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2013 Ford F-150 Electrical Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the electrical system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Electrical reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
319
Latest Jul 2, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
11%
of 2,970 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
18
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
6

What this page shows

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2013 Ford F-150 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 319 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming electrical

The 25 most recent of 319, in the owner's own words

AirbagsElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 2, 2026
Fire reported

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
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 22, 2026

My 2013 Ford F-150 (VIN: [XXX]) suffered a catastrophic rear-wheel lockup while traveling at highway speeds, mimicking a sudden, unprompted hard braking event. The vehicle's speedometer dropped to zero and the dashboard went blank. A certified Ford dealership has just scanned the vehicle and pulled Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0722, confirming an Output Shaft Speed sensor/molded leadframe failure under Ford TSB 16-0008. Federal records confirm there are 0 unrepaired recalls on this VIN because Safety Recall 19S07 (NHTSA Campaign 19V-075) was completed two months ago. The software-only recall remedy completely failed to prevent this life-threatening transmission lockup. Ford Corporate (Case #[XXX]) and the dealership are refusing to replace the defective hardware due to mileage, despite the fact that a federally mandated safety recall remedy failed to secure the vehicle. "Safety Recall 19S07 was completed by an authorized Ford dealer two months ago, but following today's highway lockup incident, a different, separate Ford dealership officially scanned the vehicle and retrieved Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0722, confirming a complete recall remedy failure." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11745728
Incident
Jun 17, 2026
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 28, 2026

My 2013 Ford F-150 5.0 pulled any evil on me. On 4-23-2026 driving home from work at approximately 3:55 pm with speed of approximately 40 to 45 mph a very hard hit of something as if I had been struck from the rear and immediately at the same time both of the rear wheels locked up and where skidding on the roadway. This lasted for maybe just under 30 seconds. Fortunately, no one was behind me. The truck did make that hard bump sound again but nothing else occurred. With less than 3 miles from home I was able to drive slowly and get home. I am afraid to drive it anywhere now!

NHTSA ID
11734429
Incident
Apr 23, 2026
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle automatically downshifted to first gear and remained stuck in first gear. The vehicle was pulled over on a side street and waited for 30 minutes before the transmission returned to normal operation. The failure reoccurred and became progressively worse. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the speedometer indicated 0 MPH, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was turned off, restarted, and returned to normal functionality. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ID
11733126
Incident
Dec 1, 2025
Mileage
80,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 22, 2026

Truck downshifted to first gear from about 35 mph with no warning, and would not shift back, until it was shut off. I was in middle of road. No warning lights came on prior to this happening. The dealer confirmed a recall for this problem but my truck is a 2013 and recall currently is for 2014 forward. I never received a recall notice on my truck and the estimate to have it fixed is about $1700. Dealer said recall on my truck expired, in 2023. I am not safe driving this vehicle. I have had this truck since October of 2018, and bought it at Toothman Ford Grafton, WV. I never received a recall.

NHTSA ID
11732939
Incident
Apr 8, 2026
BrakesElectricalEngine
Filed Feb 5, 2026

Vacuumed pump replacement oil leakVacume Brake fluid leaked into power booster Complete brake failure . Complete Brake failure while pulling 6000 lb trailer Family in vehicle . Coolant leaks, water pump,heater hoses, exaust turbos ,and blow off valve.

NHTSA ID
11715825
Incident
Jul 9, 2025
Electrical
Filed Jan 5, 2026

Fuse number 75 in power distribution box in engine compartment getting hot and melting not blowing the fuse but swelling and breaking contact therefore cause all lights to flash on the dash or nothing at all. Can be fine when parked but upon the next time you go to start it is when it can happen. No warning. First time happened 8/18/25. Next time was 1/3/26

NHTSA ID
11708740
Incident
Aug 18, 2025
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Dec 30, 2025

Driving along on freeway and vehicle immediately shut down in the middle lane. From my investigation I found out Ford issued a TSB (15-0137) indicating crank no start, loss of RPM. This vehicle shut down and failure had put me at risk on a freeway where everyone is doing 65 miles an hour at night. My findings after pulling the melted fuse out and putting it back in the vehicle started up. My concern is that Fort has a TSB on this however vehicle shutting down on the freeway is a definite safety concern. Dealer wants $300 For this repair because it is not a recall. It is just a TSB. However, the other sad factor is the TSB kit to do the repair is $45 plus $280 for the repair.

NHTSA ID
11707806
Incident
Dec 19, 2025
Electrical
Filed Dec 15, 2025
Fire reported

I left my house going to the store about a mile and never made it my 2013F150 5.0 engine caught on fire about a block behind the Saratoga txfire department before they could make it the truck front end burnt to the ground and melted hood plum off of it for no reason at all total loss

NHTSA ID
11704998
Incident
Dec 11, 2025
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Oct 16, 2025

There have been multiple problems with the leadframe in the 6r80 model of transmission. I have had my speedometer go out and cause the truck to shift into 1st gear causing my wheels to lock up while im driving 60mph down the highway. Ford states on the campaign to be eligible it must be under 10 years or 150000 miles whichever comes first of the customer satisfaction program but i believe it should be considered a saftey recall. The vehicles should be eligible for this program well beyond 10 years for safety reasons. In the winter it will be even more hazardous. Myself or someone else could die due to the wheels locking up. I have researched and found many others with the same issue and this should be escalated to a proper safety recall rather than a csp.

NHTSA ID
11693974
Incident
Oct 16, 2025
Electrical
Filed Sep 30, 2025

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 96,000. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 189,556.

NHTSA ID
11690507
Incident
Sep 30, 2025
Mileage
189,556 mi
Electrical
Filed Sep 10, 2025

The incident occurred while entering a limited access roadway. I was accelerating and merging into the main lane of travel. As I was accelerating, the engine cut off and several warning lights appeared. The Check Engine light came on first, followed by the Check Battery light. As a result of the loss of power, the vehicle behind me almost rear-ended my vehicle. I was able to roll to the side of the highway to the emergency breakdown lane without engine power. I have subsequently had the car inspected by a mechanic. The root cause of the loss of power was related to a cracked fuseblock mounted above the radiator in the middle of the truck. The mechanic indicated that he has seen several of these fuseblocks failing due to cracks. Leading up to the incident, the truck has experienced intermittent issues starting. The engine will crank, but it does not run. After tapping the fuseblock mounted above the radiator, the engine would run.

NHTSA ID
11686274
Incident
Aug 29, 2025
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 8, 2025

You will be driving down the road and it would downshift gears you guys have a recall on this already but my truck doesn't qualify for it apparently the downshifting is periodically it's not consistent

NHTSA ID
11679258
Incident
Jul 1, 2025
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 19, 2025

Ford dealership Jack Kissee in Claremore, OK is telling me my truck is 6k miles out of warranty for Recall 19N01. I have owned my 2013 F150 for less than 2 years with no knowledge of any previous recalls or repairs needed by Ford. This has not been an ongoing issue and has only happened within the last 1,000 miles I have put on my truck. Wrench light and icon pop up on the dash and puts the truck into limp mode until I can get pulled over and get the truck shut off. Safety risk to everyone on the rode. Please let me know if there is a way this Recall 19N01 can be covered. Thank you.

NHTSA ID
11674700
Incident
Jun 5, 2025
Electrical
Filed Jul 15, 2025

Odometer Fraud. The contact's client purchased a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 58,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 163,000.

NHTSA ID
11673695
Incident
Jul 15, 2025
Mileage
163,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jul 3, 2025

When putting truck in Reverse... Back-Up Camera goes Blank(Black-Out)

NHTSA ID
11671173
Incident
May 18, 2025
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 8, 2025

I keep seeing about the f-150/s being recalled for the rear view cameras not working but mine works and doesn’t works sometimes but keep being told that there is no recall but if you google any of the problems i have it is a reoccurring problem in other 2013 f-150s. Also problems with rear sliding heated back window the driverside shatters. The molded frame transmission needed repaired or replaced. Ecoboost leaking antifreeze behind passenger side front tire. The timing and phasers needing replaced. All are known common problems but ive been told are not recallable problems.

NHTSA ID
11665626
Incident
Jan 10, 2020
Body & structureElectrical
Filed May 28, 2025

Seems to be a defect with the rear door saying it is ajar on the display screen also it wound lock or u lock with the key fob or PIN code. I have confirmed the door is completely shut. Defective wiring harness or something else may be the issue.

NHTSA ID
11663567
Incident
May 28, 2025
Electrical
Filed May 16, 2025

Radio - Audio - No sound from speakers Cannot receive (hear, listen to) emergency broadcast, traffic notices or weather alerts UNKNOWN UNKNOWN

NHTSA ID
11661406
Incident
May 3, 2017
ElectricalEngine
Filed May 6, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 65 MPH, the message “Service Vehicle Soon” was displayed, and check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle immediately experienced a loss of automotive power, and the speedometer went to zero(0) and remained at zero(0). The contact pulled over onto the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that lead frame connector was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 166,712.

NHTSA ID
11659248
Incident
Apr 30, 2025
Mileage
166,712 mi
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed May 5, 2025

The contact's husband owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at highway speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted and the instrument panel went blank. The contact's husband restarted the vehicle and resumed normal operation; however, the failure returned the next day. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was acknowledged that the vehicle had experienced transmission failure; however, the vehicle was not covered under warranty or recall. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

NHTSA ID
11658884
Incident
May 3, 2025
Mileage
114,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Apr 29, 2025

My vehicle's transmission is suddenly downshifting and should be included in the recall

NHTSA ID
11657514
Incident
Jan 1, 2025
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 28, 2025

2013 F-150 subject to Customer Satisfaction Program 19N01, Transmission Molded Leadframe Extended Coverage. Speedometer went to zero, airbag light illuminated, truck downshifted on its own with a sudden lunging feeling, as if I got rear ended. Wrench icon illuminated. Truck would not shift properly. Mileage indication went blank. I was doing 55 mph on the highway with other vehicles around me. Caused me to have to make an abrupt stop and almost caused an accident. Definitely put my safety and others at risk. Problem happened 3 times during my 1 trip. Was able to correct by turning vehicle off then back on. Can be reproduced easily. Not confirmed by dealer or maintenance tech, or inspected by anyone because I am afraid to drive it. There were no warning signs or symptoms before problem occured.

NHTSA ID
11657338
Incident
Apr 27, 2025
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 12, 2025

I was traveling 55 mph on highway when without any warning or hesitation the truck on its own down shifted to 2nd gear, resulting in the rear end of truck to swing all the way around turning me a whole 45 degrees! I was very lucky to have been able to pull out of the fish tailing act caused by the down shifted at such a high speed. I had to tow it home from there bc the transmission would then be stuck in 5th gear and randomly shift to 2nd with a bad jerking motion. My local ford dealership told me the recall has expired for my truck?!?!?

NHTSA ID
11654235
Incident
Sep 12, 2024
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 28, 2025

Transmision will suddenly down shift from 6th gear to 1st gear while traveling at speed of 50 - 60 miles per hour. Yes vehicle is available for inspection. Vehicles rearend locks up and causes loss of control of vehicle. Has not been inspected by a Ford dealer or independent. Vehicle has not been inspected by Manufacture, Police, insurance representatives or others. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. Problem started mid to late 2024.

NHTSA ID
11651331
Incident
Aug 15, 2023

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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Data sources

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