FORD: 2011-2014 F-SUPER DUTY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6.7L DIESEL ENGINE MAY EXPERIENCE A RUNNING ROUGH OR MISFIRE DURING EXHAUST REGENERATION PROCESS
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Ford F-350 engine problems
severe 15 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
15
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
3fires
When does it fail?
Of the 15 engine complaints filed for the 2013 Ford F-350, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
FORD: CERTAIN 2011-2015 FORD F-SUPER DUTY WITH 6.7 DIESEL ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE A VIBRATION BUZZ NOISE FROM THE DIESEL FUEL CONDITIONING MODULE (DFCM) AND/OR MAY 10/1/1 PRESSURE FUEL LINES W/O DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE POOSA.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗FORD: SOME MODEL VEHICLES MANUAL FOR POWERTRAIN CONTROL/EMISSION DIAGNOSTIC (PC/ED) HAS BEEN UPDATED REGARDING IMPROVED COOLING FAN CIRCUIT DUE TO A LACK OF AIR CONDITIONING, A MALFUNCTIONING INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) AND OVERHEATING.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗FORD: ON SOME TRUCKS, THE EXHAUST REDUCTANT SYSTEM OR THE NOX CONTROL MODULE WOULD EXPERIENCE VARIOUS MIL DTC'S RELATED TO GLOW PLUG CONTROL MODULE (GPCM), DUE TO LOOSE, MISSING, MODIFIED OR DAMAGED GROUND G400. NO MODELS LISTED. MODEL YEARS 2011-2013.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗FORD: DUE TO LOOSE, MISSING, MODIFIED OR DAMAGED GROUND G400, VARIOUS MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT (MIL) DTC'S, RELATED TO GLOW PLUG CONTROL MODULE (GPCM), MAY BE EXHIBIT ON SOME DIESEL EQUIPPED TRUCKS. MODEL YEARS 2011-2013. NO MODELS LISTED.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 F-350 diesel engine shows a cluster of failures spanning exhaust systems, fuel delivery, and emissions controls. Most alarming are two documented DPF fires during normal towing—one at 42,000 miles—where the diesel particulate filter overheated to the point of shooting flames from the tailpipe without triggering any engine warning codes. Owners note the exhaust temperature sensors are not visible on the dashboard, leaving no way to monitor danger.
EGR cooler failures appear repeatedly around 78,000–96,000 miles, lighting up the check engine and forcing limp mode; one owner had the DEF system replaced twice (first at a dealer, then again at an independent shop) and it failed again 18 months later. Fuel pump failures occur at 65,000 miles despite regular maintenance and no warning lights. The regeneration cycles for the DPF cause violent shaking and engine rattle—so severe some owners cannot maintain highway speed—and happen every 200 miles for one owner.
Fuel delivery cuts out during acceleration and highway driving in multiple reports, with bucking on deceleration. One owner experienced an engine shutdown at 75 mph that three dealers could not diagnose. Exhaust manifold studs leak raw emissions (Ford issued service bulletin SSM50330 but charges owners for repair). One owner reported a lifter failure. Dealers have been unable or unwilling to resolve some issues even after nine visits.
Same Ford F-350 engine reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Thermal Runaway / Fire
DPF overheating and igniting during normal towing operation, causing flames to exit the tailpipe and exhaust manifold to glow red-hot. Owners report the exhaust system reaching dangerous temperatures with no warning lights or temperature gauge visibility to the driver.
When: While towing; reported at various mileages including 42,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud 'pop' sound during operation; Reduced engine power; Zero turbo boost; Flames shooting from tailpipe; Red-hot glowing exhaust system; Smoke from engine compartment; 'Reduced Engine Power' warning light
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported $10,000 in repairs; another vehicle was totaled by insurance
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response from Ford despite owner contact; owner alleges Ford knows of DEF/DPF system problems
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System Failure
EGR cooler malfunction triggering check engine light and limp mode. Requires replacement at dealer cost; recurs in some cases.
When: Around 78,500 miles; one case at 93,000 miles with recurrence
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning light illuminated; Vehicle enters limp mode
Repairs/costs cited: EGR cooler replacement at dealer; one owner had DEF system replaced twice due to recurring failure at independent shop
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Customer Satisfaction Program 21M04 mentioned for one case; no warranty coverage mentioned in another
Exhaust Regeneration System Malfunction with Severe Vibration
Regeneration cycles cause extreme engine rattle and whole-truck shaking, making the vehicle difficult to control on highways. System requires driver to watch a 5-second message and maintain 50+ mph for 20 miles to complete cycle, creating unsafe driving conditions in low-speed areas.
When: Recurring issue; second incident seven months after first repair
Symptoms owners cite: Severe engine rattle; Violent shaking of entire truck; Hard 'washboard' bouncing at 45 mph; 'Cleaning Exhaust System' message appears briefly; Reduced control on highway
Repairs/costs cited: First incident repaired by dealer; owner reports tire issue ruled out at personal expense; owner states vehicle cannot maintain 45 mph during regeneration
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer service rep explained regeneration process but offered no redesign or fix
Exhaust Manifold Stud Failure / Raw Emissions Leak
Defective design of exhaust manifold studs causing raw emissions to leak from the exhaust manifold into the engine bay. Owner reports Ford issued service bulletin SSM50330 acknowledging the problem but charges owners full repair cost.
When: Several months into ownership reported; common in 2011-2014 6.7 diesel models
Symptoms owners cite: Shrill whining noise from engine compartment; Raw emissions visible from exhaust manifold; Exhaust gases entering cab (safety/health hazard)
Repairs/costs cited: Repair described as very costly; involves replacement of defective exhaust studs and possibly cylinder heads
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin SSM50330 issued; Ford designed repair parts and new heads but does not cover cost under warranty
Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) Sensor Failure
EGT sensor failure causes engine computer to shut down the motor without driver control, forcing rapid deceleration and loss of acceleration on highway at speed. Creates serious safety hazard in traffic.
When: Not specified; owner notes ambulance-equipped Ford diesel vehicles have been recalled but not others
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of acceleration; Forced deceleration at highway speed; Complete engine shutdown without driver control; Loss of engine control to driver
Repairs/costs cited: Owner indicates repair exists but was not performed in their case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Selective recall applied to ambulance-equipped vehicles; no recall for general fleet
Fuel System Fire / Fuel Line Disconnection
Fuel line separation following fuel filter service, causing fuel spray and engine compartment fire while driving. Owner suspects improper reattachment of fuel lines during routine filter change. Vehicle and towed trailer both totaled.
When: Two weeks after fuel filter service; at 55 mph
Symptoms owners cite: 'Low Fuel Pressure' warning light; Fire in engine compartment; Uncontrollable fire
Repairs/costs cited: Total loss of truck and fifth-wheel trailer
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) System Failure
DEF system malfunction requiring replacement to prevent vehicle from entering limp mode. Failure recurs after replacement, with both dealer and independent repair shops unable to provide permanent fix.
When: First failure around 93,000 miles; recurrence 18 months later
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine indicator illuminated; Vehicle enters limp mode
Repairs/costs cited: DEF system replaced twice—once by dealer, recurred, then replaced again by independent mechanic
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated vehicle not included in any recalls
Engine Stall / Loss of Power at Highway Speed
Vehicle loses power and stalls without warning while driving 75-80 mph. Engine is able to restart but condition recurs unpredictably. Multiple dealers unable to diagnose or reproduce failure.
When: 96,000 miles; condition intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power at highway speed; Engine stall without warning; Vehicle able to restart
Repairs/costs cited: Three dealers unable to diagnose; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer provided case number 24710433W3G5B1 and referred owner to local dealer
Catalytic Converter Failure / Limp Mode
Service warning light triggers limp mode while driving at low speed due to catalytic converter malfunction. Vehicle requires replacement but was not repaired in this case.
When: 96,904 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Service warning light illuminated at 30 mph; Vehicle enters limp mode
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter replacement recommended but not performed by owner
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but offered no assistance
High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
Fuel pump failure due to metal contamination/shavings in the fuel system while idling. Occurs at relatively low mileage with no warning indicators despite regular fuel filter changes and recent vehicle health check.
When: 65,000 miles; one case of CP4 pump failure at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stops while idling; No warning lights before failure; Engine shutdown
Repairs/costs cited: Repair denied warranty coverage; Ford claimed contaminated fuel despite owner evidence of clean components
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford refused warranty repair citing alleged contaminated fuel with no evidence of rust or contamination
Rough Running / Excessive Shaking During DPF Regeneration Cycles
Engine runs extremely rough during DPF cleaning cycles, with loud knocking noises and violent shaking. Cycles occur frequently (approximately every 200 miles), making the vehicle unsafe to operate.
When: Recurring every 200 miles during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Engine runs extremely rough; Loud knocking noise; Violent shaking while driving; Excessive DPF regeneration frequency
Fuel Delivery Intermittency / Bucking and Stalling
Engine cuts out or dies when accelerating or at highway speed, then recovers when pedal is pressed. Vehicle bucks during deceleration for traffic lights. Symptoms suggest fuel delivery interruption.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies on acceleration; Engine cuts out at highway speed; Loss of throttle response; Bucking during deceleration; Intermittent fuel delivery
Engine Lifter Failure
Lifter failure resulting in loss of power and illumination of check engine light. May occur in conjunction with CP4 pump failure.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power; Check engine light illuminated
Repeated Diagnostic Failures / Unresolvable EGR and Fuel Pump Issues
Vehicle taken to dealer nine times for check engine light and unresolved EGR cooler and fuel pump assembly issues, with no successful diagnosis or repair achieved.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning light illuminated continuously; Unresolved condition after multiple dealer visits
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired despite nine dealer visits
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Several months ago I noticed a shrill whining noise coming from the engine compartment. Upon closer inspection, I observed raw emissions coming from the exhaust manifold. Upon research I noticed that this was a very common problem with the 6.7 diesel between 2011 and 2014 with Ford even putting out a service bulletin (SSM50330) and designing repair parts and new heads for their defective design…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Ford f-350. The contact stated that the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to cornerstone Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (17219 us-10, elk, mn 55330) where it was diagnosed that the DEF system needed to be replaced or the vehicle would eventually go into limp mode. The dealer replaced the DEF system, but the failure recurred eighteen months later.…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Ford f-350. While driving 75-80 MPH, the vehicle lost power and stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to autonation Ford brooksville (7200 south broad street, brooksville, fl 34601, (866) 483-4606), nick nicholas Ford inc (2901 fl-44, inverness, fl 34453,(352) 726-1231), and crystal Ford (2440 nw, us-19, crystal river, fl…
The egt sensor failed, therefore the engine's computer shut down the motor while I was driving 70 MPH on the interstate. The shut down starts by no longer allowing acceleration or to remain at a constant speed, but rather forcing the vehicle to slow down and not allowing the driver to keep engine control. I was in a rural stretch of highway and was able to get to the shoulder of the road…
Had engine trouble with your 2013 Ford F-350?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2013 Ford F-350?
It's a meaningful issue. 15 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 42,000 and 93,000 miles, with the median around 78,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 42,000; a quarter make it past 93,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Ford/F-350.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.