2013 Ford F-150: complete transmission failure

Filed Oct 6, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · OH

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.

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 Mar 23, 2026 · Transmission · 75,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift into gear and the vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, turned off, and restarted after a while, and the transmission shifted properly. The contact used a scanner to reset the system, and the transmission shifted properly while driving approximately 50 - 60 MPH. The speedometer rose to 100 MPH, then 0 MPH unexpectedly, with the power train warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The dealer completed a system update. The failure persisted and became progressively worse. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, who determined that the leadframe was defective, causing the transmission failure. The dealer informed the contact that the repair was not covered under warranty because the vehicle had exceeded 6,000 miles. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

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 Mar 10, 2026 · Acceleration, Steering · VA

2013 Ford F‑150 Limited – VIN [XXX] On [XXX], my 2013 Ford F‑150 Limited experienced a sudden and dangerous transmission failure involving the transmission conductor plate (lead frame). My son was driving the vehicle when the dashboard abruptly shut off, multiple warning lights illuminated, and the truck lost engine power. Shortly afterward, while braking, the engine attempted to accelerate on its own, and the vehicle resisted slowing down. This created an immediate and life‑threatening situation. These symptoms match the known failure mode of defective 6R80 transmission lead frames, which the federal safety agency has previously identified as a serious safety hazard due to sudden loss of power, erratic shifting, unintended acceleration, and dashboard failure. The vehicle became undriveable and could not be safely transported to a Ford dealership. It had to be repaired at a nearby independent shop (Auto Stop Elite of Purcellville, VA). The conductor plate was replaced on February 12, 2026, at a total cost of $1,689.59. Despite this being a well‑documented safety defect affecting many Ford F‑150 owners, no recall or service campaign was ever issued for my VIN. No warnings appeared on Ford’s website, Carfax, or through any Ford communication. Other owners have received reimbursement from Ford for the same failure, yet Ford provided no notice or remedy in my case. This defect placed my son’s life in danger and represents a clear safety issue that should be addressed. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review this incident as part of the ongoing pattern of conductor plate/lead frame failures in Ford’s 6R80 transmissions. We are informing you because we have contacted Ford and they have done NOTHING to resolve this. We had to have it repaired and were never aware that there was a safety recall. We expect to be reimbursed in full for this repair by Ford. To date - we are being ignored and will now pursue with the Virginia Attorney General's office as well. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 55

Filed Mar 3, 2026 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the transmission independently downshifted from fifth gear to second gear. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to a nearby parking lot and parked. The vehicle was almost rear-ended because of the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but it was not inspected. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the transmission had been replaced twice by the same independent mechanic. The contact stated that the independent mechanic replaced the transmission with a rebuilt transmission after each failure. In addition, the lead frame was replaced by the dealer in 2025. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed Jan 30, 2026 · Acceleration, Transmission · CA

While driving my 2013 F150 Eco boost is started shifting erratically. While at 60 MPH the truck would down shift on it's own to 1st gear and my truck would skid. Luckily I did not crash but it's dangerous and it's my only transportation. I took it to Ford and they said I needed a $8K transmission replacement. I ended up taking to a transmission shop for a rebuild but shortly after if did it again. The transmission shop replaced the valve but said Ford needed to reflash the TCM. When I asked for them to follow recall 19S07 they said I would need to bring it in and pay them another $400 for a diagnostic and they couldn't just reflash it. Now I'm in a position where I have to drive what feels like a timebomb and I have no way out of it.

Filed Dec 23, 2025 · Transmission · CA

Four times in the previous two weeks, while driving between 20 and 50MPH, the transmission has downshifted from 6th to 1st gear, locking the rear tires. Speedometer reads zero, airbag warning light illuminates, and odometer/MPG shows dashes instead of numbers. Ignition must be turned off and on to recover. Trusted private mechanic performed diagnostic: removed transmission pan, changed filter, checked electrical, and replaced fluid. Cost: $700. The issue was not resolved. Internet search suggests a known "lead frame" issue and recall. Valencia AutoNation Ford suggests having their technicians diagnose at a cost of approximately $350. I was quoted roughly $5500 to rebuild/replace the transmission. I reported this issue to Ford Corporate "Customer Satisfaction" (Case CXH-06529440-C7D1J5), but was offered no assistance. This complaint appears over 200(!) times in the federal safety agency database just for 2013 Ford F-150 trucks. My family cannot drive this dangerous vehicle, and I cannot sell it in this condition.

Filed Oct 9, 2025 · Transmission · VA

This is related to an OEM Metal failure at the aluminum connection points. My 2013 Ford F-150s, experienced leakage of the high-pressure transmission cooler line. The leakage was due to corrosion and metal fatigue. If it had failed it would have resulted in a rapid fluid loss, transmission overheating, and a complete failure. The failure was related to corrosion & metal Fatigue. The aluminum quick connect portion of the OEM lines on the driver's side began leaking due to corrosion, and vibrations. There have been numerous reports of a broken line causing a rapid and complete loss of transmission fluid. Without sufficient fluid, the transmission failed leading to trucks stopping in heavy traffic. Due to reports of these catastrophic failures, I checked my lines and noted leaks. I proactively had the local Ford dealer perform the repairs. I have the parts in my possession.

Filed Aug 6, 2025 · Transmission · 87,866 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and the malfunction warning light illuminated. The transmission downshifted to first gear and the contact lost control of the vehicle. In addition, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the transmission failed to shift out of first gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a PCM software failure and molded lead frame failure. The contact was informed that the PCM software needed to be updated, and the molded lead frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that in June 2019 the vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train). In addition, the contact stated that the software update was performed again two weeks prior, and the contact had to pay out-of-pocket for the repair. The contact referenced a recall for the lead frame; however, the warranty for the recall had expired in 2019. The contact stated that the vehicle was inoperable. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87, 866.

Filed Aug 4, 2025 · Transmission · 154,000 miles · IN

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the speedometer went to 0 MPH, and the transmission failed to shift out of 1st gear. The contact shifted into neutral and shifted back to drive; however, the transmission still failed to upshift into second gear. The check engine warning light and the service vehicle soon warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the molded lead frame was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 154,000.

Filed May 5, 2025 · Electrical, Transmission · 114,000 miles · VA

The contact's husband owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at highway speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted and the instrument panel went blank. The contact's husband restarted the vehicle and resumed normal operation; however, the failure returned the next day. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was acknowledged that the vehicle had experienced transmission failure; however, the vehicle was not covered under warranty or recall. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was then referred to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.