2013 Ford F-150 Airbags Problems

While towing a 5000lb camper to go camping, the vehicle spontaneously started fire. When I exited the vehicle I noticed smoke and flames coming from underneath the cab. I opened the hood and it appeared that the fire was coming from the transmission area. Attempts we're made to extinguish the fire while awaiting the arrival of the fire dept. Attempts by myself, and others were unsuccessful causing the fire to burn through the firewall and into the cab. I was in a rural area so it took approx. 15-20 minutes for the fire dept to arrive. The fire eventually burned through the dash and the front windshield. Fire dept arrived and were able to put out the fire. Needless to say the vehicle was totalled.

NHTSA ID

11748070

Incident

Mar 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted from 6th gear into a lower gear, and the check engine and transmission warning lights illuminated. As a result of the failure, the vehicle crashed into bushes. The contact also stated that the air bags did not deploy during the incident. The contact sustained a left foot injury; however, no medical attention was sought. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not towed, and the contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact further stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on another occasion, the vehicle unexpectedly entered limp mode and remained in 3rd gear. The contact also reported that the vehicle felt sluggish when attempting to accelerate from a stop, with the check engine and transmission warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission lead frame had failed and required replacement. The vehicle was not repaired, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not eligible for warranty coverage due to exceeding the warranty limits of 10 years or 150,000 miles. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.

NHTSA ID

11708096

Incident

Dec 31, 2025

Mileage

152,000 mi

Driving 70 mph on highway. Transmission suddenly downshifted from 6th to 5th. Cruise control turned off. Speedometer went to 0 mph. Airbag warning light came on. Wrench indicator flashed. From this point on, transmission would only use gears 3,4,5. Speedometer continued to read 0. Cruise control remained inoperative and Airbag warning light remained on. Wrench indicator turned off after a few minutes. Was able to limp home, but truck had difficulty pulling out from stoplights and stop signs due to not being able to shift below 3rd gear. After shutting off ignition and restarting. Operation returned to normal.

NHTSA ID

11701156

Incident

Nov 21, 2025

The passenger air bag light indicates OFF even when I am in the seat. I am a 5’8’’ 125 lb person. This is frequently what happens when I am sitting. I have tried undoing and reattaching the seat belt but often it does nothing or reverts back to off in a short time. The picture below is right now while my husband is driving.

NHTSA ID

11655608

Incident

Apr 19, 2025

Hello, I am writing a request to supplement 19N01 on Ford models as I had a near accident that almost happened. First, as I was driving, my mileage odometer was glitching showing dashes "------", also notice that my check engine light came on and as a result the airbag off warning was showing as well. As a result of all this, seems that the vehicle malfunction as my vehicle was in "limp mode" while all of this was happening and when pressing the gas no acceleration was happening (mind you that was all happening in heavy traffic). After moving steadily and avoiding heavy traffic, I parked my vehicle to the side and turn it on and off. This seems to restart the system however my check engine was still on. After further research on this issue, I see that this is a known issue that happens with the model of my vehicle. After calling the dealership with my issue, they state it is a customer program rather than a recall. I beg NHTSA to please supplement this known issue and instead of 10 years, please use the 150K mileage. I cannot be driving with this unsafe issue as it was a scary issue that happen during traffic.

NHTSA ID

11655022

Incident

Apr 16, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to 1st gear, the vehicle shuddered, skidded, and the rear wheels locked up. The contact was able to coast over to the side of the road. The power train warning light was illuminated with the wrench symbol and the air bag warning light briefly before the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact detached the battery and waited for a while before reattaching the battery, restarting the vehicle, and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure occurred approximately every 5 miles. The dealer was contacted and decided to charge the contact to diagnose the vehicle to determine the cause of failure, instead of completing the recall repair free of charge. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact back to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11648641

Incident

Mar 17, 2023

Mileage

145,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven back to the residence. A dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11621290

Incident

Oct 10, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH or faster, the vehicle would unintendedly decelerate. The contact stated that the speedometer dropped to 0 MPH. The contact stated that the “Wrench” symbol was displayed, indicating a failure with the power train or the electronic throttle control system. The air bag warning light was also illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact was able to continue driving the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously included in a recall regarding the transmission and the vehicle was repaired under the recall. The contact was unable to confirm whether the VIN was included in either NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V433000 (Power Train) or 19V075000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission and ECM had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 121,000.

NHTSA ID

11605708

Incident

May 31, 2024

Mileage

121,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side air bag warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who recalibrated the air bag sensor; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who determined that the front passenger’s seat rail needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 165,549.

NHTSA ID

11569581

Incident

Dec 1, 2023

Mileage

165,549 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The power train and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,000.

NHTSA ID

11545686

Incident

Sep 20, 2023

Mileage

107,000 mi

Air bag warning light is on. I talked to local Ford garage they said 1500 to 2000 to fix . Looking online at f150 forums this seems to be a common problem. This is a government mandated safety device it should be fixed for free. It can't get reset or erased without being fixed

NHTSA ID

11545020

Incident

May 5, 2023

sept 11 I was leaving a parking garage, I backed out of my parking space, drove toward the first turn when the sole came off my shoe blocked the gas pedal wide open sending my truck into a support column on the lower level. The damage was extensive but my airbags did not deploy, the seat belt left bruise and and some soreness but to date no other injuries. My insurance told me today they are gonna 'total' the vehicle. 2013 Ford F150 Supercrew Cab

NHTSA ID

11485858

Incident

Sep 11, 2022

GOING IN MOTION ON THE TURNPIKE AT 70MPH MY TRUCK DOWN SHIFTED TO 2ND GEAR. AFTER THAT THE WRENCH AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON THE DASHBOARD. THE MILEAGE ERASED AND THE SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING. AT A STATIONARY RED LIGHT MY TRUCK WOULD SHOW I WAS ON 3RD GEAR. FORTUNATE FOR ME I WAS BY MYSELF WHEN THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED BUT I COULD'VE BEEN WITH MY FAMILY AND NOW I'M SCARED TO DRIVE MY TRUCK AND EVEN MORE SCARED TO BRING HE FAMILY WITH ME ON MY TRUCK. THAT IS THE NEWEST CAR IN MY HOUSE AND WOULD THINK IT WOULD BE THE MOST DEPENDABLE BUT UNFORTUNATELY IT'S NOT AND I CAN'T EVEN AFFORD TO BUY ANOTHER CAR BECAUSE I WAS AFFECTED BY THIS PANDEMIC. IF I CAN SELL THE CAR BACK TO THE BANK IT WOULD BE GREAT BECAUSE I DON'T EVEN FEELS SAFE BRINGING THIS CAR AS THE FAMILY TRUCK.

NHTSA ID

11383289

Incident

Dec 7, 2020

Mileage

182,000 mi

AIR BAG LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF SINCE I CHANGED THE SEATS OUT ALSO BACK UP CAMERA IS A BLUE SCREEN

NHTSA ID

11373720

Incident

Aug 4, 2020

LESS THAN 24 HOURS AFTER TSB 19S07 WAS PERFORMED ON MY TRUCK, I WAS ENTERING THE FREEWAY WHEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, AIRBAG LIGHT BOTH TURNED ON. SPEEDOMETER SHUT OFF, READ 0, SAME WITH ODOMETER. VEHICLE REFUSED TO SHIFT BELOW 3RD GEAR. I THEN HAD TO DRIVE THROUGH A MERGE LIGHT TO ENTER FREEWAY AND START FROM 3RD GEAR. I HAD TO DRIVE THE 3 MILES OR SO BACK HOME LIKE THIS. TRUCK HAD NO ISSUES PRIOR TO THE RECALL BEING DONE.

NHTSA ID

11366857

Incident

Oct 20, 2020

Mileage

145,000 mi

AIRBAG LIGHT ON HAD TO REPLACE 2 WIRING HARNESSES AND SENSORS.THIS VEHICLE HAS 50600 MILES AND I HAVE OWNED IT SINCE NEW. FORD SAYS FIVE YEARS OR 60000 MILES WARRANTY. I HAD IT REPAIRED BY MY MECHANIC AT COST OVER 500.00 DOLLARS. I BELIEVE SAFETY ISSUES SHOULD BE COVERED BY WARRANTY FOR DEFECTIVE PARTS.THANK YOU!

NHTSA ID

11349368

Incident

Aug 15, 2020

Mileage

50,600 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE GAUGES AND RPMS UNEXPECTEDLY WENT INTO A LOWER GEAR. THE STEERING WHEEL THEN CEASED AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE CONTROLLED, ALONG WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO OPERATE WHILE SHUTTERING AND THE LASTLY THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A WALL. THE SIDE AIRBAGS DID DEPLOY BUT THE FRONTAL AIRBAGS DID NOT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A IMPOUND LOT AFTER BEING TOTALED. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE CONTACTS SPOUSE WAS THE ONLY PERSON INJURED IN THE CRASH. THE HUSBAND SUSTAINED A BACK INJURY, NUMBNESS, TINGLING IN HIS LEGS, AND A CONCUSSION. THE SPOUSE WAS TAKEN TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM FOR HIS INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

NHTSA ID

11306158

Incident

Jan 18, 2020

Mileage

140,000 mi

CONTINUED AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT EVEN AFTER BRIEF REPAIR PERIOD. LIGHT REMAINS ON IMMEDIATELY AFTER START UP.

NHTSA ID

11281022

Incident

May 1, 2019

I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AT 6:10 IN THE MORNING. WE JUST TURNED ON THE HIGHWAY. WE WERE TRAVELLING BETWEEN 40 AND 45 MPH. THERE WAS A HORSE IN MY LANE AND I DID NOT SEE IT. WE HIT THE HORSE IN THE FRONT OF THE TRUCK. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF. WE WERE NOT INJURED BUT THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE GONE OFF.

NHTSA ID

11253100

Incident

Aug 26, 2019

Mileage

150,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-150. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLICKING NOISE EMERGING FROM THE FUSE BOX INSIDE THE CABIN. THE VEHICLE LOST ALL ELECTRICAL CAPABILITY AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWO OTHER TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

NHTSA ID

11202945

Incident

Apr 21, 2019

Mileage

110,000 mi

2013 FORD F-150. CONSUMER PROVIDES ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION FOR CASE REGARD VEHICLE CRASHING INTO A ROCK WALL BARRIER AND THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AS *TR

NHTSA ID

11186453

Incident

Feb 12, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. BAYSTATE FORD, INC (703 WASHINGTON ST, SOUTH EASTON, MA 02375, (888) 433-4496) WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.

NHTSA ID

11186238

Incident

Oct 1, 2018

Mileage

59,000 mi

WHILE IN MOTION, WITH AN ADULT PASSENGER BUCKLED IN, THE INDICATOR LIGHT FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG OFTEN INDICATES THE AIR BAG IS OFF. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE THE TRUCK WAS PURCHASED. WE HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES. DATE INDICATED BELOW DOES NOT AT ALL REFLECT THE NUMBER OF TIMES THIS HAS OCCURRED.

NHTSA ID

11113812

Incident

Dec 5, 2014

Mileage

350 mi

TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION, WILL NOT ENGAGE WHEN VEHICLE IS STOPPED. SEEMS LIKE IT IS STUCK IN 5TH GEAR. ODO READS ------, AIRBAG AND SEAT BELT LIGHT COMES ON. SPEEDOMETER GOES TO ZERO. WHEN I TURN ENGINE OFF AND BACK ON, IT OPERATES NORMAL FOR A FEW MILES. WAS ALMOST T-BONED BY SEMI THIS MORNING BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT ENGAGE WHEN I PULLED INTO INTERSECTION.

NHTSA ID

11084318

Incident

Apr 10, 2018

Mileage

93,000 mi

WITHOUT WARNING MY REAR WHEELS & DRIVETRAIN LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING. MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL AND I HAD TO DRIVE INTO THE GRASSY SHOULDER AT AROUND 35 MPH TO AVOID BEING IN TRAFFIC. AS THE PROBLEM WAS OCCURING, THE SPEEDOMETER WENT TO 0 MPH AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE MILEAGE IN THE CLUSTER SHOWED ALL DASHES. THE TRANSMISSION FELT LIKE IT WAS DISCONNECTED FROM THE ENGINE, AND TRANSMISSION WAS STUCK IN 5TH GEAR AT LOW VEHICLE SPEEDS. I CYCLED THE IGNITION, AND TRUCK DROVE NORMALLY AFTER THAT. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM AND VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE WITH AS VEHICLE WILL LOSE POWER AND TRANSMISSION CAN SHIFT TO 1ST GEAR AT HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS. MY VEHICLE HAS THE 6R80 FAULTY TRANSMISSION WITH THE SAME TYPE OF 6R80 MOLDED LEAD FRAME DEFECT PROBLEM REPORTED IN PREVIOUS F150 MODEL YEARS. UPON CONTACTING DEALERSHIP THEY SEEMED LIKE THEY NEVER HEARD OF THE ISSUE BEFORE. FORD SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL FOR ALL VEHICLES WITH P0722 OUTPUT SHAFT SPEED SENSOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES. A SIMPLE ELECTRICAL ISSUE ON A $100 PART SHOULD NOT CAUSE THIS TYPE OF DANGEROUS REACTION. SEE FORD TSB 13-4-9 AND 13-2-3 AND RECALL #16V248000 THAT SHOULD APPLY TO ALL 2013 F-150'S TOO.

NHTSA ID

11081841

Incident

Mar 27, 2018

Mileage

103,000 mi