2010 Ford Fiesta

The 2010 Ford Fiesta marked a significant redesign for the North American market, offering a subcompact car that prioritized fuel efficiency and nimble handling. It was available with a 1.6L Duratec I4 engine producing 120 horsepower and 112 lb-ft of torque. While praised for its styling, fuel economy, and affordability, the 2010 Fiesta has been known to have a few common issues, primarily related to its transmissions. Owners appreciate the Fiesta’s compact size, ease of parking, and relatively low running costs. Conversely, complaints often revolve around the car’s sometimes unreliable automatic transmission and occasionally cramped interior space.

Engine

1.6L Duratec I4

• Engine Misfires
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, check engine light illumination (often with codes P0300-P0304). Can be caused by faulty ignition coils, spark plugs, or fuel injectors.
  • Solution: Replace faulty ignition coil(s), spark plugs, or fuel injector(s). Diagnosis with a scan tool is recommended.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ per ignition coil/fuel injector. $20-$100+ for spark plugs.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Purge Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idling, difficulty starting, or stalling. Related to the evaporative emissions system.
  • Solution: Replace the purge valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $80 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual Transmission

• No Issues Found

6-Speed Automatic Transmission (DPS6 Powershift)

• Clutch Slippage/Harsh Shifting/Shuddering
  • Description/Symptoms: Hesitation during acceleration, jerky or rough shifts, shuddering, especially at low speeds. This is often due to premature wear or failure of the dry dual-clutch system within the transmission. This can also cause damage to the TCM
  • Solution: Replacement of the clutch pack and potentially the Transmission Control Module (TCM). A software update may alleviate the issue temporarily but is not a permanent fix.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,500+
  • Recalls: 14M02, 14M01
• Transmission Control Module (TCM) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, loss of power, inability to shift, transmission warning light, or complete transmission failure. The TCM controls the transmission’s functions, and its failure can lead to significant drivability issues.
  • Solution: Replacement of the TCM. This may require programming by a qualified technician.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: 14M02, 14M01

Suspension

• Rear Shock Absorber Leakage
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy or unstable ride, especially over bumps. Visible oil leakage from the rear shock absorbers.
  • Solution: Replace the rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ (for both rear shocks)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not operating, moving slowly, or only working intermittently.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per window.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Latch Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Doors not latching, difficult to open, or opening unexpectedly.
  • Solution: Replacing the door latch assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350+ per door.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: Headliner detaching from the roof.
  • Solution: Replace or re-glue the headliner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2010 Ford Fiesta, while economical and fun to drive, has some notable problem areas. The biggest concern is undoubtedly the 6-speed automatic transmission, which can suffer from clutch failure and TCM issues leading to high repair costs. Other problems, such as engine misfires and electrical issues, are less severe but should still be considered. Potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and inspect any used Fiesta carefully, especially if it’s equipped with the automatic transmission.