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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
26,596 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2013 Ford Fiesta drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2013 Ford Fiesta Owner Comments (Page 1 of 18)

problem #354

Mar 082023

Fiesta

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I bought a Ford Fiesta in 2013 at Ford Parkway, Winston Salem. I received a letter from Ford to recall this car due to the transmission being defective stating that I can either file a lawsuit or bring the car to Ford to replace the transmission. Ford said they would replace the transmission. After that, I noticed that the noise was a bit less than before and my wife started using the car but not daily because she has been working from home, which resulted in having less than 56K mileage. Recently, I noticed that the car was not running smoothly, and a loud noise started to come every time I drive the car. I went to Ford Parkway, they said the entire transmission needs to be replaced, I told them that they should have done so when they said they did back to 2017. However, the service department informed me that they only replaced the outer shaft and the clutches back then, even though this was a known manufacturer defect issue and Ford stopped making this model because of that. Now, because of not driving this car daily for long miles like most people do, the transmission problem popped up later than expected and after my warranty period has expired which I wouldn't have benefit from it anyway because of the coverage that was for the transmission software only. I talked with the service director at Ford parkway, and explained to him that the warranty period should have nothing to do with the defect issue because lots of people who were lucky enough discovered this fatal issue early enough to get reimbursed and settled from Ford without waiting all that long as in my case because of not driving the car daily. I also talked to Ford customer service and asked to speak with a regional manager, they refused and said that they opened a case for me but they could not let me talk with the regional manager because he couldn't do anything. I have the call Ref number. Please advise on how this fatal issue can be settled as it threats our safety every time we drive the car.

- Clemmons, NC, USA

problem #353

Dec 092020

Fiesta

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate properly. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that there was no recall for the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 100,000.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #352

Dec 152022

Fiesta

  • miles
I purchased the vehicles from Duffy's Auto in Auburn Washington. After the first week of signing the paperwork I noticed a problem with the transmission that was significant. I brought it into the dealership and spoke to Tim Duffy owner of Duffy's Auto. He took it in and went for a test drive and said to me quote "your transmission is shot". "I hope you got the power train warranty on your loan". I replied yes it was strongly suggested by your sales representative. I paid $1,250 for this warranty. It was suggested by Tim Duffy that I continue to drive the vehicle until the check engine light comes on which triggered a response of why do we have to wait till it completely breaks down? He said it would make it easier on the dealership to get a transmission if he had the codes. My car continues to have issues when coming to a complete stop and starting again it's like a shake rattle and roll. At one time going up a hill and it slipped out of gear is all I can figure. I noticed on consumer complaints that this vehicle is infamous for transmission issues for this year and model. I now have a car that is worth virtually nothing with the transmission having issues and a dealership unwilling to fix it. I need help. I am a consumer who is a caregiver and needs a reliable transportation and I had high hopes for this vehicle to provide that. However after the first week of noticing the problem I have reported it to several individuals at Duffy's Auto in Auburn Washington. They are attempting to resolve some issues but I have a feeling come tomorrow when I turn the car in that nothing's going to be done and I need to know legally where I can start a process of obtaining a lawyer. Thank you for your time and listening to my concerns and complaint. I just want to car that runs good. If you need to reach me please call 253-340-9071. Sincerely, Brock Foltz

- Federal Way, WA, USA

problem #351

Oct 262022

Fiesta

  • 54,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact-€™s daughter owns 2013 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while his daughter was driving at 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact was unsure whether there were warning lights illuminated. The contact-€™s daughter was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module (TCM) had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the parts had been on national back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the parts were not available. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

- Van Buren, AR, USA

problem #350

Aug 032019

Fiesta

  • 35,200 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that the vehicle would surge while driving and the vehicle was making an abnormal clinking sound. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle was surging significantly and started to decelerate independently. The "Transmission Malfunction. Service Now" message was displayed. The contact released the accelerator pedal and depressed the brake pedal. The contact then slowly depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle responded. The contact was able to continue driving at slower speeds. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that they did not have an early availability for diagnostic test. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialist where it was diagnosed that the Transmission Control Module needed to be replaced; however, the part was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 35,200.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

problem #349

Jun 122022

Fiesta

  • 83,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while coming to a stop, the vehicle shuddered and hesitated before stalling. The transmission failure message was displayed. Additionally, on several occasions, the vehicle would not immediately respond after shifting to reverse(R). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission clutch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.

- Fairfield, CT, USA

problem #348

Jan 012019

Fiesta

  • 22,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormal sounds and then lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with transmission failure. The mechanic replaced the transmission; however, the failure recurred. Several unknown dealers were made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and two cases were opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the Better Business Bureau and NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.

- Passaic, NJ, USA

problem #347

Aug 272021

Fiesta

  • 52,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while his wife was driving uphill at 5 MPH, the transmission inadvertently lost power and the vehicle rolled back downhill. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated after replacing the battery himself, the warning message "transmission malfunction" appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000.

- Strawberry Plains, TN, USA

problem #346

Sep 062021

Fiesta

  • miles
My transmission light came on and the car began to shutter, would stay at a consistent speed even when I wasn't touching the gas pedal, and the tachometer was fluctuating up and down when I was not touching the gas pedal. I had a passenger in the car, and we both felt unsafe with how the car was acting. I took the car into an auto shop to look at the transmission fluid in case that was the issue, but they said it was fine and that I should have a diagnostic test done on the transmission to see if it needs to be replaced.

- Troy, MI, USA

problem #345

Jul 012016

Fiesta

  • 40,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled. Occasionally while driving, the transmission erroneously shifted into neutral and the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the shift control module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000. The VIN was not available.

- Carlsbed, NM, USA

problem #344

Mar 222021

Fiesta

  • 144,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Purchased used on March 2021 dealership somehow made it drive perfect until I drove it for 2 days. Then noticed engine shifting issues, loss of transmission engagement while driving, no-start, or a lack of power. Idles very rough in parked position- spitting and sputtering. Vehicle stalling, losing power while driving, rpms at 4 while on highway @ 65-70 mph as if it never changed out of 2nd or 3rd gear. Called Ford and had the tcm updated April 2021 at gabriel Ford dealership, livingston Texas.the update did not help and I was told that I needed to "drive it like I stole it" but that makes the power-train issues worse. Ford dealership pointed me to NHTSA to write a complaint. As of May 15, 2021 it doesn't matter if its on highway, local in town, low mph or 65 mph the transmission continues to jerk, lose power, sputter, after updating the check engine warning light never came on when transmission issues happened. Vehicle jerking. After driving about 20 miles with rpms at 4 stopping at a light then trying to accelerate the vehicle sputtered and would not gain acceleration, very slow to gain acceleration. Loss of acceleration power will cut out & car will buck & sputter, also makes a grinding or noise then stopped. It's almost caused accidents with my children in the car!. RPM revs up really high but the speed doesn't change. At a red light my car began acting funny when the light turned green the car was hesitant to go it was having trouble shifting and accelerating the check engine light never came on. This vehicle power train transmission is faulty and very dangerous. Highway or street driving, in traffic, presenting a dangerous driving hazard. Current mileage @144,000

- Livingston, TX, USA

problem #343

May 032021

Fiesta

  • 105,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the transmission failed to shift gears as needed. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to family Ford (909 pike St, marietta, oh 45750) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired twice however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

- Parkersburg, WV, USA

problem #342

Jul 012020

Fiesta

  • 78,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while at stationary and attempting to depress the accelerator pedal, the vehicle nearly stalled while in motion. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

problem #341

Mar 302021

Fiesta

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 5 mph, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be repaired. The contact referenced manufacturer communication number: 14M02-S4 (power train) as a possible solution. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

- Snellville, GA, USA

problem #340

Oct 042020

Fiesta

  • miles
Loss of acceleration power will cut out & car will buck & sputter. It's almost caused accidents. Faulty transmissions

- Richmond, NH, USA

problem #339

Sep 202018

Fiesta

  • 122,518 miles
I am the 2nd owner of the vehicle. This car had no known issues until 6 mohts after purchase. I purchased this car in March 26, 2018. Car stutters when accelerating, when I first push the gas pedal the car acts as if I’M push both the gas and break it doesn’T know if it wants to go or not the RPM revs up really high but the speed doesn’T change. At a red light my car began acting funny when the light turned green the car was hesitant to go it was having trouble shifting and accelerating the check engine light came on the next day and the code came back for a clutch sensor I have a dual transmission Ford Fiesta the car wont turn over sometimes and has trouble stopping. When I am on the highway and I have to stop at a stoplight my engine warning light will come on and the car will idle rough.

- Madison, WI, USA

problem #338

Apr 072020

Fiesta

  • 74,300 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that at low speeds, the vehicle hesitated while shifting gears with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle resumed normal operation. The vehicle was taken to kindle Ford-Lincoln (525 stone harbor blvd, cape may court house, NJ 08210, (800) 678-8320) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the shifter, input seal, and clutch where defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the warranty was expired. The failure mileage was approximately 74,300.

- Vineland, NJ, USA

problem #337

Oct 212020

Fiesta

  • 61,000 miles
While driving the vehicle all power was lost and the car was not controlable. The engine malfunction lilght did come on. I did have the car towed and is apparently a know wiring issue related to service bulletin tsb-131115.

- Vandergrift, PA, USA

problem #336

Nov 192018

Fiesta

  • 30,211 miles
The contact owns 2013 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 25 mph, the vehicle shuddered and jerked while shifting into 1st gear causing the vehicle to stall with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was turned off, restarted, and resumed normal operation after approximately 30 minutes. The vehicle was taken to metro Ford (2860 S. noland rd, independence, mo 64055) however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that the transmission was replaced. The vehicle was not drivable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the warranty was expired. The failure mileage was 30,211.

- Independence, MO, USA

problem #335

Sep 012020

Fiesta

  • 71,435 miles
The car jerks or bucks when changing gears loses speed when changing gears

- Loganville, GA, USA

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