Home · 2013 Ford F-150 Supercab · Complaints

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

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 4 of 112

May 9, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

The component that failed was the transmission and the power train control module. The vehicle and component is available for inspection. My self and passenger were at risk while pulling out onto the highway and the vehicle had a sudden transmission downshift. This disabled the vehicle in the highway while merging into oncoming traffic. The problem has been confirmed by the Ford Dealership and a repair estimate has been provided for the transmission and PCM (Powertrain control module) The vehicle component has been inspected by Ford the manufacturer. There were no warning symbols, lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to they failure.

NHTSA ODI 11660041

May 8, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

2013 f 150 xlt aquipped with 6 speed transmission fail twice in 11 years same issue , transmission out of the blu in high speed desides from high gear it shifts to low gear causing the truck in a very rapid down shift causing bodily injury and getting hit on the back do a sudden stop , I was lucky twice , fist time the repair were covered by the warranty but the second time I had to lay out of my pocket , I plead with FORD to help me with the bill they turn me down. I hope it doesn’t happen again.( frightened experience thank GOD I didn’t have any passengers on both incidents .

NHTSA ODI 11659853

May 6, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V433000 (Power Train); the VIN was included, but the vehicle was repaired in 2019. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11659239

May 6, 2025Electrical systemEngine

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

May 5, 2025Transmission & drivetrainElectrical system

The contact's husband owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at highway speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted and the instrument panel went blank. The contact's husband restarted the vehicle and resumed normal operation; however, the failure returned the next day. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was acknowledged that the vehicle had experienced transmission failure; however, the vehicle was not covered under warranty or recall. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

NHTSA ODI 11658884

May 3, 2025Speed control

2013 Ford F150 speed control issues. When driving the vehicle will downshift hard. Thankfully I was not driving at higher speeds. The vehicle is available for inspection. The problem has been confirmed by a Ford dealership. I was told by the service manager that the truck was having the symptoms of the recall 19S07, but that the “recall has expired.” There were no warning lights prior to the problem. A wrench symbol appeared on my dash screen when the truck downshifted. I spoke with Ford customer support and they said there was no recall.

NHTSA ODI 11658721

May 2, 2025Backup camera & sensors

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the back over prevention camera screen displayed a blue screen, and there was no visible image displayed. The contact stated that the failure had created a visibility hazard. The contact stated that occasionally, after shifting to the reverse, the back-over prevention camera failed to activate. The cause of the failure was not yet been determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 118,000.

NHTSA ODI 11658356

May 1, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

Truck is down shifting to 1st gear while on freeway at high speed. Causing no control and back wheels to lock up. Almost died. Ford says it’s not covered under recal

NHTSA ODI 11658185

Apr 30, 2025Transmission & drivetrainSpeed control

The faulty output shaft speed sensor (OSS) causes a signal loss between the sensor and the powertrain control module (PCM), leading to a sudden downshift into first gear, regardless of the vehicle's speed. This sudden downshift can cause the rear tires to slide, potentially leading to a loss of control and an increased risk of a crasH. There is already a recall for the 2014 Models and my 2013 is having the exact same issue.

NHTSA ODI 11657845

Apr 29, 2025Electrical system

My vehicle's transmission is suddenly downshifting and should be included in the recall

NHTSA ODI 11657514

Apr 28, 2025Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine

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

Apr 24, 2025Transmission & drivetrainSpeed control

Safety issue. Engine code P0720 which means the output speed sensor sends erratic signals to the power train module or PCM. There is a recall on this truck for this exact thing. What happens is the gears in the transmission don’t shift smoothly and what happened to me was I was driving 70mph all of sudden the truck made a loud bang and I was in 6th gear and the truck went from being in 6th gear just dropped into 1st gear and at 70mph it’s pretty frightening. The brakes locked up and i managed to stay calm and regain control of the vehicle and pull over. Immediately I seen a big yellow wrench on the dashboard along with the check engine light so I turned it off and restarted it thinking maybe the computer will reset. The truck is literally stuck in like 3rd or 4th gear because I can’t go past 40 mph. I was only 5 mins away from home as soon as I got home I use my code machine and the engine code I received was P0720. I contacted my Larsen Ford in Lakewood NJ they informed me about the recall but told me that they’re not paying for any repairs because it’s past 10 years. It ended in January of 2024. I didn’t buy the truck until July 2024 I had no idea about any recalls. I’m not the original owner. I just assumed since it’s a safety issue that the manufacturer must be responsible for all repairs regardless of how long it’s been. I bought the truck with only 38,000 miles on it presently it has 40,000 miles on it now but I don’t think it’s fair that I have to pay for everything to be fixed myself.

NHTSA ODI 11656469

Apr 24, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The service transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the output shaft. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train); the VIN was included, but the vehicle was already repaired. The contact stated that the failure had not occurred prior to the repair by the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 304,000.

NHTSA ODI 11656591

Apr 23, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the “WRENCH” symbol became displayed, and the vehicle came to a sudden stop. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle was slow to respond. The vehicle was restarted and then worked as designed. After exiting the ramp and driving on the highway at 70 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stopped. The “WRENCH” symbol was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 227,601.

NHTSA ODI 11656252

Apr 19, 2025Airbags

The passenger air bag light indicates OFF even when I am in the seat. I am a 5’8’’ 125 lb person. This is frequently what happens when I am sitting. I have tried undoing and reattaching the seat belt but often it does nothing or reverts back to off in a short time. The picture below is right now while my husband is driving.

NHTSA ODI 11655608

Apr 19, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

My truck suddenly downshifting into low gear at highway speeds without warning, or any input from me. Ford recalled this vehicle two times previously, but it is still downshifting without warning.

NHTSA ODI 11655623

Apr 17, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission 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 further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA ODI 11655222

Apr 16, 2025Transmission & drivetrainAirbagsWheels

Hello, I am writing a request to supplement 19N01 on Ford models as I had a near accident that almost happened. First, as I was driving, my mileage odometer was glitching showing dashes "------", also notice that my check engine light came on and as a result the airbag off warning was showing as well. As a result of all this, seems that the vehicle malfunction as my vehicle was in "limp mode" while all of this was happening and when pressing the gas no acceleration was happening (mind you that was all happening in heavy traffic). After moving steadily and avoiding heavy traffic, I parked my vehicle to the side and turn it on and off. This seems to restart the system however my check engine was still on. After further research on this issue, I see that this is a known issue that happens with the model of my vehicle. After calling the dealership with my issue, they state it is a customer program rather than a recall. I beg NHTSA to please supplement this known issue and instead of 10 years, please use the 150K mileage. I cannot be driving with this unsafe issue as it was a scary issue that happen during traffic.

NHTSA ODI 11655022

Apr 15, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

I have a 2013 F-150 FX4 5.0L subject to Customer Satisfaction Program 19N01, Transmission Molded Leadframe Extended Coverage. This “recall” expired December 2023. I just purchased this Truck [XXX] and Just started experiencing issues tied to this “recall” today ([XXX]) as the truck would not start and the message came stating put in park to start, which it was. I called the local Ford dealership and they set up a mobile visit to clear the 19S19 recall then said that it was not tied to the leadframe issue and i would have to pay out of pocket. The dealer, Palmetto Ford in Charleston, SC told me that they could not fix the ongoing recall on this vehicle (19S19) and told me to contact local dealer. The 19N01 recall is ongoing through the country from what i am starting to read and don't think it is fair that Ford knowing this problem still exist wants to charge almost $2000 to get it fixed now when they were once doing it for free. Why did it expire in 2023, when they knew this was going to continue to happen? I am hoping the NHTSA can get the 19N01 recall back into effect as they need to be accountable for their flaws. Thank you for your time and hope to hear from you soon. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11654781

Apr 14, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted to first gear. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the lead frame sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V433000 (Power Train), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ODI 11654495

Apr 14, 2025Transmission & drivetrainEngine

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

Apr 14, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

My two thousand thirteen ford f150 3.5 Ecoboost has the safety consumer alert for the powertrain. My vehicle downshifs and loses all power to the engine, and the dealership will do nothing for me. As they state the notice expired last year, my vehicle only has a hundred and twenty nine thousand miles on it, and I would like to see how I can get this fixed

NHTSA ODI 11654510

Apr 13, 2025

My vehicle is having unexpected downshifts. I was driving approx. 55 mph today and I felt something and saw it downshifted to 2nd gear. I pulled over and turned it off. Didn’t see anything odd under the hood and couldn’t get it to start again until the computer was reset. I googled and found that my year and model vehicle had a recall for this exact problem. Ford is advising that my vehicle has no recalls when I submit my VIN

NHTSA ODI 11654380

Apr 12, 2025Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine

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

Apr 12, 2025Transmission & drivetrain1 injury

I have always owned a ford truck. I recently have poured over $7k recently on typical maintenance and normal wear repairs. Not a big deal since I love my truck and I take good care of it. I have a 2013 F150 4x4 and my vin is part of the “customer satisfaction” recall. I purchased my truck used from an actual dealership (Mercedes Benz) but I also paid $3,000 at that time for a Premier Protection plan. (Used only once for the water pump). In the past 3.5 years I’ve had this truck I have only driven it 30k miles and it currently has 116k miles on it. It is very well maintained and serviced. Recently the truck went into limp mode while I was driving on the freeway and I almost flipped the vehicle with my toddler also in the vehicle and it was raining. It was the most scariest experience I’ve ever had driving. I want this issue resolved and Ford needs to stand by its product. This is ridiculous. The wrench light of death illuminated when this incident occurred. I called the local dealer and they laughed at me over the phone and basically told me it’s not a safety issue and it’s expired. This is not acceptable and I will be contacting the local news media outlets and I will be reaching out as far as taking legal recourse over what is clearly a massive safety issue. I purchased vehicle in 2021 and vehicle just started having the issue two years after the fix for free from dealer expired.

NHTSA ODI 11654271

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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 Supercab verdict →