How common are transmission problems on the 2012 Ford Fiesta?

NHTSA lists 274 transmission and powertrain complaints for the 2012 Fiesta, which is 44% of all 617 complaints filed for that model year.

At what mileage do 2012 Fiesta transmission problems usually appear?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this component is 42,000 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2012 Ford Fiesta transmission?

No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this component on the 2012 Fiesta.

Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these transmission complaints?

NHTSA data shows 0 crashes and 0 fires tied to these complaints, but 3 injuries were reported.

How does 2012 compare to other Fiesta model years for transmission complaints?

The 2012 Fiesta's 44% share is lower than 2011 (50%), 2013 (59%), and 2016 (57%), but higher than 2017 through 2019.

2012 Ford Fiesta Transmission & Powertrain Problems

Owners filed 274 transmission and powertrain complaints on the 2012 Ford Fiesta, 44% of all complaints for the year, with median failure mileage of 42,000 miles. No related recalls are listed for this component.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 274; 44% of 617
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 3
Median mileage: 42,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report the car rolling backward briefly after releasing the brake in drive, which a dealer attributed to the dual-clutch transmission needing a few seconds before the driver applies the accelerator.
Multiple owners describe shuddering, jerking, or near-stalling when shifting from a stop, turning corners, or climbing hills.
Several report grinding, slipping, or rattling noises coming from the transmission during gear changes.
Some owners report a high-pitched squeal from the clutch on cold starts, with repeat clutch replacements within a short span.
One owner reported a transmission lockup accompanied by burning shortly after purchase.
Owners describe oil leaking into the bell housing area, which they say caused jerking and stalling.

When 2012 Ford Fiesta transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 29, 2012, latest Mar 23, 2026.

274 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2012 Q2 to 2026 Q1; peak 2019 Q3 (31).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2012 Ford Fiesta

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Fiesta model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

2011366 (50%)
2012274 (44%)
2013391 (59%)
2014208 (41%)
2015104 (40%)
2016101 (57%)
201722 (30%)
201810 (29%)
201921 (20%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems on the 2012 Ford Fiesta?: NHTSA lists 274 transmission and powertrain complaints for the 2012 Fiesta, which is 44% of all 617 complaints filed for that model year.
At what mileage do 2012 Fiesta transmission problems usually appear?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this component is 42,000 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2012 Ford Fiesta transmission?: No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this component on the 2012 Fiesta.
Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these transmission complaints?: NHTSA data shows 0 crashes and 0 fires tied to these complaints, but 3 injuries were reported.
How does 2012 compare to other Fiesta model years for transmission complaints?: The 2012 Fiesta's 44% share is lower than 2011 (50%), 2013 (59%), and 2016 (57%), but higher than 2017 through 2019.