VehicleVerdict

2013 Ford F-550 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2013 Ford F-550 — 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.

6

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other F-550 years?

F-550 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted23 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 0 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 17 complaints2012: 20 complaints2013: 6 complaints2014: 2 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 14 complaints2017: 19 complaints2018: 9 complaints2019: 18 complaints2020: 23 complaints
F-550 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-550 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Ford F-550 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine233%
Fuel System117%
Other117%
Steering117%
Tires & Wheels117%

Does the 2013 Ford F-550 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.

“At 05:58 this morning the garage received a phone call from Roadside assistance regarding a vehicle fire on the unit. Spoke with the operator to verify his safety and inquire as to what happened. He stated he was driving down highway 99 at approx.70mph when he heard a loud pop, reduce engine power…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 3, 2025 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD THOR DAYBREAK RV EQUIPPED WITH A 2013 FORD MH STRIPPED CHASSIS (N/A). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO WANDER OUT OF THE TRAVELED LANE INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT DROVE WITH CAUTION AT A LOW SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · April 25, 2013

“Entry/exit steps failed. While exiting the coach, the entry/exit steps collapsed. I almost fell out of the coach while exiting.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 28, 2023

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F550 WITH RICKSON WHEELS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH, PART OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE WELDING OF THE WHEEL WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · September 20, 2013

2013 Ford F-550 — common questions

Is the 2013 Ford F-550 reliable?

The record is thin — 6 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-550 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2013 Ford F-550. 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-550 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Ford F-550 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-550 years to avoid are 2020. The cleanest record among F-550 years belongs to 2015.

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.