the recall on 2014 ford f150 VIN [XXX] had a recall in 2020 that was supposedly fixed with a software update the recall was Powertrain / Transmission (the federal safety agency ID: 24V444000 / Ford Campaign 24S37): Loss of signal between the transmission output shaft speed sensor and the powertrain control module can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into first gear, potentially leading to rear-wheel lockup or loss of control. A follow-up software update campaign also addresses incomplete or repeat fixes. at that time truck had about 109,000 miles on it and now it has 210,000 miles on it and doing the same thing and I know they put another recall out in 2024 i think because the software update did not fix the problem it was only a band aid. This is a documented systemic issue not just an isolated component failure. this vehicle was manufactured at the [XXX] plant and was part of the first recall but they are telling us now its not part of the newest 2024 group our VIN is not included and we have to pay for the lead frame and the OSS and another PCM software update. I was told there is already that ford acknowledged the root cause of the recall was the 2 things I am being told I have to replace and it is from the recall our truck was part of but then tell me The Vin is not in the 2024 recall is there anything I can do. The Query was closed on it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The worst 2013 Ford F-150 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission1,346
- Engine567
- Brakes363
- Electrical324
- Acceleration304
- Steering216
- Visibility190
- Fuel system159
- Body48
- Driver assistance44
- Airbags39
- Wheels39
- Suspension20
- Lights17
- Tires11
- Locks10
- Seat belts7
- Seats4
Specific symptoms reported on the 2013 Ford F-150
Check engine light 338Loss of power 257Won't shift 195Stalling 157Brake failure 128Jerking 104Power steering loss 95Airbag light 73Engine failure 63Fuel pump 59Transmission failure 51Hesitation 49Shudder 47Won't start 46Harsh shifting 42Grinding brakes 40Adaptive cruise 34Misfire 34Fire or smoke 29Steering lock-up 28Overheating 27Slipping 24Knocking 19Door locks 17No deployment 16Backup camera 16ABS 13Spongy pedal 13Screen failure 12Sudden acceleration 12Sunroof shattered 10Wipers 9Battery drain 8Fuel gauge 7Steering noise 7Tire blowout 7Warning lights 6Headlights 5Key fob 5
Trouble codes owners of the 2013 Ford F-150 mention
P0720 40P0722 28P2112 13P0721 9P0016 5P0731 4B00A0 3P0299 3P0300 3P2111 3P0305 2P0306 2
Recalls 3
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 19V433000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 19V075000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: fluid
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 16V345000 · Recall details
See all 3 recalls for the 2013 Ford F-150
Defect investigations
Unexpected Transmission Downshift
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of transmissions unexpectedly downshifting to a lower gear without input from the driver on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford F-150, Expedition and Navigator vehicles. ODI has received 455 unique reports related to the alleged problem that were not covered under a previous recall for this issue (16V‑248).Expedition and Navigator complaint rates are lower than F-150 complaints. Of those 455 reports, 34.7% claimed that the rear wheels locked up when the transmission downshifted. There were 4 accident claims with no injuries. There are many instances where drivers report leaving their lane or the road because of this issue.In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) letter, Ford Motor Company (Ford) responded with 783 unique reports related to the alleged problem. There were 6 accident claims with 3 injuries. Ford also submitted 1206 warranty claims related to transmission downshifting failures. The failure can occur at any time, but typically at higher speed, and include symptoms such as sudden transmission downshifting, loss of speedometer, erratic shifting of transmission, and transmission stuck in one gear. The failures typically occur without warning and may result in the rear wheels momentarily locking up. The driver often had to fully stop the vehicle and restart it to get the vehicle to shift properly.On February 2nd, 2019 Ford notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (19V‑075) to remedy transmission downshifting failures on all 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles. Ford will also offer extended warranties to 2011-2013 Expedition and Navigator vehicles with the same issue. Per Ford, some vehicles may experience an intermittent loss of Transmission Output Speed Sensor (OSS) signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), potentially resulting in a temporary unintended downshift into first gear. Ford will reprogram the PCM with software that will prevent an unintended downshift into first gear and illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Light in the event of an intermittent OSS signal loss.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.
RQ17010
Master Cylinder External Leak
On May 23, 2016, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to the federal safety agency regarding a master cylinder defect that could result in loss of the front brake circuit in approximately 225,012 model year 2013 through 2014 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5-liter GTDI engines and built at the Dearborn Truck Plant from August 1, 2013 through August 22, 2014; and the Kansas City Assembly Plant from August 1, 2013 through August 31, 2014 (the federal safety agency Recall #16V‑345, Ford Recall #16S24).Ford indicated that the rearmost cup seal in the brake master cylinder may roll, resulting in leakage from the brake fluid reservoir to the brake booster.According to Ford's DIR, Depending on the amount of brake fluid loss from the brake master cylinder into the brake booster, the driver will experience an audible chime, message center alert, red brake warning light in the instrument cluster and may begin to experience a change in brake pedal travel and feel.In the event that a loss of brake fluid is substantial enough to reduce brake function to the front wheels, the driver may experience longer pedal travel, increased pedal effort, and extended stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.Full braking function would remain in the rear wheel brake circuit.Ford's recall will replace the master cylinder and, if the master cylinder is leaking, also replace the brake booster.Seventy-three (73) of the complaints received by ODI contained vehicle identification number (VIN) information required to determine date of build and recall applicability.ODI's analysis found that 66 complaints to ODI and 278 complaints to Ford involving vehicles built in the range covered by 16V‑345, resulting in an overall complaint rate of 152.9 incidents per 100,000 vehicles.Twelve (12) crash incidents were reported, including 11 with VIN information.All 11 crash incidents with VIN information reported involve vehicles covered by Ford's recall.ODI's analysis identified 7 ODI complaints and 36 Ford complaints in the 194,139 subject vehicles built outside of the build range for 16V‑345, resulting in a complaint rate of 22.1 incidents per 100,000 vehicles.Ford indicated that warranty return analyses identified issues with minor internal leakage between circuits due to internal contamination caused by supplier assembly plant cleanliness concerns in these vehicles.Ford assessed the internal leak condition as an early-life condition with minimal safety risk that does not result in loss of fluid or circuit failure.ODI will continue to monitor complaints in subject vehicles not included in 16V‑345.No complaints have been identified in MY 2013 through 2014 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with other engine options.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks identified by this investigation.This preliminary evaluation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at http://www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/SearchSafetylssues under the following identification numbers:10870768, 10870747, 10870511, 10870395, 10870055, 10869981, 10865843, 10865521, 10865342, 10865043, 10864862, 10864714, 10864360, 10863982, 10863527, 10862333, 10862047, 10861735, 10861190, 10860378, 10860118, 10855381, 10855356, 10854785, 10853751, 10853295, 10853012, 10852349, 10852134, 10852037, 10851317, 10851268, 10851109, 10850015, 10849862, 10846488, 10846335, 10846193, 10846006, 10840414, 10840377, 10839994, 10839985, 10839981, 10839833, 10839825, 10839816, 10838782, 10838510, 10818273, 10817706, 10809601, 10788886, 10788369, 10785526, 10779854, 10776834, 10766291, 10762034, 10761412, 10760663, 10758997, 10750065, 10749886, 107
PE16003
Reduced power during hard acceleration
On May 22, 2013, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE13-018 to investigate 95 complaints alleging incidents of reduced engine power during hard accelerations in model year (MY) 2011 through 2013 Ford F-150 trucks.ODI was aware of three technical service bulletins (TSBs) issued by Ford for a condition that was related to moisture accumulation in the Charge Air Cooler (CAC) for the turbochargers.A Preliminary Evaluation was opened to gather information to assess whether the subject vehicles contain a safety related defect.The subject vehicles are powered by Ford?s 3.5L EcoBoost engine which uses twin turbochargers to obtain a balance of fuel economy and engine power based on the driver?s demand.When the driver requests more power from the engine, as in accelerating to pass, merge, ascend hills or haul a load the two turbochargers will spin up compressing the air which is then used to increase the power created by the combustion in the engine.The compressed air, which gains heat by the compression process, is passed through a Charge Air Cooler (CAC) which is designed to lower the temperature of the air in order to make the combustion process even more efficient (Figures 1 and 2).In response to ODI?s Information Request letter, Ford indicated that a misfire condition could occur after steady-speed operation under significantly humid and rainy conditions.Ford?s analysis found that under those conditions, condensation could form and accumulate on the inside of the CAC tubes which could then be ingested into the engine during particularly hard acceleration near wide-open throttle.An engine misfire of up to three cylinders could occur if the amount of condensed water released from the CAC exceeded the engine?s operating threshold for water ingestion.Ford noted that due to regulations set by the EPA, the powertrain software would disable up to two of the misfiring cylinders for no more than 30 seconds and until the driver tips out the throttle in order to protect the catalytic converter from damage. Ford?s testing of this condition on the subject vehicles showed that a vehicle experiencing such a condition would continue to maintain its speed as well as accelerate, albeit at a lower rate than expected by the driver.Similar results were obtained in testing done by the federal safety agency?s Vehicle Research and Testing Center in East Liberty, Ohio (Figure 6).In an ongoing process to address the problem Ford issued a series of TSBs where a deflector shield was installed onto the CAC (Figures 3, 4 and 5).In January 2014 Ford indicated that its data shows that the TSBs have been effective in resolving the problem, that for the MY 2013 vehicles their remedy is 100% effective and the latest TSBs for MY 2011 ? 2012 are 95% effective.The 525 complaints to ODI and the total 4,120 unique VIN complaints listed in the Failure Report are incidents of alleged reduced power or driveability symptoms and not all are necessarily related to the condition created by water ingestion.Reduced power conditions can occur for a variety of reasons including faults with ignition coils, spark plugs, a catalytic converter, the throttle body, turbocharger, fuel pump/filter, powertrain control module (hardware or software) or transmission shifting problems.Ford also noted that in a large number of warranty claims on the subject vehicles, the CAC was replaced or a TSB procedure was performed when the symptoms exhibited were inconsistent with a CAC water ingestion related issue.Given these circumstances, further use of the agency resources in this matter does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of
PE13018
Technical service bulletins for the 2013 Ford F-150 141
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Harvest Program 25H05 – Supplement #1 Certain 2011-2021 Model Year Vehicles Software Verification Harvest...
- Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless...
- This is a proactive investigation program by Ford Motor Company to inspect a limited number of affected...
- While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal...
- This article supersedes TSB 22-2219 to update the Parts List and Service Procedure to clarify applicable...
- All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code
- Tick tap and/or typewriter ticking noise at idle after an engine oil change
- For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to
- Some 2013-2014 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine may require service to the brake vacuum...
- Grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area
2013 Ford F-150 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7L 6‑cyl | RWD | 17 | 23 | 19 |
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | RWD | 16 | 22 | 18 |
| 3.7L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 16 | 21 | 18 |
| 5.0L 8‑cyl | RWD | 15 | 21 | 17 |
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 15 | 21 | 17 |
| 5.0L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 14 | 19 | 16 |
| 6.2L 8‑cyl | RWD | 13 | 18 | 15 |
| 6.2L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 12 | 16 | 13 |
What 2013 Ford F-150 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. While the contact's son was driving approximately 30 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and remained stuck in first or second gear. In addition, the engine revved while the accelerator pedal was not depressed, and the speedometer was inoperable. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission lead frame failure. The contact was informed that the lead frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was scheduled to be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the warranty extension associated with the failure had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
My 2013 Ford F-150 is experiencing the dangerous failure associated with the federal safety agency Safety Recall 19S07. While driving, the transmission abruptly and unexpectedly downshifted into 1st gear at speed. This causes sudden, violent deceleration equivalent to a severe rear-end collision, creating an extreme safety hazard and loss of vehicle control. To protect public safety, the vehicle is parked at my residence. On October 23, 2026, I contacted the local authorized Ford service dealership. The service department refused to provide or cover loaner/rental transportation while performing this recall repair, stated that neither Ford Motor Company nor the dealership would cover towing for an un-driveable vehicle affected by a factory safety recall, and warned that I would face out-of-pocket fees for additional diagnostic reports if the recall software reflash does not clear the transmission fault. Requiring a consumer to operate a dangerously defective vehicle or bear out-of-pocket expenses for towing, rentals, and diagnostics to resolve an active safety recall directly conflicts with federal safety recall mandates and public safety objectives.
Was Driving my truck on the highway, when it slammed into 1st gear on its own, was going about 65 MPH and almost lost control of the vehicle. I have taken it immediately to a FORD dealership for repairs, and they are saying that they are unable to replicate what happened. At the time it showed a Wrench Icon and check engine light, and I am certain that this is from a Molded Lead Frame Failure issue. I did have mine reprogramed by the dealership service center a few years back due to recall, but I think this just pushed the problem down the road, and did not actually fix the ACTUAL problem causing the safety issue. People are going to lose lives over this issue, and it seems FORD is trying to bypass having to actually FIX the problem.
While I'm driving and say I speed up or accelerate it feels like sometimes down shifts and then starts to go normal
The truck randomly hard downshifts and the gauges stop working and it wont shift back out of third gear. I can stop the truck and shut it off and when I turn it back on it still will be in third gear. If I turn it to manual sometimes I can get it to go down to second but it is a hard shift and then will hard shift back into third and stay. A wrench light comes on and sometimes I will get a check engine light that reads when scanned "output shaft speed sensor circuit." It has been doing this sporadically for over a year since my recall was fixed.
Truck will not shift into the correct gears when driving, would jump from 1st to a higher gear, it would shift weird and would lose the dash gauges when the truck was shifting.
I am submitting this complaint because my 2013 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost developed a serious and potentially life-threatening engine defect that placed me and my family in immediate danger. While traveling on a major interstate/highway, the engine warning light and wrench light illuminated, and the truck subsequently lost power and stalled while I was driving. This occurred in active highway traffic, creating an extremely dangerous situation. My family and I were almost killed because the vehicle unexpectedly lost propulsion while we were traveling at highway speed and surrounded by other vehicles. The defect is especially hazardous because the failure can occur without providing a safe opportunity to move the vehicle out of traffic. An unexpected engine shutdown on a major interstate can leave the vehicle disabled in an active travel lane or in an unsafe location, exposing the occupants to a high risk of being struck by another vehicle. The loss of engine power also compromises the driver's ability to accelerate away from dangerous traffic situations. The condition is consistent with the **timing-component degradation and engine performance/stalling concerns described in Ford's technical-service information, including TSB 18-2305**, concerning the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. The timing components can deteriorate to the point that the engine experiences serious drivability problems and may stall. In my case, this was not merely a warning light or minor mechanical issue—the vehicle actually **stalled while being driven on a major interstate with my family inside**. This defect represents an immediate **hazardous safety condition** because an engine that unexpectedly stalls at highway speed can cause a driver to lose the ability to maintain speed, merge, maneuver, or safely remove the vehicle from traffic. The danger is substantially increased when children or family members are passengers. Ford is well aware of this defect. I am asking the federal safety agency to investigate
Vehicle Information: 2013 Ford F-150 SuperCrew 3.5L V6 EcoBoost (VIN: [XXX]) While operating the vehicle, experienced a severe and sudden degradation of brake hydraulic pressure. The brake pedal travels abnormally deep and requires the driver to "double-pump" (fully let off the brake pedal and re-press it a second time) to achieve enough line pressure to stop the vehicle. Additionally, while stopped at an intersection, the vehicle began violently jerking and resisting movement because the brake calipers failed to release, holding the vehicle back until a heavy secondary press of the pedal forced the system to recede. Safety Risk & Background: This behavior matches the exact mechanical failure profile of Ford Safety Recall 16S24 and Recall 20S31 (internal failure of the brake master cylinder rear cup seal leaking corrosive fluid directly into the vacuum brake booster). I am the original owner of this vehicle from new. My exact VIN is currently excluded from the official recall database due to an early 2013 manufacture date boundary. However, the vehicle is suffering from the identical catastrophic failure of the identical under-recalled factory braking component, resulting in extreme deceleration failure and unintended brake lockup while moving. This constitutes an immediate crash hazard to my teenage driver that is currently operating this vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My truck is shifting erratically going from 5/6th gear down to 1st/2nd. It looses power. My battery light comes on, the wrench comes on, check engine light comes on but no codes come up. I have already put in a new transmission at my cost.
Compare the 2013 Ford F-150
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2013 Ford F-150
Is the 2013 Ford F-150 reliable?
Owners have filed 2,994 complaints about the 2013 Ford F-150, 2.7 times a typical F-150 model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2013 Ford F-150 year score?
The 2013 Ford F-150 scores 38 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford F-150: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2013 Ford F-150?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 1,346 complaints, typically around 94,350 miles. Next is engine (567).
How many recalls does the 2013 Ford F-150 have?
3 recalls, covering power train and service brakes, hydraulic.
Was there a recall on the 2013 Ford F-150 transmission?
Yes, 2 recalls: 19V433000, 19V075000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Ford F-150 have bad transmission?
The Ford F-150 model years with the most transmission complaints are 2013 (1,346 complaints), 2018 (1,020 complaints) and 2011 (830 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2013 Ford F-150 get?
Official estimates for the 2013 Ford F-150 range from 13 to 19 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.7L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 17 city and 23 highway.
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Check its historyFord F-150 in the news
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