What year did the Ford Fiesta have a bad transmission?
The short answer: the 2011–2013 Ford Fiesta models fitted with the PowerShift 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission are the years most associated with transmission problems. This period saw the most complaints, recalls, and service campaigns related to the transmission.
Which model years were affected and what went wrong
Below is a quick look at the years most frequently cited for PowerShift-related trouble, and the typical symptoms reported by owners and regulators.
- 2011 Ford Fiesta with PowerShift 6-speed dual-clutch automatic: early reports highlighted harsh or shuddering shifts, hesitation during takeoff, and occasional unexpected transmission behavior.
- 2012–2013 Ford Fiesta with the same PowerShift transmission: continued complaints included shuddering, slipping, delayed engagement, and, in some cases, more serious transmission failures.
While not every Fiesta from these years experienced problems, the combination of the PowerShift design and typical wear led to elevated complaints during this period.
What Ford did to address the issues
In response to mounting complaints and regulatory scrutiny, Ford initiated recalls, software updates, and service campaigns aimed at improving shift quality and reliability for affected models. Actions varied by market but commonly included technical service bulletins, calibration updates, and, in some cases, component replacements.
- Recall campaigns and service actions targeting 2011–2013 Fiests equipped with PowerShift, focusing on software updates, valve-body improvements, and, where necessary, transmission replacement.
- Software updates and hardware calibration adjustments designed to reduce shudder, hesitation, and unexpected shifts.
- Warranty considerations and extended coverage in certain regions to address PowerShift-related issues and provide remediation options to owners.
These measures reduced the frequency and severity of problems for many vehicles, though some owners still reported issues even after updates and recalls.
Summary
The Ford Fiesta’s most widely reported transmission problems emerged in the 2011–2013 PowerShift-equipped models, with symptoms like shuddering, hesitations, and occasional failures prompting recalls and service campaigns. While improvements followed through software updates and recalls, issues persisted for some owners. If you own or are considering a Fiesta from these years, check for applicable recalls and service campaigns and consult a qualified technician if you notice transmission problems.
