Is there a recall on the 2011 Ford Fiesta transmission?
Yes. Some 2011 Ford Fiesta models equipped with the PowerShift dual‑clutch transmission have been recalled.
Recall status varies by VIN and market, so owners should verify whether their specific vehicle is included and what repairs may be required. This article explains what happened with the Fiesta’s PowerShift transmission, how to check recall status, and the steps to take if a recall affects your car.
Background: the PowerShift transmission in the Fiesta
The 2011 Ford Fiesta sold in the United States used a PowerShift 6‑speed dual‑clutch automatic transmission (often referred to as the DPS6). This design aimed to provide smooth shifting and improved fuel economy, but it drew attention for issues such as jerky or hesitating shifts, shuddering, loss of drive, and, in some cases, transmission failure. These reliability concerns led to recalls and service campaigns in various markets as Ford and regulators sought remedies through software updates, hydraulic and clutch adjustments, or other repairs.
What changed and why recalls were issued
In response to customer reports and internal testing, manufacturers and safety regulators issued recalls and service campaigns to address transmission control software, transmission valve bodies, clutches, and related components. The goal of these actions is to restore normal shifting feel, prevent stalling or unintended disengagement, and reduce the risk of a breakdown. Campaigns are typically VIN-specific, meaning only certain vehicles qualify for free repairs.
Who is affected and when
The scope of recalls for the 2011 Fiesta with PowerShift varied by country and by VIN. In the United States and some other markets, recalls and related service actions were issued over several years for certain 2011–2013 Fiesta vehicles with the PowerShift transmission. If your car is outside those years or does not match the affected VINs, it may not be part of a recall, though it could still be eligible for other service campaigns or warranty coverage. The only reliable way to know is to check your vehicle’s VIN against official recall listings.
How to check recall status for your 2011 Fiesta
Use the steps below to verify whether your specific vehicle is covered by an active recall. This information is VIN‑based and can change, so periodic checks are a good idea.
- Check your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You can find it on the driver's side dashboard near the windshield or on your vehicle registration.
- Search the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall database by VIN at safecar.gov or safercar.gov. Enter your VIN to see active recalls and campaigns.
- Visit Ford’s official owner portal or contact Ford Customer Service to look up recall status using your VIN. Dealers can also perform this check.
- Contact a local Ford dealer to confirm whether an active recall exists for your VIN and to schedule the repair if needed.
Verifying recall status with official sources helps ensure you receive any required parts or software updates at no cost to you. If a recall is listed for your VIN, Ford typically offers the repairs free of charge.
What to do if your Fiesta is affected
If your VIN matches an active recall, take action promptly to minimize the risk of reduced drivability or unexpected transmission behavior. Here are common steps owners should consider wash through once a recall is identified.
- Schedule a service appointment with a Ford dealership as soon as the recall is confirmed. Bring your VIN and any recall notices.
- Ask what repairs are involved. Depending on the campaign, the fix may include software updates, recalibration, valve body service, clutch improvements, or a transmission control module replacement.
- Keep a record of all communications and repairs related to the recall. This can help with future warranty or service inquiries.
- If you have experienced symptoms (jerky shifting, hesitation, shuddering, or loss of drive) even without a confirmed recall, mention them to the service advisor. A dealer may diagnose as part of the recall or as a separate service bulletin.
Owners should understand that recall actions are designed to address safety and reliability concerns and are performed at no charge when the vehicle is still within the recall coverage or applicable warranty. If your vehicle is not currently listed for an active recall, continue to monitor official listings for any updates or new campaigns.
Summary
The 2011 Ford Fiesta with the PowerShift dual‑clutch transmission has been the subject of recalls and service campaigns in various regions. Because recall eligibility depends on the VIN and the market, the only definitive way to know if your particular car is affected is to check the VIN against official sources (NHTSA, Ford’s owner portal, or a Ford dealer). If a recall applies, take action promptly to receive a free repair or software update. For any ongoing transmission concerns, documenting symptoms and contacting a dealer can help determine whether a recall or another service bulletin covers your vehicle.
Are there any recalls on the 2011 Ford Fiesta?
The 2011 Ford Fiesta has several recalls, most notably for door latches that can break and prevent doors from latching correctly, and for a side curtain airbag that may not deploy when the front passenger seat is empty. Other recalls cover issues like rearview camera failure. It's important to check your specific vehicle's VIN on the Ford website to see which recalls apply and to contact a Ford dealer for free repairs.
This video explains some common problems and recalls for Ford Fiesta models from 2011 to 2019: 1mHOWSTUFFINMYCARWORKSYouTube · Mar 29, 2022
Major recalls for the 2011 Ford Fiesta
- Door Latches: A component in the door latches can break, making it difficult to tell if a door is securely closed. If the door is not latched, it could open while driving. Ford dealers will replace all four latches for free as part of recall 20V331000.
- Side Curtain Airbags: Some 2011-2013 models may have a side curtain airbag that won't deploy when the front passenger seat is empty. This recall (NHTSA 15V246000) ensures the vehicle complies with safety standards.
- Rearview Camera: One recall concerns a potential failure of the rearview camera image.
How to check for recalls on your specific vehicle
- Visit the Ford recall page or use the Ford app.
- Enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to check for any open recalls.
- Contact a Ford dealer to schedule a free repair if your vehicle is affected.
What is the warranty on the 2011 Ford Fiesta transmission?
The company noted that, in addition to the clutch warranty extension, all 2011-15 Fiestas and 2012-16 Focuses are covered for 10 years and 150,000 miles for the transmission control module, whose failure can cause the cars to default to neutral.
What year has the Ford Fiesta had a recall on transmission?
Vehicles impacted are the Ford Fiesta (model years 2011-2016) and the Ford Focus (model years 2012-2016) equipped with a PowerShift transmission.
Does the 2011 Ford Fiesta have transmission problems?
These transmission defects have resulted in thousands of lawsuits against Ford across the United States. Today, in California alone, there are at least 800 current individual lawsuits against Ford Motor Company for issues with the PowerShift Transmissions on the 2011-2015 Ford Fiesta and 2012-2015 Ford Focus.
