2013 Ford F-150 Problems

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled in the middle of an intersection and was nearly involved in a crash. The vehicle restarted after approximately three minutes. The contact stated that the failure recurred on a second occasion. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train); however, the dealer informed the contact that a liability waiver needed to be signed prior to servicing the vehicle. The contact declined to sign the waiver, stating that the requirement violated federal law regarding recall repairs. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 195,000.

My teenage son bought a used 2013 Ford F-150 with 111,000 miles on it about a year and a half ago. It had been running fine up until about 3 months ago when he started having issues with the transmission intermittently jumping gears while he is driving. The vehicle jumps to 3rd and 5th gear out of nowhere and then doesn't come out of that gear. Even when you turn it off and back on, the vehicle will stay in 3rd or 5th gear and then randomly fix itself. There are other times where the vehicle will not come out of first gear. We brought the truck into a local repair shop and and the mechanic informed us that Ford had an Extended Warranty Program, campaign 19N01, that should cover this known safety issue. When we brought it into Ford they confirmed the issue qualified for the campaign but the truck was out of time so they would not cover the repair. This is tough to understand since the vehicle didn't show any issues related to the problem until after the time ran out. Also, when buying the vehicle, we ran the VIN to check for recalls and this issue did not show up. I find it interesting that they categorized it in a way that it would not show up on a recall list and someone buying a used truck would not be aware of this problem. This is a huge safety concern since he could be driving down the road, or even on the highway, and the truck could jump to 5th gear and then downshift to 3rd gear or even worse all the way down to 1st gear. Why isn't Ford being held accountable to fix these issues even if they show up 10 years after the manufacture date?

Subject: Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2013 Ford F-150 Flex Fuel Transmission Failure I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2013 Ford F-150 Flex Fuel due to a serious and costly transmission failure that I believe warrants investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). I purchased this vehicle in 2020, and since that time it has experienced ongoing transmission problems. The transmission has progressively worsened and now slips during operation, creating a safety concern when accelerating, merging into traffic, or crossing intersections. The vehicle does not consistently respond as expected, increasing the risk of a crash. After having the vehicle inspected, I was informed that the transmission requires complete replacement at a cost of more than $7,000. This is an excessive repair expense for what appears to be a known issue affecting Ford F-150 trucks. I am aware that Ford has issued recalls and service actions involving transmission problems on other model-year Ford F-150s. Given the nature of the transmission failure in my 2013 F-150 and the widespread complaints from other owners, I believe the 2013 Ford F-150 should also be investigated for similar transmission defects. This failure is more than an inconvenience—it is a safety issue. A slipping transmission can result in unexpected loss of power, delayed acceleration, or failure to properly engage gears, placing drivers, passengers, and others on the roadway at risk. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate transmission failures in the 2013 Ford F-150 Flex Fuel and determine whether this model should be included in any existing or future safety recalls or other corrective actions. Owners should not be responsible for thousands of dollars in repairs when the failure may be the result of a widespread defect. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and the vehicle unintendedly decelerated. The orange wrench symbol was displayed. The contact pulled over for five minutes, and the computer was reset. After the vehicle was restarted, the vehicle operated normally. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was not under recall or warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired; however, the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the failure was associated with the wheel speed sensor. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.

Brake master cylinder failed at only 98000 miles

Right front brake continuously freezes up making impossible to drive safely. ABS does not show any default or warnings. Truck shakes all over. Had rotors, calibers, and brake pads replied, but right side brake continues to freeze up. Brake lines checked and show no signs of collapse.

When backing up in reverse the parking camera goes black and this is a safety issue. It happens multiple times.

While driving at 40-45mph, the vehicle abruptly slowed to 15-20 mph, with no warning whatsoever. I narrowly avoided being rear ended by a box truck by moving into the turning lane. Had I been on the highway, this would have led to a catastrophic accident. I am concerned for the safety of my family, myself, and other drivers. Please reinstate/ extend the statute of limitations, or make exception for recall campaign 19N01, for this safety issue, as the Ford dealership I contacted about this issue declined to correct this safety issue under recall terms. Thank you for keeping roads in this United States as safe as possible!

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.

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)

While driving the steering wheel will jerk and pull the wheel to the right then have no power steering at all. This has happened three times now with one time I ran off the road while going around a corner , luckily on a fm road with no traffic. I have to stop turn the vehicle off wait a few minutes then restart and it is fine again for awhile. I used a code reader to find a torque shaft sensor code where it loses communication with itself intermittently which is inside the electric power steering rack and unserviceable outside a 2k whole steering assembly. This is a dangerous fault , I used my truck at work until this happened and lost my job due to not being able to perform my duties as a maintenance tech. I see the recalls online about this issue I’ve tried to schedule a service to have it reprogrammed but everytime I try the ford site just spins and never loads for this service yet will work just fine for any other aspect .. please help I shouldn’t have to lose everything because of fords known issue with the power steering .. I’m the second owner of this vehicle and have no other problems ever with the truck outside of normal maintenance. I can’t afford the rack due to losing my job and can’t get to a job due to the issue it’s a catch 22 .. please help…

I was driving down the road when my power steering went out in the middle of a sharp turn. As the power steering was going out the screen on the dash showed “Service power steering now” and beeped three times, giving me only about a second to read the message and react to losing power steering. The steering wheel jerked right and I almost drove off the road. I have since taken it to a ford dealership where they informed me that the entire rack and pinion needs to be replaced.

Was running the rear defrost and the passenger side of the rear window made a loud popping noise and shattered on the inside. Window stayed in one piece but cracked everywhere.

Turned on my rear defroster to melt ice and snow. As I was sitting in a drive-thru, just 15 minutes later, I saw smoke coming from the bottom edge of the rear window. At first I thought it was the exhaust but then realized that it was too thick. Within 30 seconds there was a pop, like a gunshot. The rear glass had shattered both inside and out. I pulled the truck over to the side and I could see smoke residue on the glass that was still being held in by the moulding. Then I noticed part of the moulding had actually melted. I went online to research and saw this was a problem with this model. Some people have actually lost their trucks to fire when using remote start. Ford should be held responsible to pay for this issue as this is a SAFETY HAZARD both due to fire risk and secondly due to the hazard of shattering glass in the back seat. How many children in the back seat need to be killed or maimed in order for a recall? How many fires must occur before FORD takes responsibility for this design flaw? And, it is a design flaw, as many have had the glass replaced only for it to happen again. The solution of having the back window replaced and unplugging the defroster should not be the burden of the consumer; the onus should be on Ford.

bought that as used at low milage with good service history indicated with pcm twice made me believe to trust as reliability and regular check ups. carfax is not really honest, as well as I learned that powertrain itself has nothing to mechanism but actually programing meaning actual PCM itself has troubleshoots and not at its stability. It caused no speed on dash board sometimes even though got served but aftermath it gets more worse. I experienced collapsed in middle of high speed traffic to full stop. But The odd that MPG got great better than only during trouble times like first time ever seen over 15 MPG that reached between 16.4 to 18.7 for over a week. Now backward to 14 MPG. On the trouble occurances were R080 downshift to first gear notch caused by faulty outpost shift speed loss sensor. Also code of 19s 07 needs reprogram the powertrain control module has been common and I don't believe wiring is the issue thus the sensor is but reprogram itself is factor although it caused various issue like noise installing from park notch to drive notch, cannot increase or stay constant stead on speed, sometimes caused vibration that had no equality the pcm does not make correct specific of the fault. I checked with auto zone to do diagnosis code on mine was much unspecfic and inaccurate fact in which was not fact thus the manufacturer fails to program the correct troubleshoots. Pcm is very bad. I had to stay under 65 mph either stay at 60 mph sometimes and if i increase the truck has been feeling alike unstead and maybe could get collapsed for a weeks far

The feul pump fuse holder melts and the car dies instantly.This is very dangerous if you where merging into traffic or on a major interstate traveling at speed.Also leaving you stranded in the middle of nowhere at freezing temps or scorching temps and you have no cell service.This should be a immediate recall before people are injured or killed.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer for unrelated repairs, the contact was informed that the throttle body housing was failing. The contact was informed that the throttle body housing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V659000 (Structure); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 201,987.

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.

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.

ATTEMPTED TO MOUNT MY SPARE TIRE AND THE METAL COVERING ON MY LUGNUTS HAD EXPANDED CAUSING ME TO BE UNABLE TO REMOVE THE FLAT TIRE. DONE SOME RESEARCH AND DISCOVERED THIS TO BE A COMMON OCCURANCE ON MY 2013 F150. THI ISSUE W/FORD NEEDS TO BE RESOVELD TO PREVENT ANY FURTHURE DIFFILCULTIES. NEEDS TO BE A SOLID LUGNUT TO REPLACE THOSE THAT HAVE THE METAL SKIN COVERING THE LUGNUT. THANKS

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.

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.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission independently downshifted. The power train warning light illuminated. The contact stated that when the power train warning light illuminated, the fuel gauge, the odometer and the speed limit indicators were disabled. In addition, the contact stated that when the transmission shifted to fifth gear, it did not downshift. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed OSS sensor and a failing lead frame. The contact was informed that the OSS sensor and the lead frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the transmission had erroneously downshifted causing the vehicle to abruptly stop in the middle of the road. During the failure the wrench icon had displayed. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 120,000.

2013 Ford F‑150 Limited – VIN [XXX] On [XXX], my 2013 Ford F‑150 Limited experienced a sudden and dangerous transmission failure involving the transmission conductor plate (lead frame). My son was driving the vehicle when the dashboard abruptly shut off, multiple warning lights illuminated, and the truck lost engine power. Shortly afterward, while braking, the engine attempted to accelerate on its own, and the vehicle resisted slowing down. This created an immediate and life‑threatening situation. These symptoms match the known failure mode of defective 6R80 transmission lead frames, which NHTSA has previously identified as a serious safety hazard due to sudden loss of power, erratic shifting, unintended acceleration, and dashboard failure. The vehicle became undriveable and could not be safely transported to a Ford dealership. It had to be repaired at a nearby independent shop (Auto Stop Elite of Purcellville, VA). The conductor plate was replaced on February 12, 2026, at a total cost of $1,689.59. Despite this being a well‑documented safety defect affecting many Ford F‑150 owners, no recall or service campaign was ever issued for my VIN. No warnings appeared on Ford’s website, Carfax, or through any Ford communication. Other owners have received reimbursement from Ford for the same failure, yet Ford provided no notice or remedy in my case. This defect placed my son’s life in danger and represents a clear safety issue that should be addressed. I am requesting that NHTSA review this incident as part of the ongoing pattern of conductor plate/lead frame failures in Ford’s 6R80 transmissions. We are informing you because we have contacted Ford and they have done NOTHING to resolve this. We had to have it repaired and were never aware that there was a safety recall. We expect to be reimbursed in full for this repair by Ford. To date - we are being ignored and will now pursue with the Virginia Attorney General's office as well. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 55

I had recall 19N01 and had a local repair shop complete the repair JR's Transmission in Catskill, NY. My local dealer RC Lacy would not cover the recall. I had the repair completed on 11/2024. I would like to be reimbursed for the repair. I was going in for surgery for throat cancer at the time of the warranty.

Vehicle have been parked for 5days and no power when returned to open door or start vehicle.No power on dash.Installed new battery,had it programmed to vehicle and started.1 month later and same issue again.No power,remote won't work either.

Felt the truck lurch, then airbag dash light came on, as well as the orange wrench light. Then, odometer and instant mpg read both read as zero even though I had a full tank and was going 55 mph. I couldn’t tell how fast I was going on the highway. Have not been to dealer yet, but found a recall online for the exact same problem to do with a 2013 recall on F150 for molded lead frame.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the front driver's side door failed to open from the inside. The contact's brother replaced the driver’s side door handle with the rear driver's side door handle. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where the vehicle was inspected, and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 181,934.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side rear door unexpectedly opened. The contact stopped the vehicle and attempted to close the door; however, the door failed to close and became inoperable. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 258,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound and became aware that the spare tire had almost struck another vehicle that was following behind. The vehicle was steered over to the side of the road and inspected. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle he observed that an unknown steel cable underneath the vehicle holding up the spare tire was corroded and had snapped. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Goodyear tires 275/65R18 used on an F150 are experiencing near tread separation on the passenger rear side and the beginning of tread rips/tears on drivers rear side in similar locations. Manufacture week and year 1819. These tires have gone through periodic rotation as well. Noticed a shimmy while driving and upon inspection saw the tear/ripe at the tread interface with the sidewall. Tires are nearing the end of life and close to being replaced anyway however given the potential defect potential and safety hazard I am reporting. I personally don’t feel this should be occurring even given the near end of life condition and what appears to be the start of dry rot. Pictures provide 3 photos of the torn passenger side and 3 photos of the rear drivers side showing the beginnings of rips on multiple locations.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the speedometer dropped to zero and the instrument cluster became inoperable. The power train warning light and the seat belt warning light were illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle, and opened and closed the driver's side door. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the instrument cluster became operable. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle jerked, and the transmission downshifted from 6th to 2nd gear unexpectedly. The contact stated while coasting to the side of the road, the transmission shifted to the proper gear and the contact was able to continue driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under Ford Campaign Number: 16S19; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V433000 (Power Train) and 19V075000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,290.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while unfastening the seat belt, the locking mechanism detached from the seat. The nut and wires had detached. The seat belt warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact that there were no open recalls on the VIN. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the latch and wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 103,991.

2013 FORD F-150. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE WATER PUMP. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE WATER PUMP FAILED AT 60,000 MILES. THE BATTERY BECAME LOW AT 65,000. THE GUAGES WERE ILLUMINATED EVEN THE VEHICLE WAS OFF. AFTER SOME RESEARCH, THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE FAILURE WAS WITH THE SWITCH IN THE SHIFTER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 11/15/2017*JS