Is the 2013 Ford Fiesta reliable?

The 2013 Ford Fiesta is generally considered a solidly reliable choice in the subcompact class, but reliability varies by maintenance history and powertrain. It benefits from Ford’s durable small-car engineering, yet early 2010s models have a well-documented caveat around certain transmissions and electronics. With thorough maintenance and a clean service record, a well-cared-for 2013 Fiesta can be a dependable daily driver.

Reliability snapshot

Industry surveys and owner feedback place the 2013 Fiesta in the middle of the subcompact field for reliability. The most scrutinized component is the automated PowerShift transmission that Ford used in some trims of this era, which has shown rough or hesitant shifting in certain examples. Other systems—when properly maintained—tend to be durable, but age-related wear can surface on any 10+ year-old car.

PowerShift transmission concerns

The automated manual PowerShift transmission is the standout reliability topic for the Fiesta from this period. Some owners experienced rough shifts, shuddering, or abrupt behavior, particularly in heat or during stop-and-go driving. Ford issued recalls and extended warranties on affected vehicles, and replacement or service can significantly improve drive quality. If you’re considering a used 2013 Fiesta, a careful test drive that simulates highway, city, and stop-and-go conditions—and a full transmission history—are essential.

Below is a concise overview of reliability themes reported by owners and reviewers.

• Automated manual PowerShift transmission issues: rough shifting, shudder, or early wear in some 2011–2014 models.


• Electrical and software glitches: intermittent sensor or infotainment hiccups and age-related battery/electrical concerns.


• Suspension and steering wear: bushings, ball joints, and related components can show wear with higher mileage.


• Brake wear and corrosion: typical aging concerns for a compact car, especially in regions with harsh winters or aggressive driving.

In summary, the reliability hot spots to watch for are the PowerShift transmission and electrical/system wear; a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection is highly recommended to assess these areas.

Maintenance and ownership costs

Maintenance costs for the 2013 Fiesta tend to be affordable relative to many compact rivals. Parts are widely available and service networks are well-tablished, which helps keep labor costs reasonable. Routine upkeep—oil changes, brakes, tires, and consumables—usually comes in at a manageable price level, and fuel economy remains a strong selling point for daily commuting.

Real-world ownership costs can vary based on condition and how well the vehicle has been cared for. A Fiesta with a documented maintenance history may deliver lower unexpected repair bills over time compared with a poorly maintained example.

Buying considerations for a used 2013 Fiesta

When shopping for a used 2013 Fiesta, a structured due diligence plan helps you separate a good purchase from a potential money pit. The following checklist is designed to capture the most important factors.

• Verify recall completion and service history, especially any PowerShift-related work or updates from Ford.


• Test drive under varied conditions to evaluate transmission behavior and overall drivability.


• Inspect electrical systems, including lights, infotainment, and battery health, for recurrent issues.


• Check for corrosion and rust, particularly around wheel arches and undercarriage in climates that use road salt.


• Review maintenance records for timing/intake components, brake service, tires, and suspension work.

A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, along with VIN-based recall and service history checks, can help you gauge expected ownership costs and reliability.

Bottom line

The 2013 Fiesta can offer excellent value in the used subcompact segment, delivering efficient daily transport and reasonable ownership costs. The primary reliability caveat to watch is the PowerShift automated manual transmission, which has a documented history of shifting issues in some examples. If you find a well-maintained example with documented service on the transmission and electronics, the Fiesta remains a compelling choice among its peers.

Summary

Overall, the 2013 Ford Fiesta is a balanced, economical option for a used compact car. Reliability is generally fair to good, with the most notable risk centered on the PowerShift transmission in certain units. Prospective buyers should prioritize a thorough service history, a comprehensive inspection, and a decisive test drive to ensure long-term reliability and low ownership costs.

How much is a 2013 Ford Fiesta worth?

The value of a used 2013 Ford Fiesta ranges from $984 to $3,908, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.

How many miles does a 2013 Ford Fiesta last?

A 2013 Ford Fiesta can last for a significant number of miles, with many owners reporting reaching well over 150,000 miles, and some exceeding 200,000 miles, especially with manual transmissions and consistent maintenance. However, a major factor is the transmission, as models with the PowerShift automatic transmission are known to have frequent problems, with component failures sometimes occurring before 50,000 miles. 
Factors that influence lifespan

• Transmission: Manual transmission models are generally more reliable and have a longer lifespan compared to the PowerShift automatic transmission, which has known issues and failures. 
• Maintenance: Regular and consistent maintenance is crucial for longevity. Owners who have driven their Fiestas for high mileage report that routine care was essential to their car's success. 
• Driving conditions: The lifespan can vary depending on how the car is used. For example, a TDCI diesel version that isn't frequently driven with a cold engine can last longer. 
• Recall history: The 2011-2015 model years had frequent recalls, particularly for issues like the PowerShift transmission and unexpected door opening. Addressing these recalls can help prevent future problems. 

Examples of high-mileage Fiestas

• One owner reports their 2013 model has nearly 198,000 miles with only routine maintenance. 
• Another owner's manual transmission 2013 Fiesta reached 210,000 miles. 
• One owner mentioned their 2011 Fiesta has over 700,000 miles on it. 

Is the 2013 Ford Fiesta a good car?

A 2013 Ford Fiesta can be a good car for fuel efficiency and handling, especially with a manual transmission, but it comes with significant risks due to widespread issues with the automatic transmission. While some owners have had good experiences and high mileage, the 2013 Ford Fiesta is known for reliability problems, particularly with its "PowerShift" automatic gearbox, making it a potentially expensive gamble. 
Pros

• Fuel-efficient: Many owners report good gas mileage. 
• Fun to drive: The manual transmission versions, in particular, are praised for a sporty and fun driving feel. 
• Good handling: The car generally offers good handling and a responsive feel. 
• Safety: The 2013 model performed well in crash tests, earning high ratings from organizations like the NHTSA and IIHS. 
• Stylish: It features a stylish and modern design, especially in the hatchback version. 

Cons

• Automatic transmission issues: This is the most common and significant drawback. The 2013 Ford Fiesta's PowerShift automatic transmission is notorious for premature and expensive failures. 
• Reliability concerns: Beyond the transmission, many owners have reported various other electrical and mechanical problems, making its overall reliability a significant question mark. 
• Limited space: The rear seats can be cramped, and the cargo space is not generous, which can be an issue for families or those needing more utility. 
• Functional design quirks: Some interior elements, like the dashboard buttons and "mood lighting," are criticized for being more style than function. 

Summary and recommendation
If you are considering a 2013 Ford Fiesta, buying a manual transmission model is a much safer bet. However, if you need an automatic, it is strongly recommended to avoid this model year due to the high risk of expensive transmission failure.

What year is the most reliable Ford Fiesta?

The most reliable Ford Fiesta years are generally 2016 and newer. These models avoid recalls for the overheating issue affecting some earlier 2014-2015 cars and benefit from a refined suspension and the newer Sync 3 system. Models from the 2011-2015 range, especially those with the PowerShift automatic transmission, had frequent recalls and were more prone to issues. 
This video discusses which years of the Ford Fiesta to avoid: 56sTechnical EvolutionYouTube · Feb 28, 2025
Why 2016 and newer are recommended

• Avoids recalls: These models have updated cylinder heads, which resolved an overheating issue found in some 2014-2015 cars.
• Newer technology: They feature the more modern and user-friendly Sync 3 infotainment system.
• Improved ride quality: The suspension was also softened slightly around the beginning of the 2016 model year. 

Years to be cautious of

• 2011-2015 models: These years saw the most frequent recalls, with issues ranging from doors opening unexpectedly to problems with the PowerShift automatic transmission, which often failed before 50,000 miles. 
• Early 1.0L EcoBoost engines: Some early versions of the 1.0L EcoBoost engine had a wet timing belt system that could break down over time, leading to engine failure. The engine was revised around 2018/2019 with a timing chain, but some later models still had issues with the oil pump's wet belt system. 

Other factors to consider

• ST models: The 2012-2017 Fiesta ST models are well-regarded for their performance, with a high average owner rating. 
• Overall: While the 2011-2015 models have some reliability concerns, many drivers of those years still report good ownership experiences, particularly with well-maintained vehicles.