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2013 Ford Fiesta locks problems

47 complaints (7% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 52,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
47
of this car's complaints
7%
typical mileage
52,000
crashes
1
recalls
2

Which part fails

  • Doors: latch
    24

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Fiesta locks problems in other years

20012011201220132014201520162018

Specific symptoms reported on the 2013 Ford Fiesta locks

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Door locks 90

Related recalls

Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latchReported June 8, 2020 · 2,147,323 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V‑246, 16V‑643 or 17V‑210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Risk
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.

Recall number 20V331000 · Recall details

Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latchReported April 24, 2015 · 456,440 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the agency on April 23, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured July 1, 2012, to May 31, 2013, and 2012-2014 Fiesta vehicles manufactured February 1, 2012, to May 31, 2013. On April 30, 2015, Ford expanded the recall to cover an additional 119,567 vehicles, including certain model year 2011 Ford Fiestas manufactured from November 11, 2009, to May 31, 2013 and certain model year 2013 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured from February 1, 2012, to June 30, 2012. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Risk
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches with an improved part, free of charge. Interim notifications were mailed to owners on June 5, 2015. The recall began on December 18, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S16.

Recall number 15V246000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Door Latch FailuresOpened December 19, 2019, closed February 7, 2022

In December 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 235 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging doors failed to latch when closed, and/or inadvertently opened while driving, on model year (MY) 2012-2014 Ford Fiesta, and 2013-2014 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ. Some VOQs reported the failure occurred after the latch had been remedied under a prior recall which involved fracture of the latch pawl spring tab due to thermally induced cyclic fatigue. Other VOQs alleged a similar failure in vehicles not previously recalled. A latch with a fractured pawl spring tab typically results in a ?door will not close? condition, however in certain somewhat rare circumstances, may result in the door coming open while driving. In response to ODI?s investigation, Ford has announced three field actions, as discussed below.On March 23, 2020, Ford submitted Safety Recall 20V‑177 (Ford 20S15), a regional recall campaign to address door latch failures in vehicles not previously recalled under Safety Recalls 15V‑246, 16V‑643 and 17V‑210. The recall affects vehicles currently or ever registered in certain high ambient temperature states (see 20V‑177 for affected states). As a remedy, Ford will replace all four door latches free of charge.On August 24, 2020, Ford issued a non-safety regional field action (Ford 20R01) to address door latch failures on the same model/MY vehicles not covered under 20V‑177 (i.e., not currently/ever registered in affected states). According to Ford, spring tab failure rates for vehicles covered by this action are about half that of the 20V‑177 vehicles. Under this action, dealers will replace all door latches, free of charge, if either; a) the vehicle exhibits a related latch concern, or b) if the vehicle owner expresses a concern about the latches in their vehicles. Details can be found under the federal safety agency TSB No. 10190990, a copy of which is available in this investigative file available at June 8, 2020, Ford submitted Safety Recall 20V‑331 (Ford 20S30) addressing vehicles previously remedied under the federal safety agency Recalls 15V‑246, 16V‑643 and 17V‑210, where the repair may not have been properly completed, specifically not all of the door latches were replaced, or replaced correctly. This recall involves an inspection of the latches, with the option for a consumer self-inspection; owners could view the date codes on their latches (and confirm child safety locks are present on the rear doors) and then submit the information to Ford?s mobile app or website. A dealership inspection option was also available. Any vehicle found to have unreplaced defective latches requires the replacement of all door latches as directed by Ford.Regarding the 4,494 reports cited above, 1,485 involve scope-related failures (with 13% alleging door opening), and the remaining 3,009 reports involving remedy concerns (with 18% alleging door opening - note ODI was unable to verify the allegations of door opening). The three ODI injuries were all relatively minor. Ford?s reported injury incidences include one (unconfirmed) report of an ejection, three minor injuries with the others involving undisclosed injuries. Ford?s crashes involved two (unconfirmed) crashes alleging the incident door contacted another vehicle and three involving doors striking other property.The recalled vehicles include MY 2011-2015 Ford Fiesta, 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2015 Ford Mustang and Lincoln MKC, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2012-2015 Ford Focus and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect.Ford's actions address ODI's concerns at this time. ODI will take further action if warranted by new information. The reference (OD

RQ19005

Door Latch FailureOpened February 27, 2015, closed November 13, 2015

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of doors failing to latch and/or inadvertently opening on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford Fiesta, MY 2013 Ford Fusion and MY 2013 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. All of the affected vehicles share the same door latch design.ODI has received 281 unique reports related to the alleged problem, with over 100 claiming that the door(s) opened inadvertently while the vehicle was in motion. There were no crashes reported however three separate injuries were indicated, all caused by a rebounding door striking a consumer after they attempted to close it. In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) letter, Ford Motor Company (Ford) responded with 1,102 unique reports related to the alleged problem. There were no injury claims but there were two claims of low speed accidents occurring involving the door opening while driving and damaging property. Ford also submitted 10,883 warranty claims related to door latch failures.Many customers indicated that the door would not latch at all and accordingly they decided to restrain the door by other means (looping the seatbelt through the door, or using rope or tape) in order to drive the vehicle.Some customers also reported multiple door latch failures occurring on the same vehicle on different doors occurring months apart.On April 23rd, 2015 Ford notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (15V‑246) to remedy door latches failures on certain MY 2011-2014 Ford Fiesta and MY 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles.According to Ford, the pawl spring tab located within the door latch can break off, or separate and result in a ?door will not close condition.The recalled vehicles include Fiesta vehiclesmanufactured from the start of the MY 2011 to May 2013 and Fusion and MKZ vehicles manufactured from the start of the MY 2013 year until May 2013.In May 2013 Ford reports that it made a manufacturing quality control change, specific to the spring tab, to improve the performance of the existing part.The door latch spring tab was redesigned and the new latch was phased into production in December 2014 with a new part number.Ford will replace all four door latches on the affected vehicles with the new latch design currently in production.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.

EA15002

Door Latch FailureOpened September 11, 2014, closed March 18, 2015

On September 11, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE14-028) to investigate claims of doors failing to latch and/or inadvertently opening on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford Fiesta vehicles. ODI has received 207 unique reports related to the alleged problem, with sixty-five claiming that the door(s) opened inadvertently while the vehicle was in motion. Two injuries were reported, both caused by a rebounding door striking a consumer after they attempted to close it. In response to ODI's Information Request (IR), Ford Motor Company (Ford) responded with 451 unique reports related to the alleged defect.One claim involved an incident in which property damage incurred after a door opened while driving at low speed and struck another vehicle. Ford also submitted 1,079 warranty claims related to door latch failures. Additionally Ford informed ODI in its IR response that MY 2013 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles utilize the same door latch as the MY 2011-13 Fiesta. In it's response, Ford stated that it does not believe that a latched door experiencing this condition will inadvertently unlatch and that there are many overt warning associated with a door that does not latch. ODI noted that the rate of occurrence for this failure is comparable to other door latch failure investigations and questions the effectiveness of warning signals given the number of complainants alleging that the door(s) opened while the vehicle was in motion. Therefore, ODI is upgrading this investigation to an Engineering Analysis (EA15-002) in order to further investigate the scope, frequency and consequence of this failure.ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at under the identification (ODI) numbers listed in the attached document.

PE14028

What 2013 Ford Fiesta owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 2, 2026 · Locks · 88,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fiesta. The contact received the recall notification letter for the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V331000 (latches, locks, and linkages). The contact stated that the passenger-side door opened while driving at 30-35 MPH. While her daughter was driving, the passenger side rear door came ajar. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was able to inspect and confirm the failure. The repair was approved then denied. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who referred her to another dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.

Filed May 27, 2025 · Locks · 78,000 miles · OK

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the driver's door unintendedly opened. The contact immediately pulled over to attempt to close the door; however, the door failed to close. The contact used a rope to keep the door closed with the rear passenger’s door on the driver's side door. The vehicle was previously included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages), and the vehicle was inspected and determined that there was no failure with the doors. The vehicle was not repaired at that time, and the recall was closed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the door latch had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

Filed Aug 21, 2023 · Airbags, Locks · 32,000 miles · TX · crash · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while making a left turn at the traffic light, with her grandchild in a car seat in the rear passenger seat, the rear passenger's side door opened inadvertently. The contact stopped in the middle of the road. A bystander attempted to close the rear passenger's side door; however, the door failed to closed. The bystander was able to keep the door closed by using a cord. The contact moved her grandchild to the rear middle seat. The contact also stated that while driving on another occasion, the front driver's side and front passenger's side doors inadvertently opened. Â Additionally, the contact stated while driving on a slight incline, the vehicle inadvertently rolled back. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact depressed the brake pedal, but the failed to respond. The contact engaged the electronic parking brake; however, the vehicle rolled to the base of the incline. The contact was able to continue driving on the leveled road surface. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving on an incline. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised to contact the dealer for recall repairs. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact also stated that the seat belts pretensioners of the vehicle were not retracting as intended. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was previously involved in a crash. The contact stated while idled at the traffic light, another vehicle crashed into the front end of the vehicle. The front driver's side air bag and knee air bag deployed and propelled burning fragments on the contact's face, legs, neck chest, arms. The contact also stated that the front driver's side air bag also hit her on her chin and neck and knocked her unconscious. The contact was transported to the hospital by emergency services. A police report was filed. The contact stated that she sustained burns all over her body and had been r

Filed May 18, 2022 · Locks · NC

Door latches keep breaking. I have already paid to fix 2 now a 3rd one is broke. There was a recall for the door latches on the same year, make, model but my VIN number was not included.

Filed Aug 13, 2020 · Locks · 105,000 miles · NM

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford fiesta. The contact stated that the front passenger's side door latch had malfunctioned and the door would not remain closed or locked. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was 105,000.

Filed Jun 15, 2020 · Locks · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford fiesta. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v331000 (latches/locks/linkages) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Sun state ford (3535 w. Colonial dr, orlando, fl 32808, (407) 299-5900) and the manufacturer were made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Jun 3, 2020 · Locks · 75,000 miles · AZ

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford fiesta. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the driver's side rear door opened independently. The contact stated the door was secured using bungee cords. The vehicle was taken to san tan ford located at 1429 e motorplex loop, gilbert, az 85297, (480) 821-3200, to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that an unknown part needed to be replaced to have the door latch operate as designed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the passenger's side rear door also experienced a similar failure and was also repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Filed Feb 24, 2020 · Locks · 115,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford fiesta. The contact stated that the front passenger door lock was defective. The contact called koons ford of baltimore located at (6970 security blvd, woodlawn, md 21244) and was informed to schedule an appointment. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v246000 (latches/locks/linkages). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Filed Dec 10, 2019 · Locks · 92,393 miles · LA

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford fiesta. While driving low speeds, the rear driver's door opened, the "left door open" message was displayed, and a beeping noise was detected. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to banner ford (6300 frontage rd, monroe, la 71202, (318) 388-3300) where it was diagnosed that the latch was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The contact stated that the failure was similar to the federal safety agency campaign number: 15b246000 (latches/locks/linkages). The failure mileage was 92,393.*dt

Filed Oct 10, 2019 · Locks · 65,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford fiesta. The contact stated that the rear driver door failed to close. The contact had a bungee cord attached to the door to keep it shut. Also, the door ajar warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to springfield ford lincoln (50 baltimore pike, springfield, pa 19064, (610) 544-0700), but was diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: cas-[xxx and xxx], but did not assist. The contact stated that the failure was similar to the failure listed in the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v246000 (latches/locks/linkages). The failure mileage was 65,000.*dt ('parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).')

Questions about the 2013 Ford Fiesta locks

Does the 2013 Ford Fiesta have locks problems?

Owners have filed 47 complaints about the locks of the 2013 Ford Fiesta, 7% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2013 Ford Fiesta locks problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 52,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2013 Ford Fiesta locks?

Yes, 2 recalls: 20V331000, 15V246000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ford Fiesta have the most locks problems?

The Ford Fiesta model years with the most locks complaints are 2012 (57 complaints), 2013 (47 complaints) and 2011 (41 complaints).

Other 2013 Ford Fiesta problems

Transmission 391Engine 113Body 78Electrical 62Acceleration 43Driver assistance 15Fuel system 15Airbags 13Brakes 11Lights 10Suspension 7Seat belts 4Steering 4Seats 3Wheels 2Tires 1Visibility 1

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