VehicleVerdict

2013 Ford F-350 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 110 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median F-350 year — the 2013 model ranks #24 of 53 F-350 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Suspension leads the complaint categories with 30 reports (27% of the total).

110

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other F-350 years?

F-350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted729 complaints1967: 0 complaints1968: 0 complaints1969: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 2 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 3 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 1 complaints1984: 2 complaints1985: 4 complaints1986: 17 complaints1987: 8 complaints1988: 34 complaints1989: 55 complaints1990: 63 complaints1991: 34 complaints1992: 74 complaints1993: 129 complaints1994: 126 complaints1995: 191 complaints1996: 167 complaints1997: 188 complaints1998: 16 complaints1999: 531 complaints2000: 367 complaints2001: 181 complaints2002: 140 complaints2003: 100 complaints2004: 216 complaints2005: 170 complaints2006: 206 complaints2007: 56 complaints2008: 176 complaints2009: 55 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 204 complaints2012: 252 complaints2013: 110 complaints2014: 150 complaints2015: 289 complaints2016: 290 complaints2017: 729 complaints2018: 304 complaints2019: 721 complaints2020: 234 complaints2021: 119 complaints
F-350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-350 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Ford F-350 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering3027%
Suspension3027%
Engine1715%
Fuel System76%
Tires & Wheels65%
Electrical System55%
Other55%
Transmission55%
Body & Structure33%
Speed Control11%
Driver Assistance11%

Does the 2013 Ford F-350 have recalls?

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

14V498000OtherAugust 13, 2014 · 3 units

Defect

PJ's Truck Bodies & Equipment Co., (PJ's) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty chassis modified by PJ's and equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.

Consequence

The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.

Remedy

PJ's has notified owners and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2014. Owners may contact PJ's customer service at 1-866-475-8782.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 56 MILES PER HOUR ON A HIGHWAY WHEN I EXPERIENCED A HORRIBLE WOBBLE OF THE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AND TOOK IT TO THE NEAREST DEALER WHO TOLD ME THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THIS. THEY REPLACED ALMOST ALL COMPONENTS IN THE FRONT END…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 16, 2019 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 56 MILES PER HOUR ON A HIGHWAY WHEN I EXPERIENCED A HORRIBLE WOBBLE OF THE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AND TOOK IT TO THE NEAREST DEALER WHO TOLD ME THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THIS. THEY REPLACED ALMOST ALL COMPONENTS IN THE FRONT END…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 16, 2019 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING AT 55MPH, RECEIVED A "LOW FUEL PRESSURE" WARNING. SECONDS LATER, A FIRE BROKE OUT IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHICH COULD NOT BE CONTROLLED. RESULT WAS A TOTAL LOSS OF THE TRUCK AND THE FIFTH WHEEL TRAILER THAT WAS BEING TOWED. A FUEL FILTER HAD BEEN CHANGED TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE FIRE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 29, 2016 · fire

“ENGINE FIRE - WHILE TRAVELING AT 55MPH AND TOWING A FIFTH WHEEL TRAILER ON THE INTERSTATE, THE VEHICLE INDICATED "LOW FUEL PRESSURE" ON THE DASH PANEL. A FIRE ERUPTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT SENDING SMOKE INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. AFTER STOPPING, THE FIRE SPREAD TO THE REMAINDER OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 29, 2016 · fire

“The 2013 Ford F-350 Death Wobble. The front end suspension was affected. It occurred on an Interstate freeway at approximately 75 MPH. This is the first time for the vehicle. It has not been to a shop post incident. There were two occupants in the vehicle at the time of incident. There was a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · September 14, 2022

2013 Ford F-350 — common questions

Is the 2013 Ford F-350 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 110 complaints put the 2013 model at #24 of 53 F-350 years. It is one of the F-350 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 F-350 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (30 complaints), steering (30 complaints), engine (17 complaints).

Does the 2013 Ford F-350 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2013 Ford F-350. 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-350 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Ford F-350 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-350 years to avoid are 2017, 2019, 1999, 2000, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2020, 2004, 2006, 2011, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2008, 2005, 1996, 2014, 2002, 1993, 1994, 2021, 2013, 2003. The cleanest record among F-350 years belongs to 2010.

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.