What 2,796 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Ford F-150 (regular Cab) Gas

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 problem with the Ford 3.5L ecoboost engine. Ford issued a customer reimbursement program for repairing this known defect but it does not apply to this vehicle, even though it was built with the defective cam phasers and is showing signs they are destroying themselves, which can lead to catastrophic engine failure. Ford redesigned the cam phasers to a better version after learning of the originally defective design. The repair is very expensive $3k to $5k.

NHTSA ODI 11679124

While driving my vehicle speedometer goes to zero which no recognition of speed. If brought to a stop I can’t get out of first gear. Ford issued a “Customer Satisfaction Program 19N01” related to the 6R80 transmissions, Sudden Transmission Downshift. This “Customer Satisfaction” should have been a non expiring recall. The check engine sometimes flicks on but does not stay on or show a code. Issue is intermittent and lasts 10-15 min until vehicle recognizes it’s not incapable of shifting. Given this severely limiting malfunction I highly recommend the recall be extended indefinitely to make sure these vehicles are fixed properly.

NHTSA ODI 11677485

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.

NHTSA ODI 11675856

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 driving for a while. The failure occurred a second time but continued while driving. The contact stated that after inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the cam phasers were causing the rattling sound. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

NHTSA ODI 11672215

WRENCH displayed today, transmission was hard shifting trying to go in and out of gear

NHTSA ODI 11670637

*transmission DOWNSHIFTS while driving at normal traffic speeds *Sudden stops in traffic *WRENCH appeared on dash, lost all digital numbers, I e. Speed...as soon as downshift

NHTSA ODI 11670154

*transmission downshifted while traveling 15 mph *Unsafe condition traveling on roadway *Temporary loss of control *WRENCH appeared, shifted hard into first gear

NHTSA ODI 11670360

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into a lower gear with the transmission and engine warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact was able to pull over and restart the vehicle, and the vehicle resumed normal driving functionality. The local dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under Customer Satisfaction Program: 19N01; however, the VIN was no longer covered under the Customer Satisfaction Program. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000.

NHTSA ODI 11669667

I keep seeing about the f-150/s being recalled for the rear view cameras not working but mine works and doesn’t works sometimes but keep being told that there is no recall but if you google any of the problems i have it is a reoccurring problem in other 2013 f-150s. Also problems with rear sliding heated back window the driverside shatters. The molded frame transmission needed repaired or replaced. Ecoboost leaking antifreeze behind passenger side front tire. The timing and phasers needing replaced. All are known common problems but ive been told are not recallable problems.

NHTSA ODI 11665626

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the cam phasers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11663533

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 65 MPH, the message “Service Vehicle Soon” was displayed, and check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle immediately experienced a loss of automotive power, and the speedometer went to zero(0) and remained at zero(0). The contact pulled over onto the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that lead frame connector was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 166,712.

NHTSA ODI 11659248

2013 F-150 subject to Customer Satisfaction Program 19N01, Transmission Molded Leadframe Extended Coverage. Speedometer went to zero, airbag light illuminated, truck downshifted on its own with a sudden lunging feeling, as if I got rear ended. Wrench icon illuminated. Truck would not shift properly. Mileage indication went blank. I was doing 55 mph on the highway with other vehicles around me. Caused me to have to make an abrupt stop and almost caused an accident. Definitely put my safety and others at risk. Problem happened 3 times during my 1 trip. Was able to correct by turning vehicle off then back on. Can be reproduced easily. Not confirmed by dealer or maintenance tech, or inspected by anyone because I am afraid to drive it. There were no warning signs or symptoms before problem occured.

NHTSA ODI 11657338

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while towing an empty horse trailer at 65 MPH, the vehicle downshifted into second gear, and the engine revved abnormally. The contact stated that there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was turned off and towed to the residence. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 203,000.

NHTSA ODI 11654505

I was traveling 55 mph on highway when without any warning or hesitation the truck on its own down shifted to 2nd gear, resulting in the rear end of truck to swing all the way around turning me a whole 45 degrees! I was very lucky to have been able to pull out of the fish tailing act caused by the down shifted at such a high speed. I had to tow it home from there bc the transmission would then be stuck in 5th gear and randomly shift to 2nd with a bad jerking motion. My local ford dealership told me the recall has expired for my truck?!?!?

NHTSA ODI 11654235

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on several occasions while the vehicle was started and running, there was a rattling sound coming from the engine compartment for approximately 30-seconds. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for maintenance and the technician observed the rattling sound after an oil change and suggested that the cam phasers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated the following day. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.

NHTSA ODI 11653848

This incident to my truck has happened twice. First time on [XXX] and this last time on [XXX]. I was driving and all of a sudden the truck downshifted, loss power even when pressing on the gas then again all of a sudden the tach. and the engine will Rev up very high then lunge forward. This last time my truck made a big jerk. This really scared me. I pulled over and called a tow truck because I was afraid to keep driving it. I had it towed to the Ford dealership, Mt. Orab Ford, where I just bought this truck from in Dec.2024. Iam waiting for them to let me know what they have found out. I have only owned thus truck for 3 months. Thes last couple of days I have been finding out information of some problems and recall of this 6 speed transmission. I have also contacted Ford and they have opened a case on my truck. I'm hoping to hear back from the dealership today. I just thought I should report this to you. Please feel free to contact me.Thanks, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11653433

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear and the vehicle lost motive power. The power train and check engine warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, when the vehicle downshifted, the information on the infotainment screen disappeared. The vehicle was restarted, and the screen reappeared. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,000.

NHTSA ODI 11650457

traveling on highway at speed of 65 to 70 mph and vehicle suddenly downshifted and experienced a loos of power. dashboard went off and I lost control of the vehicle. my safety was put at risk due to loss of power of vehicle. I could not identify anything wrong with the vehicle before it happened.

NHTSA ODI 11650524

As I was pulling out onto the road it died blocking a 2 lane road at around 5AM so was pitch black luckily cars where paying attention & saw me I was able to roll it back off the road. Had a mechanic look at it after being towed back home he noticed fuse 27 was melted that is fuse for the fuel pump. Currently awaiting how much it will be to fix.

NHTSA ODI 11650345

Vehicle dash lights will come on while driving (wrench light specifically) and vehicle looses all power and drops to 0 RPM 0 Speed. This has happened multiple times and is extremely dangerous! After 4 months, we finally got our appointment at a Ford dealership where they diagnosed the lead frame needs to be replaced. Truck is a 2013 Ford F150 with 114,000 miles and there is a bulletin for this concern but the truck is out of warranty by age. The total bill is $1,769.54 and I contacted Ford to see if they would help for customer satisfaction and was told no.

NHTSA ODI 11648659

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the clicking sound persisted with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ODI 11648828

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted from sixth gear to first gear. The speedometer and RPM fell to zero. The accelerator pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The check engine and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The wrench symbol was displayed. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the lead frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and confirmed there was no warranty coverage for the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 140,300.

NHTSA ODI 11645575

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted with the power train and the check engine warning light flashed on the instrument panel. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road and turn off the vehicle. The contact attempted several times to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the speed shaft sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it remained. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11638848

The contact owns a 2013 Ford 150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the air bags and the check engine warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact turned the vehicle off and allowed the vehicle to sit for several minutes. The vehicle was restarted, and the system reset independently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not assist. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 102,000.

NHTSA ODI 11638053

Due to an unresolved issue that Ford motor company is aware of with the Transmission “Molded Lead Frame” the truck will drop down into 1st gear from highway speeds and causes a huge safety concern if there should be someone traveling behind me. The speedometer will stop working as well as the mileage will disappear off the screen/all other information will go blank. I will have to stop the truck, turn it off and back on again and it will drive normal. When I bring to dealer; they state ford should be covering this issue: when I contact ford I am offered no assistance or remedies. They referred me to bring this safety issue to your attention. It is very concerning and I cannot afford another car at the moment.

NHTSA ODI 11635140