Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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 that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the battery was replaced. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond and sputtered. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle the following day, the vehicle failed to start and was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic related the failure to the transmission. The contact was referred to the dealer for an unknown recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for the TCM to be replaced under Ford Campaign Number: 14M02. …
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 at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure was not duplicated. Additionally, the contact received notification of Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02; however, the dealer informed the contact that there was no indication of transmission failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair could not be covered under an unknown special program or recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the safety failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
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.
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. …
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.
Ford has had a long known issue with 2011-2015-FIESTA ( Cuautitlan ) they issued a Customer Satisfaction Program that ended June 2025. I purchased the car July 2026 used w/o none issues. Checked VIN for recall and Maryland Inspected. Driving it one week and the check engine light comes on. Apparently the TCM recognized a change in driving pattern but FORD will not honor the replacement. How is it not a safety issue with the vehicle can decide not to engage risking a collision? I am willing to pay for the labor of the part but would like the part covered as it should.
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.
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
While parked with the vehicle running (about 30 minutes in 87 degree weather with the ac on), the transmission felt like it tried to go into drive and rocked forward slightly. I looked at the dash and the check engine light came on. I tested the vehicle and it seemed road worthy enough to try and get home. When driving home and stopped at a stop light, the car's display for park, neutral, reverse, drive, started quickly flashing between drive and park. I could not accelerate the vehicle while this was going on. I placed the vehicle in park, and then met fairly heavy resistance putting it back into drive. After a few seconds of flashing between drive and park, it stopped and I was able to drive again. The same thing happened a few minutes later while I was about to turn into the Ford dealership. This time I tried turning off the vehicle to see if that would remedy the issue. …
Engine complaints in other Fiesta years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2011 Ford Fiesta?
NHTSA has 118 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2011 Ford Fiesta, 16% of the model year's 730 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Ford Fiesta engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 1 fire and 7 injuries to engine & cooling 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.