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#BS-2013-FORF15-76F22013 Ford F-150Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 3,979 owners and 3 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·NHTSA complaints through October 28, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Red Flag
Based on 3,979 complaints, 103 crashes, 48 fires, and 3 recalls.
Top reported problems
engine shudder and loss of power
38 complaints • Severity 8.2/10
erratic shifting
33 complaints • Severity 8.8/10
rotors need replacing
30 complaints • Severity 7.6/10
brake failure
26 complaints • Severity 9.1/10
power steering failed
26 complaints • Severity 9/10
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Mechanic Inspection Checklist
1320 owners reported drivetrain issues — failures commonly reported around 72K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 60–90K miles (722 reports) • Median: 72K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Drivetrain (1320 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2013 Ford F-150: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Drivetrain Issues
Drivetrain complaints account for 33% of all reports filed for the 2013 Ford F-150, with 1320 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 72,000 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 72K-mile mark.
Engine Issues
Engine complaints account for 14% of all reports filed for the 2013 Ford F-150, with 564 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to engine-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Brakes Issues
Brakes complaints account for 9% of all reports filed for the 2013 Ford F-150, with 353 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to brakes-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 8% of all reports filed for the 2013 Ford F-150, with 299 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to electrical-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2013 Ford F-150. Recent trend: decreasing.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (3 recalls)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID
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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
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.
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
2013 Ford F-150 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
Frontal crash
★★★★★3 of 5 stars
Side crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Rollover
★★★★★3 of 5 stars
From NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings). Where NHTSA tested more than one version of this vehicle, the lowest rating is shown.
NHTSA Defect Investigations (3)
All closed. Investigations are how NHTSA decides whether a defect needs a recall.
Reduced power during hard acceleration
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Master Cylinder External Leak
SERVICE BRAKES
Unexpected Transmission Downshift
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
The worst model year for the Ford F-150 is the 2018 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is engine.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 3,979 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 3 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated . NHTSA complaints received through October 28, 2026; safety ratings from NHTSA's 5-Star program.
Other Ford F-150 Model Years
2013 Ford F-150: Frequently Asked Questions
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Get the Full 2013 Ford F-150 Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 3,979 owner reports. Know before you buy.