Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2013 Ford F-150, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Power train1,344
- Engine548
- Electrical system324
- Service brakes321
- Vehicle speed control303
- Unknown or other226
- Steering216
- Visibility/wiper146
- Fuel/propulsion system130
- Visibility50
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 64 injuries and 4 deaths reported
Compared with other years
19891990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 369 2013 F-150 vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 135 people died inside them, and 50 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2013 Ford F-150 failed the safety check 2.03% of the time — 15% less often than the average 2013 passenger car (2.38%). Median odometer at inspection: 116,171 miles.
53,807first inspections
2.03%failed on safety
116,171 mimedian odometer
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 22 variants: combined 12.4–20.1 L/100 km (about 12–19 mpg US), CO₂ 266–403 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| F-150 FFV · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 14.0 | 10.3 | 12.4 |
| F-150 FFV · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 14.0 | 10.3 | 12.4 |
| F-150 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 14.5 | 10.6 | 12.7 |
| F-150 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 14.6 | 10.7 | 12.9 |
| F-150 FFV 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 14.9 | 11.3 | 13.3 |
| F-150 FFV 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 14.9 | 11.3 | 13.3 |
| F-150 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 15.7 | 11.3 | 13.8 |
| F-150 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 15.7 | 11.3 | 13.8 |
| F-150 FFV · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 15.9 | 11.4 | 13.9 |
| F-150 FFV · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 16.0 | 11.5 | 14.0 |
| F-150 FFV 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 16.7 | 12.5 | 14.8 |
| F-150 FFV 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 16.8 | 12.6 | 14.9 |
| F-150 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 18.3 | 12.9 | 15.9 |
| F-150 FFV · Pickup truck: Standard · E85 ethanol | 18.9 | 13.8 | 16.6 |
| F-150 FFV · Pickup truck: Standard · E85 ethanol | 19.0 | 13.8 | 16.7 |
| F-150 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · Regular gasoline | 20.1 | 14.3 | 17.5 |
| F-150 FFV 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · E85 ethanol | 20.0 | 15.2 | 17.8 |
| F-150 FFV 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · E85 ethanol | 20.0 | 15.2 | 17.8 |
| F-150 FFV · Pickup truck: Standard · E85 ethanol | 21.1 | 15.4 | 18.5 |
| F-150 FFV · Pickup truck: Standard · E85 ethanol | 21.2 | 15.5 | 18.6 |
| F-150 FFV 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · E85 ethanol | 22.3 | 16.9 | 19.9 |
| F-150 FFV 4X4 · Pickup truck: Standard · E85 ethanol | 22.5 | 17.1 | 20.1 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
3 Transport Canada recalls for the 2013 Ford F-150.
| 2019282 11 Jun 2019 | Powertrain Issue: This recall affects trucks equipped with a 5.0 L or 6.2 L engine that were previously fixed under recall 2019-065 (Ford Recall 19S07). That recall did … |
| 2019065 12 Feb 2019 | Powertrain Issue: On some trucks, a sensor problem may cause the transmission to suddenly downshift to first gear. This could cause the rear wheels to suddenly slow and p… |
| 2016252 24 May 2016 | Brakes On certain vehicles, brake fluid from the master cylinder may leak into the brake booster. Depending on the volume of fluid that leaks, the driver could experie… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
19V433000 · Power train10 Jun 2019 · 107,857 vehicles
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.
19V075000 · Power train11 Feb 2019 · 1,263,051 vehicles
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.
16V345000 · Service brakes, hydraulic24 May 2016 · 225,012 vehicles
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Ford told its dealers about the 2013 Ford F-150: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11008948 | While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. |
| 11005305 | This article supersedes TSB 22-2219 to update the Parts List and Service Procedure to clarify applicable steps by vehicle application. Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 (non-Raptor) vehicles equipped with 4WD may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated wheel ends (IWE). To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to remove and cap the vacuum supply line or to reprogram the transfer case control module (TCCM) and replace any worn vacuum and/or IWE components. |
| 10254138 | All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership managemen |
| 10251951 | Some 2011-2024 Mustang and F-150 vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine may exhibit a tick tap and/or typewriter ticking noise at idle after an engine oil change. It is often referred to as typewriter noise because of its similarity to the sound of a mechanical typewriter. The noise in question may be heard on some engines when engine temperatures reach 150F (65C) or higher and engine speed is at idle up to approximately 1700 RPM. It can typically be heard at the front wheel well and is often isolated to the transmission bell housing or oil pan area. The typewriter noise tick rate can be faster |
| 10235153 | For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are |
| 10214831 | Some 2013-2014 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine may require service to the brake vacuum pump. The brake vacuum pump removal and installation procedure in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 206-07, has been updated to include RTV sealing surface cleaning and preparation. |
| 10214754 | Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 (non-Raptor) vehicles equipped with 4WD may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated wheel ends (IWE). To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to remove and cap the vacuum supply line or to reprogram the transfer case control module (TCCM) and replace any worn vacuum and/or IWE components. |
| 10212957 | Some 2013-2023 Ford or Lincoln vehicles with modems activated through FordPass or LincolnWay may experience 12 volt battery drain symptoms when the customer uses non-Ford/Lincoln phone applications as an alternate channel to access vehicle commands such as door lock/unlock, remote start, vehicle location, etc. The battery drain may be caused by excessive calls for data through the vehicle network keeping it in an activated state. Recommend that the customer uninstall the app to ensure this is not contributing to battery symptoms experienced. Advise the customer that unaffiliated third-party ap |
| 10205031 | Touchscreen navigation system - arabic language - blank screen |
| 10204989 | Online automotive service information system for April 2016-AM/FM/CD or sync with a 4.2 inch screen may exhibit a blank screen and no a;udio after a crank event. |
| 10204987 | 49 CFR Part 579.5 Monthly Communications - March 2016 Air bag warning light illuminated with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B141B and/or B141C |
| 10204986 | 49 CFR Part 579.5 Monthly Communications - January 2016 |
| 10201087 | This program extends the warranty coverage of the automatic transmission molded leadframe to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle, whichever occurs first. This is a one-time repair program. |
| 10191525 | Some 2011-2021 Mustang and F-150 vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine may exhibit a ticking noise at idle after an engine oil change. It is often referred to as typewriter noise because of its similarity to the sound of a mechanical typewriter. The noise in question may be heard on some engines when engine temperatures reach 150F (65C) or higher and engine speed is at idle up to approximately 1700 RPMs. It can typically be heard at the front wheel well and is often isolated to the transmission bell housing or oil pan area. The typewriter noise is not detrimental to the engine function or durab |
| 10189784 | Some 2013-2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with electronic shift on-the-fly (ESOF) 4-wheel drive (4WD) may exhibit an intermittent grinding noise while driving in 2-wheel drive (2WD) mode most commonly on acceleration. ESOF can be identified as it does not have a 4WD AUTO (4A) position on the mode selector switch (MSS). This may be due to a loss of vacuum to the integrated wheel end (IWE) actuators and/or wear of the IWE components. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to reprogram the transfer case control module (TCCM) and replace any worn vacuum and/or IWE components. |
| 10189002 | This SKU is a Power Window Regulator and Motor Assembly. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the software. The software may be too sensitive to the position of a locating magnet in the assembly causing the activation of the pinch point threshold prematurely. The window will stay open when it should have closed. |
| 10183767 | Some 2012-2016 vehicles equipped with a touchscreen navigation system and the language set to Arabic may exhibit a blank screen. This may be the result of the ribbon cables not being fully seated inside the front display interface module (FDIM) or an improper software configuration of the FDIM. |
| 10183669 | Certain 2011 - 2013 Model Year F-150 and 2012- 2013 Model Year Expedition/Navigator Vehicles Equipped with A 6R80 Transmission Transmission Molded Leadframe Extended Coverage In some of the affected vehicles, an output shaft speed (OSS) sensor failure may result in an illuminated malfunction indicator light (MIL) and/or wrench light in the instrument cluster with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0720, P0722, P0731 and/or P1500 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). |
| 10183567 | For 2011-2020 F-150/Mustang vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine when installing a replacement secondary timing chain tensioner (6K254) or secondary timing chain guide (6K297), it is necessary to replace both components as a pair, using the latest level parts. Make sure to use secondary timing chain tensioner part number ML3Z-6K254-A and secondary timing chain guide part number ML3Z-6K297-A. |
| 10181917 | Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with TOD transfer cases may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated wheel ends (IWE). To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to remove and cap the vacuum supply line. |
| 10181915 | Some 2013-2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with Electronic Shift On-The-Fly (ESOF) 4-wheel drive (4WD) may exhibit an intermittent grinding noise while driving in 2-wheel drive (2WD) mode most commonly on acceleration. This may be due to a loss of vacuum to the integrated wheel end (IWE) actuators and/or wear of the IWE components. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to reprogram the transfer case control module (TCCM) and replace any worn vacuum and/or IWE components. |
| 10177863 | This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. |
| 10176835 | This article supersedes TSB 20-2028 to update the description of Labor Operation D. Some 2013-2018 F-150/Expedition/Navigator vehicles equipped with 4-wheel drive (4WD) may exhibit an intermittent grinding noise while driving in 2-wheel drive (2WD) mode most commonly on acceleration. This may be due to a loss of vacuum to the integrated wheel end (IWE) actuators and/or wear of the IWE components. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to reprogram the transfer case control module (TCCM) and replace any worn vacuum and/or IWE components. |
| 10172885 | This SKU is an Oil Dipstick. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the dipstick tube. The dipstick tube inner diameter may be small enough that it prevents installation of the OE dipstick. |
| 10172884 | This SKU is a Power Window Regulator and Motor Assembly. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the software. The software may be too sensitive to the position of a locating magnet in the assembly causing the activation of the pinch point threshold prematurely. The window will stay open when it should have closed. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
RQ17010 · Power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)opened 25 Dec 2017 · closed 22 Oct 2019
Unexpected Transmission Downshift
PE16003 · Service brakesopened 29 Feb 2016 · closed 26 Jul 2016
Master Cylinder External Leak
PE13018 · Engine and engine coolingopened 22 May 2013 · closed 7 Apr 2014
Reduced power during hard acceleration
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation