Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while at a complete stop at the traffic light, the vehicle inadvertently lunged forward and crashed into the rear of another occupied vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was filed. The contact was able to continue driving. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost power with the message "Transmission Hot Wait 5 Minutes" displayed on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where the mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a defective dual transmission clutch. The contact was informed that although the transmission could be repaired, the failure might likely return, and the mechanic could not warranty the repair. The contact called several other transmission shops and was provided the same information. Despite the initial repair, the contact stated that the failure returned approximately 15,000-20,000 miles later. The vehicle was taken to back to the independent mechanic where the transmission was replaced another time. …
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and the "Transmission Malfunction Service Now" message was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact stated that the RPM's increased rapidly, but the vehicle did not respond. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a persistent failure. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was 74,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The engine failure message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. No further information was available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 37,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact state that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated. A message displayed on the instrument panel "Transmission Failure - Service Now". The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that each time after the vehicle was refueled, while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle hesitated. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the TCM failed, and the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the purge valve failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. …
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, the vehicle made abnormal growling sounds as the transmission was shifting hard and was slipping between gears. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the transmission had slipped while at a complete stop, causing the vehicle to lunge forward. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was test-driven and diagnosed with transmission failure. The mechanic diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that he would be charged a repair fee. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2016 FORD Fiesta. The contact stated that the vehicle's transmission would suddenly slip while driving at various speeds. The contact would have to release some pressure on the acceleration pedal till the transmission realigns itself. The failure could occur several times in one day. The failure's occurrence had become more frequent. The vehicle's locking system for the hood had began to illuminate as open and or it had been tampered with, however, this had self- corrected since then. There had been several other electrical on and off failures, however, the transmission slipping had been the most present and frequently increasing of all they had experienced. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who confirmed the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact confirmed their VIN was not included. …
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the gear shifter was inoperable. The contact stated that when she depressed the accelerator pedal the vehicle would not accelerate. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the powertrain control module had failed. The contact was informed that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and was diagnosed with a failed TCM. The contact was informed that the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the TCM needed to be replaced again. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Fiesta years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2013 (391), 2011 (366), 2012 (274), 2014 (208) and 2015 (104) model years. Transmission complaints make up 59% of all complaints for the 2013.
Is there a recall for Ford Fiesta transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Ford Fiesta model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Ford Fiesta transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 41,000 miles; 56% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (37 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) (24).
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.