I am experiencing what is called the ford death wobble. Hitting a rough spot, or a tar line will cause violent steering wobble.must slow down below 40 MPH to stop the problem.
The worst 2013 Ford F-250 SD problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine8
- Suspension5
- Fuel system4
- Electrical3
- Steering3
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine8
- Suspension5
- Fuel system4
- Electrical3
- Steering3
- Airbags2
- Transmission2
- Acceleration1
- Brakes1
- Lights1
- Tires1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Defect investigations
Vehicle Commanded Engine Shutdown
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V‑535 were inadequate. Recall 13V‑535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V‑175) to address the 13V‑535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V‑175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V‑175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and the federal safety agency will take further action if such action is warranted.
RQ14005
Technical service bulletins for the 2013 Ford F-250 SD 158
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
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What 2013 Ford F-250 SD owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
My vehicle has 'experienced the 'f250 death wobble' on several occasions and it is a scary feeling when it happens. Th death wobble usually happens when you are traveling at highway speeds any you hit a rough patch or bump in the road. During the 'death wobble the truck bounces all over the road and the front suspension gets light and it is hard to maintain the vehicle in the proper lane . For these reasons, I refuse to allow my wife to drive this truck. Seeing how this is a common hot button issue on the f250 forum, I am surprised that ford has not been forced to recall these vehicles and to fix these known issues before someone is involved in a fatal accident as a result of the ' f250 death wobble!'
Egr and egr cooler failed at 21,000 miles. Dealer fixed under warranty 3/22/16. Same parts have failed again at 46,000 miles and is out of warranty. Searching the web shows this is a common repeat failure for the 6.7 diesel and costs $2,000 for repair. Engine trouble code is p0401. The parts or design must be defective as they only last for about 20,000 miles.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford f-250 sd. When the vehicle was started, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the heating assembly failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
2013 ford s.d 4x4. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle shaking after hitting a pot hole. *ld
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford f-250 sd. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator remained illuminated from the initial purchase of the vehicle. The dealer (imperial ford, 8 uxbridge rd, mendon, ma 01756, 1-(888) 814-8373) who sold the vehicle stated that it was standard for the indicator to remain illuminated. The dealer provided no diagnosis to determine if there was a falure with the air bags. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was not available.
Vehicle started vibrating hard- stopped at local tire store, new hankook tires have the steel belts coming apart on them
Stalling while driving at normal speeds. After taking it to gullo dealership while in tx, the dealership charged us $2100 and "fixed" the problem after replacing the PCM and rcm modules. The next day, the truck stalled on the highway! Took it back to gullo dealership in conroe tx and after another week and help from ford service they still can't fix the problem.
Ford voiding warrant repairs on cp4 fuel pump due to fuel contamination - we have seen the federal safety agency resolve the issue with cp4 fule pump for vw- we need to have the federal safety agency look at this for ford- they repair cost that ford is putting on the owners range from 10-18ku . There are many complaints on this issue with ford and the federal safety agency - dealers are instructing owners to also to file a claim with their auto insurance company under comprehensive coverage so they insurance company pays for their faulty design. Many truck owners are taking huge losses as well as insurance companies - we ask that the federal safety agency get involved with and begin an investigation into this issue.
At less than 50k miles, the radiator developed a leak. Coolant will leak anywhere the truck is parked, causing an environmental concern. Ford is aware of the numerous complaints about this issue, but refuses to acknowledge the problem and enact a permanent solution. This will cost me over $1700 to repair, on a truck that is only 3 years old.
Compare the 2013 Ford F-250 SD
F-250 SD vs Ram 2500F-250 SD vs Chevrolet Silverado 2500F-250 SD vs GMC Sierra 2500
Other model years
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Questions about the 2013 Ford F-250 SD
Is the 2013 Ford F-250 SD reliable?
Owners have filed 21 complaints about the 2013 Ford F-250 SD, fewer than a typical F-250 SD model year.
What is the 2013 Ford F-250 SD year score?
The 2013 Ford F-250 SD scores 94 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford F-250 SD: 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-250 SD?
Engine and cooling, with 8 complaints, typically around 46,000 miles. Next is suspension (5).
How many recalls does the 2013 Ford F-250 SD have?
No recalls on record.
What year does the Ford F-250 SD have bad engine?
The Ford F-250 SD model years with the most engine complaints are 2004 (114 complaints), 2002 (105 complaints) and 2001 (99 complaints).
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Check its historyFord F-250 SD in the news
- Ford recalls 2026-2027 F-150, 2026 F-250 SD and 2026 F-350 SD and other models over hinge and attachments problem (30,123 vehicles)
- Ford recalls 2026 F-150, 2025-2026 F-250 SD and 2025-2026 F-350 SD and other models over instrument cluster/panel problem (102,159 vehicles)
- Ford recalls 2025-2027 Expedition, 2026 F-250 SD and 2026 F-350 SD and other models over exterior lighting headlights problem (41,748 vehicles)