VehicleVerdict

2013 Ford F-150 transmission problems

The 2013 Ford F-150 has 1,330 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 34% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

1,330

Transmission complaints

34%

Share of year

25

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

F-150 transmission complaints by model year1,330 complaints1978: 2 complaints1985: 2 complaints1986: 2 complaints1987: 2 complaints1988: 10 complaints1989: 9 complaints1990: 15 complaints1991: 14 complaints1992: 30 complaints1993: 50 complaints1994: 64 complaints1995: 81 complaints1996: 29 complaints1997: 156 complaints1998: 88 complaints1999: 84 complaints2000: 47 complaints2001: 79 complaints2002: 53 complaints2003: 63 complaints2004: 245 complaints2005: 114 complaints2006: 48 complaints2007: 59 complaints2008: 51 complaints2009: 33 complaints2010: 123 complaints2011: 819 complaints2012: 673 complaints2013: 1,330 complaints2014: 408 complaints2015: 345 complaints2016: 522 complaints2017: 494 complaints2018: 940 complaints2019: 677 complaints2020: 310 complaints2021: 283 complaints2022: 150 complaints2023: 146 complaints2024: 51 complaints2025: 23 complaints
F-150 transmission complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

“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

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2013 Ford F-150 have?

NHTSA has 1,330 complaints about the 2013 Ford F-150 transmission — 34% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2013 Ford F-150 transmission?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the transmission: 19V075000, 19V433000.

Related

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