RoadVitals

2013 Ford F-550 Sd

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints 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.
2
Latest Sep 9, 2015
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
9
Latest Mar 25, 2015
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 2 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2013 Ford F-550 Sd, most frequently naming the engine, powertrain (other) and tires & wheels categories. 9 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 163 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine133.3%
  • Powertrain (other)133.3%
  • Tires & wheels133.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

9 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Mar 25, 2015
6,322 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 trucks manufactured February 22, 2010, to January 30, 2015, and equipped with ambulance or fire engine preparation packages. The affected vehicles may detect an incorrect Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor (EGT) fault indicating that the vehicle is too hot, causing the engine management system to shut down the engine and prevent its immediate restart.
The risk: Engine shut down and a subsequent cool down period may delay medical treatment or assistance to those needing it, increasing their risk of injury.
The remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S09.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 15S09View on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT

Jun 23, 2014
10 units potentially affected
The defect: Palfleet Truck Equipment Company, LLC (Palfleet) is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 super duty vehicles modified by Palfleet and equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.
The risk: The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.
The remedy: Palfleet will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began on July 29, 2014. Owners may contact Palfleet customer service at 1- 502-376-2458.
Palfleet Truck Equipment Company, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT

Jun 18, 2014
42 units potentially affected
The defect: Dual-Tech, Inc. (Dual-Tech) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Ford F-550 Super Duty trucks modified by Dual-Tech, equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.
The risk: The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.
The remedy: Dual-Tech will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2014. Owners may contact Dual-Tech customer service at 1-800-852-0345.
Dual-Tech, Inc.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

RQ14005ClosedRecall Query

Vehicle Commanded Engine Shutdown

Opened Jan 13, 2015
Closed Mar 15, 2016

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARELed to recall 15V175000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Tires & wheels
Filed Sep 9, 2015

COMPLETE TREAD SEPARATION OF DRIVER FRONT TIRE LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD AND LESS THAN 20,000 MILES ON I-10 NEAR WILCOX, AZ. ENROUTE TO AS MUTUAL AID SEARCH AND RESCUE CALL NORMAL TRAFFIC TRAVELING APPROX. 70 MPH.

NHTSA ID
10762741
Incident
Sep 8, 2015
Mileage
19,980 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 4, 2014

TURBO WILL OVER BOOST TO 31 PSI AND THE ENGINE WILL GO IN TO A FAIL SAFE MODE REDUCING POWER TO 5 MILES AN HOUR WITHOUT WARNING. CAUSING YOU TO HAVE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTART TO CLEAR THE FAIL SAFE MODE. THIS HAS HAPPEN TO ME OVER 12 TIMES. FORD HAS REPLACED THE TURBO TWICE UNDER WARRANTY. THE PROBLEM SEEMS FIXED FOR THE FIRST 30 - 40 THOUSAND MILES. THEN THE SAME PROBLEM RECURS. THE BIGGEST HEADACHE WITH THIS PROBLEM IS IT TAKE WEEKS AND SOME TIMES MONTHS FOR FORD TO DIAGNOSE. DO TO THE FACT THAT WHEN THIS HAPPENS NO ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND NO FAULT CODE IS STORED. FORD WILL NOT WARRANTY THE PART OUT UNTIL THEY GET A FAULT CODE. THE ONLY TIME THE TRUCK WILL THROW A FAULT CODE IS WHEN THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS TWICE ON THE SAME DAY. MOST OF THE TIME IT ONLY HAPPENS ONCE A DAY. I FIND THIS PROBLEM TO BE A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. DO TO THE FACT THAT IT HAPPENS WITHOUT WARNING AND YOU CAN'T ALWAYS MAKE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD UNDER REDUCED POWER. BE IT HEAVY TRAFFIC OR NO SHOULDER TO PULL OFF ON. THERE HAS BEEN 2 TIMES THAT I HAD TO STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF MY LANE AND SHUT THE TRUCK OFF AND RESTART IT BEFORE I COULD REGAIN FULL POWER. *TR

NHTSA ID
10608208
Incident
Dec 23, 2013
Mileage
65,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SSM 54601

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY

Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k

24L05

ENGINE

Certain 2011-2022 Model Year Super Duty Vehicles Equipped with 6.7L Engine - Emission Control Information Label Update for Qualified Vehicles

24L05

ENGINE

Certain 2011-2022 Model Year Super Duty Vehicles Equipped with 6.7L Engine - Emission Control Information Label Update for Qualified Vehicles

SSM 53040

While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions.

SSM 52476

EQUIPMENT

All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com > Parts and Service > Parts Product Line Information > Keys/Entry Devices > Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad.

SSM 52188

STEERING

2024 F-Super Duty vehicles are equipped with XL-22 (WSS-M2C184-A1) high temperature power steering fluid that looks like clear hydraulic fluid. This fluid is an improvement in high temperature and thermal oxidative stability compared to Mercon LV. This power steering fluid is also compatible and highly recommended to use when filling or topping off power steering systems of all 2012-2023 F-Super Duty vehicles originally equipped with Mercon LV.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford F-550 Sd by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026120
2025130
2024220
2023190
20229120
2021119175.3
2020482
2019451
2018031
2017281
2016331
2015113260.9
2014961
2013Viewing291
20126102
20113121
2010170
2009150
2008264048.1
2007232045.5
2006442044.5
2005325043.2
2004493155.7
2003335363.3
2002225360.0
2001297761.7
2000726461.8
1999619457.1
1998022
1997231
1996021
1995021
1994021
1993010

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.