2013 Ford F-150 engine problems

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Engine · GA

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

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · Engine · SC

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.

Filed Aug 24, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · AZ

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 the OSS sensor fails. Initial case file: [XXX] Updated case file: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 1, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · OH

Subject: Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2013 Ford F-150 Flex Fuel Transmission Failure I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2013 Ford F-150 Flex Fuel due to a serious and costly transmission failure that I believe warrants investigation by the federal safety agency. I purchased this vehicle in 2020, and since that time it has experienced ongoing transmission problems. The transmission has progressively worsened and now slips during operation, creating a safety concern when accelerating, merging into traffic, or crossing intersections. The vehicle does not consistently respond as expected, increasing the risk of a crash. After having the vehicle inspected, I was informed that the transmission requires complete replacement at a cost of more than $7,000. This is an excessive repair expense for what appears to be a known issue affecting Ford F-150 trucks. I am aware that Ford has issued recalls and service actions involving transmission problems on other model-year Ford F-150s. Given the nature of the transmission failure in my 2013 F-150 and the widespread complaints from other owners, I believe the 2013 Ford F-150 should also be investigated for similar transmission defects. This failure is more than an inconvenience—it is a safety issue. A slipping transmission can result in unexpected loss of power, delayed acceleration, or failure to properly engage gears, placing drivers, passengers, and others on the roadway at risk. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate transmission failures in the 2013 Ford F-150 Flex Fuel and determine whether this model should be included in any existing or future safety recalls or other corrective actions. Owners should not be responsible for thousands of dollars in repairs when the failure may be the result of a widespread defect. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Filed Jun 24, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · 141,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and the vehicle unintendedly decelerated. The orange wrench symbol was displayed. The contact pulled over for five minutes, and the computer was reset. After the vehicle was restarted, the vehicle operated normally. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was not under recall or warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired; however, the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the failure was associated with the wheel speed sensor. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.

Filed Apr 29, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · WI

Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0720 stands for “Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction.” It is stored when the ECM/PCM/TCM perceives a problem with the output speed sensor or its circuit. If, for example, the engine speed and input shaft speed are at a certain RPM but the output shaft speed is erratic or not what the computer expects, P0720 will be stored. There may also be a P0500 code stored on some platforms. T

Filed Apr 18, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · VA

I have reported the same exact issue that Ford recalled April 14,2026 with my vehicle. I almost had an accident by it changing from automatic to the gears & it comes to a sudden stop when it do it. I guess someone or me gonna have to lose a life before some look at my issue. It showing a recall was on my truck in 2019 Before I brought the truck. The recall HAS NOT BEEN DONE ON MY TRUCK. PLEASE HELP B4 someone get hurt. Thank you

Filed Mar 23, 2026 · Engine · 143,100 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on the highway, the vehicle became disabled. A diagnostic scan tool indicated a cam phaser failure. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the engine was loud and was shaking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with timing chain failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 143,100.

Filed Mar 11, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · 166,398 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F150. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the speedometer went to zero unexpectedly. In addition, the transmission failed to properly shift gears. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, turned off, and minutes later, it was restarted. After the vehicle was restarted, the wrench warning light illuminated. The contact moved the shift lever to reverse(R), then to drive(D). The contact test drove the vehicle around the parking lot at the apartment complex, and the vehicle functioned as intended. The contact's son-in-law took the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that DTC: P0722 (Powertrain Control Module (PCM) was receiving "no signal" from the transmission Output Speed Sensor (OSS), P1500 (Intermittent Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) signal detected by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), and P2195 (Powertrain Control Module (PCM) detected that the Bank 1 Sensor 1 oxygen (O2) sensor signal was stuck lean). The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while the vehicle was turned and when the contact placed the shift lever into reverse(R) the wrench warning light illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle and had not been driven since due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 166,398.

Filed Feb 5, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · OH

Vacuumed pump replacement oil leakVacume Brake fluid leaked into power booster Complete brake failure . Complete Brake failure while pulling 6000 lb trailer Family in vehicle . Coolant leaks, water pump,heater hoses, exaust turbos ,and blow off valve.