Certain 2011 through 2015 Model Year Fiesta and 2012 through 2016 Model Year Focus Vehicles Equipped with a DPS6 Automatic Transmission Transmission Control Module Extended Warranty Coverage REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT âÃÂâ Due to ongoing limited part availability, program terms have been revised. âÃÂâ Vehicle pickup & delivery has been added. âÃÂâ Labor allowance table has been updated. âÃÂâ Additional repairs updated. âÃÂâ Added Attachment VI Mobile Repair/Vehicle Pickup and Delivery Record. âÃÂâ Added Attachment VII Mobile Repair Assessment.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Ford Fiesta powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 Ford Fiesta have filed 384 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 28,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
384
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Fiesta | 341 |
| 2012 Fiesta | 266 |
| 2013 Fiesta (this page) | 384 |
| 2014 Fiesta | 204 |
| 2015 Fiesta | 100 |
| 2016 Fiesta | 99 |
| 2017 Fiesta | 21 |
4crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 384 powertrain complaints filed for the 2013 Ford Fiesta, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Of the 9 model years of Ford Fiesta we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 384.
Powertrain accounts for 58% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 10 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
Certain 2011 through 2015 Model Year Fiesta and 2012 through 2016 Model Year Focus Vehicles Equipped with a DPS6 Automatic Transmission; Transmission Control Module Extended Warranty Coverage REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT Non-Ford Part Usage: ⢠Vehicles that are still covered by the 8 years/80,000-mile Emissions warranty coverage MUST be serviced with a NEW Ford Motor Company TCM. ⢠Vehicles outside of or exceeding the 8 years/80,000-mile coverage are authorized to use a used Ford Motor Company TCM, a refurbished original Ford TCM, or an aftermarket TCM that will successfully complete the required Ford software updates.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Ford is extending the warranty coverage on the DPS6 automatic transmission TCM to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle, whichever occurs first. This extended warranty coverage will address intermittent symptoms of loss of transmission engagement while driving, no-start, or a lack of power.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This customer satisfaction program updates the TCM software in affected vehicles to provide improved detection and over warning of electrical circuit failures in the TCM. As communicated in a previous Customer Satisfaction Program (14M02), electrical circuit failures within the TCM may develop and result in intermittent symptoms of loss of transmission engagement while driving, no-start, or a lack of power. Updating the TCM software will help ensure the vehicle operator is alerted to potential issues with the TCM prior to failure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2011 through 2014 Model Year Fiesta and Focus Vehicles Equipped with a DPS6 Automatic Transmission - Transmission Clutch Shudder / Transmission Input Shaft Seal Warranty Extension
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 Ford Fiesta models cite severe and recurring transmission problems tied to the PowerShift dual-clutch automatic, described as a design defect rather than a simple repair issue. Early complaints emerge within the first week or months of ownership—grinding noises at low speeds and during takeoff, harsh jerking and shuddering when accelerating from stops, delayed engagement, and inability to hold gear. Many describe unsafe driving scenarios: cars that lurch forward unpredictably, lose power mid-intersection or on highway ramps, fail to accelerate when merging into traffic, or slip into neutral without warning. Dealerships initially dismiss these symptoms as "normal" for the transmission type, citing technical service bulletins to back that claim. After multiple visits, dealers perform software updates, clutch replacements, and transmission rebuilds—yet problems recur within thousands of miles. Owners report waiting weeks or months for parts on backorder while driving unsafe vehicles. Ford extended the powertrain warranty to 7 years/100,000 miles via field service actions (14M01 covers clutch and input shaft seal; 14E08, 14M02 address transmission control module issues), but owners report the extensions don't resolve underlying defects. One owner notes Ford stopped building the Fiesta due to these transmission problems. Owners express frustration that dealers are aware of widespread complaints yet continue selling the vehicle, and that Ford prioritizes production over safety fixes.
Same Ford Fiesta powertrain reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission shudder, shaking, and jerking during acceleration from stops
Dual-clutch transmission exhibits violent shuddering, jerking, and bucking when accelerating from a stopped position or at low speeds, particularly in first and second gear. Car may lurch forward suddenly, feel like it will stall, or fail to accelerate smoothly.
When: Within first weeks to months of ownership; recurring throughout vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Violent shuddering and jerking on takeoff; Bucking sensation as if car will stall; Harsh lurching forward; Delayed engagement from stop; Unpredictable acceleration behavior
Codes mentioned: TSB 11-12-13, TSB 12-04-06, TSB 13-4-5, TSB 13-9-4, TSB 14-01-31, Check engine light (intermittent)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships perform software updates, transmission reprogramming, clutch replacement (with parts often on 3+ week backorder), and complete transmission rebuilds. Owners report repairs are temporary; problems recur within 5,000-40,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Field Service Action 14M01 (transmission clutch shudder / transmission input shaft seal warranty extension to 7 years/100,000 miles); FSA 14E08, 14M02 (transmission control module extended warranty); Ford issued technical bulletins stating shudder is 'normal' for PowerShift transmission design; dealerships advised customers to drive until 1,000-1,500 miles for clutch to 'break in' or 'learn' driver habits.
Transmission grinding noise at low speeds
Loud metallic grinding, clanking, clunking, and rattling sounds originating from transmission area, especially during gear changes at low speeds, takeoff from stops, or uphill driving. Noise persists across vehicle life despite repairs.
When: Often first reported within days to weeks of purchase; escalates over time
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding noise from transmission area; Metallic clanking and clunking sounds; Rattling when shifting gears; Grinding loudest between 5-60 mph depending on driving conditions; Noise duration extends from 3 seconds to 50+ seconds in some cases; Noise varies day to day; no predictable pattern
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (triggered by some instances), Engine malfunction light (frequent resets)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships initially claim noise is 'normal' and issue Ford bulletin explaining 'common sounds' (double clicking, coast-down whine, low-speed grinding); later visits result in software updates, clutch assembly replacement, and seal replacement due to leaks. Owners report noise returns after repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSBs 11-12-13, 12-04-06, 13-4-5, 13-9-4, 14-01-31 issued describing 'normal operating characteristics' of PowerShift transmission; dealerships provided printed bulletins to customers reassuring them noise is expected; Field Service Actions 14M01, 14E08, 14M02 issued warranty extensions.
Transmission loss of power and hesitation during acceleration
Vehicle fails to accelerate or accelerates very slowly despite pressing the pedal; engine revs high but car remains slow; sudden loss of power particularly at intersections, on highway ramps, and during merges. Creates acute safety hazard in traffic.
When: Can occur early in ownership or develop over time; happens intermittently or becomes frequent
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power when pressing accelerator; Engine revs but no corresponding wheel speed increase; Hesitation and delay before acceleration begins; RPMs spike (4,000-6,200) but speed doesn't increase; Power loss during highway merges and on-ramps; Loss of power at intersections when turning or pulling into traffic; Sudden loss of steering control when power cuts out mid-acceleration
Codes mentioned: Transmission malfunction message on display, Check engine light (intermittent), Engine control unit logs
Repairs/costs cited: Owners describe multiple dealership visits with reprogramming of transmission control module (TCM), software updates, and eventual transmission replacement. One owner reports TCM replacement followed by return of symptoms. Dealers cite 'learned driving parameters' as reason for delay before fixing.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Field Service Action covering TCM (Transmission Control Module) extended warranty; dealerships advise customers to drive vehicle longer to allow computer to 'learn' driving patterns before declaring repair needed; warranty extensions offered but often expire before permanent fix achieved.
Transmission clutch seal failure and fluid leaks
Transmission fluid leaks from input shaft seal or bell housing seal, causing oil-soaked clutch that triggers slipping and performance degradation. CV shaft seals also leak, with excessive play observed in CV shafts.
When: May 2014 onwards in some vehicles; recurs after repair
Symptoms owners cite: Red transmission fluid pooling under vehicle after 12+ hours of parking; Excessive play (1-1.5 inches) in CV shaft when unsupported; Grinding and rubbing sounds from CV shaft bearings; Transmission slipping and shuddering related to wet clutch
Codes mentioned: No specific codes mentioned; visual inspection only
Repairs/costs cited: Seal replacement performed; one owner reports CV shaft seal replacement. However, problem recurs in some cases after repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Field Service Action 14M01 covers transmission input shaft seal and extends warranty to 7 years/100,000 miles. Owners report repairs under warranty but seal leaks return.
Transmission slipping out of gear and neutral slip
Transmission unexpectedly shifts into neutral or slips out of current gear without driver input, causing loss of propulsion and potential engine rev without wheel engagement. Can occur at stops, during acceleration, or at highway speeds.
When: After extended use or following transmission overhauls
Symptoms owners cite: Gear display shows neutral while shifter in drive; Gear slips from drive to neutral without warning; No sound or warning before slip occurs; Engine revs but no power to wheels; Shifter becomes stuck and unresponsive after slip; Random loss of power during first ignition startup (restarts normally); Loss of complete power for 2 seconds while accelerating on highway ramp at 57 mph
Codes mentioned: No warning lights reported before slip, Engine light may come on after
Repairs/costs cited: Owners restart vehicle and regain function; no permanent fix detailed in complaints. One owner had transmission overhauled three times before experiencing this symptom.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives for this specific failure mode.
Immobility and failure to move from stop
Vehicle becomes completely immobile when attempting to move from a stopped position (at traffic lights, intersections), with transmission unable to engage or transmit power. May require restart or towing.
When: After extended warranty period expires in some cases; can occur early
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not move when placed in drive from park; Gear shifter becomes locked in park position; Engine runs but no drivetrain engagement; Vehicle completely stranded in traffic
Codes mentioned: Engine malfunction light (may not illuminate before failure), Transmission control module fault (diagnosed after immobility)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle required towing; TCM part covered under extended warranty (FSA for transmission control module). One owner traded vehicle at significant loss due to inability to trust reliability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Transmission Control Module extended warranty covers repair; however, one owner reports TCM replacement did not resolve underlying transmission issues in used purchase scenario.
Failure to downshift or shift into higher gears
Transmission refuses to downshift or upshift to appropriate gear, keeping vehicle stuck in lower gear(s) causing excessive engine RPM and inability to achieve highway speeds or economy. May result in being stuck in first gear.
When: Can develop over vehicle lifetime; reported at various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stuck in first, second, or third gear unable to shift higher; RPMs stay at 4,000+ on highway at 65-70 mph in wrong gear; Inability to reach 6th gear (never shifts up); Stuck downshifting; transmission won't upshift
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports vehicle parked and not driven since failure to shift out of first gear occurred. No successful repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented for this specific failure.
Rough idle and sputtering at startup
Engine idles very roughly when vehicle parked; rough sputtering, hesitation, and spitting sounds during startup and when revving. May be related to transmission control issues or fuel system.
When: Early in ownership or developing over time
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle in parked position; Engine sputtering and spitting at startup; Hesitation during acceleration from idle; Engine sputtering in traffic; Very slow to gain acceleration after sputtering episode
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (in some cases), No diagnosis provided by dealers in most narratives
Repairs/costs cited: No repair successful; dealers unable to diagnose root cause in several cases. One owner suspects fuel line pinhole.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response specific to this symptom.
Engine cam phaser failure (manufacturing defect)
Small gear (cam phaser) regulating engine timing fails due to manufacturing defect, becoming cut incorrectly. Metal shavings contaminate engine oil, causing deep-seated timing issues affecting engine RPM synchronization with transmission shifting.
When: Within days of vehicle purchase (3 days reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuddering and chugging; Check engine light comes on early; Engine RPMs off since pickup; Odd/incorrect transmission shifting; Clutch engages at odd times in automatic transmission
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, Cam phaser failure diagnostic (specific to one narrative)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine oil flushed and completely changed; phaser repaired or replaced. Work extensive, with vehicle in shop 2+ weeks awaiting Ford technician specialty repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or field service action mentioned for cam phaser in narratives.
Recurring door latch failures
Rear passenger and front door latches fail, allowing doors to open inadvertently while driving or preventing them from closing. Creates dangerous situation for passengers, especially children in car seats.
When: Early in vehicle life and recurring; one instance at 32,000 miles reported with other failures
Symptoms owners cite: Rear passenger door opens unexpectedly during turns or normal driving; Front passenger and driver doors open during driving; Door fails to close even with external force applied; Door latch breaks (rear driver side latch breaks, then opposite latch breaks shortly after)
Codes mentioned: No diagnostic codes for door latches
Repairs/costs cited: One owner used rope to tie door shut temporarily before dealership repair; latches replaced under recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for door latch issue; owner notified of recall and repair performed at dealership.
Vehicle rolling backward on inclines without brake engagement
Vehicle rolls backward on slight inclines when parked or stopped, despite brake pedal and electronic parking brake engagement. Creates safety hazard on hills and driveways.
When: Reported early in one complaint (32,000 miles); also reported generally
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward on slight incline despite brake pedal pressure; Vehicle rolls backward despite electronic parking brake engaged; Accelerator pedal unresponsive when depressed; Brake pedal unresponsive when depressed; Vehicle rolls to base of incline uncontrolled; Rolling back occurs on even slight inclines when stopped; Car rolls back when parked on level lot (jumped from park to neutral causing forward roll in one case)
Codes mentioned: No diagnostic codes mentioned
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; owner adapted by always engaging emergency brake and placing wheel block at home.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer advised contact dealer for recall repairs; dealer did not diagnose or repair issue per owner's complaint.
Air bag system malfunction and airbag deployment issues
Front driver-side and knee airbags deploy inappropriately after minor crash, with airbag propelling burning fragments onto driver causing severe burns. Seat belt pretensioners fail to retract as intended.
When: During/after vehicle crash (reported at 32,000 miles with other failures)
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags deploy and propel burning fragments onto face, legs, neck, chest, and arms; Driver knocked unconscious by airbag strike to chin and neck; Severe burns all over body from airbag deployment; Seat belt pretensioners not retracting as designed
Codes mentioned: No diagnostic codes provided
Repairs/costs cited: Owner transported to hospital by emergency services; sustained burns requiring neck and hip bone treatment.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; police report filed but no documented response from Ford in narrative.
Cruise control malfunction and sudden speed loss
Cruise control disengages improperly when brake tapped; when resume button pressed, vehicle speed drops drastically then jumps back up, causing RPM rev before returning to normal. Dangerous in traffic.
When: Reported early in vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control speed drops drastically when resume button pressed; Vehicle speed jumps back up suddenly; RPMs rev very high before returning to normal; Occurs on interstate highway driving; Could cause collision if vehicle behind present
Codes mentioned: No diagnostic codes mentioned
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; owner avoided using cruise control.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
Synthesized from 384 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
Power Ford says that the transmission clutches have problems. Have 48000 miles and the transmission was bad at 21000 miles and has gotten worse. Bucks when you take off from stop and when pulling into traffic on 101 and it does not go I have to put into low to get across street. Have friends that will not ride with me because the car is unsafe. Dealer states this is a common problem with these…
Delivered on 7/8/13 dealer: jersey city Ford. Dear Ford, we are upset over the repeated problems with our 2013 Ford fiesta, brand new on 7/18/2013. The car has been bucking, grinding and almost stalling. When we called to complain or ask questions we were told that this was normal. The next call and visit for repair we were told it was the new transmission/ power shift on the fiestas & focus.…
I bought a new 2013 fiesta in 6/13. I have been having problems with it since 3/14. The car shakes, shifts and looses power when taking off. These problems are a great concern to me since I have 2 kids and I am afraid we are not safe in this car. In one instance car lost all power while entering the freeway and I could have been easily rear ended by someone. In other instance the car shake while…
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was a loud rattling sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle experienced a loss of power and decelerated. The vehicle was driven to a nearby service station. After restarting the vehicle and shifting to drive(D), the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was later towed to the local…
Im not sure if I have selected correct options. But all I know is when I slow my car and they try to accelerate the car does not speed up immediately it take few minutes. Hence I have to accelerate more to make the car running. This has always been an issue. Quite difficult while switching lanes on highways or taking turns. Specially driving in winter is scary. I find the car very unpredictable.…
Ford fiestas have received numerous complaints due to the powershift transmission Ford installed in the cars. This causes the car to have major delayed acceleration, sporadic jerking while driving, shuddering upon acceleration. I have had to drove off the road multiple times, including tonight on my way home from work, to avoid being hit while merging onto highways or roads due to this delay in…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2013 Ford Fiesta?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 384 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 271 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 10,000 and 60,000 miles, with the median around 28,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 10,000; a quarter make it past 60,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.