The 2013 Ford F 350 carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering equipment. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “DEF/EGR emissions system fault.” 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.
EQUIPMENT
Campaign #14V498000 · Aug 13, 2014
Issue: PJ's Truck Bodies & Equipment Co., (PJ's) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty chassis modified by PJ's 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.
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.
Fix: PJ's has notified 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 August 28, 2014. Owners may contact PJ's customer service at 1-866-475-8782.
What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Ford F 350.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
9 NHTSA complaints · 2014-05 → 2025-08
“My 2013 F-350 Super Duty 6.7 Diesel truck has a problem with the DEF system and power loss”
“Several months ago I noticed a shrill whining noise coming from the engine compartment. Upon closer inspection, I observed raw emissions coming from the exhaust manifold”
“The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated”
TIRES
5 NHTSA complaints · 2016-12 → 2025-03
“1. The tread seperated from the tire at 60mph on highway. small vibration prior to incident”
“TIRE SEPARATION. 4 OF 5 ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MICHELIN LTX M'S2 225/75 R16 TIRES HAVE FAILED”
“TRAVELING, APPROX. 70 MPH ON I-20 JUST WEST OF CAMDEN S.C. FELT A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING OF THE TRUCK”
STEERING, SUSPENSION
48 NHTSA complaints · 2016-12 → 2026-03
“Driving along at 70 mph and just crossed a bridge and met the asphalt when all of a sudden the steering wheel shook violently & almost caused a fatal accident”
“I am the original owner and began experiencing the death wobble in 2020. I put $5k into my suspension and put an additional steering stabilizer bracket to still experience the wobble”
“We have experienced “death wobble” several times with the Ford. Every time we get all the necessary parts replaced and they’ll last about 6 months and the death wobble will return”
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
8 NHTSA complaints · 2014-08 → 2023-06
“Cp4 pump failure resulting in stalled engine and loss of power brakes and power steering”
“THE EGT SENSOR FAILED, THEREFORE THE ENGINE'S COMPUTER SHUT DOWN THE MOTOR WHILE I WAS DRIVING 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE”
“I WAS DRIVING IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD AT ABOUT 25 MPH AND THE ENGINE QUIT, AND WOULD NOT RESTART!!”
ENGINE
4 NHTSA complaints · 2016-09 → 2019-07
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 FORD F-350. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE CONTACT DETECTED AN ABNORMAL ODOR OF FUEL”
“WHILE TOWING OUR FIFTH-WHEEL TRAILER WITH OUR FORD F350 DRW TRUCK, THE DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) CAUGHT FIRE”
“WHILE DRIVING AT 55MPH, RECEIVED A "LOW FUEL PRESSURE" WARNING. SECONDS LATER, A FIRE BROKE OUT IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHICH COULD NOT BE CONTROLLED”
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 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.
We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.
Critical for safety and preventing major damage
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.
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.
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.
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.
Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently
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.
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.
F-150 4x4 and Bronco 4x4: 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.
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.
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.
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.
Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort
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.
Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)
396 crashes 2010–2024
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
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.
1
complaints mentioning a crash
4
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 350 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.