The Ford Fiesta is a small car with a big reputation. It’s efficient, easy to maneuver, and a great commuter car for Newark drivers. But if you own one, you probably already know—it’s got its fair share of problems. Transmission issues. Overheating. Power steering failures. These aren’t just minor annoyances. If left unchecked, they can turn into costly repairs.
At Fremont Foreign Auto, we’ve worked on countless Fiestas, and we know exactly what tends to go wrong. Here’s what you need to watch out for—and how we fix it.
1. The Infamous Transmission Problems—Slipping, Shuddering, and Stalling
If your Ford Fiesta is jerking, hesitating, or refusing to shift properly, you’re dealing with the dreaded PowerShift transmission failure. The Fiesta’s dual-clutch transmission, found in models from 2011-2019, has been one of the most problematic transmissions Ford has ever put on the road. Drivers report delayed acceleration, harsh gear changes, and total transmission failure—sometimes before hitting 50,000 miles.
We see this every week at our shop. Some owners try software updates, but that’s just a band-aid. The real fix? We replace faulty clutch components, recalibrate the transmission control module, and, in severe cases, rebuild or replace the entire transmission. If you’re feeling transmission hesitation, don’t ignore it—waiting too long could leave you stranded.
2. Overheating Engine—The Hidden Killer
Your Fiesta’s engine runs hot—sometimes too hot. Many Fiesta owners bring their cars to us after experiencing overheating, coolant loss, or a mysterious burning smell under the hood. The cause? A failing water pump, leaking radiator, or faulty thermostat. Some models also suffer from coolant hose leaks that leave the system low on fluid without triggering a major warning until it’s too late.
An overheated engine isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a disaster waiting to happen. We thoroughly inspect the cooling system, replace failing parts, and ensure everything is properly sealed and circulating coolant. If your temperature gauge is creeping up or you’re constantly refilling coolant, it’s time to bring your Fiesta in before the engine suffers permanent damage.
3. Power Steering Failure—Sudden Loss of Control
Imagine pulling out of a parking space and suddenly your steering wheel locks up, feels stiff, or just refuses to turn smoothly. That’s what happens when the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system fails, and it’s a major issue in the Fiesta.
Many drivers think it’s a fluid problem—but unlike older hydraulic systems, EPS doesn’t use fluid. The real issue is in the electronic control module or the steering motor itself. Some Fiestas lose power steering intermittently, while others fail completely, making the car incredibly difficult to drive.
At Fremont Foreign Auto, we perform advanced diagnostics to determine whether the issue is electrical or mechanical. Sometimes, a simple reprogramming is enough. Other times, we replace the EPS motor or module to restore full control. If your Fiesta’s steering feels unpredictable, don’t wait—it’s a serious safety risk.
4. Electrical Gremlins—Locks, Windows, and Infotainment Issues
Ford Fiestas have their fair share of electrical quirks. Power locks that stop working. Windows that won’t roll down. Infotainment systems that freeze or go completely black. Sometimes it’s a blown fuse, but more often, it’s a deeper issue in the car’s wiring or control modules.
We’ve seen Fiesta owners replace batteries, alternators, and even entire door lock mechanisms—only to have the problem come back. That’s why we go straight to the root cause. Our technicians trace electrical faults, repair broken wires, and reprogram glitchy modules to make sure the fix lasts. If your Fiesta is acting up electronically, we’ll find out why.
5. Suspension Wear—Clunking, Bouncing, and Unstable Handling
Small cars like the Fiesta take a beating on city streets. Over time, the struts, control arms, and bushings wear out, causing clunking noises, rough rides, and poor handling. If your Fiesta feels unstable in turns, dips too much when braking, or makes noises over bumps, your suspension needs attention.
We inspect every part of the suspension system, looking for worn bushings, leaking struts, or broken mounts. When needed, we replace failing components with high-quality parts to restore smooth handling. If your ride feels rough or unpredictable, it’s time for a professional checkup.
Why Trust Fremont Foreign Auto to Fix Your Fiesta?
We know Ford Fiestas inside and out. We’ve fixed hundreds of them. Unlike some shops that guess at the problem, we use factory-grade diagnostics, expert technicians, and quality parts to get the job done right.
We serve Newark, Fremont, Sunol, Union City, and Milpitas with top-tier auto repair services. If your Fiesta is shuddering, overheating, losing power steering, or just not driving right, don’t wait until it leaves you stranded.
Call Fremont Foreign Auto at (510) 793-6067 today to schedule an appointment.
