2012 Ford Fiesta

The 2012 Ford Fiesta is a subcompact car that was praised for its fuel efficiency, agile handling, and stylish design, especially for its price point. It was offered in both hatchback and sedan body styles. However, it is also known for some reliability issues, particularly with its automatic transmission. The 2012 Fiesta came with a 1.6L Ti-VCT I-4 engine, producing around 120 horsepower and 112 lb-ft of torque. The engine could be paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed PowerShift automatic transmission. A major area of concern among owners centers around the PowerShift transmission and its reliability. Many owners also enjoyed the interior design for being modern for its time, and others enjoyed the fuel economy provided by the vehicle. However, many people disliked the reliability of the PowerShift transmission.

Engine

1.6L Ti-VCT I-4

• Purge Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light illumination, difficulty starting after refueling, rough idle, and potential stalling. The purge valve fails to properly regulate fuel vapor flow.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty purge valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks may occur from the thermostat housing or coolant hoses. Low coolant levels can lead to overheating.
  • Solution: Replace the thermostat housing or leaking coolant hoses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed PowerShift Automatic (DPS6)

• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, especially in lower gears, harsh shifting, delayed engagement, transmission slipping, and potential loss of power.
  • Solution: Clutch replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: 14M02, 17S15, 19S09
• TCM (Transmission Control Module) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, failure to shift, loss of communication with the transmission, check engine light illumination. Can cause the vehicle to be stuck in gear or unable to shift.
  • Solution: TCM replacement and reprogramming.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: 14M02, 17S15, 19S09
• Transmission Seal Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Fluid leaks from the transmission, often near the input shaft or axle seals. Low transmission fluid levels can lead to shifting problems.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking seals and top off the transmission fluid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual

No Issues Found

Suspension

• Rear Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll, and reduced handling stability.
  • Solution: Replace the rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Door Latch Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Doors not latching properly, difficulty opening or closing doors, and the door ajar light staying on.
  • Solution: Replace the door latch assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per door.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows failing to operate, intermittent operation, or slow movement.
  • Solution: Replace the window motor or regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per window.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Side Mirror Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Side mirrors fogging due to water getting inside, electric side mirror motors failing.
  • Solution: Replace the side mirror assembly
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$400+ per mirror
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

No Issues Found

Summary

The 2012 Ford Fiesta is a mixed bag. Its appealing design and fuel efficiency are overshadowed by potentially significant reliability concerns, particularly with the PowerShift automatic transmission. Repairs related to the transmission and clutch can be quite costly. While other issues like purge valve failure and coolant leaks are less expensive to address, they still contribute to the overall cost of ownership. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the transmission’s condition and be prepared for potential repairs.