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ProblemsByVin File / 2013-FORD-F-150 NHTSA data synced 5 days ago
2013 · Ford

Ford F-150 problems

2,796 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. 2 active recall campaigns on file.

2013 Ford F-150
Photo: Kevauto / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · representative photo of the Ford F-150
0 5 10
Reliability score
5.8 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2013 F-150?
Avoid — the powertrain

The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

Buying a used 2013 Ford F-150? Check these first

Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.

What to inspect on this specific car

⚠ The one to take seriously: powertrain is flagged critical on this model , showing up around 99,524 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.

Recalls to confirm are done

Run the VIN from the listing — 2 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.

Verdict for buyers: 5.8/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.

We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.

See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →
✦ Ask the data · AI

Ask anything about your 2013 Ford F-150

A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.

Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.

Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
1188 reports · fails ~99,524 mi · avg $2,500
critical
brakes
310 reports · fails ~67,930 mi · avg $450
severe
engine
254 reports · fails ~61,048 mi · avg $3,100
moderate
electrical
229 reports · fails ~68,377 mi · avg $850
severe
steering
211 reports · fails ~84,947 mi · avg $700
severe
visibility
149 reports · fails ~60,499 mi · avg $350
moderate
cruise control
116 reports · fails ~61,574 mi · avg $600
moderate
body
33 reports · fails ~67,261 mi · avg $1,500
severe

Your road ahead on this 2013 Ford F-150

When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you, what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.

  1. ~29,700 mifuel system~$1,200
  2. ~32,000 misuspension~$900
  3. ~50,600 miairbags~$1,100
  4. ~56,000 micruise control~$600
  5. ~59,000 mibrakes~$450
  6. ~59,000 miengine~$3,100
  7. ~59,000 mivisibility~$350
  8. ~60,000 mibody~$1,500
  9. ~65,000 mielectrical~$850
  10. ~76,000 misteering~$700

"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.

Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2013 F-150's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2013 F-150?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2013 F-150 · powertrain
Engine stops with wrench code. Sometimes will restart and run ok. Broke down 500 miles from home and took to mechanic, problem was not found, however continued to run. Stopped again 3 times at highway speeds in dangerous situations a few months later. The second time to a…
12/31/2020 · at 62,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11385961.0 · see powertrain pattern →
2013 F-150 · visibility
The rear window shattered and no idea how that happened. It happened when it was parked in my driveway. *dt*jb
12/31/2018 · at 66,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11164293.0 · see visibility pattern →
2013 F-150 · powertrain
Traveling at 70 MPH on the highway the transmission shifted into 1st gear causing the rear tires to skid and the rear of the vehicle to loose traction. This lasted a few seconds before it shifted back into 6th gear and I was able to maintain control. Slowed to stop at a red…
12/31/2018 · at 50,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11164173.0 · see powertrain pattern →
2013 F-150 · powertrain
Sudden downshift of automatic transmission to first gear at 55 MPH *tt consumer stated molded lead frame was replaced and repaired. *jb
12/31/2018 · at 56,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11164239.0 · see powertrain pattern →
View all 2,796 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2013 Ford F-150? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 19V075000 February 11, 2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission

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.
severe NHTSA 19V433000 June 10, 2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with 5

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.

Common questions

Is the 2013 Ford F-150 reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.8 out of 10 based on 2,796 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Ford F-150 has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

Should you avoid the 2013 Ford F-150?

On the NHTSA data, the 2013 Ford F-150 is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 1 fatality report and 3 fire-related complaints on the powertrain; Brakes: 310 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 36,443–94,000 mi; Reliability score 5.8/10 — around the segment average; 2 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What should I check before buying a used 2013 Ford F-150?

Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 1,188 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 99,524 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.

Is the 2013 Ford F-150 a good used car to buy?

It scores 5.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 2,796 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 99,524 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.

What's the most common problem on the 2013 Ford F-150?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 1,188 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 99,524 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 99,524 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Ford F-150 has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 Ford F-150?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 2,796 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 5 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Ford/F-150. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Ford. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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