Problem Lookup › Ford › Fiesta › 2012
Car problem report
2012 Ford Fiesta problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2012 Ford Fiesta has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated November 2, 2026.
- 3safety recalls
- 617owner complaints
- 12crash reports
- 5fire reports
- 39%fail the UK MOT
617 complaints, against an average of 260 for the other 7 Ford Fiesta model years.
Every Ford Fiesta model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2012 Ford Fiesta?
The components named most often in the 617 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2012 Ford Fiesta owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 617 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2012 Ford Fiesta transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?97 owners · 15.7%
- Why does my 2012 Ford Fiesta stall, lose power or shut off while driving?96 owners · 15.6%
- Why does my 2012 Ford Fiesta idle rough, misfire or hesitate?52 owners · 8.4%
- Why do the doors lock or unlock by themselves on my 2012 Ford Fiesta?47 owners · 7.6% · Recall 20V331000
- Has the 2012 Ford Fiesta had transmission failures?34 owners · 5.5%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2012 Ford Fiesta?23 owners · 3.7%
- Does the 2012 Ford Fiesta have rust or paint problems?19 owners · 3.1%
- Why do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2012 Ford Fiesta?19 owners · 3.1%
Fault codes 2012 Ford Fiesta owners mention
Diagnostic trouble codes owners wrote in their complaints. Open a code to see what it meant on other cars and whether a recall names it.
Has the 2012 Ford Fiesta been recalled?
3 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Latches/Locks/Linkages: Doors: Latch Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.
Latches/Locks/Linkages: Doors: Latch Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the agency on April 23, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured July 1, 2012, to May 31, 2013, and 2012-2014 Fiesta vehicles manufactured February 1, 2012, to May 31, 2013. On April 30, 2015, Ford expanded the recall to cover an additional 119,567 vehicles, including certain model year 2011 Ford Fiestas manufactured from November 11, 2009, to May 31, 2013 and certain model year 2013 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured from February 1, 2012, to June 30, 2012. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches with an improved part, free of charge. Interim notifications were mailed to owners on June 5, 2015. The recall began on December 18, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S16.
Air Bags Ford is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Fiesta vehicles, manufactured from November 3, 2009 through September 21, 2012. The vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." The passenger side curtain air bag will not deploy in the event of a side impact collision when the front passenger seat is empty. Although the side curtain air bag system was designed to suppress the side curtain air bag under this scenario, that information is not explained in the owner's guide for these vehicles as required by FMVSS No. 208.
Risk: An occupant in the right rear seating position will not have coverage from the side curtain air bag in a side impact collision when the front passenger seat is empty, increasing the risk of injury to the right rear occupant.
Fix: Ford will notify owners and dealers will reprogram the vehicle's software free of charge so that it no longer suppresses the passenger side curtain air bag when the front passenger seat is empty, and consistent with the description in the owner's guide. The safety recall began on October 26, 2012. Owner's may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Is the 2012 Ford Fiesta recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAThe engine cylinder head may crack
Risk: Localized overheating of the engine cylinder head may cause the cylinder head to crack.This may cause a pressurized oil leak which in extreme circumstances could result in a fire in the engine compartment.
Fix: On affected vehicles Inspect engine and cooling system. Replace affected components and fit a Coolant Level Sensor along with associated software to provide and audible and visual warning to the driver.
UK DVSAFire may occur
Risk: The Glow Plug Control Module (GPCM) can be affected by wet conditions. It is not waterproof and water ingress into the module may cause overheating with the potential to result in a fire. As the GPCM has a permanent electrical live feed there is also a potential risk of an unattended vehicle fire.
Fix: Replace the Glow Plug Control Module
UK DVSAPossible risk of fire
Risk: On affected vehicles the diesel engine Glow Plug Control Module can be affected by wet conditions. The GPCM is not waterproof and water ingress into the module may cause overheating with the potential to result in a fire. As the GPCM has a permanent electrical live feed there is also a potential risk of an unattended vehicle fire.
Fix: Replace existing module with waterproof version
UK DVSARear suspension bolts may fail
Risk: Vehicles may have rear axle mounting bolts that do not meet the required specification. It is possible that the head of the bolt may shear and result in reduced retention of the rear axle.
Fix: Fit replacement bolts of the correct specification.
EU Safety GateThe glow plug control module in the diesel engine can be affected by water ingress which could potentially result in a fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 10/09/2016
EU Safety GateThe Glow Plug Control Module for the engine is not waterproof and water ingress into the module may cause overheating creating a potential…The Glow Plug Control Module for the engine is not waterproof and water ingress into the module may cause overheating creating a potential risk of fire. This can happen both when the vehicle is attended or unattended.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThere is a possibility that the bolt securing the seat belt 'D' ring to the 'B' pillar on the passenger side of the vehicle could separate…Years estimatedThere is a possibility that the bolt securing the seat belt 'D' ring to the 'B' pillar on the passenger side of the vehicle could separate from the B pillar during a severe accident, causing injuries to the front passenger.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2012 Ford Fiesta fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2012, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2012 Ford Fiesta owners report?
12 of the 617 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while entering the vehicle and closing the front driver’s side door, the door failed to latch properly. While driving 70 MPH, the front driver’s side door opened. The contact secured the door with a bungee cord and continued driving. A dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V246000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). Additionally, the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The…
While driving, my son's car started to have issues when it was shifting gears (it's an automatic). Then a warning came up on the dash saying something like "Transmission malfunction, service immediately". We were on our way to a mechanic to pick up another vehicle so we left it with them. They confirmed the issue and stated it is related to the clutch system (which I believe is the dry clutch system that has been recalled with similar car models). We have not taken it to the manufacturer/Ford dealership yet, but are trying to figure out our options on this faulty transmission design. Not aware…
I was driving to work this morning; the car made a horrible "clunk" when I accelerated to around 20 then lost power and nearly crashed. The car then displayed error lights (yellow CEL, yellow wrench icon, HEAD unit showed "transmission issue service immediately" This is a direct result of the DPs6 transmission put into all 7th gen Ford Focus/Fiesta models. This DCT transmission has been replaced 3 times for this particular car and failed the same manner each time - meaning 3 near accidents have occured because this transmission fails. Across the USA; more than 50 people have been injured as a…
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to a gas station for servicing, the contact was informed that the brake calipers were sticking, and the calipers and rotors were extremely hot. The calipers and rotors were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission axle shaft had damaged the splines. The dealer determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no…
My brakes on my ford fiesta are not giving me enough pressure to stop on time , which is an hazard. The master cylinder and calipers have been replaced and my brakes are still not working properly and safely. The brake pads have been replaced , the rotors as well and nothing is still working. I’ve been driving like this for more than 6 months and it’s a hazard. I’ve taken it to different mechanics , etc nothing still not working. When pressing the brakes it’s no pressure and I have to mash it all the way to the ground which still feels Iike it does not want to stop for me.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated to move forward or backwards. Additionally, the contact stated that the ignition key had failed to operate as intended also. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified on the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 12,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the low-beam headlights became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the USB port was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with corrosion and a fractured pin. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while attempting to activate the headlights, the headlights failed to respond. The contact stated that several attempts were needed for the headlights to become operable. However, the failure reoccurred, and the low-beam headlights failed to function as needed. The contact checked the high-beam headlights and the high-beam headlights functioned properly. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was…
Car TCM blew and Leif Johnson refusing to schedule repairs with loaner car for fix.
2012 ford fiesta check engine light on codes reading o2 sensors, catalytic intake, misfires, fuel injection, etc. I have had my fiesta at 3 mechanics all very known for there reliability all diagnosing it different issue recommending me to go to dealership which I was turned away because the recalls for the vehicle isn’t an issue for any of the possible diagnostics. Single mother of 3 now no vehicle, no money and no way of providing without transportation. Less than 150,000 Miles owned less than two years and the amount of money put into the vehicle ford should be ashamed. Shuddering and…
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission module and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. While driving, the vehicle continued to jerk and there was smoke coming through the vents. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, there was an abnormal booming sound detected. The contact had to depress the accelerator pedal…
FRONT PASSENGER DOOR LATCH DON'T STAY SHUT AND NOT ABLE TO LATCH SHUT, MOVING TURNING LEFT THE DOOR SWUNG OPEN.IN CITY STREET.. NOTICE IT WAS ON A RECALL... TURNED IT IN ON APRIL 6,2021
2012 Ford Fiesta: questions owners ask
Is the 2012 Ford Fiesta reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 617 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Ford Fiesta; the most common categories were power train (274, 44.4%), structure (128, 20.7%), engine (68, 11%). There are 3 safety recalls. 12 complaints mention a crash, 5 mention a fire, 17 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ford Fiesta?
Across 617 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are power train (44.4% of complaints), structure (20.7% of complaints), engine (11% of complaints), electrical system (10.7% of complaints), latches/locks/linkages (9.2% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2012 Ford Fiesta have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Ford Fiesta; the most recent (campaign 20V331000, 2020-06-08) concerns Latches/Locks/Linkages: Doors: Latch. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2012 Ford Fiesta transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?
97 of the 617 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Ford Fiesta (15.7%) describe harsh, jerky or delayed transmission shifting or shuddering. One owner wrote: "Transmission unexpectedly malfunctions. Car lost the ability to shift into reverse and even numbered gears. rough shifting when it can shift. slipping when attempting to drive. Unable to accelerate from a stop sign." (NHTSA complaint 11673126, July 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2012 Ford Fiesta stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
96 of the 617 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Ford Fiesta (15.6%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "I was driving to work this morning; the car made a horrible "clunk" when I accelerated to around 20 then lost power and nearly crashed." (NHTSA complaint 11696374, October 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2012 Ford Fiesta idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
52 of the 617 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Ford Fiesta (8.4%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford fiesta. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled upon depressing the accelerator pedal." (NHTSA complaint 11323415, May 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why do the doors lock or unlock by themselves on my 2012 Ford Fiesta?
47 of the 617 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Ford Fiesta (7.6%) describe door locks or door latches failing. 2 related recalls exist: campaign 20V331000 (latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch). The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. One owner wrote: "The drivers side door latch will not latch, the door will swing open because the latch is defective. I have seen that this is a common issue with this vehicle and has been recalled on other 2012 ford fiestas but mine has not been." (NHTSA complaint 11706125, December 2025). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has the 2012 Ford Fiesta had transmission failures?
34 of the 617 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Ford Fiesta (5.5%) describe transmission failure, slipping or a replaced transmission. One owner wrote: "2012 Ford Fiesta DPS6 Automatic transmission failed as described in Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02 rendering the car unable to maintain speed on an interstate highway, leading to a significant collision risk." (NHTSA complaint 11543606, September 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2012 Ford Fiesta?
23 of the 617 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Ford Fiesta (3.7%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Car turns off randomly when driving. Majority of the time it happens when the car is slowing down or turning. Check engine light just turned on 8/27 reading code PO101 meaning there isn’t enough fuel getting to the engine or too much is going to the engine." (NHTSA complaint 11430798, August 2021). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Does the 2012 Ford Fiesta have rust or paint problems?
19 of the 617 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Ford Fiesta (3.1%) describe rust, corrosion or peeling paint. One owner wrote: "Low beams don't work, replaced bulbs and didn't fix checked relay and it was corroded and one of the pins is now stuck in the box. it was stationary" (NHTSA complaint 11406254, April 2021). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2012 Ford Fiesta?
19 of the 617 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Ford Fiesta (3.1%) describe headlights, taillights or brake lights failing or condensation in the lamps. One owner wrote: "Headlights are going out while i am driving... it's the juction box. i'm unable to upload any photos..juction box relays are corroded. this started 2019 and most recent two weeks ago.." (NHTSA complaint 11374961, November 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Fiesta
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved November 2, 2026. Model year 2012 only. How these reports are made.