Certain 2011-2013 Model Year Fiesta Vehicles Operated in the USA Corrosion States Battery Junction Box Clean and Seal In some of the affected vehicles, the position of the Battery Junction Box (BJB) in the engine compartment is subject to unanticipated direct road water splash while driving. When vehicles are operated in high contamination/corrosion environments associated with road salt use, moisture and debris can enter through the BJB cover and base, potentially leading to corrosion of the relay and fuse terminals, especially at the front of the box. Corrosion in the battery junction box may result in a variety of symptoms, including a loss of certain vehicle functions, such as the loss o
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Ford Fiesta engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 Ford Fiesta have filed 28 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 21,325 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
28
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Fiesta | 30 |
| 2012 Fiesta | 20 |
| 2013 Fiesta (this page) | 28 |
| 2014 Fiesta | 55 |
| 2015 Fiesta | 39 |
| 2016 Fiesta | 14 |
| 2017 Fiesta | 13 |
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 28 engine complaints filed for the 2013 Ford Fiesta, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 28 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some 2011-2014 Fiesta and 2012-2014 Focus vehicles equipped with a DPS6 transmission may experience a fluid leak between the engine and transmission. Be aware that the engine oil and DPS6 transmission fluid are similar in color and texture. A transmission fluid leak at the input shaft seal can cause a buildup of fluid in the bell housing; creating the appearance of a rear main seal leak. The rear main seal should only be replaced after a rear main seal failure is confirmed through appropriate diagnostics outlined in the updated online Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 303-00 / Diagnosis and Testing with the use of Fluorescent dye (164-TP33200601).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This article supersedes TSB 18-2024 to update the model years. Some 2011-2018 Fiesta vehicles may exhibit a lack of heat resulting from a frozen blower motor. This may be caused by snow entering through the cowl panel grille and screen assemblies. Snow may melt in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) case allowing water to enter the blower motor and freeze during a below freezing overnight soak. Blower motor fuse F4 in the battery junction box (BJB) may also be open and the cabin air filter may be saturated. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2011-2017 Fiesta vehicles may exhibit a lack of heat resulting from a frozen blower motor. This may be caused by snow entering through the cowl panel grille and prior screen assemblies. Snow may melt in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) case allowing water to enter the blower motor and freeze during a below freezing overnight soak. The blower motor fuse at location F4 in the power distribution box may also be open and the cabin air filter may be water saturated. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013-2016 FIESTA, ESCAPE, TRANSIT CONNECT AND 2013 FUSION VEHICLES WITH A 1.6L GASOLINE TURBOCHARGED DIRECT INJECTION (GTDI) ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT AN ENGINE OIL LEVEL READING THAT IS UP TO 8 MM ABOVE THE MAXIMUM MARK ON THE ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK WHEN THE ENGINE IS FILLED WITH THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF OIL. THIS IS A NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THIS ENGINE. DO NOT LOWER THE OIL LEVEL TO THE MAXIMUM MARK ON THE ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK IF THE ENGINE CONTAINS THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF OIL. ADDING OIL IS NOT REQUIRED IF THE LEVEL IS ABOVE THE MINIMUM MARK ON THE ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK. REFER TO THE OWNERS MANUAL FOR PROPER ENGINE OIL CAPACITY.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2013 Fiesta automatics consistently report violent shuddering, jerking, and stuttering during acceleration from a stop or at low speeds—sometimes so severe they fear the engine will stall mid-intersection. The dual-clutch transmission exhibits harsh shifts, loss of power, bucking, and hesitation that make the car feel unsafe. Multiple owners had clutch packs replaced under warranty only to see identical problems recur within 10,000 miles. Dealers frequently dismiss the behavior as normal, providing TSBs stating this is "how the Fiesta operates."
Oil leaks from the transmission pan and engine oil cooler also surface in complaints. One owner experienced catastrophic oil starvation that destroyed the engine piston, requiring a remanufactured engine that subsequently exhibited poor starts and grinding noises.
Owners report random engine stalling while driving or accelerating, sometimes in traffic, and extended cranking times before the engine catches. Grinding, growling, and rattling sounds emanate from the engine bay, especially during acceleration. A transmission warning light or "Service Transmission" message often precedes these issues. One vehicle caught fire at highway speed with no documented root-cause investigation.
Ford issued multiple recalls addressing transmission and TCM problems, but dealers sometimes charge diagnostic fees despite recall designation, and clutch replacement parts continue to fail. Several owners report dealers were unable to diagnose issues despite multiple visits.
Same Ford Fiesta engine reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission shuddering, jerking, and harsh shifting on acceleration and low-speed take-off
The automated dual-clutch transmission exhibits shuddering, jerking, bucking, stuttering, and harsh shifts when accelerating from a stop or low speeds. Owners report the vehicle feels unsafe, sometimes nearly stalling in traffic or intersections. Multiple owners had clutch packs replaced under warranty but the problem recurs within 10,000 miles.
When: From early ownership through higher mileage; clutch replacements at 23,179 miles, 35,000 miles; recurring issues reported at 15,000–100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering and jerking on acceleration; Stuttering between 0–30 mph; Harsh, rough shifting; Car feels like it will stall or not move forward; Bucking and hesitation from a complete stop; Low-speed chattering during take-off and shifts; Vehicle shaking and vibrating during acceleration
Codes mentioned: P0812 (implied from transmission TCM recall 15B22/19N07)
Repairs/costs cited: Clutch packs replaced under warranty; Ford dealers report replacing plastic clutch assemblies. One owner cited $1,200 teardown cost estimate for diagnosis on a non-drivable transmission. Parts reported on backorder; dealers cite repeated failures of same 'new' faulty clutch within 10,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls 14E08 (transmission), 14M01, 14M02, 15B22/19N07 (TCM); TSBs issued stating shuddering is 'normal' and within Ford test guidelines; dealers instructed owners that this behavior is 'how the Ford Fiesta operates'; one owner told shudder is 'always going to kind of be there'; $200 diagnostic fee charged despite recall designation
Oil leak from transmission and engine oil cooler
Owners report oil leaks originating from the transmission pan/seal and engine oil cooler. One owner experienced catastrophic oil starvation leading to a shattered piston, requiring engine replacement. Leaks produced visible puddles and trails under the vehicle; one owner initially thought a neighbor parked in their space.
When: Early ownership; oil cooler failure at 62,053 miles; transmission leak diagnosed at 23,179 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Visible oil puddles and trails under vehicle; Burning smell and smoke from engine bay; Shuddering and uncontrollable feel while driving (after cooler failure); Vehicle becomes very shaky on freeway
Codes mentioned: 612 RPM slip (transmission slipping signature)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission oil cooler leak required replacement. Catastrophic failure: one engine received a remanufactured long-block after oil starvation destroyed the original; remanufactured engine exhibited poor starts and grinding noises post-installation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response mentioned beyond warranty repair authorization for transmission work and remanufactured engine replacement
Engine stalling, loss of power, and acceleration failure
Vehicle stalls randomly while driving or accelerating, sometimes in traffic or at intersections, creating unsafe conditions. Multiple owners report loss of power, inability to accelerate despite foot on gas pedal, and extended cranking times before engine catches. One owner nearly was t-boned after vehicle stalled mid-intersection.
When: Throughout ownership; reported at 1,300 miles, 8,280 miles, and ongoing from early use
Symptoms owners cite: Random stalling in traffic while accelerating; Loss of power despite pressing gas pedal; Extended cranking (5–10 seconds to start); Engine revs high but vehicle does not accelerate; Sputtering and spitting sensation; Car acts like it wants to die in traffic flow
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light (cause not always documented by dealers)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported dealer removed entire engine computer and the issue resolved. Throttle body replacement mentioned in one case. Most dealers failed to diagnose despite multiple visits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Check Engine lights often reset by dealers without diagnosis documented; TSBs provided stating shuddering/stalling behavior is 'normal'; no systematic fix identified
Engine fire
One vehicle caught fire while being driven at highway speed, becoming fully engulfed. No independent inspection or root cause analysis documented.
When: At 62,053 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from rear of vehicle while driving at 60 mph; Flames visible underneath front end
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle deemed total loss; no post-fire inspection by mechanic, dealer, or insurance company documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but offered no assistance; directed owner to insurance company
Grinding, growling, and rattling noises from engine and transmission
Owners report grinding, scraping, thumping, crashing, and rattling sounds from the engine and transmission area, particularly during acceleration or low-speed driving. One owner with only 1,300 miles reported loud grinding and growling noise upon acceleration with jerking.
When: Reported at 1,300 miles through higher mileage; grinding noise after remanufactured engine installation; rattling noted at 15,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding and growling on acceleration; Grinding and scraping sounds from under hood at low speeds; Thumping noises during acceleration; Crashing and rattle noises when accelerating 0–30 mph; Rattle noise in general operation; Crunching noise when accelerating
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to diagnose or duplicate noises in three separate visits in one case. No documented repairs for grinding/rattling in most cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No systematic response documented; dealers unable to find problem
Transmission warning light and TCM issues
Transmission warning lights illuminate at start-up or during operation. One owner received recall notice (15B22/19N07) for transmission control module (TCM) evaluation but was charged $200 diagnostic fee despite recall designation.
When: At approximately 100,000 miles (one case); early in ownership in another
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission warning light illuminates at start-up; Service transmission warning on display; Check Engine light and transmission issues coinciding
Codes mentioned: Recall 15B22/19N07 (Transmission TCM)
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnostic fee charged despite recall status; dealers unable to pull diagnostic codes on non-drivable transmission in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 15B22/19N07 issued for TCM evaluation/repair; however, owners charged diagnostic fees and informed fix is a recall responsibility
Synthesized from 28 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The vehicle was shuttering when driving. Then the check engine light came on and now the car is saying to service the transmission now. I have only had this car for 2 months!
Ford fiesta (automatic transmission) has a transmission shutter with initial takeoff, and when shifting gears.
Had engine trouble with your 2013 Ford Fiesta?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2013 Ford Fiesta?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 28 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 20 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 7,000 and 41,000 miles, with the median around 21,325. A quarter of owners report trouble before 7,000; a quarter make it past 41,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Ford/Fiesta.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.