33 problems related to automatic transmission control module have been reported for the 2012 Ford Fiesta. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2012 Ford Fiesta based on all problems reported for the 2012 Fiesta.
Tcm problem. Ford dealer won't replace the tcm module.
The dual-clutch transmission on this 2012 Ford Fiesta has ceased to shift gears correctly once it heats up after driving briefly, and becomes unable to shift in reverse. The engine also seems to occasionally be overspeeding between gears. The transmission control module, though recalled, is functioning properly and has been determined to not be the source of the issue. A similar problem occurred approximately the week before this issue began when the transmission control module (tcm) began throwing faults. The tcm was reprogrammed and the car functioned normally for a week before the issue seemed to recur. When brought to the nearest dealership, they determined that the tcm was not the cause of the issue. The vehicle has well under 100k miles. The nearest dealership thought that shift fork b was frozen, which caused damage to the clutch. A second opinion from another mechanic said that this was a common problem with the 2012 Ford Fiesta. I contacted Ford customer care and was advised that the VIN of this vehicle was not included in the 2012 service update for these same issues. However, since it is displaying the issues addressed by that service update and is under 100k miles, it may need to be.
On a relatively short trip I experience problems with the automatic transmission. It was not shifting properly. Downshift from high gear to low gear way to quickly. Rpms up above 2500. Also too many rpms at stop; had be sure to hold down brake. Very poor deceleration. Danger to merger. This happened one day before we received "customer satisfaction program 14m02" from Ford. Which offered to replace tcm. Before contacting Ford dealer took to my mechanic who confirmed condition and said unsafe to drive. I then called ruge's Ford in rhinebeck who said part is unavailable anywhere in united states. They are going to continue to try and locate a part.
Ford is refusing to honor extension of warranty in attached notice from Ford which extended warranty on (transmission control module) tcm module for 2012 Ford Fiestas to 10 years and 150,000 miles. Computer check of systems reports by independent mechanic showed tcm failure. Car disengaged from transmission during highway travel, car has trouble shifting, car sometimes will not start but if retry immediately restarts. When first starting car car will not go into gear even though selected on gear shift. Sometimes when shifting failure occurs check transmission light goes on. Problems temporarily fixes if perform transmission reset procedure. Ford will not honor warranty. Repair shops reporting 4 month backlog on replacement tcm. Ford will not provide rental car while waiting for part. Car is dangerous to drive because can lose power on highway and acts like car in neutral.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "transmission malfunction, service now" warning message was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module (tcm) needed to be replaced; however, the part for the repair was on backorder. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact then stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a loud abnormal noise was heard. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,347.
The contact's son owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and was unable to reverse with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to customer satisfaction program: 14m02 (transmission control module extended warranty coverage); however, the warranty had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle failed to exceed 30 mph. Additionally, while the vehicle was changing gear, the vehicle was jerking abnormally. While attempting to reach a safe area, the vehicle stalled twice. The contact was able to restart the vehicle both times however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the hill assist warning light and two additional unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while in a safe area, the vehicle failed to restart. The local dealer was contacted and arranged for the vehicle to be towed to their location; however, the contact was unsure if the vehicle had been towed. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stated that the dealer mentioned that the failure might be related to an unknown technical service bulletin for the tcm. The contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty for the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000.
2012 Ford Fiesta. Consumer writes in regard to transmission control module safety recall.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 30 mph and depressing the brake pedal while approaching a traffic light, the vehicle began to shake until the vehicle came to a full stop. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while attempting to make a right turn and depressing on the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to move forward. The contact stated that she turned off the vehicle for a couple of minutes however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that after the 6th attempt, the vehicle restarted but continued to experience the failure. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the clutch and the transmission control module (tcm) to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,520.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving at 40 mph, the vehicle stalled and went into the limp mode. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure reoccurred several times while veering to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer; however the vehicle would not exceed 20 mph. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer diagnosed that the transmission control module (tcm), the transmission clutch assembly and the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with Ford customer satisfaction program campaign number: 14m02 (transmission control module extended warranty coverage). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,870.
According to dealer tcm needs replacing however part is on back order with no eta. Dealer can install after market tcm but it comes with no warranty. Csp issued by Ford on tcm but have not issued a full recall even though this has been ab issue since 2011 model. Currently 10 of thousands of parts on back order. Ford needs to stand behind their cars and issue a full recall on this part and cover all repairs. Just recently had to have transmission repaired and not even 3 weeks later the tcm needs to be replaced.
On 07/04/2022 my car had a no crank no start condition with a limp mode/pcm/tcm light coming on. It got progressively worse and would not shift into gear while driving; it was stuck in neutral. I took it to a Ford service shop and they determined I needed an entire new clutch assembly. Ford did the repair and then said I need a new transmission control unit. That part is on back order for an estimated 44,000 vehicles. Luckily they ended up having one and installed it and my car was repaired. The total bill was $4000 plus $987 for rental and transportation while it was being repaired. People need to be aware of how much of an inconvenience that Ford will not cover all transmission parts when they know the powershift transmission is faulty. Ford dealerships will not cover the clutches because it is a wear part. How am I going to have a $4000 repair bill at 79k miles.
The vehicle is a 2012 Ford Fiesta, purchased on 3/4/2016 by 9/8/2016 I had to have the car repaired for transmission issues. As I was driving to work on the freeway on 9/30/21 I experienced warning lamps from the coolant system and the oil lamp (consistently stayed on since 7/08/21) I exited the freeway, and as soon as I did the vehicle shut off and the gear shifter froze not moving from park to drive or neutral nor would the car start. At this point, I was in the middle of workday traffic and had to get out of my car and put on my safety vest, and direct traffic around my vehicle to keep traffic from lining up right behind the car. Nonetheless I was fortunate that I was able to get off the freeway. I had the vehicle towed to an aaa mechanic who stated the ecm was "shot" and they could not get the vehicle into gear. This caused me to have difficulty getting a tow because the driver could not move the vehicle and a wheel lift had to be used instead of a flatbed tow truck. Multiple times the car was "repaired" at the dealership and since I have a parts warranty I then had the car towed again to the dealership. I found at this time the pcm computer was not communicating with the car allowing it to start. This dealership representative has been the one who worked on the vehicle in the past. At times they were able to reproduce problems or complaints I had regarding stuttering, jerking as if it were going to stall. On 8/7/20, the entire dashboard set of warning lights (engine, oil change reminder, engine oil pressure, power train reduced power) lit up as I was driving the vehicle stuttered jerked, and stalled in the middle of the street. Although I am not a mechanic, I believe the pcm, ecm, and tcm computers are related and cause the car to be unsafe. My fear is the car is a dangerous and unreliable vehicle and I have informed the dealer service representative that I do not wish to repair the vehicle at this time even if I could afford to do so.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact initially stated that after making a complete stop, the vehicle would jerk upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where the transmission clutch replaced. The contact then stated that while driving at 25 mph, an abnormal noise had emitted from the vehicle as the vehicle stalled out without warning. The contact was able to restart the engine but the vehicle had failed to accelerate. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective pcm(powertrain control module); the contact was also informed that the parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Tcm transmission module recalled my Ford store in fort walton beach said they would not replace tcm under recall I would have to pay out of pocket.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. While driving various speeds, the vehicle shuddered and hesitated. On one occasion, the engine rpms suddenly revved very high before the engine stalled and the shifter remained stuck in the park position. The vehicle was towed to beaman Ford (1717 tennessee 46, dickson, TN) where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,000.
Transmission control module (tcm) failed and needed to be replaced. Vehicle was stationary when problem was detected.
Lost power while driving, problem occurred 4 times in the span of driving 10 miles, struggled to get home. Occurred while on freeway, at red light, and high speed or slow speed did not matter. Car would ding the alert sound, several warning lights would flash, and I would be immediately be forced to coast to the side of road each time. Three instances posed serious risk to others as my car lost momentum before safely making it off the road, and other cars had to move around my car. Problem matches the manufacturer communication below from 2015, which means this has been a long term design flaw. This needs to be marked as a safety recall. Nhtsa id number: 10058725 manufacturer communication number: sb-15b22 summary on certain vehicles, transmission control module (tcm) had developed electrical circuit failures, resulting in an intermittent transmission engagement loss while driving or a lack of power or no start and software needs to be replaced.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact was not experiencing a failure with the vehicle until the transmission control module was replaced per a manufacturer recall. Shortly after the dealer's repair, the vehicle failed to function properly. The dealer indicated that the clutch and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The NHTSA campaign number was not provided. The failure mileage was not available.
My wife and I have consistently had issues dealing with the transmission of our 2012 Ford Fiesta se. The transmission fails to properly accelerate on a regular basis. Specifically switching between 1 and 2 gear which is very important when it comes to accelerating. Also, decelerating has been an issue with the gears not wanting to properly shift down. This is affecting my ability to stop the car. The car was taken to the dealership on 11-9-16 where the transmission control module had a recall and was supposed to be reprogrammed/replaced. The car is still continuously failing to shift properly and is almost as if the car is going to stall. Lastly, there has been multiple occasions where the car would not crank/turn over. I have read many instances of other Ford Fiestas users cars not starting properly either.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. While driving 29 mph, the transmission malfunction warning light illuminated. The vehicle stalled and abruptly stopped. In addition, the transmission experienced a power train failure. The contact was unable to shift the transmission out of gear. The contact sustained whiplash, a mild heart attack, blunt abdominal trauma, and abdominal contusion from being restrained by the seat belt. The contact required medical attention. The vehicle was flat towed to the contact's residence. The contact stated that the tcm was updated previously under a service bulletin; however, the update failed to prevent the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000.
Purchased used in 2014 w/ 22754 miles for my daughter. Approx. Six months later, after moving out of town, started to complain about the car - sounds, shaking, sudden lack of power. . . When she drove. This is very well documented in your archived list of similar complaints with this vehicle and throughout the internet - all pointing to the transmission. Though she has taken the vehicle in numerous times on this issue, as well as a door latch recall, these so called software updates have still left serious issues. Though she says that the shuddering and loud noises have abated, she still has at times felt the transmission disengage. I am writing today because this has become a very serious safety issue - one of which my wife who was just visiting our daughter and as a passenger of this vehicle, witnessed first hand when the car lost all power to the transmission for several seconds. This occurred as they were crossing an intersection and with the loss of power, came close to being in an accident. There is never a warning when the car decides to behave in this fashion. I have now read too much about this problem and frankly shocked that this problem as gone on this long. I do not want my daughter hurt - I do not want anyone hurt. This seems to be an inherent design problem and Ford's recommended steps to remedy have not worked entirely. I do not fault the dealership that has tried everything to help her - even replacing a transmission control module (tcm). Let's do the right thing before someone gets seriously hurt. This goes well beyond just an annoyance problem or even the unforeseen reduction in the cars resale value. Thank you.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced loss of power and vibrated abnormally. When the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission control module and software needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired per service bulletin number: TSB-15b22 (electrical system, power train); however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
(tw failure mileage, & VIN) tl- the contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle stalled. The transmission malfunction and check engine warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle restarted after several attempts. The vehicle was taken Ford of ventura, CA where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module and the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to contact NHTSA to file a complaint and have her VIN included in the recall.
Many Ford Fiesta and Ford focus drivers are experiencing issues with transmissions. Ford claims this is a problem with the 'transmission control module (tcm)' and is telling its various dealers and service representatives to tell customers it's 'normal' for loss of transmission engagement while driving. I received a "software update program 15b22" notice from Ford in August 2015 and I first took my Fiesta to the Ford dealership on sept. 22, 2015. I was told my vehicle did not register as 'severe' and they did not replace the tcm. On Jan. 19, 2016, my car would not start. Finally after several tries, the car started, and a "transmission malfunction service now" notice appeared. As I began to drive it, I noticed it sounded like it wouldn't change gears (nearing explosion sound) and I had a hard time stopping at a light. It was taken to the same dealership where I was told the tcm had failed and they replaced it. On Feb. 14, 2016, my car wouldn't start again and I thought it was the battery this time. Took it to a car parts store and it was. But when the battery was replaced, it wouldn't start again. After another try it started only to flash the "transmission malfunction service now" message reappeared. Once again when I tried to drive it, I nearly ran out into the path of an oncoming tractor trailer. In less than a month, the tcm on my 2012 Ford Fiesta (less than 5 years old) has supposedly failed, causing my vehicle to lose transmission engagement. Twice now my vehicle had a hard time catching the brake when this has happened and my Fiesta nearly ran out into the path of an oncoming tractor trailer in the latter instance. This is a safety issue that needs to be corrected by replacing all transmissions in the vehicles, not just this supposed tcm.
I purchased a 2012 Ford Fiesta new from a local dealership in March 2012. I always had problems with shuddering and was told that the car was just going to run that way. In March of 2015 my car started stalling and shuddering in low gear while in motion or when stopped. I took it to my local dealership, was told that it was a mass airflow sensor problem and it should be corrected. Before making it home it did the same day and then started showing a transmission malfunction service now message. I returned to the dealership, still driveable just with an error message. 30 days later I called to check on my car and was told it was not drive-able, the speedometer was not working, all the check engine lights were on and they could not drive it off the lot. After fighting to get my car fixed back to its original state, I paid more money for a abs module that they stated was wrong as well as the transmission control module. Went to pick up the vehicle in September, car would not crank and had to be jumped to leave the dealership. Was told my battery was dead. After driving the car since September with continued shuddering, I awoke this morning December 9, 2015 to another transmission malfunction service now light and poor driving ability. Not sure if taking it to the dealership is going to do any good. If this is a repeated problem, and the transmission is giving multiple issues for everyone, this needs to be corrected. The value of the car is not even close to the pay off left on the vehicle, so I may have to just deal with the car sitting and not even being drive-able.
I've already reported on this site before regarding my 2012 Ford Fiesta with clutch failure (in December 2013 at just over 32,000 miles). Recently my car was acting sluggish and I made an appointment a few weeks from when I called (when an appointment was available). Then one morning while trying to start my car it died and refused to start. I had it towed to Ford, and it had a transmissional control module (tcm) failure which I guess caused my transmission to fail/engine not to start. This was at 48,000 miles. They fixed it and returned the car to me on 11/7 but the clutch still doesn't feel right. My car shudders, shakes, and has trouble kicking into gear which makes it feel dangerous to drive especially in city traffic or in the hilly areas of colorado. I just had the clutch replaced at just over 32,000 miles and now at 48,000 miles it's giving out again!? it's crazy and it was just at Ford. I'm about to take negative equity on my car and get a safer car for my commute and for winter. I feel bad for who buys it next but I need a car that is safe to drive. I've been holding out hoping for nhsta and Ford to do the right thing and recall the cars/buy them back since Ford still does not have a permanent fix for these issues (3-4 years later and they still manufacture the cars the same way so later models have issues too!). I'm shocked that nothing has been done. After my last scare and fearing that I won't be able to get a good trade in value on my car for a new one if I wait I think I'm done. My next car definitely won't be a Ford.
I bought the car less than 5 months ago and have driven it 2,580 miles. The transmission and clutch are defective. It has been to the shop 3 times, they have already reprogrammed it, replaced the clutch and now they are replacing the transmission control module. The car has not shifted right from the day I bought it. It feels like it is going to "stall" when I'm in reverse (in motion), or when going from stop to go. I have been braking on numerous occasions, when it decided to upshift, lurching the vehicle forward, once into a crosswalk, once very close to another vehicle. This is very dangerous. It never drives the same way twice. When entering traffic, it doesn't always want to shift properly, and has lack of acceleration or a delay. It shakes, hard sometimes (in motion and stationary), it feels like you are in a massage chair. It makes a weird clicking noise, at times (in motion. ) other times a weird grinding noise. Today it wouldn't get out of 1st gear (in motion) and had to be towed back to the dealer. I had to call out of work and I am concerned for my safety. Car bought 7/72015 - problems have been going on until today - 12/7/2015.
Purchased used with low mileage. Recently had defective clutch plates replaced per Ford recall to solve shudder problems. Dealer also per recall applied a software update to the transmission. Now the car will loose power to the transmission without warning. Check engine light came on - multiple attempts to start car. Back to dealer two more times for software update. Still loosing power (out of gear, no power) to move car forward. Very scary. Taking car back again for possible tcm replacement. All of this occurring over a three month period. Feel very unsafe with this car - without it I am unable to conduct my work with my clients. Please help as I can't afford to keep going back to the dealer to try to resolve.
Tl-the contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle would vibrate and the transmission was abnormally noisy. The vehicle was taken for diagnostic testing. The contact was informed that the pcm, the clutch and seals needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, however the repair failed to remedy the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 51,370. Ah.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled and abruptly stopped without warning. In addition, the power train failed and the contact was unable to shift the transmission out of gear. The dealer diagnosed that the transmission control module and software needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. After the vehicle was repaired, the failure recurred several other times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 6,000.
My vehicle was having trouble changing gears and felt as though it was going to die at the intersections. I took my vehicle to the dealership where they performed a "reprogram pcm and tcm". Within a month of this repair, my vehicle was exhibiting the same issue! I took it to a dealership in phoenix, az and it took almost 5 weeks to get the new transmission delivered to the dealership due to the part being out of stock with the numerous requests for new transmission on this year vehicle. I had to fight with the dealership to keep the rental car I was provided with. They continually called me requesting I bring the rental car back although my vehicle was not yet repaired. I have been having continuing problems with my car and took it in to the dealership today for yet another recall on my transmission and was told it would take approximately 3 days to perform and that Ford will not provide me with a rental vehicle while my repairs are being performed. How can a company sell a car to consumers with a knowingly defective transmission and not be accountable to the people that purchased this vehicle in good faith? I can not believe that the safety commission is not holding Ford accountable and making them reimburse and rectify this safety hazard. I have made my entire family aware in writing, should something happen to me in this vehicle, they are to proceed with a law suit! how many people need to be injured before this vehicle is recalled??????.
Inquiry from congressman courtney on behalf of constituents re a recall that should be issued for a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The consumer stated over the last two years, the transmission became a problem. There was a shudder coming from the transmission. The transmission control module, and transmission oil seal were replaced. Also, there were numerous reprogramming of the tcm. The vehicle has been to the dealer 13 times since January 2014 to address the transmission issue or the performance of the transmission. On one occasion, the vehicle left the consumer's daughter stranded. The transmission failure was unpredictable.