NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Ford F-150. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
while driving at normal speeds, sometimes the transmission would abruptly downshift to 1st gear. Fortunately, for me, it didn't happen at highway speeds, but I've heard that others have done so. I took my vehicle to a repair shop right away, they suspected the problem, and verified it with the diagnostic codes. I had it repaired at my own expense. I checked with my Ford dealer, and they suspected the same problem, but weren't sure they could even get the part, and couldn't even look at it for 6 days. There NEEDS to be a recall!
Component or system failure or malfunction: Delayed or no gear shifting. Transmission sudden downshift at low and high speeds, and failure to shift into lower or higher gear at takeoff, and/or while in motion. Safety risk: Sudden downshift at high speed caused stability and control issue at highway speed. The problem has been reproduced by owner and discussed with dealer by phone. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem appeared prior to the failure. A large wrench display appeared on dash at the moment of failure and reoccurs with each failure. Some dash displays zero out and/or disappear. The speedometer drops to zero and fails thereafter to register. Transmission shifting becomes random and sudden or fails entirely. Manuals shifting is sometimes possible and other times not possible. Manual shifting all the way to gear 3, followed by a mild acceleration occasionally causes the speedometer to resume function. Subsequent switching to automatic shift is then possible and automatic shifting functions initially or for varied lengths of time. Failure produces OBD code P0720 related to workings and overall condition of the output speed sensor circuit.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the instrument cluster became inoperable and the vehicle lost drive power while the RPMs were significantly high. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed an unidentified low speed. The power train warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he pulled to the side of the road on some occasions. The contact stated that the failure had progressively worsened, and the vehicle no longer responded as needed upon turning off and restarting the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound while shifting into gears. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000(Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Goodyear tires 275/65R18 used on an F150 are experiencing near tread separation on the passenger rear side and the beginning of tread rips/tears on drivers rear side in similar locations. Manufacture week and year 1819. These tires have gone through periodic rotation as well. Noticed a shimmy while driving and upon inspection saw the tear/ripe at the tread interface with the sidewall. Tires are nearing the end of life and close to being replaced anyway however given the potential defect potential and safety hazard I am reporting. I personally don’t feel this should be occurring even given the near end of life condition and what appears to be the start of dry rot. Pictures provide 3 photos of the torn passenger side and 3 photos of the rear drivers side showing the beginnings of rips on multiple locations.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shifted into an improper gear unintendedly. The PCM warning light was illuminated during some of the failures. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the leadframe connecter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while at a stop light, the contact attempted to accelerate, and the vehicle hesitated. The contact stated that the vehicle would not downshift and the check engine light was blinking. Additionally, the instrument panel screen became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the lead frame module and speed sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was 130,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH with the transmission in 6th gear, the transmission inadvertently downshifted to 5th gear. The contact stated that the speedometer and odometer went blank. The wrench warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle had been diagnosed by an independent mechanic and it was confirmed that the power train sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 163,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission became inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle independently accelerated with the transmission stuck in first gear. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the warranty for the vehicle had expired. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated and downshifted into first gear. The contact pulled off the roadway, turned off and restarted the vehicle. The service engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated and downshifted into 5th gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be taken to the dealer. The dealer was notified of the failure and the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission molded leadframe had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was included in the Customer Service Satisfaction Program: 19N01; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated and lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the road, and after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle seemed to return to normal functionality. The check warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the variable camshaft timing cam phaser. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure Customer Satisfaction Program: 21B03, Supplement #1 (Power Train), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 103,000.
My break went out an I hit my garage when I start my vehicle or if I’m going down a hill slow the breaks get really hard to push an almost want stop all my breaks an calipers are new so it’s a different issue
I was driving at 60 miles per hour when the transmission downshifted into 1st gear. It locked up the rear tires and the engine revved up while downshifting itself into 1st gear. I was in traffic when this happened, I pulled over turned the truck off and restarted truck drove normal after that, the recall was done in oct. 2019 I purchased truck in Feb. of 2020 problem seems to have returned, this happened on July 6, 2023, around 5 pm
Rear view camara some time work and some time go to blue screen O not showing nothing In general useless
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the brake pedal went to the floorboard while depressed. Additionally, the low brake fluid warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the brakes, brake cylinder, and power brake booster. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V345000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000. The contact is requesting NHTSA to add his vehicle and others like to the current recall.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph, the passenger noticed smoke underneath the hood. The driver pulled over, opened the hood, and noticed smoke and fire between the fire wall and engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact and other motorists extinguished the fire. The fire department was on the scene. A police report was filed. The driver and passenger sustained burns, but no medical attention was provided. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to his family residence. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 182,000.
The contact called on behalf of her husband who owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while her husband was driving 40-50 MPH, the vehicle downshifted unexpectedly to 1st gear. The power train warning light was illuminated. The contact's husband shifted into neutral (N), veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle and shifting into drive (D), the vehicle experienced a hard shift and was stuck in 1st gear. The contact's husband manually shifted into 2nd and 3rd gear, and the vehicle shifted hard and made an abnormal clunking sound. The contact stated that the vehicle was stuck in 3rd gear. The contact's husband was able to drive to the residence. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. Additionally, the contact stated the engine power reduced and the speedometer turned off when the power train warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, where it was diagnosed that the transmission lead frame had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V433000 (Power Train). The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power before going into LIMP Mode, prompting him to pull the vehicle to the shoulder. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle seemed to return to normal functionality; however, the maintenance warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the molded lead frame related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 19N01, Supplement #1 (Power Train), but the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 101,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the speedometer and fuel gauge became inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle might have slipped out of gear. The contact stated that the RPM rose from 2,000 RPM to 3,500 RPM. The contact stated that the service vehicle and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull off the roadway and was able to shift into park(P) and turned the vehicle off. The vehicle was restarted and operated normally. The failure was intermittent at first but had become a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission leadframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact had been informed by the dealer that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 19N01 - Transmission Leadframe (Power Train) and that the vehicle was no longer covered under warranty. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 193,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission erroneously downshifted to first gear. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
I was traveling on the highway at a speed of 70 mph, when out of nowhere my truck downshifted to first gear; causing me to swerve to the side of the road. I had my vehicle towed to a shop where I was informed it was a module for the transmission and lead case which caused the malfunction. Upon doing the research I learned that it was a recall from the plant which my truck came from. Had repairs done at the tune of $5320.00. Also was told by a consumer service representative that I qualified for reimbursement, but then was told that my vehicle was not part of the recall which specifically displayed the exact symptoms and malfunctions of said recall-24S37.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and accelerating, the vehicle started to lose motive power and unexpectedly downshifted to 1st or 2nd gear. The wrench warning light was illuminated, and the message “Service Vehicle Soon” was displayed. Additionally, instrument cluster failed to display safety information. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road, and the contact waited for a while before restarting the vehicle. The contact stated that several attempts were needed to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved a code for the control shift sensor fault. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission lead frame was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The failure had progressively worsened. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Ford has a known problem with the timing chain that results in needed repairs that cost in excess of $4000. The truck has 85000 miles and has been well maintained. I see that Ford had a recall on Ecoboost V6 engines. However, no recall was made on the V8 5 Liter engine even thoough Ford is well aware of the problem. I believe that Ford is hiding/falsifying information to avoid fixing the problem. I was informed that this issue is not frequent, but does happen in 20 to 25 percent of their vehicles. This is not a warranty issue. This is an issue of Ford not complying with regulations to identify and provide recalls for defective equipment.
The part, Transmission Molded Lead Frame has failed. The vehicle was repaired in 2019, however the part has failed again. The transmission locked up on me, almost causing a collision.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a recall repair. After driving two blocks away after the repair, the vehicle downshifted unintendedly. The vehicle revved up, but speedometer became inoperable. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the leadframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V433000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.
On 3 occasions the transmission has downshifting without warning as I was traveling at 65 mph it shifted down to 1st gear, fortunately I wasn't rear-ended. When I called the Ford recall center they told me they had a safety recall on this problem but they are considering it to be an extended warranty and unfortunately my warranty has expired due to it being over 10 years old and because of the high mileage. Told me they can't do anything about that problem anymore. I have owned the truck for several years, I still live at same address as when I purchased the truck and I have never received any recall notice.
While driving at highway speed 75mph our truck shut down with no warning. A wrench light came on with no other warnings. No check engine light no warning went from highway speed to limp mode zero power almost got rear-ended trying to make it off highway with no power. The problem is the throttle body has oil intrusion on the dry electrical side shorting out the motor with OIL! FORD could care less until someone gets killed they will deny any issues! I also have pictures of item full of oil! This is a no warning problem and ford cannot diagnose.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front brakes. The contact stated that the braking system independently engaged and stopped the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle had not stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a parts store and upon parking he observed that smoke was being emitted from the passenger side front wheel well. The contact stated that he observed that a flame was visible from the passenger wheel well and that store employees had extinguished the flames with hand-held fire extinguishers. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front brake line on the passenger side, both brake drums, calipers, pads, and rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that later the failure recurred and he needed to replace pads, and calipers on the front passenger side. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V345000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not associated with any recalls related to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150 used to haul a 2022 Highland Ridge RV. The contact stated that when the RV was parked, the awning detached from the RV. The awning was not able to be re-installed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V573000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
So recently my 2013 ford f150 steering wheel starting acting up on me, by acting up it my steering wheel started locking up on me and jerking to the left I was on my way to the movie theater with my 2 daughters in the back seat luckily nothing happen but it was a scary situation to be in having your steering wheel locked up on you in the middle of traffic. Later that day I had my truck towed to a Tuffys mechanic shop where I was later told that ford had a recall on what ever was happening to my steering wheel, so I made an appointment for the next day thinking my problem was going to be resolved but it didn’t. So it all happens to be that the recall was made for a couple 2013 ford models but not f-150 but they did cover the 2014 ford f-150 model which was kinda weird to me because I’m sure their is not a big difference when it comes to a 2013 and 2014 ford f-150.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal would depress to the floorboard while depressed. The brake pedal needed to be pumped repeatedly to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to two separate independent mechanics who both confirmed that the issue was related to the brake booster. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F150. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, he heard an abnormal sound. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,720.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after having a routine oil change, while driving 35 MPH, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated, and the wrench symbol displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuse for the battery needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the fuse had overheated, and the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
I have a Exhaust manifold leaking on the drive side lower back side. I'm scared it could catch my truck on fire if a backfire could happen while with my family with me
What’s driving and all the stiff on the instrument panel stop working and down shifted in to first gear got a six speed transmission in it was going 55 sometimes it goes faster by it’s self just started out of nowhere
On 5-25-2023 my Transmission , suddenly downshifted into first gear at approx. 45 mi per hour. Had I been on the highway with a 65 mi per hour speed limit ,I may have gotten whiplash or possibly lost control of the vehicle. 5-26-2023 just going out and do not know what may or may not happen as yesterday's incident was totally random and never occurred before . My vehicle was recently inspected when I Had turbo coolant line ,and Turbo Vacuum Pump ,replaced.
at speeds around 50-65 mph my truck dropped down to first gear, this shook me and my passenger as you can imagine. It was a none safety recall in 2019 that I have missed as this was around the time I bought this truck. I paid for the repair myself not knowing Campaign 19N01
Master Cylinder failed, causing all fluid to go into the booster, which resulted in no braking ability at all. fortunately I was in a parking lot when the occured, the vehicle was traveling at slow speed and was stopped by coming up against a curb. the low brake fluid warning came on at the time of total failure, this would have resulted in a serious accident had it occured on the roadway. the vehcle is being repaired at a local shop after it was towed there following this incident. An attempt was made to refill the master cylinder with brake fluid but it immediately empted with any attempt to use the brakes. there was no other visible sign of leak.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds and making a turn, the steering wheel seized. The power steering assist message was displayed. The vehicle was restarted and worked as designed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.
Driving normal and then sudden down shift while driving on the freeway Had the software update and it’s still doing the same thing. Was told the lead frame needs replacement. Ford has so many issues with the parts they are back ordered and I am now moving past the extended 10 year / 150,000 mile warranty. I can’t drive and have no idea when or if parts will be available.
Truck will not shift out of 1st gear, if it does shift it will skip to 3rd or 5th gear. When this issue happens we also have no gauges on our truck. Pull over, turn truck off and then turn back on and it will correct itself. Took into Ford dealership they said the lead frame needs to be replaced. Truck was put into service 02/23/2013 and today is 05/10/2023. Ford does not want to cover repairs, even though they offered a 10 year extended coverage on the lead frame if there was issues, we are less than 90 days outside that window.
Transmission failure, leaded frame model. Truck down shift from 6th to 1st gear and or locks up in 3rd or 5th gear won’t shift up or down. Going 75mph to 1st gear through the truck into a drift and spin. Avoid cars and side wall on pure luck do low traffic. Had kids in the vehicle at the time. Problem has been reproduced by a ford dealer and private mechanics. Components been replaced and still continue to have problems on the 4th transmission in less then 6 month. By inspected by a mechanic no warning on the down shift no light no indication of failure. Throws a system check light but no other lights and light goes off after truck has been turned off and on a agin.
Air bag warning light is on. I talked to local Ford garage they said 1500 to 2000 to fix . Looking online at f150 forums this seems to be a common problem. This is a government mandated safety device it should be fixed for free. It can't get reset or erased without being fixed
Cam Phasers have failed
Brake fluid is leaking into the brake booster, im not understanding why the recall back in 2020 didn't cover my truck. 2013 f150's were recalled but the Ford dealership says they show nothing.
I was driving home from work and speedometer stoped working. My truck downshifts with no warning. I don't know if this is a transmission issue. Would not show my speed also the gas gauge is always at half way. The truck is a danger and sits parked in my yard due to it being so unsafe. Why won't Ford fix their broken vehicles?
HELLO, Ford Motor Company is not honoring a recall on my 2013 F150 truck transmission leadframe. I took it in for several recalls on this problem and now the other day it shifted wrong on the interstate going to my cancer treatments. This is a major safety issue for me and others. I have a case # and have left 3 messages to the executive office with no return call. No help from anyone in getting this resolved, before someone gets hurt. Michelle
Problemas de trasmicion
Brakes began to pulse when pressure applied to pedal. Complete loss of brake crashed in parking lot wall. Was knocked unconscious. The brake system has been professionally serviced. Cant find any reason for loss of brakes. This vehicle has been parked since incident. Because it will keep
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving in a parking lot, she depressed the brake pedal and it became stiff. The vehicle failed to slow down as intended. The vehicle collided with a parked car. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries reported. The contact then began driving at approximately 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and he observed a grinding noise emanating from the front driver side of the vehicle. The brake pedal then became stiff and did not slow down as intended. The vehicle was placed in the park position on multiple occasions to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the check valve was clogged and the brake vacuum booster pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.