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).
While driving my car with my two little nieces in the backseat, I heard a sound that made me think a wheel was coming off. As long as I was driving straight, the vehicle seemed to be okay. But when I made a turn onto the next road, something broke underneath the car and we began to spin around. It felt like the wheels were rubbing under the floor of the car and we were in the middle of the street. When I got out, I saw the rear wheels were cocked at an angle to the rest of the car. I thank God we weren't on a busy highway where we could have all been killed.
The car was making noises and sounding like it was having difficulty changing gears, took it in to a Ford dealer in charles town, wv (thomassen) and was told the car was OK, they reprogrammed it. A month later, same issue, took it back to them, they replaced the controller module and pronounced it fine. Three months later, same issue. Have been told was a recall on the transmission but now the Ford dealership it is at in weston, wv, toothman, is not wanting to perform the recall, and kept it on their lot for 1 month before they even put it on a rack and looked at it. They claim it was dry of transmission fluid. The day before leaving, oil change was done and fluid levels checked. When it broke down, my daughter and boyfriend checked the fluid first thing and it had plenty. Now, car is stranded and no one is wanting to help with this issue. …
The right rear passenger side door flew open (it was stationary) upon trying to close it and lock it. The latch was broken. It would not latch at all, and I had to ratchet strap it closed just so the car would acknowledge that the door was in fact shut. When going up hills or turning, the door tries to fly open and the inside lights and alarm will sound notifying that the door is ajar. Also, when turning the steering wheel, especially at a slow speed, there is a loud click-like sound while driving. I had taken my vehicle to the dealership earlier and told them about the noise but never got any information from them, it was blown off as if it wasn't a big deal. I do not feel safe driving the vehicle due to the fact that it could be the undercarriage or have something to do with the steering column itself.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while reversing, there was an abnormal noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering gear failed but the vehicle was drivable. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred. In addition, the contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V246000 (latches/locks/linkages) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 31,800. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Update 01/15/16 ma updated 2/4/16 the consumer states the transmission will not go forward or reverse.
I was heading out in reverse the car felt slow when I pressed the gas it took a while to accelerate. When I came to a stop the wheel felt stiff and shaky. I pressed the gas pedal to turn, but it wouldn't go. It felt like the gas was suffocating it wasn't moving and the wheel felt stiff and hard to turn it took a awhile to move. I got scared and drove back home. I took it to Ford left it there to get checked. I asked about the transmission because the light had turned on. I was told they reset the module and that they sent me an estimate to my email if I wanted to do the repairs that they recommended. I asked if it was OK to drive the car they said yes, that I would feel it shudder, but that it was OK to go. I have been driving it to work, but it still takes a while when I press the gas.
My 2011 Ford Fiesta began giving me problems at about 28,000 miles. It is now 35,000 miles and I have been having problems accelerating out of a stop. It will jerk, rev and shudder getting up to 30 MPH. I have taken care of a few recalls and I have noticed a 5 mile drop in the mpg. I take good care of my car, I have the oil changed regularly and I often take it to a mechanic to ensure it is in good working condition. This only happens when I am driving the Fiesta for a while in a city setting so I have to start and stop quite a bit. Additionally, there has been a consistent clunking noise when I turn the wheel at low speeds. Have brought it in a few times and no one has even attempted to fix it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ford Fiesta. While driving at any speed, the brakes squeaked, the steering lost power, and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to friendly Kia [phone], located at 5819 us-19, new port richey, fl 34652) where it was determined that the failure was due to humidity. The vehicle was then taken to Ford of port richey [phone], located at 10715 us-19, port richey, fl 34668) where it was diagnosed that the brakes, transmission, and battery needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.
Began to hear a clunking noise in the steering accompanied by vibration in the steering wheel. This noise and vibration has steadily increased since first noticing it. Feels as though a bearing or bushing has failed or a tooth in the steering gear is missing. Please note: this car has been maintained in a timely fashion and all service has been performed by Ford dealerships. Also I am 59 years old and treat the car with respect. I am worried that whatever it is May fail all-together and cause me to have an accident. Please note: there are other complaints of this problem posted on the internet.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ford Fiesta. While driving 45 MPH, the contact attempted to steer the vehicle in both directions and heard an abnormal noise coming from the wheel. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics who diagnosed that the knuckles in the steering wheel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Purchased 02/26/16 since purchase breaks have locked up 7 times, took to original dealer of purchase 8 times in first two months of purchase by the time they get car they find nothing wrong taken to Ford dealership 3 times they replaced censor states it will fix problem and has not have almost gotten in several accidents because breaks lock up and prevent car from going forward and unable to move.
Steering complaints in other Fiesta years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2011 Ford Fiesta?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the steering of the 2011 Ford Fiesta, 4% of the model year's 730 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2011 Ford Fiesta steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles, and 24% before 25,000 miles.
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.