2013 Ford F-150: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 2,971 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (40% of complaints); the 2012 and 2014 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 22 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Jun 2019
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 2,971 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Right front brake continuously freezes up making impossible to drive safely. ABS does not show any default or warnings. Truck shakes all over. Had rotors, calibers, and brake pads replied, but right side brake continues to freeze up. Brake lines checked and show no signs of collapse.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2026
“Brakes seem to be staying engaged when driving this has been for about 1 yr. Now all of a sudden, my truck wouldn't stop. Thankfully, I was pulling in to my own driveway, but now I'm not sure what to do about the situation. I jave seen a lot of complaints on 2013 F150 with ecoboost 3.5l and I don't think it's right that only certain vins are recalled when obviously A LOT of others should be included.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2026
“The automatic transmission suddenly downshifts to first gear at high speeds and causes high RPM to the engine and loss of control. I noticed the ford recall 19S07 but the dealer said it did not apply to my vehicle.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“"Ford Recall 19S07 was previously completed on my vehicle via a software patch, but the physical output speed sensor has now completely failed, throwing code P0720. The corporate software remedy failed to protect the mechanical hardware "”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2026
“The brakes on my Ford f150 failed and I took it to a shop and found out that the master cylinder had failed and all the brake fluid was being pumped into the brake booster.I had the master cylinder and the booster replaced for $ 926.00 dollars. There was a recall for this problem but it ended with trucks that were made thru August 31,2013 my truck was made September 12 ,2013 only 12 days after the recall ended. My truck experienced the same failure as the trucks that were recalled”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2026
“While driving at 40-45mph, the vehicle abruptly slowed to 15-20 mph, with no warning whatsoever. I narrowly avoided being rear ended by a box truck by moving into the turning lane. Had I been on the highway, this would have led to a catastrophic accident. I am concerned for the safety of my family, myself, and other drivers. Please reinstate/ extend the statute of limitations, or make exception for recall campaign 19N01, for this safety issue, as the Ford dealership I contacted about this issue declined to correct this safety issue under recall terms. Thank you for keeping roads in this United States as safe as possible!”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jun 2026
“The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted from sixth gear to third gear. The check engine and powertrain malfunction warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that dealer was contacted to schedule a diagnostic test. The contact stated that VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train). The contact associated the failure with the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2026
“Truck is experiencing sudden downshifting with loss of acceleration, and the speed odometer & MPG will both drop to zero. Recall #19S07 was issued in 2019 for Ford Motor Co. for this reason, but NHTSA site is showing that my truck is not covered under the recall (based on vehicle VIN), even though it is now experiencing the issue described. This is a major safety issue. Issue began occurring approx. six months ago, and happens about once weekly.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2026
“I was driving into town where the speed limit dropped from 60 to 30 so I tapped my brakes and the transmission slammed into low gear and the rpm's went up. Almost sounds like recall 19V075 for other ford vehicles.”Owner report · Power Train · May 2026
“Internal Speed Sensor Failure for 2013 Ford F150 6R80 transmission. Vehicle stopped in traffic would not move forward in drive. Could be expansion of recent recall of this transmission from Ford with similar issues. Vehicle shows code for Output Speed Sensor circuit P0720”Owner report · Power Train · May 2026
When filing, owners marked a crash in 77 of these complaints and injuries in 64 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 F-150 vehicles manufactured August 1, 2013, to August 31, 2014 equipped with 3.5L engines. The master cylinder rear cup seal may roll, resulting in brake fluid leakage from the primary reservoir into the brake booster.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and, if necessary, the brake booster, free of charge. The recall began on October 28, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S24.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
Check your exact F-150 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Ford F-150 reliable?
NHTSA has 2,971 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2013 Ford F-150. The most complained-about area is power train (40% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2013 Ford F-150 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 75,701 miles or less.
Does the 2013 Ford F-150 have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:fluid. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.