VehicleVerdict

2013 Ford F-450 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 2013 Ford F-450 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

8

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other F-450 years?

F-450 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted33 complaints1990: 2 complaints2003: 0 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 0 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 12 complaints2012: 26 complaints2013: 8 complaints2014: 2 complaints2015: 6 complaints2016: 4 complaints2017: 26 complaints2018: 15 complaints2019: 32 complaints2020: 33 complaints
F-450 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-450 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Ford F-450 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels225%
Engine113%
Fuel System113%
Brakes113%
Body & Structure113%
Transmission113%
Other113%

Does the 2013 Ford F-450 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.

“I64 WESTBOUND SANDSTONE MOUNTAIN W VA 8 MILE 6% GRADE REALIZED INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKES FAILED AND HAD 2 USE MANUAL BRAKE OPTION ON BRAKE CONTROL. WAS NEVER GIVEN ANY WARNING BY TRUCK THAT TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER HAD FAILED. I AM EXPERIENCED ENOUGH TO KNOW HOW TO MANUALLY OPERATE TRAILER BRAKES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 28, 2019

“CODE P2201 SETTING AND CAUSING TRUCK TO GO INTO LIMP MODE AND REDUCE POWER. VEHICLE IS USED A A BRUSHPUMPER FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT. HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIRS TO DEALER 12 TIMES WITH NO REPAIR THAT HAS LASTED. CODE SETS WHEN IN MOTION, DE-RATES POWER AND HAS TO LIMP BACK TO SHOP. CANNOT BE USED TO FIGHT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 23, 2016

“2013 F-450 REGULAR PICKUP, FUEL SYSTEM FAILURE, MY VEHICLE ARE EQUIPPED WITH BOSCH-SUPPLIED CP4 HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL INJECTION PUMPS THAT WERE 'NEVER COMPATIBLE WITH AMERICAN FUEL STANDARDS. MY PU HAS 49,000 MILES I HAD PURCHASE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FROM FORD THEY DENIED THE COVERAGE AS WELL, SAYING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 11, 2020

“FORD F-450 2013 HORTON AMBULANCE HAD THE FUEL TANK FALL FROM THE FRAME ON TO THE ROAD ON EMERGENCY 911 CALL. FRAME HAS HUGH CRACK WITH RETAINING STRAPS. HAD TO TOW TO DEALERSHIP. WE HAVE 9 OF THESE EXTENDED CAB HORTON AMBULANCES WITH 7 HAVING CRACKS IN THE FRAME IN DANGER OF FALLING OFF. 2 ARE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · November 2, 2018

2013 Ford F-450 — common questions

Is the 2013 Ford F-450 reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2013 Ford F-450 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2013 Ford F-450. 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-450 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Ford F-450 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-450 years to avoid are 2020, 2019. The cleanest record among F-450 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.