2013 Ford F-150

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 2,980 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train. It has been recalled 3 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
74,000 milesMedian miles at failure

2,209 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train1,114
16421
Engine424
363
Service Brakes310
26112
Electrical System234
2106
Steering176
502
Unknown or Other141
454
Visibility/Wiper114
020
Vehicle Speed Control98
202
Fuel/Propulsion System55
130
Air Bags33
1209

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (tcm/Pcm/Tecm)19V433000
Filed Jun 10, 2019107,857 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Risk. Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (tcm/Pcm/Tecm)19V075000
Filed Feb 11, 20191,263,051 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Risk. Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Fluid16V345000
Filed May 24, 2016225,012 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Risk. Loss of brake fluid from the primary reservoir results in a complete loss of front brake function, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Sep 10, 2026WY

Driver side brake hose failure at upper crimp on the hose caused loss of brake fluid and spongy peddle

Engine
Filed Sep 2, 2026SC

Known issues with design and life expectancy of the exhaust manifolds and bolts thousands of owners are replacing manifolds due to warping and shearing of bolts when exhaust overheats. I’m currently getting quotes to replace due to failure on a gently used truck. Failure happened during a highway trip of a couple hundred miles under no additional load.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 28, 2026MS

I have a 2013 Ford 150 King Ranch 4X4 with the 6R80 transmission and approximately 125k miles on it. This morning, I was stopped at a red light and upon accelerating my truck would not shift out of first gear. The speedometer stopped working, and engine light came on. I pulled over and turned off the truck to inspect it. I restarted the truck and it was shifting appropriately for about 5 miles when it all of a sudden shifted into first gear while I was driving approximately 35-40mph, nearly causing an accident until I could safely pull over. I researched symptoms and found information regarding the molded lead frame on the 2013 model f150s. I understand Ford warranty coverage was limited to 10 years, but I believe Ford should continue to honor this known defect in there vehicle. This is a serious safety concern. If it would have been raining, or icy weather, it could have caused a serious accident and/or death to myself or others. Ford is aware of these issues, and yet owners are still responsible for their defective parts after warranty expires. I believe the manufacturer has an obligation to address this known problem. I am requesting Ford review my vehicle and this failure as a safety-related defect and provide assistance with the repair, as well as covering the cost of repair in full. At minimum, I am requesting Ford provide reimbursement based on the known history of the component and the potential safety consequences of its failure.

Power Train
Filed Aug 27, 2026MN

I have experienced several downshifts at high speed to low gear while driving. This defect can cause sudden downshifts at highway speeds, creating a serious risk of loss of control, skidding, or collision. The vehicle experiences sudden downshifts, wrench‑light warnings, and loss of power, which matches the defect described in recall 19S07. I contacted both a local dealer and the regional Ford representatives, Ford marked the recall as completed, but the repair was either not performed or performed without resolution and the defect symptoms continue.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 24, 2026AZ

In 2019, vehicle had a recall for output speed sensor in the transmission. Initial Ford dealership in Indiana (Don Hinds), reprogrammed. They did not test drive vehicle or follow additional instruction to replace the molded leadframe. Vehicle has continued to demonstrate OSS sensor failure. Every time we drive it, the vehicle downshifts from 6th gear to 1st gear with malfunction indicator light and wrench light coming on. Spoke with Don Hinds Ford and they agree this needs to be covered by Ford. They contacted ford Recall number repeatedly. I contacted them repeatedly starting in April. I was told to take my vehicle to a Ford dealership in Arizona (where I currently live) - Sanderson Ford. They ran the codes and agreed the molded leadframe needs to be replaced. They and I have contacted Ford Customer Assistance Center multiple times. Initially, they stated only one call to them, but the individual, Lisa, hung up on me and closed the file. I have been calling every week since May 12th and have never been told the case was closed until August 19th when I was told case was closed and they would open a new case. They have not communicated with Sanderson Ford or myself since that time. The vehicle is unsafe to drive, it is my mode of transportation and is currently sitting at Sanderson Ford. Ford corporate is not responding to any communciation from myself or the dealership. The truck issue is putting myself and other drivers at risk because the vehicle cannot be controlled when t

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 20, 2026200,159 milesNE

I was driving on interstate approximatly 70 mph when it downshifted into second gear and and almost got rearended by a semi truck that was following behind my truck and luckily was able to swerve to miss hitting us. I Believe it is the 6r80 transmission conductor plate that is the cause of the issue

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Aug 18, 202632,145 milesNC

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the brake light warning light illuminated, and while depressing brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard. The transmission was shifted to a lower gear, and the hazard lights were activated, and the vehicle was slowly driven to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to a dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the brake booster was contaminated with brake fluid, and that the brake master cylinder piston had a tear in the piston seal, and the brake master cylinder and brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact associated the failure with Manufacturer Recall Number: 16F24. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 32,145.

Power Train
Filed Aug 18, 2026NV

Lead Frame failure. 19N01 recall. When the failure occurred I was on I-80 driving at 78 mph. The vehicle suddenly down shifted causing my speed to drop to a dangerous speed. I had to exit the roadway immediately to avoid being rear ended or worse. I never received a recall letter from Ford.

Power Train
Filed Aug 17, 2026AZ

Despite NHTSA and Ford stating the "recall" has been fixed on my 2013 Ford F150, my truck still performs the exact symptoms of a Transmission molded leadframe failure. Not only my safety, but the safety of others was put as risk when my truck suddenly downshifted into what appeared to first gear, while traveling on the road, with no indication. I lost power and was no longer able to move at the speed of traffic. Had this happened at highway speed I would have almost certainly lost traction and could have crashed. I was sitll forced to take evasive action and move to the side of the road, where my truck would not shift out of first gear until after a full restart. No warning lights, lamps, or other messages were displayed before or after the incident.

Power Train
Filed Aug 13, 2026160,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and remained stuck in first gear. The contact was able to drive to a residence. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where a transmission recall associated with the failure was completed. Additionally, the contact was informed that the leadframe needed to be replaced; however, the repair was not covered under Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 19N01 (Transmission Molded Leadframe Extended Coverage) because the coverage had expired a week prior to the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle later remained stuck in first gear and failed to exceed 20 MPH, with the powertrain warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 12, 2026GA

Brake master cylinder failed at only 98000 miles

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 3, 2026TN

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.

Back Over Prevention › Warnings
Filed Aug 2, 2026GA

When backing up in reverse the parking camera goes black and this is a safety issue. It happens multiple times.

Power Train
Filed Jul 21, 2026FL

My teenage son bought a used 2013 Ford F-150 with 111,000 miles on it about a year and a half ago. It had been running fine up until about 3 months ago when he started having issues with the transmission intermittently jumping gears while he is driving. The vehicle jumps to 3rd and 5th gear out of nowhere and then doesn't come out of that gear. Even when you turn it off and back on, the vehicle will stay in 3rd or 5th gear and then randomly fix itself. There are other times where the vehicle will not come out of first gear. We brought the truck into a local repair shop and and the mechanic informed us that Ford had an Extended Warranty Program, campaign 19N01, that should cover this known safety issue. When we brought it into Ford they confirmed the issue qualified for the campaign but the truck was out of time so they would not cover the repair. This is tough to understand since the vehicle didn't show any issues related to the problem until after the time ran out. Also, when buying the vehicle, we ran the VIN to check for recalls and this issue did not show up. I find it interesting that they categorized it in a way that it would not show up on a recall list and someone buying a used truck would not be aware of this problem. This is a huge safety concern since he could be driving down the road, or even on the highway, and the truck could jump to 5th gear and then downshift to 3rd gear or even worse all the way down to 1st gear. Why isn't Ford being held accountable to fix t

Power Train
Filed Jul 21, 2026195,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled in the middle of an intersection and was nearly involved in a crash. The vehicle restarted after approximately three minutes. The contact stated that the failure recurred on a second occasion. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train); however, the dealer informed the contact that a liability waiver needed to be signed prior to servicing the vehicle. The contact declined to sign the waiver, stating that the requirement violated federal law regarding recall repairs. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 195,000.

Power Train1 injured
Filed Jul 20, 2026157,000 milesMS

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted into first gear, causing the rear wheels to lock up and slide, jerking the contact back and forth. The contact sustained pain in the neck, shoulders, and back. The check engine and power train warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with molded leadframe failure; however, the contact was informed that the extended warranty coverage associated with the failure had expired. The vehicle was not yet repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 19, 2026WI

Sudden and catastrophic master cylinder failure. Complete loss of brakes at speed

Power Train
Filed Jul 15, 2026MD

Lead frame. It is currently scheduled to be replaced for ~$915. XXX- Vehicle suddenly downshifted hard into first gear, all gages dropped to 0 values and then remained in limp mode until powering it off and then back on. The wrench was lit up on the dash initially but went away with no code stored after restarting. XXX- Vehicle experienced sudden, hard downshift again, this time to third gear. Speedometer dropped to 0mph and odometer dropped to 0 miles. The wrench came on. The problem resolved after turning off and then restarting it. Again, no codes were found stored. XXX- The truck experienced the same symptoms again, but this time restarting it didn't help. The truck would stay in limp mode in either 1st or 3rd gear. I "limped" it to an Autozone while the wrench was still on the dash and the OBDII scanner found the codes P0720, P0722 and P0731. I limped it from there to XX Ford where they reprogrammed the transmission based on the 19S07 recall. After reprogramming it Waldorf Ford said it was still having issues and that diagnosing it would cost $199. I opted to take it to a trusted transmission shop around the corner (XXX transmissions in [XXX]) and had them diagnose it and now have the work scheduled to be performed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Power Train
Filed Jul 14, 2026GA

I purchased my truck used from its original owner, and until recently it has been an excellent, reliable vehicle. I had no idea there was a known issue with the transmission molded lead frame issue, and I was disappointed to learn that it was handled as an extended coverage program rather than a safety recall. When this failure occurred, my truck suddenly dropped into first gear without warning while I was driving. At first, I had no idea what was happening or why the truck would no longer accelerate properly. I got over just in time for a semi to pass me, thank God, because my truck was not going anywhere. If this had happened while I was pulling into traffic or in a more dangerous situation, the outcome could have been catastrophic. A vehicle that unexpectedly loses power or shifts into first gear without warning presents a serious safety hazard—not just to the driver, but to everyone else on the road. I have now been quoted more than $3,000 to repair this issue. As someone who purchased this truck in good faith, unaware of this known defect, this unexpected expense is extremely difficult to absorb.

Power Train
Filed Jul 14, 2026NH

The issue involves a loss of signal between the transmission range sensor and the powertrain control module, which can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into second gear, potentially leading to a loss of vehicle control. I purchased this vehicle in Feb 2025 used 2013 Ford F 150 6 Gear and this happened to me. I took it to the dealership, and they said the recall had expired and charged me over $1,300.00 to repair. This vehicle was always dealer serviced with Herb Chambers of Massachusetts and they failed to inform the previous owner of the recall. This Ford F150 2013 STX should be covered under this safety issue and they did not honor.

20 of 2,980 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2013
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20270100Routine
20268500Routine
20251021320Routine
20241871130Routine
20234071340Above average
20225902370Above average
20211,0092940Do not drive
20207241130Above average
20191,322970Above average
20182,30019333Fatalities reported
20171,43718210High concern
20162,04514250High concern
20151,70714133Fatalities reported
20141,5318161Do not drive
2013 — this page2,9803354Fatalities reported
20121,7804142Fatalities reported
20112,1886180Above average
20108421350High concern
2009324280Above average
20083691122Fatalities reported
20074887131Fatalities reported
200658514181Fatalities reported
20051,11214292Fatalities reported
20042,02916406Fatalities reported
200342311371Fatalities reported
200282110950High concern
20011,236192487Fatalities reported
20001,074173431Fatalities reported
19991,044186911Fatalities reported
19981,38118911Fatalities reported
19972,7582626214Fatalities reported
19963247752Fatalities reported
199562671142Fatalities reported
1994676131010High concern
199358613211Fatalities reported
19924709395Fatalities reported
19913046410High concern
19902755320High concern

Compare every F-150 year →

Reading this record

4 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jun 10, 2019. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.