2013 Ford F-150 recalls and problems

The 2013 Ford F-150 has 3 safety recalls and 2,994 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
2,994
Crashes / fires
78 / 35
Injuries / deaths
64 / 4

Recalls may cover only some 2013 Ford F-150 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2013 Ford F-150 recalls

Recall 19V-433: Power Train

Reported Jun 10, 2019 · 107,857 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

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.

Recall 19V-075: Power Train

Reported Feb 11, 2019 · 1,263,051 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

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.

Recall 16V-345: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported May 24, 2016 · 225,012 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

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.

2013 Ford F-150 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train1,359
Engine548
Electrical System325
Service Brakes321
Vehicle Speed Control304
Unknown or Other226
Steering217
Visibility/Wiper146
Fuel/Propulsion System130
Visibility55
Structure48
Service Brakes, Hydraulic47

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 38
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 26
  • Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Rear Window — 15
  • Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 14
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 11
  • Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers — 11
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder — 8
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 7

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 74,281 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2013 Ford F-150 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · reported Oct 28, 2026
the recall on 2014 ford f150 VIN [XXX] had a recall in 2020 that was supposedly fixed with a software update the recall was Powertrain / Transmission (NHTSA ID: 24V444000 / Ford Campaign 24S37): Loss of signal between the transmission output shaft speed sensor and the powertrain control module can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into first gear, potentially leading to rear-wheel lockup or loss of control. A follow-up software update campaign also addresses incomplete or repeat fixes. at that time truck had about 109,000 miles on it and now it has 210,000 miles on it and doing…
Power Train · at 65,000 miles · reported Oct 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. While the contact's son was driving approximately 30 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and remained stuck in first or second gear. In addition, the engine revved while the accelerator pedal was not depressed, and the speedometer was inoperable. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission lead frame failure. The contact was informed that the lead frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was scheduled to be repaired. The manufacturer was…
Vehicle Speed Control · reported Oct 23, 2026
My 2013 Ford F-150 is experiencing the dangerous failure associated with NHTSA Safety Recall 19S07. While driving, the transmission abruptly and unexpectedly downshifted into 1st gear at speed. This causes sudden, violent deceleration equivalent to a severe rear-end collision, creating an extreme safety hazard and loss of vehicle control. To protect public safety, the vehicle is parked at my residence. On October 23, 2026, I contacted the local authorized Ford service dealership. The service department refused to provide or cover loaner/rental transportation while performing this recall…
Vehicle Speed Control · reported Oct 21, 2026
Was Driving my truck on the highway, when it slammed into 1st gear on its own, was going about 65 MPH and almost lost control of the vehicle. I have taken it immediately to a FORD dealership for repairs, and they are saying that they are unable to replicate what happened. At the time it showed a Wrench Icon and check engine light, and I am certain that this is from a Molded Lead Frame Failure issue. I did have mine reprogramed by the dealership service center a few years back due to recall, but I think this just pushed the problem down the road, and did not actually fix the ACTUAL problem…
Power Train · reported Oct 13, 2026
The truck randomly hard downshifts and the gauges stop working and it wont shift back out of third gear. I can stop the truck and shut it off and when I turn it back on it still will be in third gear. If I turn it to manual sometimes I can get it to go down to second but it is a hard shift and then will hard shift back into third and stay. A wrench light comes on and sometimes I will get a check engine light that reads when scanned "output shaft speed sensor circuit." It has been doing this sporadically for over a year since my recall was fixed.

Other Ford F-150 years

Compare all Ford F-150 years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Ford F-150 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Ford F-150: 19V-433 (power train), 19V-075 (power train), 16V-345 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Ford F-150?

Owners report power train problems most often (1,359 reports), followed by engine (548). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 74,281 miles.

Are Ford recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.