Research · Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD · 4 NHTSA variants

2013 Ford F-150Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 2,796 owner complaints for the 2013 Ford F-150. Most complaints involve power train (1,212) and engine (531). The EPA rates it 13–19 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
13–19mpg
EPA · 12 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Jun 2019
Owner complaints
2,796
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$3,400est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

3 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Power train: automatic transmission

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with 5.0L or 6.2L gasoline engines, that previously had the powertrain control module (PCM) software reprogrammed under recall 19V-075. The software used to reprogram the PCM did not have the necessary updates to prevent the transmission from unexpectedly downshifting into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.

Power trainReported Jun 10, 2019NHTSA 19V433000

Power train: control module (tcm

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The transmission may unexpectedly downshift into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.

Power trainReported Feb 11, 2019NHTSA 19V075000

Service brakes

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 F-150 vehicles manufactured August 1, 2013, to August 31, 2014 equipped with 3.5L engines. The master cylinder rear cup seal may roll, resulting in brake fluid leakage from the primary reservoir into the brake booster.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported May 24, 2016NHTSA 16V345000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

2,796 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2012 – Aug 2025
  1. Power train1,212
  2. Engine531
  3. Service brakes309
  4. Electrical system306
  5. Vehicle speed control275
  6. Steering211
  7. Visibility/wiper143
  8. Fuel/propulsion system126
  9. Visibility50

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each F-150 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1996360
19972,855
19981,418
19991,121
20001,206
20011,340
2002955
2003464
20042,036
20051,121
2006589
2007492
2008369
2009324
2010851
20112,137
20121,717
20132,796
20141,362
20151,425
20161,798
20171,148
20181,929
20191,021
2020562
20211,042
2022605
2023419
2024195
2025119
20260
Crashes reported
74
Fires reported
31
Injuries reported
60
Deaths reported
1
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

1,212 reports23 crashes3 fires
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 7, 2025Power trainODI 11679190

Engine

531 reports4 crashes9 fires
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 7, 2025EngineODI 11679124

Service brakes

309 reports28 crashes1 fire
“Complete, instant brake failure at only 105871 miles. My wife was backing out of the drive @5 mph, brake pedal pushed clear to floor with no warning. 3-4 minutes later, the brake warning light came on. No warning light ahead of time. Reservoir was very low, I added 12 oz. DOT3 fluid…..brakes seemed ok. Got up the next morning , brake low fluid light is on and all 12 oz of brake fluid are gone, not a drip anywhere to be seen. Called the dealer….basically because our VIN has not been listed in any recall, we are out of luck on any help with repairs. Incident occurred in our drive, my wife was very lucky. Ford has a serious problem. We are the original owner, 2013 with 105871 miles. Vehicle is very excellent condition. If this would have happened on the highway, serious injury or death to us or others would have been very likely. Taking to the dealer on Monday June 9 for a diagnosis and a serious talk. Hopefully after a confirmation of master cylinder failure and leakage into the brake booster (which Ford knows is an issue), they will be able to repair under an expired recall that should have included our 2013 with the 3.5 eco boost engine. Dealer’s service dept.…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 5, 2025Service brakesODI 11665183
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

12 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD, Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
Engines
3.7L 6-cyl · 3.5L 6-cyl turbo · 5.0L 8-cyl · 6.2L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S6) · Automatic 6-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
F150 Pickup 2WD FFV
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
172319$3,400470
F150 Pickup 2WD FFV
Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
172319$3,400471
F150 Pickup 2WD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
162218$3,550481
F150 Pickup 2WD
Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
162218$3,550481
F150 Pickup 4WD FFV
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
162118$3,550505
F150 Pickup 2WD FFV
Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
152117$3,800519
F150 Pickup 2WD FFV
Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
152117$3,800519
F150 Pickup 4WD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
152117$3,800519
F150 Pickup 4WD
Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
152117$3,800519
F150 Pickup 4WD FFV
Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
141916$4,000558
F150 Pickup 2WD
Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 6.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
131815$4,300599
F150 Pickup 4WD
Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 6.2 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
121613$4,950663
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

6 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Ford F-150 Regular Cab PU/RC 4x4
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
4 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
22.8%
Overall
4 / 5
Ford F-150 Regular Cab PU/RC 4x2
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
4 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
19.8%
Overall
4 / 5
Ford F-150 Super Crew PU/CC 4x2
Frontal crash
3 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
19.8%
Overall
4 / 5
Ford F-150 Super Crew PU/CC 4x4
Frontal crash
3 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
22.8%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 7340Vehicle 7339Vehicle 7342
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2013 F-150 questions

How many recalls does the 2013 Ford F-150 have?

3 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2013 Ford F-150 problems?

Owners filed 2,796 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (1,212), engine (531), service brakes (309). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2013 Ford F-150 get?

The EPA rates the 2013 Ford F-150 at 13–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (12 versions rated).

How safe is the 2013 Ford F-150?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2013 Ford F-150 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026