Certain 2011 through 2015 Model Year Fiesta and 2012 through 2016 Model Year Focus Vehicles Equipped with a DPS6 Automatic Transmission Transmission Control Module Extended Warranty Coverage REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT âÃÂâ Due to ongoing limited part availability, program terms have been revised. âÃÂâ Vehicle pickup & delivery has been added. âÃÂâ Labor allowance table has been updated. âÃÂâ Additional repairs updated. âÃÂâ Added Attachment VI Mobile Repair/Vehicle Pickup and Delivery Record. âÃÂâ Added Attachment VII Mobile Repair Assessment.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Ford Fiesta powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2014 Ford Fiesta have filed 204 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 33,274 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
204
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Fiesta | 341 |
| 2012 Fiesta | 266 |
| 2013 Fiesta | 384 |
| 2014 Fiesta (this page) | 204 |
| 2015 Fiesta | 100 |
| 2016 Fiesta | 99 |
| 2017 Fiesta | 21 |
| 2018 Fiesta | 9 |
3crashes
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 204 powertrain complaints filed for the 2014 Ford Fiesta, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Powertrain accounts for 41% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 204 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Certain 2011 through 2015 Model Year Fiesta and 2012 through 2016 Model Year Focus Vehicles Equipped with a DPS6 Automatic Transmission; Transmission Control Module Extended Warranty Coverage REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT Non-Ford Part Usage: ⢠Vehicles that are still covered by the 8 years/80,000-mile Emissions warranty coverage MUST be serviced with a NEW Ford Motor Company TCM. ⢠Vehicles outside of or exceeding the 8 years/80,000-mile coverage are authorized to use a used Ford Motor Company TCM, a refurbished original Ford TCM, or an aftermarket TCM that will successfully complete the required Ford software updates.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Ford is extending the warranty coverage on the DPS6 automatic transmission TCM to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle, whichever occurs first. This extended warranty coverage will address intermittent symptoms of loss of transmission engagement while driving, no-start, or a lack of power.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This customer satisfaction program updates the TCM software in affected vehicles to provide improved detection and over warning of electrical circuit failures in the TCM. As communicated in a previous Customer Satisfaction Program (14M02), electrical circuit failures within the TCM may develop and result in intermittent symptoms of loss of transmission engagement while driving, no-start, or a lack of power. Updating the TCM software will help ensure the vehicle operator is alerted to potential issues with the TCM prior to failure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2011 through 2014 Model Year Fiesta and Focus Vehicles Equipped with a DPS6 Automatic Transmission - Transmission Clutch Shudder / Transmission Input Shaft Seal Warranty Extension
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 Fiesta with the DPS6 transmission is a problematic machine from day one. Owners describe violent shuddering and jerking during acceleration, especially between first and second gears, which persists from purchase through high mileage despite multiple dealer visits. The transmission will not accelerate when the gas pedal is pressed—engine revs to 7,000+ RPM with the car crawling forward or stuck at 5–20 mph. Drivers report near-miss accidents on highways and at intersections due to delayed or absent power response.
Gear engagement is unreliable. The clutch fails to catch, forcing owners to cycle the engine on and off or repeatedly shift from Park to Neutral to Drive before the car will move. On inclines, vehicles roll backward despite being in Park. Transmission Control Module (TCM) failures trigger "Transmission Malfunction—Service Now" warnings; Ford's initial remedy is software reprogramming, which works for days or weeks before the same symptoms return. TCM replacement ($1,500–$2,500) provides temporary relief only.
Dealers downplay these issues—repeatedly telling owners the violent shudder is "normal," the transmission is "learning," or that the DPS6 is simply a different kind of automatic and owners should expect this behavior. Even when dealers acknowledge the problem and perform repairs under warranty, they often claim symptoms are "within factory specifications" and deny coverage. Ford extended the transmission warranty but excluded many 2014 model-year vehicles from coverage based on build date. Multiple owners report Ford corporate closing cases after one day, refusing further contact, and denying buyback or lemon-law remedies. One owner was stranded on a highway when the transmission lost power mid-drive; another's car lunged into an intersection, hitting another vehicle.
Same Ford Fiesta powertrain reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission shudder, jerking, and harsh shifting at low speeds
Violent shuddering and jerking during acceleration from stops, between gears (especially 1st-2nd), and when reversing. Owners report the car bucks, shakes, and hesitates—sometimes violently enough to trigger fear of loss of control. Problem occurs from purchase and persists or worsens despite multiple dealer visits.
When: From new or early ownership (often first 1,000-20,000 miles), recurring throughout vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Violent shuddering and jerking on acceleration from stops; Harsh shifting between 1st and 2nd gears; Rough, violent shaking on reversing; Hesitation and delayed acceleration response; Bucking and bouncing sensation in vehicle; Car slows unexpectedly or loses power during acceleration; Grinding or rattling noises during shifts
Codes mentioned: P0606 (TCM communication error), Transmission Control Module error codes, Check Engine light (various transmission-related faults)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers typically perform TCM reprogram or software update as first attempt; owners report this provides only temporary relief. Clutch assembly replacement ($1,500–$2,200 parts and labor) sometimes recommended but does not resolve underlying issue. Multiple owners cite dealer refusal to perform repairs, claiming symptoms are 'normal' for the DPS6 transmission type.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford extended transmission warranty from 36,000/5-years to 60,000–150,000 miles/7-years via Customer Satisfaction Programs 14M01 and 14M02 for certain build dates (before June 2013). Many 2014 models fall outside coverage window. Ford has issued multiple TSBs and warranty extensions but dealers often deny coverage or claim vehicle is 'within factory specifications.'
Loss of power, failure to accelerate, and transmission slip
Vehicle fails to accelerate properly when pressing gas pedal, especially during traffic merges or uphill. Engine revs but car does not gain speed, or shifts slip and lose power. Some owners report complete transmission failure requiring restart or manual gear cycling. Creates acute safety hazard on highways and at intersections.
When: Throughout ownership; triggered during traffic acceleration, merging, uphill driving, or random during normal operation (mileage varies from 5,000 to 122,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Failure to accelerate despite pressing gas pedal; Delayed or complete loss of response to throttle input; Engine overspeeding (high RPM) without vehicle acceleration; Transmission gear slip or momentary shift to neutral; Car stuck in first gear, unable to shift higher; Loss of power during highway driving; Vehicle disabled in traffic requiring restart or gear cycling
Codes mentioned: Transmission Control Module (TCM) failure codes, Transmission slip detection codes, Check Engine light with transmission-related DTCs
Repairs/costs cited: TCM replacement ($2,500–$3,000 at some dealers, covered under CSP 14M02 for eligible VINs) or full transmission replacement ($2,200–$3,000+). Owners report repairs are temporary; symptoms often return within weeks to months. Some dealers refuse to perform TCM replacement even when diagnostically indicated, suggesting trade-in instead.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02 covers TCM extended warranty to 100,000–150,000 miles for certain VINs; however, eligibility is build-date dependent and many 2014 models are excluded. Ford has declined warranty coverage for out-of-window vehicles. One owner reported Ford case closed within one day, deemed 'within working parameters' despite safety hazard.
Failure to shift into or out of gear; gear engagement malfunction
Clutch fails to engage properly or disengage completely. Vehicle will not shift into gear or shift erratically. Requires engine restart or repeated gear cycling to recover. Occurs in both forward and reverse, sometimes leaving vehicle stranded in intersection or unable to reverse.
When: Develops after 15,000–94,000 miles; can occur suddenly without warning
Symptoms owners cite: Car will not shift into gear; requires engine shutdown and restart; Clutch stays engaged or fails to catch when downshifting; Gears grind during shift attempts; Vehicle lurches or jolts forward when clutch finally engages after delay; Failure to reverse; car stuck in forward or neutral; Gear slips or skips (e.g., skips 2nd gear, goes to 3rd); Unpredictable gear engagement during manual shifts
Codes mentioned: Dual clutch failure codes, Transmission element codes (e.g., Element A stuck), Gear position or shift solenoid faults
Repairs/costs cited: Clutch assembly replacement (dual clutch seals, pressure plate, flywheel) $1,500–$2,200. Owners report repeated failures: new clutches fail shortly after installation. One owner reported four different slave cylinders from two manufacturers leaked upon engine start, indicating design defect in clutch assembly.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Clutch seal and assembly replacement covered under extended warranty (CSP 19N08) for eligible build dates; coverage has expired for some 2014 models. Ford has not issued recall for this failure mode.
Transmission Control Module (TCM) malfunction and failure
TCM fails to properly control transmission operation, resulting in erratic shifting, inability to accelerate, gear slipping, and unintended lurching. Vehicle often displays 'Transmission Malfunction—Service Now' warning. TCM replacements are temporary; same failures recur within weeks to months.
When: Often emerges 3–6 months after purchase; recurrence at 20,000–150,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission warning light; 'Transmission Malfunction' dashboard message; Vehicle Health Report shows transmission module recall flag; Erratic or delayed gear shifting; Loss of acceleration or power; Unintended acceleration or jerking; TCM cannot be updated or update provides only temporary fix; Same symptoms return shortly after TCM replacement
Codes mentioned: TCM firmware bug (known issue per Ford), TCM communication error, Transmission slip and control codes
Repairs/costs cited: TCM reprogramming (firmware update) attempted first; typically fails to resolve issue. TCM replacement cost $1,500–$2,500 (parts + labor at dealer). Multiple owners report being charged for TCM replacement despite warranty claims; some dealers refuse to perform replacement even when diagnostically indicated.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02 offers extended TCM warranty (100,000–150,000 miles, 7 years) for eligible VINs. One-time TCM replacement extension announced in 2023 for out-of-window vehicles through June 30, 2025, but eligibility is restricted and not consistently honored. Owners report Ford corporate does not return follow-up calls or honor promised assistance.
Unintended vehicle movement; lurching forward or rolling backward without driver input
Vehicle lurches forward from stops or reverses without accelerator input, or rolls backward on inclines despite transmission in Park or with parking brake applied. Creates risk of collision or pedestrian strike.
When: At stops, on inclines, during gear shifts; can occur from new ownership through 80,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle lurches or jerks forward without driver pressing accelerator; Vehicle rolls backward on hill despite Park gear or brake applied; Involuntary transmission engagement causing uncontrolled movement; Vehicle does not remain held in Park on incline; Dashboard warning: 'Not in Park' despite gear selector in Park position; Vehicle may strike nearby cars or objects due to unintended movement
Codes mentioned: Transmission shift solenoid or electronic shift control fault, Park engagement failure codes, Torque converter malfunction codes
Repairs/costs cited: Park mechanism and transmission shift solenoid diagnosis required; repair costs not consistently documented. One owner reported minor collision damage from unintended lurch; Ford response was inconclusive. Parking brake becomes workaround, which is not standard on automatic vehicles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for unintended vehicle movement. Owners cite ongoing class-action litigation regarding involuntary transmission engagement. One owner was told issue is covered under litigation but vehicle remains unfixed.
Transmission fluid burning smell and potential fluid leakage
Owner reports burning transmission fluid smell, especially after highway driving or warm-up cycles. Indicates overheating, seal degradation, or clutch slip creating friction. One owner found metallic grit and gear tooth chunks in transmission fluid.
When: After 1,000–50,000 miles; often after extended highway driving or when weather is hot
Symptoms owners cite: Distinct burnt or hot transmission fluid smell; Burning odor after highway driving or acceleration; Metallic grit or debris found in transmission fluid (indicator of internal wear); Transmission overheating symptoms coinciding with shudder; Smell intensifies during stop-and-go traffic
Codes mentioned: Transmission overtemp condition (if recorded), Clutch slip detection
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission fluid analysis or replacement attempted; one owner's fluid contained metallic grit and gear tooth chunks, requiring replacement transaxle and clutch kit ($2,000+). New parts also failed (slave cylinder leaks on four separate units), suggesting systemic design defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer recall or TSB specifically addressing fluid contamination. Owners report dealers dismiss smell as 'normal' for DPS6 transmission break-in.
Engine overheating and cooling system failure (related to transmission electronic load)
Vehicle overheats, especially at idle or stop-and-go traffic, when air conditioning is running, or after highway driving. Cooling fan fails to engage or cycles repeatedly. Repeated fan motor replacements do not resolve issue. Likely linked to transmission control module drawing excessive load or transmission overheating.
When: After 20,000–80,000 miles; worsens in hot climates (Arizona) or during summer months
Symptoms owners cite: Engine temperature rises to unsafe levels at stops or slow speeds; Cooling fan fails to activate or cycles on/off erratically; Fan motor burns out and must be replaced (some owners report 2+ replacements); AC compressor failure due to fan relay malfunction; Vehicle must be driven at higher speed to keep engine cool; Overheating persists even after fan motor replacement and relay repair
Codes mentioned: Fan motor malfunction codes, Cooling system relay fault codes, Engine coolant temperature sensor codes
Repairs/costs cited: Fan relay and fuse replacement ($100–$200); fan motor replacement ($300–$500); AC compressor replacement ($2,700 with insurance deductible). Repairs are repeated; one owner had issues recur 9–10 months after $2,700 repair in Arizona summer heat.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. One owner requested Ford address systemic cooling issue in hot climates; no response documented.
Harsh downshift and torque converter shudder at higher speeds
Vehicle shudders or vibrates when decelerating or downshifting, especially at highway speeds or when turning. In Sport mode, transmission skips gears (e.g., 1st to 3rd, skipping 2nd). Loud clattering or grinding noise during these maneuvers.
When: Can occur from early ownership but typically emerges at 15,000–80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Violent vibration when downshifting or decelerating at highway speed; Transmission skips gears in Sport mode (e.g., 1st→3rd, missing 2nd); Loud clattering or grinding noise during gear transitions; Shudder when turning corners (especially left turns) followed by acceleration; Torque converter shudder that worsens the more the car is driven; Jerking sensation when braking and then accelerating
Codes mentioned: Torque converter malfunction codes, Transmission shift solenoid fault, Gear slip detection
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid and filter service; torque converter replacement; transmission full overhaul in severe cases ($3,000+). One owner's car was worked on multiple times (March 2016, May 2016, May 2017, November 2017, March 2020) with recurring shudder; final diagnosis was front pump replacement needed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific recall for torque converter shudder. One owner was referred to class-action lawsuit regarding transmission defects.
Synthesized from 204 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
I have been taking off after stopping and the transmission or fuel injection misses causing the vehicle to not engage the drive train just right. The vehicle hesitates, lurches, and shutters. The vibration is bad and I'm worried if I take off from a stop light or sign, the vehicle does not engage the drive train, I might be hit by another vehicle because I cannot get the vehicle out of the path…
Vehicle stationary in driveway. Completely dead, no lights, power, nothing. Vehicle has been to dealer 5 times for same issue. First time had only 1,364 miles. Dealer has no fix. Recharges battery and returns to me. Case opened with Ford, they will not buy back vehicle. Resolution from Ford each time: bring back to dealer every time it happens for battery recharge. TCM module replaced. Did not…
I am buying and paying for an unsafe and worthless car. Can you help? I am 66 with little income. This car shudders and hesitates often. I was told by Ford dealer in hutto, tx, that I have to bring it in when it shudders and they will check it and orders parts that will take 2 months. The "shudder" happens on and off, so chances of this happening when I take it to dealer are per chance. The…
Automatic transmission shifts to a manual transmission function within 30 seconds of up hill holding function and rolls back into other cars. This has occured on my car after the recent Ford fix to their transmission design that fixed the rough automatic transmission shifting on the original design. The sequence is: come to a stop at a stop light on a hill, car holds the normal automatic…
Allow me to be #100 for complaints on the 2014 Ford fiesta!! Maybe after 100 complaints Ford motor company will do something to help us all !! Purchased the new 2014 Ford fiesta in august 2014. By the time I went in for my first oil change I was having problems with the car shaking, jerking, slipping, shuddering upon light acceleration on gas from a complete stop. Then the car is slow to gain…
Problems with car stuck in park and not starting vehicle was stationary, have been stuck twice for same thing
The car started not accelerating when gas was pushed, delayed then caught and jerked like transmission was bad, also the gas milage got worse after owning a little over a year. Almost hit by semi-truck getting on the interstate because car wouldn't accelerate! In town, at lights, would jerk when at a stop or at take off, almost causing people behind or front of me to hit me. Took it to one…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2014 Ford Fiesta?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2014 Ford Fiesta?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 204 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 154 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 12,400 and 55,465 miles, with the median around 33,274. A quarter of owners report trouble before 12,400; a quarter make it past 55,465. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/Ford/Fiesta.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.