2013 Ford F-250 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 Ford F-250, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Suspension4833.6%
- Steering3725.9%
- Engine107.0%
- Fuel system96.3%
- Other / unspecified85.6%
- Driver assistance64.2%
- Body & structure53.5%
- Airbags32.1%
- Brakes32.1%
- Exterior lighting32.1%
- Seat belts32.1%
- Visibility21.4%
- Electrical21.4%
- Interior & seats10.7%
- Tires & wheels10.7%
- Transmission10.7%
- Powertrain (other)10.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
What is the “death wobble” on Ford trucks? It’s as scary as the name sounds. The death wobble is a violent shaking that happens to the front end of many Ford F250 and F350 Super Duty trucks. It typically occurs at speeds over 50 miles per hour. It can also happen after going over bumps or grooves in the road. To stop the shaking, drivers must quickly slow way down or even stop completely.
DRIVING MORE THAN 70 MPH THE TRUCK STARTED TO MOVE SUDDENLY AND I COULD NOT CONTROL IT UNTIL I GOT OFF THE ROAD, UNTIL I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE TRUCK BY REDUCING THE SPEED TO 20 MPH
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
What is the “death wobble” on Ford trucks? It’s as scary as the name sounds. The death wobble is a violent shaking that happens to the front end of many Ford F250 and F350 Super Duty trucks. It typically occurs at speeds over 50 miles per hour. It can also happen after going over bumps or grooves in the road. To stop the shaking, drivers must quickly slow way down or even stop completely.
Truck has uncontrollable death wobble and is totally unsafe to drive, its a danger to be on the highway
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Terrible exhaust fumes in the truck cab when using the heat or ac probably due to the extremely common exhaust manifold issues with these trucks. It could kill me and my child
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle entering LIMP Mode message was displayed. The contact was able to stop on the side of the road and have the vehicle towed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that the EGR cooler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the dealer stated that the code was not a match for Customer Satisfaction Campaign Number: 21M04. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that code did not match the Customer Satisfaction Campaign Number: 21M04. The failure mileage was 99,000.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRUCK HAS JUST TURNED 20,000 MILES. AFTER HAVING THE DEF SYSTEM SERVICED AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP TRUCK HAS TO GO THU THE PARTICULATE FILTER REGEN SOONER AND SOONER. NOW EVERY 75 MILES. WHICH CAUSES TRUCK TOO LOSE POWER AND PRODUCE EXCESIVE EXHAUST TEMPERATURES WHICH CAN POTENTULLY CAUSE A FIRE. FORD IS TELLING ME THE EXHAUST EMISSSION SYSTEM IS OUT OF WARANTY YET TRUCK JUST HAS 20,000 MILES. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND A DANGER TO MYSELF, MY FAMILY, AND ANYONE NEARBY
The contact's son owns a 2013 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked while working and after returning to the vehicle and attempting to restart the vehicle, the message "Reduced Power" was displayed, and the vehicle was not able to be started. The contact's son had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the high-pressure fuel pump had failed, and the fuel system and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 206,181.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
Ford 2013 F250 Death Wobble, it is real! It is scary! It is unpredictable and extremely dangerous. Something in the design of the front end needs to be fixed ASAP. My latest experience with this happened on 7/13/23. The worst death wobble that I have ever experienced happened today on the freeway at full speed (65mph). The first time today, my truck started to violently shake, prompting me to immediately slow down from 65mph to about 30-40mph during my morning commute to work/in traffic. Then, again a minute later, but this time it was seven worst! The death wobble started again at full speed and the front end started shaking uncontrollably and drifted my vehicle from the number 2 lane into the number 1 lane with other cars doing same speed. This violent shaking caught the attention of the other drivers and everyone slowed down, so I could make it into side of the road. 65mph to 30 in just seconds and crossing into another lane.This could have killed someone, including myself and my family. No, not inspected yet. No messages.
My 2013 Ford F250 Superduty has the "DEATH WOBBLE" problems with the front steering/suspension. This problem should be fixed before it gets someone killed. My first occurrence happened while I was on US-64 West bound near Raleigh, NC while traveling at ~70mph (the posted speed limit). Narrowly avoid other vehicles while trying to maintain control and get stopped.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rearview camera displayed a blank, distorted screen, or a triangle with the message "Camera Unavailable - Please Contact Dealer" displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the mechanic attempted to replace the camera with Ford-made parts; however, the repair failed to fix the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact attempted to notify the manufacturer but was unable to reach a live agent. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-250. The contact stated while reversing, the image on the rearview camera were reversed or mirrored. Occasionally, the screen would be blank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was determined to be a defective camera which needed to be replaced. The camera was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no assistance was offered. The contact stated that a Manufacturer’s Customer Service Representative stated that she could use the side mirrors and rearview mirror. The contact stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall for the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Death Wobble, after replacing everything possible including the entire front end it still didn’t solve the issue
VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS VIBRATED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS LAST WEEKEND IT STARTED SHAKING SO VIOLENTLY THAT EVEN THE PHONE MOUNT ON THE WINDSHIELD CAME OFF, FORCING ME TO PULL OVER ON I75. AFTER CHECKING TIRES AND TIRE PRESSURE GOT BACK ON THE ROAD, VIBRATION CAME BACK BUT NOT AS SEVERE. HAVE HAD THE TIRES CHECKED FOR ALIGNMENT AND BALANCE, NO ISSUES THERE. SEEMS TO ONLY BE A PROBLEM AT 60 MPH+
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Component/System: Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) – frontal airbags and crash sensors. Vehicle is in insurance/salvage custody and available for inspection upon request. On or about December 17, 2025, at approximately 0600, the reporting party was operating a 2013 Ford Super Duty F-250 Lariat Crew Cab 4WD (VIN [XXX] ) at an estimated speed of approximately 35 mph. Due to fog and wet roadway conditions, the vehicle left the roadway and struck a fixed object (tree). The collision resulted in severe front-end damage, and the vehicle was declared a total loss. Despite the severity of the impact, no airbags deployed. The vehicle has been inspected by law enforcement and insurance representatives. The condition has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or manufacturer. No SRS or airbag warning lamps or messages were observed prior to the collision. UNKNOWN whether event data recorder or airbag module data has been reviewed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
MY AIR BAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON, IT RESETS WHEN I TURN THE TRUCK OFF. IT THEN TURNS BACK AFTER IT HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR A FEW MINUTES. LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND IT STATES THAT THIS IS F250 PROBLEM.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-250. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ABS, REDUCED POWER MODE, AND CHECK ENGINE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT CALLED THREE DIFFERENT DEALERS, INCLUDING WENDLE FORD AT 509-484-4800 (LOCATED AT 9000 N DIVISION ST, SPOKANE, WA 99218) AND WAS INFORMED TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THEIR FACILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-250. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S FRONT END WOBBLED UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONTACT STATED IT FELT AS IF HE WERE LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEELS AND ROTORS WERE THE CAUSE OF THE WOBBLE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE LOST COMPONENTS THAT NEEDED TO BE TIGHTENED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AGAIN, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. ... UPDATED 08/23/16 *BF
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE DASH LIGHTS ARE AUTO TURN ON/OFF, THERE IS NO MANUAL CONTROL. THIS WORKS GREAT IN TOTAL DARKNESS, SINCE THE LIGHTS ARE ON AND YOU CAN SEE THE NUMBERS. IN THE DAYTIME, WHEN DRIVING THROUGH TREES AND CANYONS THE DASH LIGHTS ARE OFF, YOU CAN NOT TURN THEM ON WITH THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH OR ANY OTHER MANUAL MEANS. THE REASON I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE IS THAT YOU CAN NOT SEE HOW FAST YOU ARE GOING, OR ANY OF YOUR GAUGES. MONITORING YOUR SPEED IS A MAIN FEATURE WHEN YOU DRIVE, AND I DOUBT THAT MY SHERIFF WILL EXCUSE ME FOR SPEEDING BECAUSE I CANNOT SEE HOW FAST I AM DRIVING. FROM A SAFETY STANDPOINT GOING TOO FAST INTO A CURVE CAN CAUSE YOU TO ROLL THE VEHICLE, AND I CANNOT SEE MY DASH PANEL SINCE I DRIVE THROUGH THE FOREST AND CANYONS EVERYDAY WHEN I LEAVE MY HOUSE. THERE IS A LIGHT SENSOR ON THE DASH BOARD, THAT IF YOU PUT A RAG OVER IT, THE DASH PANEL WILL LIGHT UP. IT SEEMS INSANE TO HAVE TO PUT A TOWEL ON THE DASH OF A $45,000 VEHICLE AND OVER RIDE THE COMPUTER. THE FORD DEALERSHIP HAS CHECKED IT OUT 4 TIMES UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY SAY THAT IT IS WORKING AS THE TRUCK WAS BUILT TO BE. THE ENGINEERS THEY HAVE DISCUSSED THIS WITH SAY IT IS THE WAY IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE. FOR THE MONEY AND THE SAFETY, I WANT TO BE ABLE TO TURN ON THESE LIGHTS. NOT ALL TRIM LEVELS OF THIS VEHICLE HAVE THIS ISSUE, BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN THAT I SHOULD BE HELD HOSTAGE BY A COMPUTER. THANKS. 2013 IS NOT THE ONLY AFFECTED YEAR FOR THE F250 XLT TRIM UPDATED 10/21/15*BF
THE FORD F250 HAS NO PROVISION FOR ILLUMINATING THE DASHBOARD INSTRUMENTS IN DAYLIGHT. ALL OF THE CONTROLS FOR HEADLIGHT, PARKING LIGHT, ETC. REQUIRE THE SENSOR ON THE DASHBOARD TO BE REPORTING DARK CONDITIONS SIMILAR TO NIGHT TIME. THIS OBSERVATION WAS CONFIRMED BY FORD SERVICE PERSONNEL WHO ADDED THAT THEY HAVE HAD MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS CONDITION. EVEN ON BRIGHT DAYS, THE SHADOWS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CAN BE DEEP ENOUGH TO PREVENT THEIR BEING READ. THESE INSTRUMENTS INCLUDE THE SPEEDOMETER, TEMPERATURE AND FUEL GAGES, AND ON-BOARD WARNING/DISPLAY. THIS IS A DELIBERATE DESIGN CHANGE FROM EARLIER MODELS. FORD SERVICE PERSONNEL SAID, " I CAN'T IMAGINE WHY THEY WOULD DO THIS". THE INSTRUMENT LIGHTS CAN BE MADE TO LIGHT DURING DAYLIGHT ONLY BY BLOCKING THE DASHBOARD LIGHT SENSOR. A CRUMPLED BLACK PLASTIC BAG IS EFFECTIVE. THERE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE A VALID REASON FOR KEEPING THE INSTRUMENT LIGHTS OFF WHENEVER ANY OF THE HEADLAMPS ARE ON. THE INABILITY TO READ THE INSTRUMENTS IS A CONSTANT DISTRACTION AND REDUCES THE DRIVER'S EFFECTIVE VIEW OF THE ROAD.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT TENSIONER CONSTRICTS AFTER THE SEAT BELT HAS BEEN BUCKLED AND BECOMES UNBEARABLY TIGHT AS WE DRIVE. THIS SITUATION OCCURS ON ALL ROAD SURFACES AND THE FURTHER ONE GOES THE TIGHTER IT RESTRICTS. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING SITUATION. *TR
SEAT BELTS IN REAR SEATS HAVE FAILED (3X). THE SEAT BELT BUCKLES DO NOT LATCH OR THE BUCKLES RELEASE BUTTON FALLS OUT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the front driver's side window was distorted due to the manufacturer's solar-tinted window. The contact was unable to view the driver's side mirror while the window was rolled up. The sticker label on the front driver's side window listed Ford Window Tint Carlite Solar Tint Tempered AS2. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
CHROME AC/HEATING VENT BEZELS REFLECT SUNLIGHT TO DRIVER'S EYES AND IMPAIRS VISION. THIS LOSS OF VISION CAUSES A HAZARDOUS SITUATION ESPECIALLY WITH LIGHT SENSITIVE PEOPLE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRAVELLING NORTH ON I25 IN NEW MEXICO. GOING 60 MPH PULLING A 5TH WHEEL TRAILER. LOW FUEL PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON AND LOST POWER STEERING. SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER HOOD. THEN ALL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND COASTED TO SIDE OF THE ROAD. BY THE TIME I STOPPED, THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. TRIED TO RELEASE THE HOOD BUT CABLE MELTED. EXITED THE VEHICLE AND CALLED 911. PASSER BY LOANED ME FIRE EXTINGUISHERS BUT FIRE TOO HOT. FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED WITHIN MINUTES AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. TRUCK TOWED TO A HOLDING YARD.
THE FORD F250 HAS NO PROVISION FOR ILLUMINATING THE DASHBOARD INSTRUMENTS IN DAYLIGHT. ALL OF THE CONTROLS FOR HEADLIGHT, PARKING LIGHT, ETC. REQUIRE THE SENSOR ON THE DASHBOARD TO BE REPORTING DARK CONDITIONS SIMILAR TO NIGHT TIME. THIS OBSERVATION WAS CONFIRMED BY FORD SERVICE PERSONNEL WHO ADDED THAT THEY HAVE HAD MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS CONDITION. EVEN ON BRIGHT DAYS, THE SHADOWS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CAN BE DEEP ENOUGH TO PREVENT THEIR BEING READ. THESE INSTRUMENTS INCLUDE THE SPEEDOMETER, TEMPERATURE AND FUEL GAGES, AND ON-BOARD WARNING/DISPLAY. THIS IS A DELIBERATE DESIGN CHANGE FROM EARLIER MODELS. FORD SERVICE PERSONNEL SAID, " I CAN'T IMAGINE WHY THEY WOULD DO THIS". THE INSTRUMENT LIGHTS CAN BE MADE TO LIGHT DURING DAYLIGHT ONLY BY BLOCKING THE DASHBOARD LIGHT SENSOR. A CRUMPLED BLACK PLASTIC BAG IS EFFECTIVE. THERE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE A VALID REASON FOR KEEPING THE INSTRUMENT LIGHTS OFF WHENEVER ANY OF THE HEADLAMPS ARE ON. THE INABILITY TO READ THE INSTRUMENTS IS A CONSTANT DISTRACTION AND REDUCES THE DRIVER'S EFFECTIVE VIEW OF THE ROAD.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-250. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE FORWARD UNCONTROLLABLY CAUSING THE SEAT TO RECLINE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONTINUAL VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IN VARIOUS LANES. DEALER HAS TRIED TWICE TO BALANCE TIRES. PROBLEM PERSISTS. CONTINUAL HIGH FREQUENCY HARMONIC. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
See attached document for complaint.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
See attached document for complaint.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .