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7.8

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
26,100 miles
Total Complaints:
11 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (7 reports)
  2. replace transmission clutches (4 reports)
2013 Ford Fiesta transmission problems

transmission problem

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2013 Ford Fiesta Owner Comments

problem #11

Mar 192014

Fiesta SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,000 miles

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

Shutter issues, oil pan rattling, hesitation during acceleration, rolls back on incline

- Renee E., West Allis, US

problem #10

Apr 222014

Fiesta

  • CVT transmission
  • 11,120 miles

THE CVT ON THIS FIESTA IS RIDICULOUS. THINKING THAT IT WAS SIMPLY A MATTER OF "GETTING USE TO" THIS TYPE OF TRANSMISSION I WAS SUCKERED IN TO THE PURCHASE! IT HESITATES; DOES NOT SHIFT CONSISTENTLY SMOOTH; SERIOUSLY LURCHES FORWARD WHEN STARTING AND THEN REQUIRES SUDDEN BRAKING TO COMPENSATE FOR THE INITIAL "TAKE OFF"! I HATE DRIVING THIS CAR AND DO NOT FEEL SAFE. IN MY OPINION THIS CAR IS RISKY AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE.....UNRELIABLE AND WORRISOME:( TO SAY THE LEAST!!!

- danielkirchner1, San Francisco, CA, US

problem #9

Nov 302014

Fiesta ES V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

I bought the 2013 Fiesta to help alleviate the cost of gas as I commute to work 50 miles one way, 5 days a week. I didn't notice the slipping, jerking, stalling, grinding during the test drive. I always went with Ford products so I thought it was a win-win. Then the problems started. I typed into the browser "Ford Fiesta" and I couldn't believe the list of websites dedicated to the problems this car has.

I took it to the dealer and they told me that something with the clutch needed to be replaced as part of a recall. The dealer told me that the replacement would probably fix the problem. It did not. I went back to the dealer and the service guy told me that it will take about 1000 miles of driving before I notice a change. That did not happen. I brought it in again and the dealer/service department told me that the transmission "design" is a trade-off for good fuel economy. Really???

Shame on Ford for making such a shoddy product. They have access to the world's best engineers and that's what they come up with??? I'm now looking to trade it in (at a loss). I'll be doing LOTS of research before I buy something else but I can tell you that it will NOT be a Ford. I do a ton of driving during the week and I'd like to not be completely annoyed every time I accelerate from stop. You can actually see me and the car jerking when I hit the gas.

To make matters worse, I went back to the same dealer and the same guy who sold me the car, hoping that since they gave me a good price the first time around they might show me some mercy since I'll be taking a loss. The dealer actually told me they all know about the transmission issues and then he pointed out every other car on the lot (Ford and others) that share the problem. So, dealers know about this issue and Ford continues to push them onto unsuspecting buyers. Lesson learned - I'll research something thoroughly before spending that kind of money again. I just contacted an attorney who is involved in a class action lawsuit against Ford regarding this particular problem.

- Ursula M., QUAKER HILL, CT, US

problem #8

Jan 052015

Fiesta

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,000 miles

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

Third time transmission clutches have been replaced!!!!! Car bought new in Nov 2013!

- dw8, Vidalia, GA, US

problem #7

Jul 132014

Fiesta

  • Automatic transmission
  • 49,000 miles

This is the 2nd time the transmission clutches have been replaced in less than a year!

- dw8, Vidalia, GA, US

problem #6

Mar 052014

Fiesta

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles

Pain in the butt!!! Local dealership took 3 weeks to get parts in!!!

- dw8, Vidalia, GA, US

problem #5

Apr 152013

Fiesta ES

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,500 miles

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

within 2 months of purchasing my 2013 Ford Fiesta I had taken it in for the noise it made when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. They reset the computer and told me it had to adjust to my driving habits. this happened again just a few weeks. took it in same thing, reset computer. Then several months later it was really bad, slipping and grinding no power with acceleration from a stop or when trying to merge into traffic. Took it back, this time clutches were replaced. Rental car for a week.

No problems for a month or so then the noise began again and the lagging and stuttering started again but not all the time. Got the letter from Ford in November stating they were extending the warranty. Which is a good thing because it really started having issues and as of January 9th 2015 they tell me the clutches will need replacing again but they have no idea when they will get parts. Customers have been waiting since November to have their cars fixed. Service guy said this was going to be an ongoing problem for the life of the car. I said I was thinking about trading and he said he probably would too. My concern is who is going to give me my payoff knowing all these issues so that i am not upside down on the note? Ford should have to take the trade in for the payoff

- irelantx, Collinsville, TX, US

problem #4

Oct 142013

Fiesta SE Powershift 6-Speed Auto

  • Automatic transmission
  • 24 miles

I bought my 2013 Fiesta in October 2013, and let me tell you- this car is GREAT, but the engine- SUCKS. Read the other reviews- I'm just one of many unhappy owners!!!

The Powershift 6-speed automatic engine needs to be seriously re-thought; when you are at a full stop (either at a stop sign, stoplight, traffic), and accelerate, you are NOT supposed to shudder, stutter, sputter, chug, when you are driving an automatic. The best way to describe this issue is "someone learning to drive a manual transmission car". I have had my car in 3 times for this issue, and have been told "this is normal", "there's nothing wrong", and "our technician drove it four miles and could not duplicate the problem". REALLY? I haven't put 8,000 miles on my car, and I hate driving people in it because they ask me what's wrong with my car? Even my husband and daughter asked me what's wrong with my car!

You run the risk of hitting the car in front of you upon acceleration from a stop because when you accelerate it chugs, or you run the risk of the car behind you hitting you because the transmission doesn't want to shift, and it chugs. Either way, there IS a problem, and two days ago... I received a Customer Satisfaction Program letter in the mail from FORD stating that, because of transmission issues, they are extending the warranty to 7 yr/100,000 miles on the clutch, transmission input shaft seals, and transmission software calibration. So... off to the dealer I go, Letter in hand, once again... and today they actually said "we are going to service your transmission; it'll be ready tomorrow; we have a rental ready for you". Now, why couldn't someone just LISTEN to me when I said there was a problem back in October? Had to wait for a piece of paper to fix it!!!

What this really tells me? There IS a problem with this transmission... they KNOW there's a problem with this transmission... OTHER PEOPLE have had the same complaints, so they're offering to do the maintenance. I am SO disappointed with this engine!

Everything else about the 2013 Ford Fiesta is GREAT! The interior, hatchback room, sync, ambient lighting, but the transmission and engine- SUCKS!!!

Ford has done themselves no favors with the Powershift 6-speed automatic transmission- I grew up driving Fords, my parents owned all Ford vehicles- but this experience alone has made seriously consider trading in my car for something OTHER than a Ford- they have disappointed me that much.

Update from Sep 3, 2014: Update: On 29 August, at 7,850 miles, I got my car back from the dealership- 24 hours to do what needed to be done. They changed out the dual clutches, replaced the transmission seals, and re-calibrated the transmission software. So far, so good! No stalling, lurching, shuddering, sputtering, or chugging. Shifting is much smoother- and since this system "learns" your driving habits and adjusts accordingly, I'll be spending the next 1,100 miles NOT letting my heavy-foot husband drive my car. We will see!!!

- Sandra M., Orange Park, FL, US

problem #3

Sep 232013

Fiesta ES

  • Automatic transmission
  • 9,891 miles

Transmission shudders when shifting in lower gears. Returned it back to Laurel Ford in Windber, Pa. where the car was purchased. Mike Vitalle the service manager told me that they reset the PCM. When we road tested the car the trans did the same annoying thing. Upon returning to the dealership he told me that the car has to be driven five hundred miles so that the trans will adjust to your driving. He also gave me a paper stating how the six speed trans is supposed to shift like a standard... Nowhere in that info from Ford did it say any thing about driving five hundred miles to adjust the trans. From day one the trans worked perfectly until around 9000 miles then it started that weird shudder shifting in first and second gear. We've put about 299 miles on since our visit to Ford and the trans acts the same shuddering way. Also looking at other websites I see that this is a recurring problem with the transmissions in other Fiesta's. I am going to bring this to Ford's attention because this issue needs to be addressed. Thank you!

- Mike M., Central City, PA, US

problem #2

Sep 012013

Fiesta

  • Manual transmission
  • 20,000 miles

The 5th time this 2013 with 20,000 miles on it has been to the dealer (s) to be repaired. Same issues as it had when they say they were not sure, changed electrical, reset electrical, changed throttle body, reset electrical again. But this car is normal. Accelerator sticking, chugging down between gears and loosing power to pull itself is not normal. But the dealer can't duplicate the problem so it isn't happening. My husband and it tried to get on the highway and went to third gear and the car went to about 40 miles per hour and wouldn't pull all of the sudden it takes off and rattles and gets up to speed.

I had just had the accelerator to stick right before that when taking off from the store. That's ALWAYS, when it happens, between first and second. But the dealer says it is the mat in the car. Well why does it not make it happen in the other gears? At this point I want my money back or another car. They just need to do the right thing and make it right. But, as most Dealers, they are your best buddy until you have an issue and they can't figure it out.

The dealer that I got the car is pretty good. But Green Ford in Greensboro North Carolina is the worlds worst Customer service - service center ever, 5 minutes from me and wouldn't come get my car when I told them I was afraid to drive it. But, the Foot Hill Ford 70 miles away brought me a car and picked mine up, that is customer service. They still don't know what it is, they are nice, but Ford is going to have to make this right.

- georgiagirl11965, Gibsonville, NC, US

problem #1

Jul 152013

Fiesta ES

  • CVT transmission
  • 1,200 miles

Hi,

In June I purchased a Ford Fiesta, 2013 brand new from Livermore Ford. Since the time I purchased the car I have brought the car in for repairs three separate times due to a noise and stall/ shutter when the car shifts in low gears. The first time I brought the car to the service department was two weeks after purchasing it. I brought the car in because I heard a funny noise and the car shutters/stalls in low gears. The service department contacted me and stated I needed to have the clutch replaced. They had my car for approximately three weeks. I expecting the car to be fixed completely with no noise or stutter. The next day the noise came back. I simple believed there would be no more problems noise or stutter. Two days later I called the service department and stated the car is still making a funny noise and stalling or stuttering when it changes gears. I was told to bring the car in on Monday. When I came in on Monday the service manger had the technician drive my car with me. The technician acknowledged the noise and stutter. He stated this car sometimes does that. I was not told when I purchased the car that it may make a funny noise and not drive right. He stated that the sales person should not have sold it to me if sole purpose was to commute and in traffic. The car runs on memory and being in traffic set the computer system and memory of how I drive the car off. He commented that he has expressed his concern to his manager that the car is not a commuter car. In addition I asked him can he fix the noise he stated that the noise could get louder and he was sorry. I asked would his wife or daughter or mom be OK driving this car and what would they tell him- "take it back this is not ok". I then spoke to the service managers Bob and Steve and they acknowledged the noise and understood my complaint but that I need to come back when the sales representative where there and store manager. They commented when I returned I should expect to be there awhile if I have to resign paperwork to get upgrade to a better car. So I left and came back. I was directed to the floor manager and I explained that I was not happy with my new care because it did not run right and was unsafe. He stated I would not like his answer, which he would have to trade it in as a used car. He could give my 13, 00.00 for it. I paid over 18, 000.00 this is not ok I am willing to upgrade and pay more money to resolve the matter. My care is a lemon and does not run right yet I can trade it in as a used car and I have not even made my first payment. My sales person then approached and stated she never had a problem with her fiesta and it does not make any noises. Again that is my problem I have a new car that does not run right and makes a funny noise. I asked to speak to his boss or some higher. I did not like his comment he had a fiesta and it made a little noise and sometimes stalled/stuttered. He based his car experience on mine and never even drove my car or asked the service department if my complaint was valid. Basically I felt as if he was just trying to get rid of me. He was making an assumption without even looking into the facts. So I asked to speak with his supervision. The response I received was his supervisor had left for the day. I then told him that I need to speak with the head gentle man because this treatment of service is unacceptable. All I am asking is to be treated fairly and repair the vehicle if you are unable then return it. I am not settling for anything less than a fixed car since I have not even made my first car payment and the simple fact the car does not drive right. He then contacts the general manger Pram. Pram spoke with me and stated he wanted to help me resolve the matter. He stated that he would have to contact Ford and get an engineer to come out and look at the car. He would first like someone to test drive the car with me. In addition his dealership cannot simple take the car back because the car is considered used and his dealership would have to take the loss. He understood I had not even made my first payment but he felt the matter could be resolved but we just needed to take the proper steps. He gave some examples of resolution- ford would pay some car payments, consider the car a lemon or fix it. So again I had someone test drive the car. Again I was validated by the ford person who drove the car. He stated that the car should not be making that noise and the stall/stutter was not normal. These comments were said to me in front of several employees’ including the general manager. So I was told that a Ford engineer would be out to look at my car. I asked for a rental since I did not feel safe in the car. They were hesitant to give it to me since they stated the dealership has to pay for the rental since I had it more than ten days. I told them that my car is not fixed and that I have a warranty and I want the matter resolved. Ford then kept the car and I was given another rental. I was contacted 7 days later and told my car was 90% better and I needed to pick the car up. In addition they had contacted ford and opened a claim on my behalf. I voiced my opinion that 90% better is not a sufficient answer for my new car. I then asked for my case number and contact number for the Ford representative. When I contacted Ford they stated a claim had just been open but not all the details were attached. I then explained my situation and another claim was opened in the California lemon department. A reprehensive did call me back and asked that I pick up the car with the understanding that the noise is 90% better. I was upset with this answer again I wanted the car fixed 100% how is 90% an ok answer on a car not even two months old. But I stated I would go get the car and drive it and see if I think it is better. When I went to Ford to pick up the car I asked for documentation that they had my car. They handed me paperwork. I then got into my vehicle and drove off. Right away I heard the noise and felt the stutter again. I then pulled over to review my paperwork and realized that they had accidently given me my old paperwork from the first time I was in for repairs. In addition I looked at the speedometer and realized in shock they had driven my car over 250 miles and the gas tank was on empty. So I returned to Ford to inquire about my correct paperwork, mileage and the empty tank of gas. They refused to give me documentation that they had my car. I was told that they drove my car over two hundred miles to reset the memory of the car and that is not a form of working on car or repairing it. They also stated they opened a claim with Ford at my request. I stated I simple wanted the documentation that they had my car and that I came in asking for the noise and stutter to be fixed. I was refused the paperwork for several reasons; they could not go back in to enter the dates, my car technically did not get worked on, I am being directed or misinformed about lemon laws etc... So I asked if I can have someone at least write a letter saying my car was here for over 7 days and they could not complete fix the noise or stutter. They said no, they could not give me any paperwork. I asked to speak with the general manger and he never came out. I then called the Ford rep assigned to my case and left a message. I am at the Ford dealership the car is still running horrible and no one will give me documentation that they had my car in for repairs. The Ford rep then contacted the dealership and myself and stated he would be sending an engineer out and I could have another rental car until the matter was resolved.

Each time I went to Ford asked them to repair the car or to take it back and I will upgrade to a reliable car since they cannot fix the problem. The only resolution I was offer was to trade in my new car as “used car” for 13,000 or given the response this is how the car runs- this noise and stall is acceptable. Ridiculous! How is my car used and I have not even received my license plates or made paymens. I gaveFford a chance to fix it by replacing the clutch without a problem or question. I trusted them and they have let me down. I simple want a car that works without funny noises or stutters that hurt my neck. In addition the stall when I shift could cause a car accident and I drive my two daughters around in the vehicle- how is that safe. I am not asking for something unrealistic, I only want what is fair. Fix the car to 100% or replace it and they can do neither for me.

I have more details and names of who I spoke with, dates, paperwork etc that is needed, but above is actually a short version of the story. I called and spoke in person to so many people but the bottom line is no one has resolved the matter. The answer I am suppose to accept is the car is 90% ok so come pick it up. No one should have to go through so much stress over an injustice event. Not to mention on the day I purchased my Fiesta I also purchased a Ford Explorer. Both new, and my Explorer runs fine. I expect the Fiesta to be the same-who wouldn’t?

Hopefully someone can help me

did i Mention do not buy a car from ford livermore if there is a problem they smile and shake there head but that is all they do.

Thank you for your time on this matter I look forward to speaking with you, Lauren Espino

- Lauren E., Pleasanton, CA, US

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