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2013 Ford F-250 Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2013 Ford F-250 has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “EGR cooler and DEF system faults triggering limp mode.” 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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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Ford F-250.

Reported to NHTSA

EGR cooler and DEF system faults triggering limp mode

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2015-02 → 2023-01

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11504727
“REDUCTANT HEATER NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY UNDER EXTENDED EMISSIONS PROGRAM FOR THIS MODEL YEAR, ALTHOUGH LARGER TRUCKS WITH SAME DRIVETRAIN WERE COVERED. IT IS COVERED UNDER CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 18M01, FOR 2011-2015 F450 THROUGH F550 DIESEL TRUCKS, BUT ONLY FOR 2011”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11341065
“THE FIRST OCCASION WAS ON 1-22-15 WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, MESSAGE CENTER ALERT NOTIFIED THAT A EMISSIONS FAULT HAD OCCURRED AND VEHICLE WILL BE PUT INTO EMERGENCY MODE AND SPEED WILL BE LIMITED TO 50 MPH WITHIN 50 MILES. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER AND WAS NOTIFIED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10682169

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Radiator coolant leaks

ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2014-11 → 2016-07

“AT APPROXIMATELY 44,000 MILES THE RADIATOR DEVELOPED A LEAK. WARRANTY ON THIS ITEM I WAS TOLD EXPIRED AT 36,000 AND IT WILL NOT BE COVERED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10891666
“AT LESS THAN 50K MILES, THE RADIATOR DEVELOPED A LEAK. COOLANT WILL LEAK ANYWHERE THE TRUCK IS PARKED, CAUSING AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN. FORD IS AWARE OF THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE, BUT REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM AND ENACT A PERMANENT SOLUTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10870059
“RADIATOR FAILURE DUE TO POOR DESIGN. LEAKING AT THE PLASTIC SEAMS UNDER DRAIN PETCOCK. THOUSANDS IF NOT HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF THESE UNITS ARE FAILING YEARS BEFORE THEY SHOULD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10655117

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Seat belt buckle failure

SEAT BELTS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2015-08 → 2020-06

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11328099
“SEAT BELTS IN REAR SEATS HAVE FAILED (3X). THE SEAT BELT BUCKLES DO NOT LATCH OR THE BUCKLES RELEASE BUTTON FALLS OUT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11000590
“THE DRIVERS SIDE FEMALE SEAT BELT BUCKLE SEPERATED INTO 3 PIECES WHEN ENGAGING WITH THE MALE SEAT BELT BUCKLE. DUCT TAPED THE BROKEN BUCKLE SO I CAN USE THE SEAT BELT WHILE I WAIT FOR A REPLACEMENT PART”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10759230

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Death wobble front-end shake at highway speed

STEERING, SUSPENSION

64 NHTSA complaints · 2013-12 → 2024-05

“The steering wheel shakes violently at speeds of 50-55 mph. The vehicle drives without any issues then without any warning or warning lights the vehicle starts shaking to the point you lose steering control and must immediately slow down until the shaking stops”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11550707
“Repeating death wobble. Have replace all suspension and steering parts 3 times and the wobble returns”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11491829
“At speeds over 60mph when driving across an uneven road surface or bump the cab of the truck begins to shake uncontrollable and will not stop until the speed is below 35”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11476373

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

High-pressure fuel pump failure and fuel contamination

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

9 NHTSA complaints · 2014-03 → 2026-01

“WHILE DRIVING THE CHECK ENGINE AND REDUCED POWER MESSAGE SHOWED UP LEAVING THE VEHICLE DEAD ON THE ROAD. WITHIN 30 SECONDS THE TRUCK HAD STALLED AND WAS NOT ABLE TO RE-START. TRUCK WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE CP4 HP PUMP HAD FAILED CONTAMINATING THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11143865
“HIGH PRESSURE PUMP WENT OUT CAUSING THE FUEL SYSTEM TO FELL.. RECEIVED AN ESTIMATE TO REPLACE THE PUMP AND FUEL SYSTEM. OVER 9,000 TO FIX.. MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AT THE TIME WHEN THE PUMP WENT OUT.. CAUSING IT TO SHUT DOWN, WE HAD IT TOWED TO THE CLOSEST FORD DEALERSHIP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11210662
“FORD VOIDING WARRANT REPAIRS ON CP4 FUEL PUMP DUE TO FUEL CONTAMINATION - WE HAVE SEEN NHTSA RESOLVE THE ISSUE WITH CP4 FULE PUMP FOR VW- WE NEED TO HAVE NHTSA LOOK AT THIS FOR FORD- THEY REPAIR COST THAT FORD IS PUTTING ON THE OWNERS RANGE FROM 10-18KU”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10907219

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light illumination and non-deployment

AIR BAGS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2016-06 → 2026-01

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11708295
“VIOLENT FRONT COLLISION AT 40MPH AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10881765
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED FROM THE INITIAL PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER (IMPERIAL FORD, 8 UXBRIDGE RD, MENDON, MA 01756, 1-(888) 814-8373) WHO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11063795

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 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.

3

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues 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-250 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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