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2013 Ford F-150 Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2013 Ford F-150 carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) and automatic transmission. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Unexpected transmission downshift to low gear.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

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3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

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

Campaign #19V075000 · Nov 2, 2019

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The transmission may unexpectedly downshift into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.

Risk: Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S07.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #19V433000 · Oct 6, 2019

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with 5.0L or 6.2L gasoline engines, that previously had the powertrain control module (PCM) software reprogrammed under recall 19V-075. The software used to reprogram the PCM did not have the necessary updates to prevent the transmission from unexpectedly downshifting into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.

Risk: Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 24, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S19.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID

Campaign #16V345000 · May 24, 2016

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 F-150 vehicles manufactured August 1, 2013, to August 31, 2014 equipped with 3.5L engines. The master cylinder rear cup seal may roll, resulting in brake fluid leakage from the primary reservoir into the brake booster.

Risk: Loss of brake fluid from the primary reservoir results in a complete loss of front brake function, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and, if necessary, the brake booster, free of charge. The recall began on October 28, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S24.

Recall data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Ford F-150.

Reported to NHTSA

Unexpected transmission downshift to low gear

POWER TRAIN

138 NHTSA complaints · 2024-11 → 2025-08

“The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the speedometer went to 0 MPH, and the transmission failed to shift out of 1st gear. The contact shifted into neutral and shifted back to drive; however, the transmission still failed to upshift into”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11678320
“The faulty output shaft speed sensor (OSS) causes a signal loss between the sensor and the powertrain control module (PCM), leading to a sudden downshift into first gear, regardless of the vehicle's speed. This sudden downshift can cause the rear tires to slide, potentially”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11661762
“Ford recalled 107,850 2013 Ford F-150 trucks with 5.0-liter or 6.2-liter engines due to a transmission issue. The recall was issued on June 10, 2019, with the recall number 19V433000. The transmission could unexpectedly shift into first gear, regardless of the vehicle's speed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11638558

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Cam phaser rattle on cold start

ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2025-04 → 2025-08

“Truck has 91,200 miles and was well maintained. Truck has a loud rattle (like rocks in a can) on dry start up after sitting for several days. Rattle goes away after starting and is consistent with worn CAM PHASERS, as shown in many videos on the internet describing this known”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11679124
“The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that at the initial start, there was a loud rattling sound coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The first time the failure occurred, the rattling sound ceased after”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11672215

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Brake master cylinder leak into brake booster

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

3 NHTSA complaints · 2025-05 → 2025-07

“The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while hauling a trailer, the brake pedal independently went to the floorboard. The ABS and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating with the accelerator pedal”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11673904
“The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while reversing out of a driveway, the brake pedal was depressed and went down to the floorboard. The contact used the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11661809

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Rear door latch failure

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2025-03 → 2025-07

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11677263
“The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the passenger's side rear door failed to lock as needed. The contact stated that the locking mechanism was inoperable. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11660466

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Back-up camera display failure

BACK OVER PREVENTION

3 NHTSA complaints · 2025-05 → 2025-07

“When I put my Truck in Reverse...My Backup Camera goes BLACK with NO PICTURE. Which has caused me to back into things”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11676488
“The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the back over prevention camera screen displayed a blue screen, and there was no visible image displayed. The contact stated that the failure had created a visibility hazard. The contact”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11658356

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Steering wheel seizure

STEERING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2024-12 → 2025-07

“The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized. In addition, the steering failure warning light illuminated. The vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11675966
“The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while exiting the driveway, the steering wheel moved voluntarily and failed to respond as intended. The contact stated that the steering wheel then seized. The message "Power Steering Fault" was displayed on the screen”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11666851

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 3 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

On 4x4 models, replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

396 crashes 1990–2024

How the 396 occupant deaths break down

312

driver deaths

83

passenger deaths

1

not recorded by seat

396

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2013 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

74

complaints mentioning a crash

31

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2013 Ford F-150 reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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