While driving the truck it suddenly shifts down gears, and shoots up rpms, causing the truck to slow down drastically and causing a loss of control in the truck. Potentially causing a severe accident. This issue could seriously cause harm to myself and to others especially going at highway speeds. When turned off the truck won’t start up again without clearing codes.
2013 Ford F-150 engine complaints
Page 2 of 20: complaints 11 to 40 of 567, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Faulty molded transmission leadframe. There was a customer satisfaction program for this, that expired 3 years ago. My vehicle is now experiencing the issues with this faulty part consistently. It won't drive past 2nd gear and drops to 1st and stays there. The dealer won't repair it for the faulty part.
"recall" (as described on Ford's website) no. 19N01 is not actually a recall. It's a "Customer Satisfaction Program" that extends warranty on the transmission of my truck to 150000. I was just over that amount of miles when my leadframe became faulty and did exactly what this covers. I was going 70mph and it suddenly dropped into 1st gear and I came to a screeching halt and was thrown into the steering wheel. Luckily nobody was behind me and there were no injuries. Why this isn't a full recall as it is INCREDIBLY dangerous is beyond me. I don't think it's right that this wasn't covered for ALL vehicles with these problems no matter what time or number of miles. I am looking for compensation for the replaced leadframe because Ford KNEW about the problem but chose not to issue a full recall, even though they called it a recall. This put many people in such dangerous situations and my truck still shifts hard to this day. Why is Ford not helping me just because I was just over 150,000 miles.
Truck would randomly go into limp mode while driving. Highways, country roads, middle of town, making it difficult to pull off the road with no ability to accelerate to safely merge off the roadway. The cause was from the lead frame in the transmission which was under an “expired” recall 19N01. Dealership charged me $1,500 to fix this. How is this not a safety issue that should have been taken care of by the dealership at no charge. I just bought the truck mid December 2025 and am not happy to have to shell out $1,500 to fix a known issue like this.
2013 f150 EcoBoost ,cam phasers Ford truck and timing chain are known to go out on these trucks have not been recalled and yet should be.
Driving on Interstate Highway. Entered a tunnel at 65 MPH. Near the end of the tunnel traffic started to slow down. I applied the brakes and the engine started to accelerate. I had full pressure on the brake pedal but the vehicle kept accelerating. There was a loud fan noise. Fortunately the vehicles ahead started to accelerate up to the speed limit - and beyond. I took my foot off the brake and turned on cruise control. The fan sound stopped and the truck maintained cruise control setting. I had heard the fan speed up twice before but I was parking each time1 and turned off the engine within seconds of hearing the fan motor speed up. I returned to my home and heard the fan motor speed up once more. I took the vehicle in to my local Service Station. They were able to recreate the problem. "Bad thermostat causing engine cooling fan to come, increasing idle speed. Replaced thermostat"
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormally high-pitched whistling sound coming from the engine bay. The contact was mechanically inclined. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the exhaust manifold studs were fractured, causing a gap between the engine block and the exhaust manifold. Additionally, the contact noticed that the exhaust was pulling away from the manifold through the gasket. The contact purchased the parts and personally repaired the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was making an abnormal rattling sound on cold starts. The contact determined that the sound was coming from the cam phasers. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Transmission shifted into 1st gear while doing 65 mph on the freeway. The rear tires locked up as a result and the truck spun out in front of on coming traffic putting myself and my 6 month old nephew in a life threatening situation. This is not okay. I was told the most recent recall done on this vehicle was done to not allow this to happen. This issue has been an on going problem with these trucks and Ford has still yet to rectify the problem. This can cause serious bodily harm to myself and others around these vehicles. I feel Ford needs to do something about this issue.
My truck is making a ticking and whistling noise once it is cranked and running. Ford issued a recall on f150’s for a manifold exhaust leak with the same noises I am hearing. The recall # is 19S32. My truck has the same problem and issue as described in the recall. My year and model truck needs to be covered under the recall.
My truck has been randomly downshifting while driving. I see there is a recall for my year and make of truck for the same problem i am having, but my truck is not coming up for the recall. I am so afraid that if I am on the freeway if this downshifts, it put me in harms way. What can I do? I took it in for repair at a independent repair shop and it is still happening, they di not know about the module on recall.
Truck has 91,200 miles and was well maintained. Truck has a loud rattle (like rocks in a can) on dry start up after sitting for several days. Rattle goes away after starting and is consistent with worn CAM PHASERS, as shown in many videos on the internet describing this known problem with the Ford 3.5L ecoboost engine. Ford issued a customer reimbursement program for repairing this known defect but it does not apply to this vehicle, even though it was built with the defective cam phasers and is showing signs they are destroying themselves, which can lead to catastrophic engine failure. Ford redesigned the cam phasers to a better version after learning of the originally defective design. The repair is very expensive $3k to $5k.
While driving my vehicle speedometer goes to zero which no recognition of speed. If brought to a stop I can’t get out of first gear. Ford issued a “Customer Satisfaction Program 19N01” related to the 6R80 transmissions, Sudden Transmission Downshift. This “Customer Satisfaction” should have been a non expiring recall. The check engine sometimes flicks on but does not stay on or show a code. Issue is intermittent and lasts 10-15 min until vehicle recognizes it’s not incapable of shifting. Given this severely limiting malfunction I highly recommend the recall be extended indefinitely to make sure these vehicles are fixed properly.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and accelerating, the vehicle started to lose motive power and unexpectedly downshifted to 1st or 2nd gear. The wrench warning light was illuminated, and the message “Service Vehicle Soon” was displayed. Additionally, instrument cluster failed to display safety information. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road, and the contact waited for a while before restarting the vehicle. The contact stated that several attempts were needed to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved a code for the control shift sensor fault. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that at the initial start, there was a loud rattling sound coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The first time the failure occurred, the rattling sound ceased after driving for a while. The failure occurred a second time but continued while driving. The contact stated that after inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the cam phasers were causing the rattling sound. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
WRENCH displayed today, transmission was hard shifting trying to go in and out of gear
*transmission downshifted while traveling 15 mph *Unsafe condition traveling on roadway *Temporary loss of control *WRENCH appeared, shifted hard into first gear
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was a rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the wrench icon was displayed on the instrument panel before the vehicle stalled. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that undisclosed diagnostic trouble codes from the vehicle indicated an engine failure. The contact stated that the engine was previously replaced after a similar failure with similar diagnostic trouble codes. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 180,000.
*transmission DOWNSHIFTS while driving at normal traffic speeds *Sudden stops in traffic *WRENCH appeared on dash, lost all digital numbers, I e. Speed...as soon as downshift
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into a lower gear with the transmission and engine warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact was able to pull over and restart the vehicle, and the vehicle resumed normal driving functionality. The local dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under Customer Satisfaction Program: 19N01; however, the VIN was no longer covered under the Customer Satisfaction Program. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000.
I keep seeing about the f-150/s being recalled for the rear view cameras not working but mine works and doesn’t works sometimes but keep being told that there is no recall but if you google any of the problems i have it is a reoccurring problem in other 2013 f-150s. Also problems with rear sliding heated back window the driverside shatters. The molded frame transmission needed repaired or replaced. Ecoboost leaking antifreeze behind passenger side front tire. The timing and phasers needing replaced. All are known common problems but ive been told are not recallable problems.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the cam phasers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 65 MPH, the message “Service Vehicle Soon” was displayed, and check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle immediately experienced a loss of automotive power, and the speedometer went to zero(0) and remained at zero(0). The contact pulled over onto the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that lead frame connector was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 166,712.
2013 F-150 subject to Customer Satisfaction Program 19N01, Transmission Molded Leadframe Extended Coverage. Speedometer went to zero, airbag light illuminated, truck downshifted on its own with a sudden lunging feeling, as if I got rear ended. Wrench icon illuminated. Truck would not shift properly. Mileage indication went blank. I was doing 55 mph on the highway with other vehicles around me. Caused me to have to make an abrupt stop and almost caused an accident. Definitely put my safety and others at risk. Problem happened 3 times during my 1 trip. Was able to correct by turning vehicle off then back on. Can be reproduced easily. Not confirmed by dealer or maintenance tech, or inspected by anyone because I am afraid to drive it. There were no warning signs or symptoms before problem occured.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while towing an empty horse trailer at 65 MPH, the vehicle downshifted into second gear, and the engine revved abnormally. The contact stated that there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was turned off and towed to the residence. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 203,000.
I was traveling 55 mph on highway when without any warning or hesitation the truck on its own down shifted to 2nd gear, resulting in the rear end of truck to swing all the way around turning me a whole 45 degrees! I was very lucky to have been able to pull out of the fish tailing act caused by the down shifted at such a high speed. I had to tow it home from there bc the transmission would then be stuck in 5th gear and randomly shift to 2nd with a bad jerking motion. My local ford dealership told me the recall has expired for my truck?!?!?
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on several occasions while the vehicle was started and running, there was a rattling sound coming from the engine compartment for approximately 30-seconds. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for maintenance and the technician observed the rattling sound after an oil change and suggested that the cam phasers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated the following day. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front-end. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The vehicle lost motive power; however, the contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact waited for a while and then restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed that the throttle had failed. The contact stated that on the last occasion when the vehicle experienced the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the cam phasers, valve cover, and throttle had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired after the most recent failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 187,000.
This incident to my truck has happened twice. First time on [XXX] and this last time on [XXX]. I was driving and all of a sudden the truck downshifted, loss power even when pressing on the gas then again all of a sudden the tach. and the engine will Rev up very high then lunge forward. This last time my truck made a big jerk. This really scared me. I pulled over and called a tow truck because I was afraid to keep driving it. I had it towed to the Ford dealership, Mt. Orab Ford, where I just bought this truck from in Dec.2024. Iam waiting for them to let me know what they have found out. I have only owned thus truck for 3 months. Thes last couple of days I have been finding out information of some problems and recall of this 6 speed transmission. I have also contacted Ford and they have opened a case on my truck. I'm hoping to hear back from the dealership today. I just thought I should report this to you. Please feel free to contact me.Thanks, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle inadvertently downshifted into a lower gear and the speedometer stopped working. Additionally, the check engine and power train warning lights illuminated sporadically. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and restarted each time. The contact then received notification of an unknown recall and the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ECU needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was repaired but the failure became frequent. The contact stated the on one occasion during a failure, and pulling over to the side of road, the contact opened the hood and observed two parts sitting on the frame rail. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission and blower motor/HVAC parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
traveling on highway at speed of 65 to 70 mph and vehicle suddenly downshifted and experienced a loos of power. dashboard went off and I lost control of the vehicle. my safety was put at risk due to loss of power of vehicle. I could not identify anything wrong with the vehicle before it happened.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2013 Ford F-150?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history