Ford Fiesta 2011 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.

If it’s a diesel engine the change interval is every 10 years or 200,000 km, but if it is a petrol engine it is eight years or 160,000 km.

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.

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".

One good thing is that you have the dealer on your side, or so it seems, if only Ford would come on board as well. The pinging issue is common, and the advice most owners are given is to switch to premium fuel. I would suspect that the lack of power and hesitations when cold are a separate issue, one related either to a faulty sensor that’s not telling the computer that it’s cold outside and the engine needs enrichment, or it’s an issue with the calibration itself. I have sent your concerns on to Ford and requested help to sort the issue. In the meantime, I reckon you have a good claim against Ford to refund your money or replace your car.