In the mid-70’s, the Ford Fiesta was designed to offer people a practical transportation solution, for very little money. Americans didn’t much care for subcompact cars at the time, so the little Ford went away after the 1980 model year. It remained a strong seller in international markets, but the Fiesta wouldn’t return to North America until 2011 (the car you’re thinking of was called the Ford Festiva).
What Transmission Do I Have?
When the 6th generation Fiesta finally debuted in early 2009, it brought a whole new standard of quality and equipment to the subcompact segment. Buyers could now get high-end features like voice-activated infotainment, and leather upholstery. A six-speed PowerShift dual-clutch transmission was also available, making the Fiesta the first affordable subcompact to combine the quick-shifting capabilities of a manual transmission, with the excellent fuel economy of an automatic.
Does something seem wrong with your Fiesta? Let’s look at some of the most common Ford Fiesta transmission problems, and see what you can do to get your car back on the road.
Ford Fiesta Recalls
No transmission-related recalls
Ford Fiesta Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
2011-2014Fiesta – TSB 15-0090-15-0043 / 10058318
Problem:
According to Ford, certain 2011-2014 Fiesta’s that are equipped with the Ford DPS6 automatic transmission, may experience excessive transmission clutch shudder during light acceleration, and/or fluid leaks from the clutch housing. This is due to fluid contamination of the clutch, caused by failed input shaft seals.
Solution:
Depending on the severity of the damage, the clutch may be able to be cleaned, and both input shaft seals replaced. However, the clutch itself may need to be replaced as well.
2011-2015 Fiesta – TSB 44852 / 10057815
Problem:
If the above repair to fix clutch contamination isn’t done correctly, the new input shaft seals could swell and rupture, causing the same problem to occur again.
Solution:
When cleaning the bell housing and clutch assembly, allow ample time for the parts to dry before installing the new input shaft seals. Otherwise, the cleaning solvent can cause the new seals to swell and rupture.
2014 Fiesta – TSB 14-0063-14-0135 / 10056929
Problem:
Certain examples of the 2014 Ford Fiesta that are equipped with the 1.6L Ti-VCT engine, may display an MIL warning lamp, and store one or more of the following diagnostic trouble codes: P2610, P286F, or P06B8.
Solution:
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and Transmission Control Module (TCM) will need to be updated with the latest transmission control software, using IDS release 89.02 or higher.
What Transmission Do I Have?
How to Diagnose & Fix
- Check the OBD Codes
- Check the fluid level
- Test transmission pressure
- Drop the transmission pan
- Repair, replace or rebuild
What to Read Next
Related Forum Discussions
Over to You
[poll id=”12″] [poll id=”13″]What Problem Does Your Fiesta Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
Had a transmission module put on they said it is in the transmission something internal going on
not sure what it is but i have a video when i turn on the key makes a sound as if its going thru some type of gears, not sure. if anyone has a way for me to send it to hear please let me know , need it fixed
I have a 2012 Ford Fiesta SEL and it jas been giving me transmission issues like shuddering, hard to get up to speed, put putting, this has been an on going thing. I need help with replacement of the whole transmission, so i can feel safe sriving it. Also iam on disability and on a fixed income plus this is my only vehicle.
My ford fiesta 2013 1.6 li. Transmition comes with an isue wont go in gear wend transmition move then start lussing power
2012 ford fiesta transmission wont shift after 1st gear.taken to 2 shops.taking to dealernext week.how in the hell can for get away wit this.my car only has 80000 miles on it
Ford Fiesta zetec semi auto 2009
Some time it don’t start and comes up with transmission malfunction.
Any information would be helpful
Many thanks
2011 fiesta. When put in drive. automatic transmission slips and it makes a grinding noise and doesn’t want to move forward
How many miles?
2013 Ford feista se. Car has been beautiful till one day I started it in my driveway and it no longer went in reverse. I take very good care of the car . Took it to my mechanic threw these codes p2281,P073e,p074a,u3003-16,c1b00-86 b10bd-23,u0140-00. He said it was ethier a transmission or electronic issue .
Had it towed at my cost to a Ford dealer . They didn’t seem to happy to see it and told me they can’t even look at it for a week and if it’s a warrenty part for the transmission its on back order who knows how long . And I have to pay diagnosis it .I don’t understand how a car can go from perfect to a mess instantly. And how a car company gets away with this . I have no transportation in the country till its slowed. I’ll update thier service . Hopefully it gets better .
I have a 2011 Ford Fiesta. It has 138,000 miles. My car has been jerking when I’ve been driving it. My transmission light never came on.
Slipping and jerking
Transmission lights turning on
Dash!