Ford Fiesta Gearbox & Transmission Problems

Unfortunately, it sounds like you have one of the dreaded Powershift dual-clutch transmissions in your car. If that's the case, then this type of transmission behaviour is all too common and, we're sorry to tell you, is a sign that the gearbox is about to die.

Ford was hauled over the coals by the ACCC back in 2017 for 'unconscionable behaviour' regarding this transmission and its approach to dealing with consumer complaints about it. We'd be talking to Ford Australia's customer service department as it will have a standard procedure now for dealing with such problems.

All that said, your car is well and truly out of warranty now, but Ford knew years ago that it had a major problem with this transmission, so it's worth asking about compensation or help with repairs. The other piece of advice is to not sink too much money into the car, as the trade and consumers know it's a ticking time bomb and, as a result, this model is worth very little as a trade-in.

After being hauled over the coals for its handling of this transmission-failure fiasco (and fined millions of dollars by the ACCC) Ford Australia is taking subsequent cases of Powershift transmission failure on a case-by-case basis. Consideration will be given to the kilometres the vehicle has travelled and whether there was an extended warranty with it, among other things.

The best advice in your case is to sidestep the dealer and go straight to Ford's customer service department and spell out the situation. You might find there's some redress after all. There are no guarantees, of course, but Ford Australia is painfully aware of its responsibilities in this area, so it's definitely worth a shot.

It’s only the dual-clutch transmission that’s affected, and Fiestas also had the problem. I’m guessing you bought the car secondhand, which is probably why you got no response from Ford. Contact the ACCC (1300 302 502) for advice.

Your car has the dreaded Powershift disease. Call Ford’s customer service (13 3673) and request they repair the car at their cost. I would expect they would cover the cost of repairs, but they might offer to cover part of the cost of replacing the transmission.

There have been a lot of problems with the auto transmission in that model, so contact Ford and request help with replacing the transmission. I wouldn’t take the transmission out before you get an answer from Ford, as they might ask you to take it to a Ford dealer for inspection. Taking the ’box out could compromise your case.

You’re in a situation in which you have to negotiate a settlement with Ford. Obviously you haven’t been able to achieve a satisfactory outcome, so it might be worth considering joining the class action suit that is running on this issue. At least then you would part of a group with the strength of numbers rather than an individual alone. Phone 1300 226 647 for info.

It’s a fine smear of oil, not a leak as such. It’s not something to worry about, unless it develops into a more serious leak.

The Fiesta dual-clutch gearbox in your car is trouble, pure and simple, as many other Fiesta owners would happily tell you. You could get the gearbox independently tested, but I fear that Ford wouldn't take any notice of the findings. Ford is facing a class action suit from owners affected by the problem, and I would suggest you consider joining that if you feel you are unlikely to get anywhere with Ford.

Thanks for the tip, it's a good one.

Ford spokesman Stephen Kruk replies: "Vincenza owns a 2011 Fiesta with 68,000km and we have offered a partial refund of $10,000 as a dealer trade. We review each customer request for support on an individual basis as each customer experience and their vehicle is different. Comparing customer outcomes without the facts would not make any sense. We have determined that Vincenza's experience warrants our support and have worked with her to get to a successful outcome".