This page covers 6 recalls and 2931 owner complaints for the 2013 Ford F-150.
Powertrain complaints dominate owner reports for the 2013 F-150, making up well over a third of all filings. The most consistent pattern is transmission behavior: owners frequently describe the transmission locking into a fixed gear, often 1st, 3rd, or 5th, and refusing to shift out, sometimes at highway speeds. This tends to show up alongside a check engine light. Engine complaints are the second-largest named category, though the reported symptoms there are more varied and don't cluster as tightly into a single pattern. Service brake complaints are the third most-reported system. A smaller number of owners mention the backup camera displaying a blank or distorted image during use, though that appears less frequently than the drivetrain and brake issues. The stuck-gear transmission problem is clearly the most recurring theme across the complaint set.
2,931
Total Complaints
77
Crash-Related
34
Fire-Related
52
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Ford F-150 has 6 recalls, the most serious being a transmission defect where the gearbox can suddenly drop into first gear at any speed, causing the rear wheels to slow sharply and the truck to lose stability.
This transmission issue spans multiple recalls because earlier software and hardware repair attempts did not fully resolve the problem, and it affects trucks with 5.0L, 6.2L, and 6-speed automatic transmissions. On the brake side, trucks equipped with the 3.5L engine have a master cylinder seal that can roll out of position, allowing brake fluid to leak out of the primary reservoir and into the brake booster, which causes a complete loss of front braking. A related brake concern affects certain other configurations where fluid can similarly migrate from the master cylinder into the brake booster, triggering low-fluid warnings on the dashboard. There is also a lighting and shift indicator recall where the reverse indicator may not display correctly or the transmission may not engage reverse as expected when the shift lever is moved to that position.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission may suddenly downshift to first gear, causing the rear wheels to slow abruptly and potentially reduce vehicle stability.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module to prevent the unexpected downshift.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission may unexpectedly downshift to first gear at any speed due to incomplete software in the powertrain control module from a previous recall repair.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software to prevent unexpected downshifting.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The 6-speed automatic transmission may unexpectedly downshift into first gear while driving, regardless of how fast the vehicle is moving.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module at no cost to fix the downshift issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake fluid can leak from the master cylinder into the brake booster. This may cause warning lights and sounds, and if driving continues, the brake pedal may require more effort and longer distances to stop.
What the fix does
The master cylinder will be replaced. If brake fluid entered the booster, the booster will also be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake master cylinder's rear cup seal can roll out of position, allowing brake fluid to leak from the primary reservoir into the brake booster.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and brake booster if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission range sensor may be calibrated incorrectly for reverse gear, preventing proper gear selection and starter interlock operation.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission range sensor at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
