Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Ford Fiesta powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2015 Ford Fiesta have filed 100 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 61,000 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
100
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Fiesta | 341 |
| 2012 Fiesta | 266 |
| 2013 Fiesta | 384 |
| 2014 Fiesta | 204 |
| 2015 Fiesta (this page) | 100 |
| 2016 Fiesta | 99 |
| 2017 Fiesta | 21 |
| 2018 Fiesta | 9 |
| 2019 Fiesta | 21 |
4crashes
15injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 100 powertrain complaints filed for the 2015 Ford Fiesta, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 39% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 100 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 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 ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2015 Ford Fiesta with the DPS6 dual-clutch transmission shows consistent failure patterns across 50 complaint narratives. The transmission shudders, jerks harshly during acceleration, and slips gears, sometimes locking up completely in the middle of traffic or intersections. Multiple owners report sudden loss of drive power despite engine running, with RPM revving but the car refusing to move. At least two owners experienced unintended acceleration while braking—the vehicle accelerated into buildings despite brake application, totaling one car with airbag non-deployment.
Transmission Control Module (TCM) failures occur between 45,000 and 200,000 miles, with at least one owner facing a second TCM replacement after the first failed at 20,000 miles. One owner replaced the transmission entirely at $2,400. Owners report the transmission fails to downshift properly when slowing, causing dangerous RPM hold or stalling at traffic lights. A cooling system defect on at least one 1.0L turbo model causes overheating only during gear engagement; the engine remains cool at idle.
Ford issued Customer Satisfaction Programs extending clutch and TCM warranties, but many owners report denial based on VIN build dates outside the coverage window by margins as small as nine days, despite identical symptoms. Dealers cannot diagnose some failures without $1,500 diagnostic fees, and parts shortages have delayed repairs by months. Multiple owners describe being directed to NHTSA, not assisted by Ford, after purchasing vehicles with known defects.
Same Ford Fiesta powertrain reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
DPS6/Powershift Transmission Shudder and Slipping
Dual-clutch transmission exhibits vibration, shuddering, and jerking during acceleration and gear shifts, often accompanied by clutch slipping and harsh engagement.
When: Early in ownership (within first year); recurring throughout vehicle life; mileage varies from under 25k miles to 200k+
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering or vibration during acceleration; Jerking or harsh gear engagement; Slipping gears or loss of drive power; Rough transitions between first and second gear; Sluggish or delayed shifting; Grinding or clunking noises from transmission
Codes mentioned: Transmission warning light, Service Transmission warning, Transmission Malfunction Service Now, Check engine light (intermittent)
Repairs/costs cited: Clutch replacement cited in multiple complaints; some owners paid $2,400 for dual clutch replacement; repair often unsuccessful; TCM reflash attempted but ineffective; many dealers claim parts unavailable for extended periods
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Customer Satisfaction Program extended clutch warranty to 7 years/100,000 miles (build dates 11/3/2009–6/30/2015); TCM extended warranty 10 years/150,000 miles (same build date range); Ford denies coverage for many vehicles outside cutoff dates by small margins; Field Service Actions issued but reported as ineffective
Transmission Control Module (TCM) Failure
Electronic transmission control module fails, causing inability to shift gears, loss of engine power, and inability to start or move vehicle.
When: Between 45,000 and 200,000 miles; replacements have failed again within 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission Malfunction Service Now message; Vehicle fails to accelerate or change gears; RPM fluctuation and abnormal revving; Inability to shift out of park; Check engine light illumination; Engine stalling
Codes mentioned: Transmission Control Module failure, 14M02 (extended TCM warranty), Check engine codes (specific codes not provided)
Repairs/costs cited: TCM replacement costs $179–$300+ for diagnosis alone; many owners faced denial of warranty coverage; some replaced at expense; parts delays cited
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 14M02 Customer Satisfaction Program offers extended TCM warranty coverage; many owners report denial citing VIN outside coverage window by narrow margins (e.g., 9 days); Ford directed complaints to NHTSA Hotline
Transmission Lockup and Loss of Drive
Transmission suddenly locks up or loses all motive power, leaving vehicle immobile and creating dangerous traffic situations.
When: Variable; some within first week of ownership; recurs unpredictably
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden complete loss of drive power; Transmission locking in middle of intersection or roadway; Inability to reverse or move in any direction; Vehicle revs but does not move; Stalling in traffic; Gears will not engage despite engine running
Codes mentioned: Transmission warning light, Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealer visits without resolution; transmission or internal clutch components required replacement; some vehicles parked for extended periods as unsafe to drive; one owner cited $2,400 clutch replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance provided in multiple cases; Ford customer service declined coverage; some cases directed to NHTSA Hotline
Unintended Acceleration with Brake Override Failure
Vehicle accelerates despite driver applying brake pedal; brake fails to override throttle input, creating immediate safety hazard and potential for collision.
When: Sudden onset; multiple incidents within single drive or over time
Symptoms owners cite: Acceleration when brake pedal is applied; Engine revving while braking; Vehicle lunges forward at intersections or while parking; Inability to control acceleration with brake; Downshift causing unintended acceleration while braking
Codes mentioned: Transmission warning light, No warning light (in some cases)
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle totaled in crash; airbags did not deploy; black box data showed acceleration 0–100% in 5 seconds with brake applied 10–55%; no repair completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented; Ford aware of transmission clutch shudder issue at time of auction sale but vehicle sold anyway
Failure to Downshift / RPM Stalling at Stops
Transmission fails to downshift properly when decelerating or stopping, causing high RPM hold and stalling risk; also RPM dips dangerously low when stopping, causing stall.
When: Most common at traffic lights, stop signs, and during deceleration; RPM dips occur frequently after refueling
Symptoms owners cite: Failure to downshift after passing gear, RPM remains high (5000+) for several seconds; Engine stalls when coming to complete stop at traffic light or stop sign; RPM dips suddenly when stopping, risking stall; Loss of power when attempting to stop
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (not always illuminated), Service Engine warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealer visits; no consistent fix applied; TCM flashing attempted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Cooling System Overheating with Engine Load
Engine overheats when vehicle is in gear and driven, but remains cool at idle in neutral; issue worsens in hot ambient temperatures and highway driving; cooling fan runs but insufficient; fuse amperage discrepancy noted.
When: Occurs within days of starting vehicle after recent dealership purchase; temperature dependent (above 70–90°F); improves only when heat is turned on full blast
Symptoms owners cite: Engine temperature gauge rises to maximum when driving in gear; Engine remains cool when parked in neutral with AC on; Engine overheating warning light/message; Motor bogs down at startup and idle; Clacking noise from 1.0L turbo engine; No visible coolant leak despite overheating
Codes mentioned: Overheating warning light/message
Repairs/costs cited: Coolant reservoir cap seized and required breaking; OEM replacement cap installed but overheating persists; cooling fan amperage mismatch (60-amp spec vs. 40-amp measured); owner observes online research and YouTube forums but parts unavailable for model year; heat must be run full blast to cool engine
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; owner attributes issue to defect in 1.0L turbocharged three-cylinder design
Transmission Fluid Leaks
Transmission fluid leaks from transmission housing and other transmission components; initial dealer inspection denies leak, later confirms it.
When: Around 73,000 miles; recurrent after initial denial
Symptoms owners cite: Visible transmission fluid leaking onto ground; Oil leaking from transmission area; Transmission hesitation warning light
Codes mentioned: Transmission hesitation warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealer visits required; first two visits denied leak, third confirmed; vehicle remained unrepaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls found; manufacturer notified but provided no assistance
Loss of Electrical System Function
Multiple electrical system failures including interior and exterior lighting, power locks, horn, and alarm system; failures cascade across vehicle systems.
When: At approximately 50 miles on vehicle (very early)
Symptoms owners cite: Interior and door lights failed; Horn non-functional; Alarm system non-functional; Power door locks inoperative; Low beam headlights failed (forced to drive high beams); Motor fan activated independently
Codes mentioned: Transmission-related codes also present
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer advised vehicle had too many failures to diagnose or repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Transmission Shift Linkage / Gear Selector Failure
Gear shifter fails to move out of park or shifts without engagement; transmission slips from drive to neutral unexpectedly.
When: Variable mileage; some near 95,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shifter stuck in park position; Transmission shifts from drive to neutral without driver input; Transmission slips out of engaged gear; Shifter fails to respond to input
Codes mentioned: Transmission Malfunction Service warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers diagnosed clutch failure, not transmission failure (per owner concern); vehicle unrepaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Case opened but no assistance provided; Ford Campaign expired
Synthesized from 100 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
Enigien light comes on and car will not go above 2k rpms and will not reach 50mph. After the first time I brought the car in to a dealer, after turning the car off they could not get the any codes for 4 days they finally got a code saying its the tps they changed that 2 days later it happened again this time they keep it a week before calling Ford and Ford told them to change the instrument…
6 spped transmission fails to start up. I have to place the ignition back into the key location on dash to start car. Also, there are exhaust fumes coming into the interior of the car when I use the heater fan,
I was leaving las vegas, going 70 MPH down hill and my car started to loose power while it produced a lot of white smoke. I was in a very dangerous situation and was stranded for 4 hrs in the middle of nowhere. The car never gave symptoms just died. No check engine or overheating, oil, coolant. I was traveling on a trip so I did have luggage but I never maxed car weight. The car is 2 years old…
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Ford fiesta. While operating the vehicle and depressing the clutch pedal, the engine would sometimes suddenly shut off. The failure also occurred while the engine was idling. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Fords powershift transmission fails to shift correctly between first and second gears. The car shudders, shakes, and groans withing the transmission. The car has been to the dealer as almost all Ford dealerships will tell you Ford really has no fix for their dangerous design of this transmission. The vehicle does not meet fords self-implemented test to have the transmission fixed. Instead…
After filling up my tank, I left the gas station and immediately approached a red light. When I came to a stop, my engine RPM dipped and my vehicle stalled out. I have noticed RPM dipping that occurs when I stop at a red light, usually after I add fuel. Other than this stall event reported, I have not experienced another, but the RPM dips do occur often, again, after adding gas or filling my…
I bought my car in march 2016 and noticed right away when I shift from 1st to 2nd my car seems to stall/shake and I have it in automatic, when I have in the kind of shift that I do it doesn't do it. I have contacted the dealership about it and they always tell me there is nothing they can do about it. I have read where others are having the same problem. A friend of mine bought at 2015 Ford focus…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2015 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 2015 Ford Fiesta?
It's a meaningful issue. 100 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 65 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 33,000 and 93,000 miles, with the median around 61,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 33,000; a quarter make it past 93,000. 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/2015/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.