VehicleVerdict

2013 Ford F-150 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 3,920 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 7.3 times the median F-150 year — the 2013 model ranks #1 of 56 F-150 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 6 deaths and 87 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 1,330 reports (34% of the total).

3,920

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

3

Investigations

102

Crash-involved

45

Fires reported

87

Injuries

6

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other F-150 years?

F-150 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted3,920 complaints1955: 1 complaints1966: 1 complaints1968: 1 complaints1973: 0 complaints1975: 1 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 3 complaints1978: 13 complaints1979: 2 complaints1980: 3 complaints1981: 2 complaints1982: 5 complaints1983: 12 complaints1984: 16 complaints1985: 45 complaints1986: 78 complaints1987: 109 complaints1988: 170 complaints1989: 260 complaints1990: 315 complaints1991: 357 complaints1992: 553 complaints1993: 753 complaints1994: 908 complaints1995: 788 complaints1996: 383 complaints1997: 3,285 complaints1998: 1,624 complaints1999: 1,323 complaints2000: 1,274 complaints2001: 1,451 complaints2002: 964 complaints2003: 523 complaints2004: 2,429 complaints2005: 1,364 complaints2006: 741 complaints2007: 623 complaints2008: 455 complaints2009: 397 complaints2010: 1,134 complaints2011: 2,962 complaints2012: 2,431 complaints2013: 3,920 complaints2014: 1,898 complaints2015: 2,129 complaints2016: 2,500 complaints2017: 1,735 complaints2018: 2,758 complaints2019: 1,635 complaints2020: 850 complaints2021: 1,233 complaints2022: 768 complaints2023: 558 complaints2024: 237 complaints2025: 161 complaints2026: 1 complaints
F-150 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-150 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Ford F-150 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1,33034%
Engine56414%
Brakes3639%
Electrical System3499%
Speed Control2988%
Other2276%
Steering2176%
Visibility & Wipers2015%
Fuel System1604%
Tires & Wheels531%
Body & Structure481%
Airbags381%
Suspension201%
Lighting160%
Driver Assistance130%
Latches & Locks110%
Seat Belts70%
Seats40%
Child Seat10%

Does the 2013 Ford F-150 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V433000TransmissionJune 10, 2019 · 107,857 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with 5.0L or 6.2L gasoline engines, that previously had the powertrain control module (PCM) software reprogrammed under recall 19V-075. The software used to reprogram the PCM did not have the necessary updates to prevent the transmission from unexpectedly downshifting into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.

Consequence

Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 24, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S19.

19V075000TransmissionFebruary 11, 2019 · 1,263,051 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The transmission may unexpectedly downshift into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.

Consequence

Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S07.

16V345000BrakesMay 24, 2016 · 225,012 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 F-150 vehicles manufactured August 1, 2013, to August 31, 2014 equipped with 3.5L engines. The master cylinder rear cup seal may roll, resulting in brake fluid leakage from the primary reservoir into the brake booster.

Consequence

Loss of brake fluid from the primary reservoir results in a complete loss of front brake function, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and, if necessary, the brake booster, free of charge. The recall began on October 28, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S24.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Vehicle accelerated without driver pressing gas pedal and RPM gauge jumped up to 5 (which is red zone). Brake pedal went to the floor when brakes were applied instead of causing the vehicle to stop. Emergency brake was used, and driver lost control of the vehicle resulting in a terrible accident.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 16, 2020 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, HE NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 11, 2013 · fire

“ON THIRD DAY OF OWNERSHIP THE BRAKES FAILED AND CAUSED 6000.00 DAMAGE. WHILE PARKING ON THE 4 TH LEVEL OF A PARKING GARAGE @ 10 MPH DID A U TURN TO BACK INTO A PARKING PLACE; THE BRAKES FAILED TO THE FLOOR AND THE THE TRUCK SURGED FORWARD AND HIT A CONCRETE WALL CAUSING 6000.00 FRONT EN DAMAGE .…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 15, 2014 · crash

“The lower left hand corner of the passenger side rear window started to smoke and burn from the rear window defrost mechanism. Smoke was seen and the rear window defrost was turned off. The window then shattered. I had a child sitting in front of this area but no injury was sustained. I have not…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 5, 2022 · fire

“Vehicle accelerated without driver pressing gas pedal and RPM gauge jumped up to 5 (which is red zone). Brake pedal went to the floor when brakes were applied instead of causing the vehicle to stop. Emergency brake was used, and driver lost control of the vehicle resulting in a terrible accident.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · December 16, 2020 · crash

2013 Ford F-150 — common questions

Is the 2013 Ford F-150 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 3,920 complaints put the 2013 model at #1 of 56 F-150 years. It is one of the F-150 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 F-150 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (1,330 complaints), engine (564 complaints), brakes (363 complaints).

Does the 2013 Ford F-150 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Ford F-150. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2013 Ford F-150 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford F-150 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-150 years to avoid are 2013, 1997, 2011, 2018, 2016, 2012, 2004, 2015, 2014, 2017, 2019, 1998, 2001, 2005, 1999, 2000, 2021, 2010, 2002, 1994, 2020. The cleanest record among F-150 years belongs to 1976.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.