This model year’s transmission was troubled by hesitation, jerking, shuddering, and failure, just like the 2013 Fiesta. Owners were often forced to replace part or all of the transmission. These problems typically cost owners $590, and the average mileage when they happened was around 55,000 miles. See real-world 2011 Ford Fiesta transmission problems and repair histories as reported by other 2011 Ford Fiesta owners. Also, see repair breakdown by problem area and cost. 2011 Ford Fiesta transmission repair cost distribution. $2500+ (3%) $1000 - $2499 (4%) $500 - $999 (8%) $100 - $499 (12%) $100 (74%) See most expensive repairs. Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind. Chart based on 76 repair trips. The repair cost.
The small, feisty, and economical Ford Fiesta is fun to drive, and it’s one of Ford’s best-sellers worldwide. For a budget-conscious buyer, a used Fiesta might seem like a smart option. If you plan to buy one, though, you should know about the model year that’s received the most complaints. More importantly, there’s a Fiesta model year that you should avoid entirely because it’s the absolute worst, according to CarComplaints.com.
The Ford Fiesta model year with the most overall complaints
The 2013 Ford Fiesta had the most complaints of all model years. Owners reported 201 problems via 973 complaints. The major problem categories for this model year were issues with the Fiesta’s transmission and engine.
Transmission troubles accounted for more than 60% of the problems that triggered owner complaints. Variations on hesitation, stuttering, and stalling represented the bulk of these problems. In many cases, the car shuddered and jerked as if it was going to stall when the gas pedal was pressed. Some owners had the clutch replaced and several reported having the transmission replaced two or three times.
At the Ford dealerships, the technicians generally offered no explanation for the root cause of the transmission problem. They sometimes told owners that they would have to get used to the transmission. Even more unbelievably, some were advised that the transmission would have to “learn” the owner’s driving style.
These problems occurred early on at around 25,000 miles. Although no data was available for the repair cost, it’s fair to guess that owners paid hundreds of dollars or more to fix the problem. CarComplaints.com gave this category a problem severity rating of “pretty bad”.
Engine problems, while not as numerous as those with the transmission, also affected the 2013 Ford Fiesta. The most troubling aspect of this problem category is the 99 National Highway Traffic Safety Association complaints owners submitted. Problems that put drivers at risk include engine stalling, sudden loss of speed, decreased acceleration, and engine fluid leakage.
Some of the engine problems are tied in with the transmission problems mentioned previously. NHTSA reported two crashes, four fires, and one injury in this category. The category got the worst severity rating at “really awful.” Again, these problems happened early on at just over 20,000 miles.
2014 Ford Fiesta Transmission Replacement Cost
The worst model year of all
Inside and out, the 2011 Fiesta had problems so severe it was the worst model year overall. It also earned CarComplaints.com’s “Beware of the Clunker” badge. The irony here is that the 2011 model year was the Ford Fiesta’s first year of availability in North America.
Owners submitted complaints in 174 problem categories and major problem categories were related to the transmission, interior accessories, and engine. 40% percent of the problems were related to the transmission.
This model year’s transmission was troubled by hesitation, jerking, shuddering, and failure, just like the 2013 Fiesta. Owners were often forced to replace part or all of the transmission. These problems typically cost owners $590, and the average mileage when they happened was around 55,000 miles.
Problems with interior accessories may seem fairly minor compared to those involving the transmission or engine. But many of the issues reported about the 2011 Fiesta’s doors were downright dangerous. Separate components of the car’s door such as the latches, locks, and gaskets all failed. A few owners said that the passenger door flew open while driving. The door problems occurred between 50,000 and 60,000 miles.
The rear seats were also problematic because the head restraints created large blind spots. One crash related to this design defect was submitted to NHTSA.
Engine problems for this model year resembled those of the 2013 model year and were just as bad, too. NHTSA data for these problems include four crashes, one fire, and seven injuries. Owners experienced engine stalling, lack of power, slipping gears, shuddering, and lurching. As with transmission issues, Ford failed to provide resolutions to these problems for the owners.
Other model years with fewer problems
Don’t despair if you still have your sights set on a Ford Fiesta because other model years have better track records. Ford seemed to have gotten the transmission debacle under control by 2016. The 2016 and 2017 Fiestas have won the “Seal of Awesome” badge on CarComplaints.com. They have only 16 and 3 problem categories, respectively.
Whether you choose a hatchback or a sedan, you have choices when used car shopping. Just be sure to stay clear of the 2011 Ford Fiesta and also give the 2013 model year a wide berth as well. No matter how enticing a deal is, it’s just not worth the hassles that are associated with these cars.
12903 km
US $3500 | Problems with powershift auto transmission. Clutch system had to be replaced completly, but the problem is still there. |
| 57000 km | Clutch assembly needed to be replaced, uneven, intermittient shifting (auto) for a few months. (diagnostics 1 day, repair 1 day) |
2011 Ford Fiesta 4dr Sedan
88 kilowatts 1.6L I4 6-speed automatic FWD
| 25852 km | trans shifted funny |
87597 km
US $3000 | would shift poorly |
| 112877 km | Transmission was loud, jerky, stumbling. |
| 125806 km | 3rd time for the crappy transmission. Ended up fighting with the dealer and traded out for a 2013 Hyundai Sonata with 35,000 miles! |
| 62903 km | Rough shifting; reprogrammed but needs clutch for auto trans |
| 62903 km | replaced clutch on auto-manual trans |
| 64516 km | Replace module & reprogram. |
| 64816 km | Same trouble with the clutch pack and program. |
| 65016 km | Replaced the clutch pack. |
| 70968 km | Clutch chatter....dealer said the trans was working as designed!!!!! |
| 79032 km | Replace clutch and re-program, as usual. Should be good for another 6 months. About how long the clutch lasts. |
| 3226 km | Was making a clacking noise at certain speeds. New car was pulled off lot to compare. Dealer said all of the Fiesta's do that. No repairs made. |
| 40323 km | The clutch pack was leaking so I had it replaced - it was covered under warranty. Was told that this was a common problem with the Fiesta. |
| 48000 km | Replacement of dual clutch |
| 63000 km | Transmission shudder again |
| 64000 km | car shudders intermittently after highway run and when stuck in heavy traffic |
| 72000 km | car stumbles at lower speeds after highway run |
| 113000 km | Newer updated clutch installed |
| 17529 km | Reflashed transmission, noises remain. |
| 18242 km | The automatic trans. had new grinding and clattering noises. Dealer thought needed repair, but Ford central said (without hearing noises) that 'those noises are normal.'Weren't there first 10,000, so at my insistence, they authorized repair. |
| 24194 km | Finally, after much insistence on my part to Ford-- with backup from the dealer that abnormal noises could be heard, the automatic clutch module (of the auto transmission) was replaced and the transmission functioned well without noise. |
| 20968 km | Flywheel failed. I was sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic when the engine light and the 'limp home' light came on. The Fiesta did make it the additional 50 miles to the dealer. Still hesitates, bursts, tach jumps around, stutters, etc. After the flywheel repair, the car made grinding noises in reverse. It also would shift through all four gears before I got to 30 mph. Returned to the dealer and left the vehicle for several additional days. They said it was a computer prob. |
| 35006 km | Car hesitates and lacks power. |
| 58065 km | Replaced transmission clutch and seal as per customer satisfaction alert |
| 38710 km | Transmission still acts up |
223613 km
US $265 | Transmission would flip flop between 1st and 2nd in stop and go traffic. ECM and TCM were reprogrammed and problem was solved. |
559677 km
US $600 | Removed powershift transmission and replaced dual clutch pack. It took a month to get the part from Ford. |
| 572277 km | Front end vibration between 55 and 75 mph, only when accelerating. Replaced left half shaft/CV joint. Rides beautifully once again. |
895132 km
US $600 | Clutch lost friction, replaced entire transmission with a used one because it was cheaper and easier to get at the time than just a clutch. The last clutch I ordered took a month to get from Ford. |
975806 km
US $200 | The last throw out bearing I put in has had a steady whine to it but after 60,000 miles it hasn't changed pitch so we'll wait and see. |
1193548 km
US $170 | Carrier bearing on right side driveshaft (original) was developing a slight vibration above 50mph. Replaced driveshaft and vibration dissappeared |
1214516 km
US $900 | Clutch began slipping when hot. Pulled transmission and replaced DCT's clutch unit. |
| 1613 km | Full transmission replacement after experiencing rough acceleration, rough shifting, grumbling noises, diminished power to engine. |
2011 Ford Fiesta 4dr Sedan
88 kilowatts 1.6L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 59677 km | Transmission fluid leak. |
| 75294 km | Oil leak |
126994 km
US $500 | Leaks in both output shafts where they leave the transaxle. |
93548 km
US $300 | Seal on shifter |
203226 km
US $780 | Slave cylinder failed. Replaced clutch because it was very inexpensive to buy and both could be replaced at the same time. |
2011 Ford Fiesta 4dr Hatch
88 kilowatts 1.6L I4 6-speed automatic FWD
| 24194 km | Grinding and jerking when changing gears especially from 1-2, 2-3 |
| 24194 km | Repeat attempt to fix the grinding/jerking whilst changing gear. Mechanic claims that's normal for this model. Nothing replaced. |
| 103226 km | Transmission control unit, car stopped running, transmision locked in park |
| 25806 km | At slow speeds car has STARTED to act like it doesn't know what gear it should be in (6 speed Auto). Dealer reset transmission computer, when this did not solve problem replacement clutches ordered. |
| 27419 km | Jerky acceleration at slow speeds. Replaced dual clutch in 6sp auto and reset transmission computer. Covered under Ford's extension to warranty. Behaves correctly after work. |
38224 km
US $165 | Double clutch 6 speed automatic. Started shuddering again at slow speed, worse when AC on. Got call back that they are replacing clutch (2nd time for this car) under warranty. 1 year left on the extended transmission warranty. Parts ordered. |
| 43548 km | Leakage of engine oil into transmission. Clutches had to be replaced but there were no parts available. Got the clutches replaced but the car just isn't the same. |
| 44348 km | The transmission was doing a strange sound. Dealer stated they needed 5 days to repair it. |
| 48387 km | The car jerked when shifting gears. The gears it shifted to wheren't always the correct ones. Car's performance suffered because of this. |
| 3500 km | Recall transmission work |
77419 km
US $279 | Dual automatic clutch repair |
| 96998 km | Transmission halted/stuttered going between neutral and first gear and between first and second gear. Ford dealer performed transmission computer update and replaced clutch assembly and clutch slave. Fix was performed at no cost due to it being some sort of manufacturing problem. |
| 112903 km | Transmission control module was fried as a result of the battery dying. This is a known issue to Ford, and the transmission control module is covered under an extended warranty. So the dealer replaced the module for free. |
| 45161 km | Ford paid for repairs transmission was failing at 27000 miles |
133871 km
US $360 | Driver's side axle seal needed to be repaired. |
| 81832 km | Car fell into neutral. Couldn't shift. Then stuck in park until it cooled. Three separate trips to dealer. Nearly 30 days in the shop. All covered by warranty. I was provided a rental. |
| 105065 km | Transmission shudder and rear main seal seeping oil. Ford Field Service Action No. 14M01 is a warranty extension for this exact issue. Local dealer replaced the clutch, seals and fluid. $1989 parts and labor, all covered by warranty. |
| 166129 km | Diagnosis of transmission slipping, as evidence by the shuttering and grinding that occurs at take offs after the car has been warmed up. It was happening basically the entire 3 years I owned the car, but got steadily worse over time. I hear it's a common problem with these cars, and I had decided to live with it until it got this bad. I did not get it repaired. I'm trading it in. |
| 72581 km | I thought I heard a small rattling noise from the engine/trans when driving around real slow at 1,500 rpm. Dealer did an inspection, found nothing. |
| 40323 km | Would only rev after second gear and wouldn't go into reverse, had towed to dealership, replaced transmission control module (TCM), solved problem - car also shifts much smoother now. Fixed under warranty. |
| 94848 km | Car wouldn't accelerate after taking an off ramp. After putting car in park and turning off it wouldn't restart or let the gear-shifter out of park. Dealer diagnosed it as a faulty shift module and replaced it free of charge. |
39000 km
C $475 | Transmission was replaced in June under extended warranty. Driver side noise started immediately thereafter. |
| 61290 km | Transmission rebuilt (clutches and associated wearable parts). Transmission connections (spline/bearings) to front-wheel drive system replaced. Front, driver CV joint replaced. |
| 61290 km | Transmission completely replaced. |
54266 km
US $815 | BE8Z-6C315-A NEW FORD SENSOR - CRANKSHAFT POSITION - $11.64 BE8Z-6379-AB NEW FORD BOLT - HEX.HEAD $5.64 BE8Z-6375-C NEW FORD PLATE ASY - CONVERTER DRIVE $69.54 XT-11-QDC NEW FORD FLUID - TRANSMISSION $71.22 W520102-S442 NEW FORD NUT - FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM BELLHOUSING, FOUND TSB 12.4.6 APPLIES, REPLACE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY AND SEALS PER TSB, REINSTALLED TRANSMISSION, REPROGRAMMED AND RELEARNED TRANSMISSION, REPLACED FLYWHEEL AND CKP SENSOR DUE TO DAMAGE |
| 55966 km | Car is not accelerating appropriately. I press on the gas and the car doesn't move |
| 64516 km | Car still not accelerating and stopping properly. Cannot drive vehicle on highway safely. Dealer (DaveSinclairLincoln south Lindbergh st Louis mo) says here is nothing wrong with the vehicle. |
| 24100 km | update to transmission controller |
| 50000 km | Not shifting properly. Jerky acceleration. Would not engage reverse. Service light illuminated. Dealer attempted reprogram of transmission control module. Control module required replacement. |
| 3226 km | Automatic Transmission somtimes does not shift into gear for a long time after accelerator is pressed. VERY DANGEROUS! Sometimes it rapidly alternates trying two different gears but can't or won't pick one. |
| 40323 km | Problem with transmission not shifting correctly. Had reported problem multiple times but, was told it was supposed to work that way. Received letter from Ford of extended warranty for known transmission problem. Then they fixed it. |
62903 km
US $150 | Not shifting correctly |
| 6952 km | The automated-manual transmission continues to behave erratically. Ford, again, said it works as designed. They did nothing to help me. |
| 1613 km | Transmission breakdown. Had to replace but Ford has no replacements -- took weeks to get new transmission. Brand new car! |
| 19355 km | Involved Ford customer service in transmission problem. They offloaded problem to dealer. Service Manager said he couldn't hear noise but transmission tech said he could - service manager won. No Repair authorized - transmission still noisy |
| 15000 km | still having an issue with a hesitant first gear |
| 16000 km | the work order was left open waiting for an expected transmission recall |
| 29332 km | Loud grinding from axle. Traced to improperly installed carrier bearing. |
| 14516 km | The car would not go forward, only would move in reverse. The transmission ground wire did not make a good ground. There is a TSB on this item, but the TSB is only after failure. |
| 91935 km | Automatic Transmission would not engage to drive car forward after driver 30 high speed miles and stopping. Once placed in park it would not come out of park until engine was turned off and waited 15 minutes. Fix: reprogram transmission. |
| 93548 km | After driving over 35 miles at highway speeds and stopping car would not go forward or reverse, it was as if car was in neutral. Once car was in park you could not take it out of park. Shut car off, wait ten minutes and then car would go. |
| 91000 km | 2nd gear occasional chatter / shudder. Unresolved. |
| 67742 km | Transmission seals on input shaft to dual clutch failed. New seals along with new clutches were ordered from Ford. They are currently on back-order, and we are awaiting for them to arrive before car can be repaired. Car is still drivable. |
| 74194 km | Ford sent out the back ordered 3rd generation clutch-pack needed to repair my leaking input/output shaft leak. |
| 95161 km | Output shaft #1 and corresponding gearset were replaced. metallic noises from transmission were getting louder and metal was found in gear oil. With the earlier clutchpack replaced, about $4000 in repairs have been covered under warranty. |
| 46774 km | Not exactly sure, but heard the problem was a common one among the '11 Fiestas. |
| 98387 km | Adjustment to rid transmission of shuddering |
| 1613 km | Evaluated by dealer in Sept and again in Oct for harshness in Transmission, inconclusive. |
| 222881 km | Transmission failure. Covered by a warranty extension from ford. |
| 95161 km | Fiesta was subject to a recall for bucking and hesitation in the transmission. Software was reprogrammed to see if that resolved the problem. Since then I've noticed a significant improvement. |
| 79032 km | Would occasionally get engine malfunction light. Dealer found TSB for this issue. |
143535 km
US $1000 | Loud grinding noise from transmission. Dealer state broken washer allowing gears to rub together, replaced output shaft assembly. An accident might have caused this, as car was hit at rf wheel nine months earlier. |
| 151613 km | Replaced clutch pack under warranty. I believe it was related to earlier transmission repair as symptoms (vibration at idle) occurred immediately after repair. |
187097 km
US $2250 | Replaced clutch pack. Replaced under warranty in May 2016, but started exhibiting shuddering and slipping within a year. Unfortunately, Ford extended warranty would not pay for a second time since car passed 100,000 miles. We will see if this repair holds up throughout the year. $2000. Edit: Noticed car had vibration, dealer said it may need to break in. I waited a few months and problem seemed to get worse (or I became more sensitive and annoyed). Took back to dealer to fix. Info in April trip record. |
| 90000 km | Eratic shifting. No reverse. Replaced computer modual and clutch assembly. Had to return to have clutch realigned. Was supplied with a u drive at no charge. Warranty extended. |
| 22581 km | The car had issues with changing gears |
| 58065 km | Poor shifting. Replace seal & clutch pack, reflash TCM & PCM |
| 19355 km | Tranmission leaked fluid, resulting in poor performance. The shop had to try 3 times to correct the leak. |
2011 Ford Fiesta 4dr Hatch
88 kilowatts 1.6L I4 5-speed manual FWD
2014 Ford Fiesta Transmission Replacement Cost
| 64839 km | Warranty repair of leaking transmission end cap seal. Axle seals found to be damp from fluid, replaced at same time under warranty. |
| 74194 km | Manual Transmission Shifter was sticking. |
| 27794 km | Throwout bearing was making chirping noise. Dealer inspected and determine slave cylinder was defective. |
| 38710 km | Transmission making a mild gear whine noise at certain loads and RPMs. Dealer inspected and concluded noise was normal to design and operation. (I only had it inspected due to previous transmission repair.) |
| 48387 km | Throwout bearing was squealing on cold start with clutch pressed in. |
| 24194 km | Manual trans. became hard to shift from 3rd to 4th gear, like it was blocked. Dealer opened trans, found a synchronizer on brass sleeve missing. Replaced 3-4 shift fork, 3-4 synchronizer assembly and 17 different related parts. Again wouldn't shift from 3rd to 4th like last service call. Shop said 3-4 adjuster not snapped in place completely. Snapped in place to fix. |
185484 km
US $1000 | Broken shifter cable and damaged shift linkages. Dealership's ineptitude made trip as long as it was. |
| 25806 km | Broken left front halfshaft |
2011 Ford Fiesta Transmission Problems
| 11077 km | I noticed an oil leak on my garage floor and took it in, apparently, there was a torn CV joint boot. |