VehicleVerdict

2013 Ford F-250 Sd problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2013 Ford F-250 Sd sits mid-pack among F-250 Sd years: 32 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 35, with a single recall and one closed investigation.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 8 reports (25% of the total).

32

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other F-250 Sd years?

F-250 Sd NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted381 complaints1991: 1 complaints1992: 3 complaints1993: 4 complaints1994: 2 complaints1995: 12 complaints1996: 11 complaints1997: 52 complaints1998: 1 complaints1999: 304 complaints2000: 277 complaints2001: 331 complaints2002: 282 complaints2003: 229 complaints2004: 345 complaints2005: 381 complaints2006: 353 complaints2007: 85 complaints2008: 175 complaints2009: 33 complaints2010: 48 complaints2011: 189 complaints2012: 97 complaints2013: 32 complaints2014: 37 complaints2015: 31 complaints2016: 15 complaints2017: 119 complaints2018: 23 complaints2019: 13 complaints2020: 4 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 5 complaints2023: 76 complaints2024: 52 complaints2025: 19 complaints2026: 13 complaints
F-250 Sd NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-250 Sd years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Ford F-250 Sd problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine825%
Suspension516%
Electrical System413%
Fuel System413%
Steering39%
Airbags26%
Transmission26%
Lighting13%
Brakes13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Speed Control13%

Does the 2013 Ford F-250 Sd have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20E090000OtherDecember 9, 2020 · 102 units

Defect

Icon Vehicle Dynamics, LLC (Icon) is recalling all 05-UP FSD 2.5 Centerline Stabilizer Kits with part number 65050. The kits were sold as an accessory for certain 2005-2021 Ford F-250 4X4 and F-350 4X4 pickup trucks. The foam ring inside the stabilizer "through shaft" may block the piston ports, possibly causing the steering to lock up.

Consequence

If the steering locks, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Icon will notify owners, and dealers will install a new shock assembly with a revised foam ring and steel support disc, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2020. Owners may contact Icon customer service at 1-951-689-4266.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“AT LESS THAN 50K MILES, THE RADIATOR DEVELOPED A LEAK. COOLANT WILL LEAK ANYWHERE THE TRUCK IS PARKED, CAUSING AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN. FORD IS AWARE OF THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE, BUT REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM AND ENACT A PERMANENT SOLUTION. THIS WILL COST ME OVER $1700 TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 11, 2016

“I WAS DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH AND HIT BUMP IN ROAD. THE TRUCK WENT INTO A MASSIVE VIBRATION ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE HAD TO SLOW DOWN TO ALMOST 35 MPH VIBRATION STOPPED AND CONTINUED ON DOWN HIGHWAY! TOOK INTO FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT THE TRACK BAR HAD LOOSE BUSHINGS!! THEY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · January 14, 2014

“I HAVE A 2013 F-250 SD. HERE IS THE PROBLEM, RANDOMLY WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING ALL OF THE GAUGES ON THE DASHBOARD GO DEAD. IN ADDITION, ALL THE ALERT LIGHTS (CHECK ENGINE, TRACTION, ETC.) LIGHT UP. FURTHERMORE, THE MESSAGE DISPLAY READS "SERVICEADVANCETRAC". IF THE TRUCK IS TURNED OFF WHILE IN THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 7, 2014

“HAD CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON. BROUGHT TO FORD SERVICE 3 TIMES. THE LAST TIME THEY QUOTED ME 11,145 TO FIX SAYING WATER WAS IN FUEL. I THOUGHT IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY, WHICH THEY CLAIM IT IS NOT. MY INSURANCE COMPANY SENT BY AN ENGINEER, WHICH HE SENT FUEL TO INDEPENDENT LAB. FUEL RESULTS CAME BACK…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 3, 2014

“I WAS DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH AND HIT BUMP IN ROAD. THE TRUCK WENT INTO A MASSIVE VIBRATION ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE HAD TO SLOW DOWN TO ALMOST 35 MPH VIBRATION STOPPED AND CONTINUED ON DOWN HIGHWAY! TOOK INTO FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT THE TRACK BAR HAD LOOSE BUSHINGS!! THEY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 14, 2014

2013 Ford F-250 Sd — common questions

Is the 2013 Ford F-250 Sd reliable?

It is close to typical for the F-250 Sd: 32 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2013 F-250 Sd problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (8 complaints), suspension (5 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints).

Does the 2013 Ford F-250 Sd have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2013 Ford F-250 Sd. 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-250 Sd under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford F-250 Sd years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-250 Sd years to avoid are 2005, 2006, 2004, 2001, 1999, 2002, 2000, 2003, 2011, 2008, 2017, 2012, 2007, 2023, 2015, 2018, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021. The cleanest record among F-250 Sd years belongs to 1998.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.