Total Complaints
831 filings
FORD FIESTA · model year
831 NHTSA complaints, 18 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
New Car Assessment Program
The 2012FORDFIESTA carries 831 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 18 crashes, 7 fires, 24 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2012 FIESTA is power train with 268 filings, followed by structure:body (80) and unknown or other (77). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2012 FIESTA, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
831 filings
Crashes Reported
18 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 268 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 80 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 77 |
| ENGINE | 68 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 63 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR | 44 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 39 |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | 30 |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH | 25 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 18 |
| AIR BAGS | 15 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 15 |
| STEERING | 13 |
| SEATS | 8 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 8 |
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the agency on April 23, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured July 1, 2012, to May 31, 2013, and 2012-2014 Fiesta vehicles manufactured February 1, 2012, to May 31, 2013. On April 30, 2015, For
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643
AIR BAGS
Ford is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Fiesta vehicles, manufactured from November 3, 2009 through September 21, 2012. The vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." The passenger side curtain air bag will not deploy in t
The drivers side door latch will not latch, the door will swing open because the latch is defective. I have seen that this is a common issue with this vehicle and has been recalled on other 2012 ford fiestas but mine has not been.
The door latches have a safety recall and needs to be fixed or observed to ensure proper road safety. In addition I cannot move onto my vehicle registration renewal until this recall is repaired. I do not see any visible malfunction but the doors do have to slam shut to ensure they are properly closed. No individuals have been put at risk. The problem has not been confirmed by a dealer or service center, nor inspected by any party. No warning signals, signs or lights appeared on the car telling me about the particular issue or area with issue.
I was driving to work this morning; the car made a horrible "clunk" when I accelerated to around 20 then lost power and nearly crashed. The car then displayed error lights (yellow CEL, yellow wrench icon, HEAD unit showed "transmission issue service immediately" This is a direct result of the DPs6 transmission put into all 7th gen Ford Focus/Fiesta models. This DCT transmission has been replaced 3 times for this particular car and failed the same manner each time - meaning 3 near accidents have occured because this transmission fails. Across the USA; more than 50 people have been injured as a result of this transmission failing.
I was driving to work this morning; the car made a horrible "clunk" when I accelerated to around 20 then lost power and nearly crashed. The car then displayed error lights (yellow CEL, yellow wrench icon, HEAD unit showed "transmission issue service immediately" This is a direct result of the DPs6 transmission put into all 7th gen Ford Focus/Fiesta models. This DCT transmission has been replaced 3 times for this particular car and failed the same manner each time - meaning 3 near accidents have occured because this transmission fails. Across the USA; more than 50 people have been injured as a result of this transmission failing.
I was driving to work this morning; the car made a horrible "clunk" when I accelerated to around 20 then lost power and nearly crashed. The car then displayed error lights (yellow CEL, yellow wrench icon, HEAD unit showed "transmission issue service immediately" This is a direct result of the DPs6 transmission put into all 7th gen Ford Focus/Fiesta models. This DCT transmission has been replaced 3 times for this particular car and failed the same manner each time - meaning 3 near accidents have occured because this transmission fails. Across the USA; more than 50 people have been injured as a result of this transmission failing.
My car has had transmission issues since I purchased the car, and the problems has gotten worse and now the car is not drivable. I have purchased parts after parts and still the problem. I have reached out to the company numerous times, and reached out to programs. Iam stuck without a car now.What do I need to do
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to a gas station for servicing, the contact was informed that the brake calipers were sticking, and the calipers and rotors were extremely hot. The calipers and rotors were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission axle shaft had damaged the splines. The dealer determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
Mileage: 42,000
While driving along the transmission slipped into neutral and would not move forward.Could have been hit from behind.
Transmission unexpectedly malfunctions. Car lost the ability to shift into reverse and even numbered gears. rough shifting when it can shift. slipping when attempting to drive. Unable to accelerate from a stop sign. Based on simple web searches, the Ford fiesta and Focus with the DPS6 transmission are notorious for defective transmissions.
My brakes on my ford fiesta are not giving me enough pressure to stop on time , which is an hazard. The master cylinder and calipers have been replaced and my brakes are still not working properly and safely. The brake pads have been replaced , the rotors as well and nothing is still working. Iâve been driving like this for more than 6 months and itâs a hazard. Iâve taken it to different mechanics , etc nothing still not working. When pressing the brakes itâs no pressure and I have to mash it all the way to the ground which still feels Iike it does not want to stop for me.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated to move forward or backwards. Additionally, the contact stated that the ignition key had failed to operate as intended also. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified on the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 12,000.
Mileage: 12,000
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated to move forward or backwards. Additionally, the contact stated that the ignition key had failed to operate as intended also. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified on the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 12,000.
Mileage: 12,000
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle began to vibrate violently, after which the contact observed white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact also stated that there was a coolant odor throughout the interior of the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The overheating and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Air bag light on intermittently, then recently it's been continuously on
It is widely known that this vehicle has irreparable transmission problems. My car shudders, loses power, has issues shifting, etc because of known issues. It feels dangerous to drive at times. The dealer no doubt willingly sold it to me used knowing about the problem. I feel taken advantage of as I had to purchase the car during Covid when inventory was low and prices were high. I owe over twice as much on car than itâs worth. No one in their right mind would buy it. Iâm on medical leave without pay and in no position to trade it. I bought it after all the class action suits were settled. It doesnât appear to fall under lemon law. Iâm basically waiting for it to completely break down. Praying nobody is hurt when it happens. Iâm writing because Iâm aggravated and feel I have no recourse.
TCM problem. Ford dealer won't replace the TCM module.
Driving down the street and car started bucking and shifting improperly. I took it in to the dealership and the said the tcm might be under warranty. Then they just said the transmission is bad
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the low-beam headlights became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the USB port was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with corrosion and a fractured pin. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000.
Mileage: 91,000
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while attempting to activate the headlights, the headlights failed to respond. The contact stated that several attempts were needed for the headlights to become operable. However, the failure reoccurred, and the low-beam headlights failed to function as needed. The contact checked the high-beam headlights and the high-beam headlights functioned properly. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 19B22 - Corrosion due to road salts in the Battery Junction Box (Electrical System, Visibility). The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.
Mileage: 153,000
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while attempting to activate the headlights, the headlights failed to respond. The contact stated that several attempts were needed for the headlights to become operable. However, the failure reoccurred, and the low-beam headlights failed to function as needed. The contact checked the high-beam headlights and the high-beam headlights functioned properly. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 19B22 - Corrosion due to road salts in the Battery Junction Box (Electrical System, Visibility). The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.
Mileage: 153,000
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.