The F-150 year with the most complaints
The 2013 F-150 drew about twice the model's average complaints per truck. The biggest problem is the transmission unexpectedly downshifting to first gear at speed, which can lock the rear wheels. Ford recalled many 2011-2013 trucks for it. Brake pedals that sink to the floor are next.
Updated November 2026 · based on 2,796 owner complaints and 0 recalls
546 2.0x the F-150 average
0 free to fix at a dealer
Every F-150 year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2013 F-150
Top problems and what they cost
Sudden downshift into first gear
The transmission can drop into first gear at highway speed, causing the rear wheels to skid. A recall replaced a speed sensor on many trucks.
Fix: Free under recall; otherwise a sensor and software $300 to $600.
Transmission
Engine stumbling and loss of power
EcoBoost engines can misfire and lose power when accelerating in humid weather, from condensation in the intercooler.
Fix: Intercooler deflector and software $300 to $800.
Engine
Brake pedal sinking to the floor
A failing brake master cylinder lets the pedal sink with reduced braking.
Fix: Master cylinder $400 to $800.
Brakes
Recalls
No recalls for this year.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2013 Ford F-150
- Enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and confirm the downshift recall shows as repaired.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.No recalls are on record for the 2013 F-150, but a quick VIN check is still worth it.
- Accelerate hard on the highway and feel for stumbling or misfires.A delay or loss of power when you press the gas can mean fuel, sensor or throttle faults. It matters most when merging or pulling into traffic.Owners filed 274 complaints about loss of power while driving on the 2013 F-150, one of the worst years for it.
- Press the brake pedal firmly at a stop for 30 seconds; it should not sink.The brake booster makes the pedal easy to press. A pedal that goes hard, sinks or a hissing sound means the assist is failing, so stopping takes much more effort.349 of the 2,796 owner complaints about the 2013 F-150 involve the brakes (12%).
- Check the transmission shifts smoothly down to a stop.Rough, delayed or slipping gear changes are early signs of transmission trouble. A rebuilt or replacement transmission often costs $3,000 to $6,000.Owners filed 375 complaints about 10-speed transmission harsh and erratic shifting on the 2013 F-150, one of the worst years for it.
Questions
Is the 2013 Ford F-150 reliable?
The F-150 year with the most complaints. The 2013 F-150 drew about twice the model's average complaints per truck. The biggest problem is the transmission unexpectedly downshifting to first gear at speed, which can lock the rear wheels. Ford recalled many 2011-2013 trucks for it. Brake pedals that sink to the floor are next.
How many recalls does the 2013 Ford F-150 have?
0 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2013 Ford F-150 problems?
Sudden downshift into first gear; Engine stumbling and loss of power; Brake pedal sinking to the floor.
Crash rating shown for the 2013 Ford F-150 Regular Cab PU/RC 4x4. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.