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 ↗2019 Ford Fiesta powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2019 Ford Fiesta have filed 21 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 67,649 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
21
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Fiesta | 100 |
| 2016 Fiesta | 99 |
| 2017 Fiesta | 21 |
| 2018 Fiesta | 9 |
| 2019 Fiesta (this page) | 21 |
2crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 21 powertrain complaints filed for the 2019 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 23% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 6 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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.
Some 2015-2020 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. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. Before attempting any component diagnosis or replacement of the VCT solenoid, refer to Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) pinpoint test HK11 to cycle the affected VCT solenoid 10 times to attempt to clear the debris. For claiming, use causal part 6M280 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be greased with Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Grease Spray XL-5-A even if grease was not applied from the factory. Also verify that the engine/transmission alignment dowel pins are present as well as the engine crankshaft dowel pin, if equipped, when installing the transmission. Failure to adequately lubricate the converter hub greatly increases the likelihood of the flexplate cracking in the future. Missing dowels may cause a misalignment issue also resulting in a premature failure. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2019 Ford Fiesta powertrain fails in multiple ways. Most common: the transmission hesitates or resists shifting, especially first to second, and revs high before engaging. Owners describe jerking, lurching, and sluggish response to the accelerator. Hard shifts occur with no warning lights.
The dual-clutch transmission overheats—owners see "Transmission Hot" messages, lose power at highway speeds, and get stuck. Multiple independent mechanics told owners that repairs won't hold and failures will recur. Transmissions have been replaced twice on the same vehicles and failed again within 15,000-20,000 miles. One owner's repair cost exceeded the car's value.
Stalling and unresponsiveness at stops and red lights is widespread. Vehicles stall when turning corners or standing still; some won't respond to throttle input without heavy pedal pressure. One owner reported an unintended forward lunge at a traffic light that caused a collision.
Clutch problems appear early—sticking to the floor at 8,000 to 64,000 miles, leaving drivers unable to shift while moving. One mechanic called it "fairly common" on these cars. Shifter mechanisms get stuck in park or fail to detect park, preventing engine start; replacement fixes the issue temporarily.
Transmission slipping, seal leaks, synchronization failure, and clutch wear failures are documented. The control module (computer) resets temporarily but problems return. No permanent fixes are available on some vehicles; repair parts aren't in stock. No recalls exist despite Ford's documented PowerShift transmission history.
Same Ford Fiesta powertrain reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Hard or delayed gear shifts
Transmission hesitates, resists, or takes extended time to shift gears, particularly from first to second. Vehicle stays accelerated during shift, creating jerking or lurching. Owners report the vehicle revs high before finally engaging.
When: Reported from 8,000 to 70,000 miles; occurs during normal acceleration and stop-and-go driving
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle hesitates or resists shifting from first to second gear; Engine revs high before transmission engages; Jerking or lurching during gear changes; Hard shift feel with no warning lights; Takes extended time to accelerate after stopping
Codes mentioned: P07A3x2 (Transmission friction)
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs include transmission control module reset (temporary fix), transmission replacement; owners report resets are temporary and problems recur
Transmission overheating and limp mode
Transmission overheats during driving, triggering 'Transmission Hot' warning messages and loss of power. Vehicle enters limp mode. Multiple shops reported that repairs may not hold and failure is likely to recur.
When: Reported around 75,000 miles; recurs 15,000-20,000 miles after initial repair
Symptoms owners cite: 'Transmission Hot Wait 5 Minutes' message on instrument panel; Loss of vehicle power while driving at highway speeds (55 MPH); Transmission overheating; Failure recurs after repair
Repairs/costs cited: Dual clutch transmission replacement performed twice; independent mechanics stated repairs may not hold and failure is likely to recur; repair cost exceeded vehicle value for one owner
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls available; no assistance provided by manufacturer
Transmission stalling and unresponsiveness at stops and turns
Transmission stalls or becomes unresponsive at complete stops, traffic lights, or when turning corners. Vehicle jerks violently or fails to respond to accelerator input. Can cause unintended lunging or forward motion.
When: Reported from 70,000 miles onward; occurs during routine driving at various speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission stalls at complete stops or traffic lights; Transmission unresponsive when accelerating from stop; Vehicle jerks or lurches at stops; Vehicle lunges forward unintentionally at traffic light (collision reported); Transmission stalls when turning corners; No response to accelerator pedal input; requires heavy throttle
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle towed after unintended lunge caused collision; most vehicles not repaired
Clutch pedal sticking to floor
Clutch slave cylinder fails or clutch pedal becomes stuck to the floor, rendering the driver unable to disengage the clutch or shift gears. Occurs during highway driving and at low mileage. Owners report the clutch is notoriously soft to begin with.
When: Reported as early as 8,000 miles and at 64,000 miles; occurs without warning
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch pedal stuck to the floor during driving; Unable to shift gears while vehicle is in motion; Clutch must be manually pulled up by hand to function; Slight softening of clutch feel preceding failure; No warning lamps or messages prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Clutch slave cylinder replacement required; transmission must be dropped to access; described as 'fairly common' on these vehicles
Park and shifter mechanism failures
Transmission shifter gets stuck in park or fails to properly detect park position, preventing engine ignition or forcing owner to disengage brake lockout as unsafe workaround. Transmission also fails to shift into reverse on demand.
When: Recurring issue with no consistent mileage reported
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission stuck in park; cannot move shifter; Transmission fails to detect park position; prevents ignition; Transmission won't shift into reverse on demand; Rocking car or shifting in and out of park temporarily corrects issue; No malfunction lights for any of these failures; Safety issue when attempting to park or make multi-point turns
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter mechanism replaced at dealership but issue returned within days; no permanent fix available
Transmission slipping and loss of drive
Transmission clutch slips or seal fails, causing loss of power transfer to wheels. Vehicle will not accelerate properly despite accelerator input or may lose power completely.
When: Reported at 60,000 miles and 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips while driving; Vehicle will not accelerate when accelerator is depressed; Loss of vehicle power while driving; Vehicle won't shift out of second gear above 40 MPH; Gradual worsening of acceleration issues
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission clutch and seal kit replacement required; one owner reported transmission control module failure as root cause
Transmission synchronization failure and abnormal noise
Transmission develops internal synchronization failure, producing abnormal sounds from engine compartment. Transmission must be replaced; motor mounts may also need replacement.
When: Reported at 67,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal sound coming from engine compartment during driving; No warning lights illuminated; Sound persists across multiple dealer visits
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement and two motor mounts replacement performed
Transmission downshift failure
Transmission fails to downshift properly when decelerating or slowing at intersections, keeping vehicle in higher gear. Can result in vehicle rolling forward even with brakes applied or jerking when finally downshifting.
When: Reported at various mileages during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission won't downshift when turning at intersection; Vehicle stays in higher gear during deceleration; Transmission jerks when finally downshifting; Transmission stalls when downshifting; Engine revs without engagement
Clutch failure with abnormal wear
Clutch wears abnormally or fails completely, resulting in loss of motive power and abnormal sounds from engine compartment. Failure observed at high mileage with no warning signs.
When: Reported at 109,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal sound from engine compartment; Loss of motive power while driving; Abnormal clutch wear observed by dealer; No warning lights illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Clutch failure diagnosed at dealer; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred contact to NHTSA Hotline
Unexpected downshift and check engine warning
Transmission unexpectedly downshifts during normal driving with check engine light illumination. Issue recurs even after restart.
When: Reported at 67,649 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Unexpected downshift during driving; Check engine warning light illuminated; Issue recurs after vehicle restart
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred contact to NHTSA Hotline
Transmission failure during flat towing
Transmission overheated and failed during flat towing behind motorhome with battery disconnect active.
When: During flat towing; vehicle had approximately 30 miles of towing time
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke coming from vehicle while being towed; Transmission failure requiring replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required
Synthesized from 21 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The contact called on behalf of her son who owns a 2019 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated her son informed her that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was shifting hard. There were no warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while her son attempted to drive from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The…
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost power with the message "Transmission Hot Wait 5 Minutes" displayed on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where the mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a defective dual transmission clutch. The contact was informed that although the…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2019 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 2019 Ford Fiesta?
It's a meaningful issue. 21 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 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 60,000 and 75,000 miles, with the median around 67,649. A quarter of owners report trouble before 60,000; a quarter make it past 75,000. 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/2019/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.