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Ford Fiesta 2014: Automatic transmission problems

I automatic transmission in my wife's 2014 Ford Fiesta started to shudder after about 12,000 km. The dealer was informed about the problem, but they said it was the way my wife drove the car and yes it's automatic. Again my wife brought up the issue at the 30,000 km service and was informed that the vehicle was within specifications. I was in the vehicle a couple days later driving along and I thought I drove over a cattle grate, the shuttering was that bad. Again it went back to the dealer to have the transmission looked at and again we were told that it was within specifications. A few days later I called the service manager at my dealer and told him that I was not happy with the service or car. He told me to take the car down and he would show me how to drive it. Yes, it's automatic. My wife took it down and was shown Ford's secret driving style. They also agreed this time that the clutch was bad and they would replace it. The clutch was replaced in June; after which the idle speed seemed higher, the gear changes seemed harsher, and the fuel economy was slightly worse. A few days later my wife heard a clunk and a there was a harsh gear change. The vehicle still drove OK. That evening she told me that she no longer wanted to drive the vehicle as she thought it would let her down because of past events. Later I also experienced what she had been telling me. As I turned to go left I placed my foot on the accelerator and the vehicle didn't go anywhere. I can only say that the transmission neutralized. I placed my foot on the accelerator harder and it took off. My concern is that if the clutch starts shuddering at 12,000 km the car will be an ongoing problem. Ford is aware of the problem and seems to be slow and reluctant to help customers who brought these cars. Do you think I have a case for a refund?

The transmission you've got is not a conventional automatic that we've become accustomed to over the years. This one is in effect a manual gearbox with an automatic shifting mechanism, but it's being sold as an automatic. Ford is not alone in using it, but it should be more proactive in letting people know what it is and how it works, and how they should drive it. First, you need to separate the driving characteristics of the transmission from a mechanical malfunction that's occurring, because they are two different issues. The shuddering sounds like a clutch pack problem, you're other complaints sound like they come from the way the transmission operates. I will contact Ford on your behalf in the hope they will sort out your concerns.

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