Home · 2013 Ford F-150 Regular Cab · Complaints

What 2,796 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Ford F-150 Regular Cab

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (2,796)Crash / fire / injury (125)Transmission & drivetrain (1,212)Engine (531)Brakes (346)Electrical system (306)Speed control (275)Steering (211)Visibility & wipers (187)Fuel system (155)Body & structure (48)Wheels (39)

Newest first · 2,796 complaints · page 1 of 112

Aug 7, 2025Engine

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

Aug 7, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

At about [XXX] [XXX], Tuesday, I was N/B on [XXX] , my speed was approximately 60 mph. All of a sudden, my brakes locked up as if I slammed on by brakes. Although a safe distance behind my, vehicles behind me had to swerve out of my way due to the sudden breaking. After pulling over, I checked the undercarriage, thinking I might have hit something, but everything was clear. Not knowing what had just happened I got back onto the highway and when I reached a speed of approximately 65 mph it did it again causing my truck to swerve into the oncoming lane of traffic. I still didn't know what was going on because there were no physical signs indicating such and no warning lights illuminated. After pulling over once again I called a transmission shop and explained what had just happed and asked if they could look at my truck to see what was going on. They told me it would be about three months before they can get me in, but said they know what exactly had happened. When I asked them to please tell me what had occurred, they told me the transmission suddenly went from 5th gear down to 1st gear due to a "Transmission Molded Lead Frame issue" I had no idea what he was talking about, and he said the fix is a simple one that involved a computer software update. Well, I learned that in 2019 there was a "Customer Satisfaction program" for this issue but the problem is I knew nothing about it and when I purchased the vehicle in 2022, I wasn't told about this. Now, the Ford dealership I took the truck to said the "Customer Satisfaction program" that was issued had expired and I would have to pay for the repair. I'm confused because when I first started researching this issue the Carfax at the time I purchased the vehicle was a "Customer Satisfaction program", and after talking to the Hanford Auto Sales, in California, I purchased the vehicle they said they didn't do anything because it was just a "Customer Satisfaction program". INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11679190

Aug 4, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the speedometer went to 0 MPH, and the transmission failed to shift out of 1st gear. The contact shifted into neutral and shifted back to drive; however, the transmission still failed to upshift into second gear. The check engine warning light and the service vehicle soon warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the molded lead frame was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 154,000.

NHTSA ODI 11678320

Aug 4, 2025Speed control

the speed sensor in transmission isn't working properly it shift down to 1st gear as shown in these recalls 19S07,19S19,AND 24S37. IM NOT SURE IF IT IS RELATED TO 19N01 in any way but the problem was that its showing on my vin that they conducted a recall 19S07 ON MY 2012 F-150 IN THE Past but then after that there was a 19S19 recalled ADDED because the prior 19s07 didn't work properly or hold up ,so what that meant was they should have made it aware to all vehicles that was performed with this reprogramming recall but they did not send any notification or make available to my f150 especially knowing the reprograming didn't hold up, so I was never granted access or authorization and notified that it need to be re done . also the problem I noticed says its with the software in 19s19 and 19s07 but this seems more like a speed sensor problem that's indicated in 24s37 and that seems to be a hardware issue ,if u look into this issue on line you'll notice the fix for this issue is for the sensor to be replaced in the transmission . I feel that ford should be responsible for the issue with my f150 .

NHTSA ODI 11678333

Jul 31, 2025Transmission & drivetrainSpeed controlEngine

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

Jul 31, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly downshifted from 6th to 1st gear. The battery and the powertrain warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the lead frame and speed sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the same diagnosis was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 211,580.

NHTSA ODI 11677552

Jul 30, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

Transmission downshift in low gear at highway speeds, almost lost control, afraid of any transmission damage, looked online for other ford p/ups with same 6speed transmission problems and of course they are millions of recalls but my vin # isn’t included, called ford motor co, seems like they are just passing the buck , I know it’s the same exact problem, wondering if I should go to local news station to report it as an ongoing issue, and I would like this investigated !!!!

NHTSA ODI 11677259

Jul 30, 2025Latches & locks

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side rear door unexpectedly opened. The contact stopped the vehicle and attempted to close the door; however, the door failed to close and became inoperable. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 258,000.

NHTSA ODI 11677263

Jul 27, 2025

When I put my Truck in Reverse...My Backup Camera goes BLACK with NO PICTURE. Which has caused me to back into things.

NHTSA ODI 11676488

Jul 24, 2025Transmission & drivetrainEngine

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

Jul 24, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission lead frame had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ODI 11675882

Jul 24, 2025Steering

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized. In addition, the steering failure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ODI 11675966

Jul 22, 2025Fuel system

On vehicles equipped the R680 six speed transmission, the oil lines break off at the Quick Disconnect to the transmission oil cooler due to metal fatigue. When this happens, it causes 14 quarts of automatic transmission fluid to be pumped out onto the roadway from the front of the vehicle and on the tires and roadway. Several things can happen when this happens. 1. Loss of control resulting in a crash. 2. Vehicle stopping on roadway and unable to continue. 3. Roadway gets covered with oil may cause other vehicles to crash. 4. Enviornmental issues. I am reporting this because it is a problem that is common and should be addressed. The problem is well documented on the internet and YouTube. (Ford F150 Transmission Cooler Lines Breaking.) In my case the line snaped off when I was in my driveway. Very lucky.

NHTSA ODI 11675243

Jul 22, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

The contact's son owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while her son was driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The contact stated that the power train warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with output speed shaft sensor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

NHTSA ODI 11675353

Jul 21, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact had received notification of an undisclosed recall campaign, and the vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired; however, the failure occurred within several months after the repair. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear and the vehicle stopped unintendedly. The power train warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that an unknown part in the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11675036

Jul 19, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

The truck drops from sixth gear to fourth gear randomly while at high speeds. I took it in and they told me it was not covered by the recall that was done a couple years ago for this very same reason. I took it into five star Ford in Plano Texas. They told me that recall expired. I took it in then and they supposed changed out faulty parts.

NHTSA ODI 11674683

Jul 19, 2025Transmission & drivetrainElectrical system

Ford dealership Jack Kissee in Claremore, OK is telling me my truck is 6k miles out of warranty for Recall 19N01. I have owned my 2013 F150 for less than 2 years with no knowledge of any previous recalls or repairs needed by Ford. This has not been an ongoing issue and has only happened within the last 1,000 miles I have put on my truck. Wrench light and icon pop up on the dash and puts the truck into limp mode until I can get pulled over and get the truck shut off. Safety risk to everyone on the rode. Please let me know if there is a way this Recall 19N01 can be covered. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11674700

Jul 17, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently downshifted. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.

NHTSA ODI 11674343

Jul 17, 2025Transmission & drivetrainSpeed control

While driving at highway speeds, about 55mph, transmission just jerked. Happened multiple times until I could get it in to be serviced. Service light comes on, speedometer goes to zero, safety lights come on and its not able to downshift. I fear this could be a very dangerous especially at this speeds.. After stopping and turning of the road it still would not reset. It would not reset until I parked the vehicle and shutdown then restarted. Picture attached shows the dash..... while going 55 speedometer went to zero. Was in 5 gear and would not change, mileage went to "--------" Engine light and Airbag lights come on...... NHTSA site shows no recalls but Ford does show their own recall. Ford will not cover this repair because they said they notified of a recall but nothing was ever sent to me or told to me in any previous trips to dealership. This is a known safety risk and Ford should still be pushing to get these parts replaced. Fords Campaign after to search online. 19N01 Description Transmission molded leadframe

NHTSA ODI 11674344

Jul 16, 2025Brakes

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while hauling a trailer, the brake pedal independently went to the floorboard. The ABS and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating with the accelerator pedal depressed. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a master cylinder leak into the brake booster. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V345000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ODI 11673904

Jul 15, 2025Electrical system

Odometer Fraud. The contact's client purchased a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 58,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 163,000.

NHTSA ODI 11673695

Jul 14, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

I am the current owner of a 2013 Ford F-150 King Ranch, which I purchased in 4-2019. In 2025, the truck began to experience sudden, harsh downshifting while driving, sometimes dropping from 6th gear to 1st without warning. This created a major safety hazard, especially at higher speeds. The problem was diagnosed and confirmed by Greenbrier Ford in Lewisburg, West Virginia. They identified the issue as related to the transmission's OSS sensor and PCM programming—consistent with Ford’s CSP 19N01 and TSB 16-0008. The repair was completed at my expense because I was never notified of the CSP, even though I was the legal owner at the time.Before the failure, I experienced intermittent rough shifting and hesitation, but during the major incident, a “Wrench” light appeared on the dashboard, and I suddenly lost power while driving. This happened without warning and created a serious safety risk. That’s what prompted me to take the vehicle in for service, where the issue was linked to the transmission and matched symptoms covered under Ford CSP 19N01.The issue was confirmed by Greenbrier Ford in Lewisburg, West Virginia, where all my mechanical work has been performed since I purchased the vehicle from them in 2019. I would like a refund as this is related to a dangerous recall.

NHTSA ODI 11673487

Jul 11, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at approximately 35 MPH downhill, the vehicle downshifted to 2nd gear inadvertently. The tow warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,520.

NHTSA ODI 11672762

Jul 9, 2025Engine

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

Jul 7, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

I was pulling an empty car trailer in Tow mode when my truck downshifted from 5th gear to 1st gear causing my trailer to fishtail and almost rear ended from a tractor trailer. Then continuing it shifted rear hard to the next gear. Since this first occurrence, it has happened multiple times, which is a major safety issue. I have to pull over immediately, turn off truck, and turn back on to reset the transmission. Until I figured that out, the issue was even more hazardous almost causing accidents for my family, including my grandchildren. Since then, they cannot ride with me. I found out that this is a known issue and covered to 150k miles for Molded Transmission Leadframe Extended Coverage. My issue is that I bought this truck at a Ford dealership in 2018 with 110k miles and have been in the dealership before and was never told about this safety issue and extended coverage. If it’s a known safety issue, why is it not covered beyond 150k miles or 10 years??????? I’m currently in the dealership waiting for an $180 diagnosis which I don’t feel that I should not have to pay. I’m fairly certain, they will charge MUCH more for their recommended fix, which should have all been covered by Ford for this known safety issue. Thanks for your help.

NHTSA ODI 11671541

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How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2013 Ford F-150 Regular Cab verdict →