2013 Ford F-150 problems: complaints and recalls
The 2013 Ford F-150 has 2,796 complaints and 3 recalls on file as of 2026-10-16. This page shows which systems the complaints name, how many report a crash or fire, and every recall with what it says.
Complaint figures come from NHTSA's complaints database, downloaded on 2026-10-16.
At a glance
| Measure | 2013 F-150 |
|---|---|
| Complaints on file | 2,796 |
| Filed within three years of the model year | 573 |
| Complaints reporting a crash | 74 |
| Complaints reporting a fire | 31 |
| Complaints reporting an injury | 49 |
| Deaths reported in complaints | 1 |
| Recalls | 3 |
It ranks 1st of the 12 model years on this site by total complaints and 3rd by complaints filed in the first three years. Older trucks have had longer to collect complaints, which is why the first-three-years count is shown next to the total.
Which systems the complaints name
Power train leads with 1,212 complaints (43% of the total), followed by engine (531) and service brakes (349). A complaint can name more than one system, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 1,212 | 43% |
| Engine | 531 | 19% |
| Service brakes | 349 | 12% |
| Electrical system | 306 | 11% |
| Vehicle speed control | 275 | 10% |
| Steering | 211 | 8% |
| Unknown or other | 207 | 7% |
| Visibility/wiper | 143 | 5% |
"Unknown or other" means the complaint was not filed under a specific system.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Ford F-150.
| Reported | Campaign | Component | What the recall says |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-06-10 | 19V433000 | Power train: automatic transmission | 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. Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 2019-02-11 | 19V075000 | Power train: automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 2016-05-24 | 16V345000 | Service brakes, hydraulic: fluid | 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. Loss of brake fluid from the primary reservoir results in a complete loss of front brake function, increasing the risk of a crash. |
Some recalls cover only certain engines, cab styles or build dates, so match each one to the truck in front of you before you count it against the truck.
Before you buy a 2013 F-150
- Run the truck's VIN through the federal recall lookup. A recall is only closed when the repair is done on that truck, so ask the seller for the paperwork.
- Read the recalls above against the engine and options on the truck you are looking at.
- Treat complaints as a list of what to ask about and test-drive for, not as a failure rate. See the method page for what the numbers can and cannot tell you.
- Compare the neighbours: 2012 and 2014, or see all 12 years side by side.
Sources
- F-150 REGULAR CAB, F-150 SUPERCAB, F-150 SUPER CREW: complaint records for 2013 (JSON). The set shown above is these combined, each complaint counted once.
- F-150 recall records for 2013 (JSON).