assist warning lights were illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed; however, the contact was unaware of the diagnostic result. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same mechanic who again diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken to a local dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the throttle body, engine electrical harness, and engine mounts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. …
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH at night he was informed that the exterior rear lights were not working. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with junction box electrical failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 183,968. Lights stopped working inside, the rear exterior lights, and then the front lights. Ford reports VIN is not part of the recall, but consumer's vehicle has the exact same issue as the other ones. Diagnosed with corrosion from dealership.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was abnormal corrosion around the wiring harness, causing an electrical fault. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 22N11. 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 105,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle would not start, and the transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
I have a 2011 Ford Fiesta. The vehicle has a really serious issue relating to the fuse box that is mounted under the hood. This issue has a recall and I scheduled it for service at the Ford dealer in bryan, ohio. (Bryan Ford) I have issues with this vehicle that make it extremely unsafe for me and my family to drive. The headlights randomly go out while driving, both passenger and drivers side are affected by this. The doors will not lock and I have no horn now either, making us a target for car jacking. About a month before I found out there was a recall for this I hit a racoon and it knocked off the plastic wheel cover. After I took it in to have the recall fixed Bryan Ford refused to repair this recall due to the missing plastic. I believe my family and I are going to be seriously injured in this vehicle because of the electrical problems related to the recalled fusebox. …
I am reporting a serious mechanical and safety issue involving my 2011 Ford Fiesta. After receiving a partially state-funded engine replacement in June 2025, my vehicle began experiencing serious transmission problems shortly after. Within a month, it went into limp mode multiple times, and warning lights appeared: the wrench light, incline warning, and "Transmission Malfunction - Service Now" messages. A diagnostic scan revealed multiple DTCs related to the Transmission Control Module (TCM), Input/Output Shaft Speed Sensors, and Clutch A disengagement (P286F) - which I understand are linked to known issues with this model's transmission. These failures make the car dangerous to drive. The vehicle has lost power unexpectedly, putting me at risk of an accident. …
The low beam headlights do not turn on, all the other lights work as normal including the high beams. The fuses have not blown and there are no warning lamps or messages. This is a known problem with this make and model, there is a recall in Canada for this issue. The safety of others is put at extreme risk in any kind of low light condition (fog, rain, etc.) As well as my own safety by not being able to see in front of me. It is illegal to drive with high beams on in residential areas so I am just unable to drive at night. The vehicle has not been inspected yet. I suspect this is related to the design of the fuse box which allows debris and moisture to get into the relays, again, see the Canadian recall.
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.
Interior lighting stopped working. Rear lights stopped working and then front lights stopped working. There is a known recall on this, but Ford states it doesn't include my VIN. However, when you go to the recall it shows the exact same issue with corrosion in the fuse junction box. Bill Estes Ford diagnosed it as corrosion of fuses in that box. Ford won't work with me even though this is a known issue with 2011,2012,2013 Fiesta's.I was almost rear ended not knowing my rear lights were not working in the dark.
I am having issues with the fuse box under the hood. I keep shorting out on my headlights ans AC clutch relay. I've purchased new head lights (bulbs), replaced them and they still didn't work. I checked the fuses after investigation online and they have blown. I had my AC completely fixed and it ran fine for a while, then stopped working. I had it checked and was told the AC relay clutch fuse was loose. I replaced it. Three weeks later it shorted out, again.
Electrical complaints in other Fiesta years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2011 Ford Fiesta?
NHTSA has 96 complaints about the electrical system of the 2011 Ford Fiesta, 13% of the model year's 730 complaints. The component named most often is wiring › fuses and circuit breakers (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Ford Fiesta electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2011 Ford Fiesta, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2011 Ford Fiesta electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles, and 23% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.