2013 Ford F-150 Problems
What owners have reported about the 2013 Ford F-150, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2013 Ford F-150 a good year?
It's one of the worst years for the F-150. Owners have filed 2,989 complaints with NHTSA, the 1st most of 18 F-150 model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, engine and brakes.
2,989 complaints 3 recalls 1st worst of 18 F-150 years
Top 2013 Ford F-150 problems
Transmission problems
1,342 complaints (45%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission and control module (TCM / PCM / TECM).
Engine problems
567 complaints (19%) name the engine, most often the exhaust system and pump.
Brake problems
363 complaints (12%) name the brakes, most often the master cylinder and wheel speed sensor / tone ring.
Electrical problems
324 complaints (11%) name the electrical system, most often the fuses and circuit breakers and instrument cluster / panel.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (2,183 of 2,989). The amber line is the middle value, about 75,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2013 Ford F-150 recalls
Automatic transmission, Control module (TCM / PCM / TECM)
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. 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.
Recall 19V433000 · Jun 2019Automatic transmission, Control module (TCM / PCM / TECM)
The transmission may unexpectedly downshift into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed. 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.
Recall 19V075000 · Feb 2019Fluid
5L engines. The master cylinder rear cup seal may roll, resulting in brake fluid leakage from the primary reservoir into the brake booster. 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.
Recall 16V345000 · May 2016Get an email when your 2013 Ford F-150 gets a new recall
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F-150 years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2013 Ford F-150 problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2013 Ford F-150 a reliable year?
It's one of the worst years for the F-150. Owners have filed 2,989 complaints with NHTSA, the 1st most of 18 F-150 model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, engine and brakes.
What are the most common 2013 Ford F-150 problems?
Owners most often report problems with the transmission, engine, brakes and electrical system. 1,342 complaints (45%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission and control module (TCM / PCM / TECM).
At what mileage do 2013 Ford F-150 transmission problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 66,000–134,000 miles, with a middle value near 95,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2013 Ford F-150 have?
3. Automatic transmission, Control module (TCM / PCM / TECM) (19V433000); Automatic transmission, Control module (TCM / PCM / TECM) (19V075000); Fluid (16V345000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2013 Ford F-150?
Ask for service records covering the transmission, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2025, 2024 and 2009 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.