2013 Ford F-150
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 2 |
| 1987 | 2 |
| 1989 | 14 |
| 1990 | 21 |
| 1991 | 304 |
| 1992 | 470 |
| 1993 | 586 |
| 1994 | 676 |
| 1995 | 626 |
| 1996 | 324 |
| 1997 | 2758 |
| 1998 | 1381 |
| 1999 | 1044 |
| 2000 | 1074 |
| 2001 | 1236 |
| 2002 | 820 |
| 2003 | 421 |
| 2004 | 2027 |
| 2005 | 1112 |
| 2006 | 584 |
| 2007 | 487 |
| 2008 | 368 |
| 2009 | 324 |
| 2010 | 840 |
| 2011 | 2179 |
| 2012 | 1771 |
| 2013 | 2956 |
| 2014 | 1497 |
| 2015 | 1638 |
| 2016 | 1976 |
| 2017 | 1379 |
| 2018 | 2218 |
| 2019 | 1270 |
| 2020 | 677 |
| 2021 | 934 |
| 2022 | 554 |
| 2023 | 382 |
| 2024 | 178 |
| 2025 | 97 |
| 2026 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
44% of complaints: power train — 1295 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
Transmission failure, leaded frame model. Truck down shift from 6th to 1st gear and or locks up in 3rd or 5th gear wonât shift up or down. Going 75mph to 1st gear through the truck into a drift and spin.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240629
18% of complaints: engine — 545 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
PULLING A TRAILER TO FIELD WHEN SMOKE APPEARED AND ENGINE AREA WAS ON FIRE. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20130708
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, HE NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130621
11% of complaints: service brakes — 314 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving in a parking lot, she depressed the brake pedal and it became stiff. The vehicle failed to slow down as intended. The vehicle collided with a parked car.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240423
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, LOW BRAKE FLUID LIGHT CAME ON, GOT OFF AT CLOSEST EXIT, BRAKES WENT TO FLOOR HAD TO USE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171128
10% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 294 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE RUBBER CAR MAT SLID UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL AND WAS OVER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171206
10% of complaints: electrical system — 294 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ENGINE FIRE. A STRONG SMELL OF BURNING, ELECTRICAL WIRING ORDER STARTED COMING FROM THE A/C VENTS, I SOON NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171214
SAFETY TIMELINE
Reduced power during hard acceleration
Master Cylinder External Leak
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 16V345000 — check if this car was fixed
Unexpected Transmission Downshift
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 19V075000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 19V433000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2013 Ford F-150 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1295 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (545 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (314 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V345000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V075000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V433000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2013 Ford F-150 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Ford F-150 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ford F-150?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Ford F-150 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.