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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
6 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 1
Average Mileage:
47,701 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2013 Ford F-150 engine problems

engine problem

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2013 Ford F-150 Owner Comments (Page 10 of 13)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #70

Jul 162017

F-150

  • 80,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While traveling on interstate at approximately 70 mph, speedometer suddenly went to zero and transmission shifted from 6th gear to 1st gear causing the rear wheels to slide from the sudden deceleration, nearly causing an accident. Vehicle had previously been taken to dealership for service due to a similar issue where the indicated speed would suddenly change while traveling at constant speed and the transmission would downshift 2 or more gears in response. PCM was reprogrammed at that time but the issue would still occur periodically. Dealership is now replacing the transmission molded leadframe at a cost of over $1000. This defect is identical to Ford safety recall 16S19, but the recall only covers year model 2011 & 2012 vehicles. This is a major safety issue that needs to be covered be a recall.

- Rio Rancho, NM, USA

problem #69

Jun 192017

F-150

  • 62,000 miles
I am experiencing the exact same problem with my 2013 Ford F-150 XLT as those that have been recalled in the 2011 and 2012 models. My truck was also built in dearborn, Michigan and has the 6R80 transmission. I took my truck into the dealership this week to find that the lead frame needed to be replaced. The dealer is replacing the powertrain control module software and the lead frame at my cost of $1,362. The problem: A problem with the output speed sensor on the vehicle's transmission lead frame could cause the transmission controls to force a temporary downshift into 1st gear. Depending on the speed of the vehicle at the time of the downshift, the driver could experience an abrupt speed reduction that could cause the rear tires to slide or lock up, resulting in loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash. Earlier this week on multiple occasions, my truck will not shift out of first gear after coming to a stop. I was nearly involved in an accident due to this problem when I was unable to accelerate from a stop light and there was no place for me to pull over. The problem only corrects itself when I shut the engine off and restart it.

- Spiceland, IN, USA

problem #68

May 102017

F-150

  • 62,000 miles
As I am driving the 2013 Ford F-150 raptor 6.2L the gears seem to be off, if I am driving only 30mph the gear is at 6. also the more dangerous and scary thing is that it shifts down without any warning, I was traveling about 35mph and the gear seem to shift down to 1 locking my rear tires and making me skid almost causing the vehicle behind me to run into me. The tires locked almost as if I put the brakes on. I'm glad I was only going 35mph but what if I'm going 80, this would be a more dangerous and scary scenario. It also happened when I turned on to a street and as I started to accelerate it dropped my gear to 1, locked my wheels and acted like it didn't want to shift or accelerate, I pulled off to the side of road, I sat there for a few minutes wondering what happened and went on my way nervous if it will happen again, which it didn't and made it home. Next day I took to Ford and they said they cant duplicate the issue so there is nothing we can do. This is scary, I don't fell safe with me and my son in this vehicle. What could be causing this dangerous situation? what is my next opposition to get this fixed. Thank you

- Midland, TX, USA

problem #67

Apr 262017

F-150

  • 72,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Driving on interstate at roughly 70 mph with cruise control engaged, truck lost power and started to coast. Speedometer swept to 0 indicated speed, tachometer indicated engine at idle speed, around 1000 RPM, while coasting from 70 mph slowing to roughly 40 mph. Vehicle regained powered drive briefly then again lost power and coasted. After resuming coasting, the back tires then breifly locked up, vehicle shuddered, then resumed coasting. Extremely dangerous as vehicle being driven in traffic on interstate and became nearly uncontrollable. Explanation from dealer service department was that the wiring harness from transmission to ECU passes through firewall through a grommet that is known to fail. The wiring chafes and causes a short and the transmission to malfunction. Apparently a tsb is issued for repair at customer's expense per dealer but I have not been able to find it. This appears to be a proverbial ticking timebomb for F150 owners and should absolutely be subject to a recall.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

problem #66

Apr 162017

F-150

  • 68,000 miles
The vehicle did not shift to the appropriate gear and acted erratically. The rpms might spike but the truck did not accelerate. Other times the rpms dropped to zero even when I depressed the gas pedal. After first replacing the spark plugs, the dealership replaced the lead frame for a total out of pocket cost of approximately $1,100. I was lucky that the problem manifested itself at lower speeds in town. This could easily have been a serious safety problem under other conditions such as towing a camper/trailer or at high speeds. I see there was a lead frame recall on the 2012 F150S. It seems appropriate that this recall would also be applicable to the 2013S. Https://media.Ford.com/content/fordmedia-mobile/fna/us/en/news/2016/04/27/Ford-motor-company-issues-three-safety-recalls-and-two-safety-co.html

- Verona, WI, USA

problem #65

Mar 312017

F-150

  • 78,000 miles
While driving down the highway, the vehicle flashed service advance trac, down hill descent control fault, trailer brake module fail and a couple more codes. All electonics in vehicle went blank, including all controls/gauges. Before doing so, last code read, shift to park. Almost caused me to have an accident, because the power steering went out and nearly pulled me into another vehicle. The acceleration is bad too, feels like it is not firing all cylinders again. Have already taken in for a number of issues, including crankshaft sensor issues(was losing power to driveline); brakes locking up (have replaced the rotors and pads six times and last time I replaced both calibers as well; power steering has been replaced once before, front axles and bearings replaced. As well as, ac problems. When the first issues arose, I was told by service tech at dealership I needed a new engine, (later he completely denied telling me this) instead they fixed some things and gave it back to me. Problems have continued since, like I said have taken it in at least 6 times to a dealer and once to an independent mechanic. At first the problems were covered by warrenty, now they are not, there is only 78,000miles on the truck and has been in shop at least 6 times and is only 4 yrs old. Not sure what to do, as the problems resemble recall issues, but dealership says they aren't part of any recalls. Concerned for my safety on the road.

- Corpus Christi, TX, USA

problem #64

Sep 262016

F-150

  • 150,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Was traveling along I-85 about 70mph in my 2013 F-150 stx 5.0 when out of nowhere the truck down shifted from overdrive to 2 gear the truck started wheel hopping and barking the tires and was nearly uncontrollable! I was almost hit in the rear several times until I could limp it to the shoulder and if anyone knows the area I was almost in charlotte nc traffic is terrible. Once I gathered myself noticed the seatbelt light came on odometer showed 2 dotted lines with the a wrench sign, also tried to take off aging little power speedometer was not working and would not shift out of 2nd gear. I stopped and cut the truck off and waited about 5 minutes and seem to be okay. The very next day going down the highway about 55mph and it did the same thing except this time the back wheels seem to have locked up and when it let loose I almost got hit trying to the shoulder once again did the exact things as the day before still no check engine light. I called the local dealer and was told nothing could be done until a check engine light came on. Once again after letting the truck set for a bit it seemed okay. So for about 3 days it run fine and I was to leave the next morning for out of town work and my truck is the only means of transportation and just as I pulled from my house it started to act up and the check engine light came on just so happens I live near a parts store chain and the person put the code device on and the code came up with I believe it was P 0720 which was the output speed sensor switch located in the transmission.. dealer repaired at a cost of $987 that I paid that hurt my wallet. I called Ford customer service and the agent said that it has happened to other years with same code and the same fix and would open a case to see if there is a way to get Ford to pay, so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

- Greensboro, NC, USA

problem #63

Sep 162016

F-150

  • 29,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. While driving 50 mph, the vehicle lost power and stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart on the first attempt. In addition, once the vehicle restarted, the speedometer failed to work and the wrench warning sensor illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,000.

- Taylorsville, UT, USA

problem #62

Sep 262016

F-150

  • 149,500 miles
I was traveling along I-85 about 70mph in my 2013 F-150 stx 5.0 when out of nowhere the truck down shifted from overdrive to 2 gear the truck started wheel hopping and barking the tires and was nearly uncontrollable! I was almost hit in the rear several times until I could limp it to the shoulder and if anyone knows the area I was almost in charlotte nc traffic is terrible. Once I gathered myself noticed the seatbelt light came on odometer showed 2 dotted lines with the a wrench sign, also tried to take off aging little power speedometer was not working and would not shift out of 2nd gear. I stopped and cut the truck off and waited about 5 minutes and seem to be okay. The very next day going down the highway about 55mph and it did the same thing except this time the back wheels seem to have locked up and when it let loose I almost got hit trying to the shoulder once again did the exact things as the day before still no check engine light. I called the local dealer and was told nothing could be done until a check engine light came on. Once again after letting the truck set for a bit it seemed okay. So for about 3 days it run fine and I was to leave the next morning for out of town work and my truck is the only means of transportation and just as I pulled from my house it started to act up and the check engine light came on just so happens I live near a parts store chain and the person put the code device on and the code came up with I believe it was P 0720 which was the output speed sensor switch located in the transmission.. dealer repaired at a cost of $987 that I paid that hurt my wallet. I called Ford customer service and the agent said that it has happened to other years with same code and the same fix and would open a case to see if there is a way to get Ford to pay, so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

- Greensboro, NC, USA

problem #61

Oct 272016

F-150 4WD 6-cyl

  • 40,000 miles
The electronic throttle body failed at 40,000 miles while driving the car in traffic. I had no control over the vehicle speed, as the gas pedal did not respond, and the car slowed to about 5 mph. I managed to get out of traffic without a collision. I checked online and found this is a very common complaint for Ford 3.5L engines. My truck has the 3.5L eco-boost engine.

- Granada Hills, CA, USA

problem #60

Feb 122016

F-150

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2013 Ford F-150. Consumer writes in regards to engine continued to stall after dealership replaced throttle body unit. The consumer stated he had two units fail within a seven month period, that caused the acceleration to shut down. When it incidents occurred, he was forced to coast to a safe location to re-start the vehicle.

- Lake Havasu City, AZ, USA

problem #59

Jul 182016

F-150

  • 55,000 miles
While driving my 2013 Ford platinum F-150 at approximately 35 mph going straight on a town road heading to the highway, the wrench service light came and and instantly putting the truck into "limp" mode only allowing me to drive 5 mph. I am lucky not to be in highway traffic. I did have my family with me heading on a 5 hour journey. Completely unsafe! after a few restarts the same wrench light came on as well as the check engine light. And again the vehicle went into limp mode allowing me to drive 5mph. The grieco MA Ford dealer said it was a failed throttle body, vehicle only has 55K miles on it and has been serviced regularly at the aforementioned Ford dealer! I hope this safety issue gets recalled so no one will ever have to go through the situation like I did ever again!

- Berkley, MA, USA

problem #58

Jun 102016

F-150

  • 72,000 miles
Lose power on acceleration while passing on the highway sudden lost of power and engine fail shacking type of feel not noise or warning before events

- Roswell, NM, USA

problem #57

May 052016

F-150

  • 110,000 miles
The truck will down shift while driving. It has happened a few times now. I was driving about 30mph and experienced a drop in power and the gauges started jumping all over. It also dropped to 1st gear when I was on the highway doing 70 mph. It felt like someone threw the E-break. Quick jerking motion. I had to pull over and shut the truck off. Thankfully my family was not in the vehicle and no one was directly behind me. The few other times it happened I noticed something going wrong so I quickly pulled off the road and shut it down. Turning it off seemed to "reset" things and let me get home. I had a diagnostic ran and it coded #4 spark plug and #4 coil. I had both of those replaced - and experienced the same issue the very next day! ran another diagnostic and it coded the same way! took it to a Ford dealership to check it out and their final answer was "needs a new engine". it has 110K miles on it and I bought it less than 1 year ago and it needs a new engine? I have $700 wrapped up in replacing parts that did not need replacing and diagnostics that did not give me a realistic solution. This does not sound like an engine issue- sounds very similar to the recent recall on the 2011-2012 models. Truck is parked in the driveway. No one in my family will be driving it. Hope to hear that Ford recognizes the bigger issue here and steps up to take care of this.

- Wyoming, MI, USA

problem #56

Feb 022016

F-150

  • 34,000 miles
My truck has been experiencing hesitation upon acelleration and is making noises and my check engine light was on. I took it to the dealership on February 2, 2016 be fixed and at first it was covered under warranty. I took it back on February 16, 2016 bc I had to have a Ford rental per Ford. The truck was repaired but then it wasn't covered per Ford and I had to pay over $400 to get it fixed. My check engine light came on again and it had to go back to the dealership but this time it was covered under warranty. I just got my truck back on April 11,2016 and today on April 14, 2016 the light is back on. I am waiting on a call back from the Ford dealership to find out what to do next.

- Cherry Creek, NY, USA

problem #55

Oct 222015

F-150

  • 60 miles
Driving down the road going about 45mph and lost power to gas wouldn't go over 30mph tool light came on then and number 1 warning light came on. Let it sit for half a hour, turn back on and it must have reset it self P. drove back home which is 20 miles away and it did it again. I bought this truck brand new it only has 60K miles on it.

- Morgantown, KY, USA

problem #54

May 162015

F-150 4WD 6-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 18,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a complete stop, the vehicle would hesitate in shifting gears and maintaining speed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the charge air cooler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, however the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 18,000. Updated 01/12/16

- Macomb Township, MI, USA

problem #53

Aug 112015

F-150

  • 22,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. While making a turn at approximately 40 mph, the vehicle stalled and the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle resumed normal operation shortly after the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 22,000.

- Warrington, PA, USA

problem #52

Feb 242015

F-150

  • 35,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. While driving 35 mph, the vehicle did not decelerate and increased in rpms when the brake pedal was depressed. As a result, the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle and the air bags failed to deploy. A police report was not filed and no injuries were sustained. The vehicle was taken to a body repair shop, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000.

- Fairfield, CA, USA

problem #51

Sep 262014

F-150 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 26,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that when he attempted to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle rapidly accelerated as the rpms increased to 4000. The contact applied the brakes and shifted into neutral however, the vehicle did not respond and the rpms remained at 4000. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 26,000. Updated 11/20/14 updated 08/28/2017

- Oakfield, NY, USA

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