2013 Ford F-150 recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Ford F-150 and 2,796 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are power train (1,212), engine (531), service brakes (354). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 15–19 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2013 has the most owner complaints of any F-150 model year from 2012 to 2025. It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 13.6 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2013 Ford F-150. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Power train · automatic transmission
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Power train · automatic transmission · control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic · fluid
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
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 repai…
At about [XXX] [XXX], Tuesday, I was N/B on [XXX] , my speed was approximately 60 mph. All of a sudden, my brakes locked up as if I slammed on by brakes. Although a safe distance behind my, vehicles behind me had to swerve out of my way due to the sudden breaking. After pulling over, I checked the undercarriage, thinking I might have hit something, but everything was clear. Not…
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.…
Safety ratings
2013 Ford F-150 Supercab PU/EC 4x4
2013 Ford F-150 Supercab PU/EC 4x2
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2013 Ford F-150.
F150 Pickup 2WD
Auto (S6) · 8 cyl · 6.2 L
Regular
F150 Pickup 2WD
Auto (S6) · 6 cyl · 3.5 L · Turbo
Regular
F150 Pickup 2WD FFV
Auto (S6) · 8 cyl · 5.0 L
Gasoline or E85
F150 Pickup 2WD FFV
Auto (S6) · 6 cyl · 3.7 L
Gasoline or E85
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2013 Ford F-150 have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Ford F-150, most recently for power train · automatic transmission (06/10/2019). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ford F-150?
Based on 2,796 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are power train (1,212), engine (531), service brakes (354).
Is the 2013 Ford F-150 safe?
The 2013 Ford F-150 earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2013 a good year for the Ford F-150?
The 2013 has the most owner complaints of any F-150 model year from 2012 to 2025. It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 13.6 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Ford F-150 get?
EPA ratings for the 2013 Ford F-150 range from 15 to 19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2013 Ford F-150 in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: F-150 SUPERCAB, F-150 SUPER CREW, F-150 REGULAR CAB, F-150.