i bought a 2011 ford fiesta with 96k miles and when i try to accelerate fast to cut through traffic it takes forever and it doesnt shift as fast as i need it too. i just want to know whats wrong so i can work towards the problem. theres no check engine lights and i dont feel it jerk but it sure does feel like a manual car when i drive it. sorry i dont know too much about cars
A car that isn’t designed for quick acceleration won’t accelerate quickly? That’s unusual. It might be due to transmission issues or unrealistic expectations.
You bought a car and you didn’t research the most common issue that plagued it? That’s on you
Picture purchasing a front-wheel-drive, four-door econobox with just over 120 hp and then complaining about its lack of speed.
I drive a 2013 Ford Transit Connect, which has the same engine as your Fiesta. These cars aren’t designed for speed; they’re built for reliability and fuel efficiency to get the job done. If you’re looking for power and speed, you should consider getting an ST or an RS.
I’m considering purchasing a 2011 Ford Fiesta that has 200,000 kilometers on it. It looks good and is priced at $3,500. I need a reliable vehicle for Uber Eats. Would you recommend it? I also have a Chevy Cruze with the same mileage in mind, but if I had to pick between the two, which one should I go for?
I suggest selling it and looking for a different vehicle. The automatic transmissions in both the Fiesta and Focus are notorious for having serious problems. A simple Google search will provide you with more information about these issues.
They’re excellent little cars for their purpose, but that particular model is well-known for having a transmission that was released prematurely, often causing significant lag during shifts. In fact, there was even a class-action lawsuit regarding this issue.
The good news is that, due to the extent of the problem, you might be able to take it to a Ford dealer to see if they can offer any solutions. I’m not sure if it’s too late for the initial fixes to still be free, but it’s worth inquiring. I believe one of those fixes involved replacing the TCM. However, this issue is more of a nuisance than a cause of long-term damage—unless you need to accelerate quickly to merge, in which case it can become a bigger concern, haha.
We own a 2012 model and really enjoy it. Aside from the quirky transmission, it’s a fantastic little car that’s very efficient and fun to drive.
People seem to be quite critical, but the issues with the Fiesta’s PowerShift transmission are well-known. Your best bet is to start by contacting a local Ford dealer to see if any warranty still applies, as Ford extended the warranty because of these problems.
I have a similar vehicle, a European Fusion from 2010, which has the same engine and likely the same transmission. In fact, they’re quite similar overall, although the European Fusion differs significantly from the U.S. version.
As long as you don’t have the 6-speed “Durashift” transmission, you should be in good shape. You probably have either the Aisin Warner or the 4F27E automatic transmission, both of which are also used by Mazda and Toyota.
These transmissions are quite dated in design but have proven to be reliable. While they may not provide the smoothest ride or be suited for rapid acceleration, they can last a long time if driven gently.
They have distinct gears and steps, and unlike a typical CVT, it’s normal to feel the shifts, much like a manual transmission. Essentially, it’s a manual gearbox with an actuator that manages the clutch.
As long as you don’t hear any whining or grinding noises, and the shifts aren’t excessively rough or shaky, your transmission is likely functioning well.
EDIT: If you do need to accelerate quickly, it’s also normal for the transmission to hesitate before shifting. It often decides whether to delay or shift immediately based on factors like the slope, speed, and how much pressure you apply to the gas pedal, especially in situations where quick power is needed to avoid a dangerous scenario.