2013 Ford F-150: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
Known weak spot on this generation: 3.5L EcoBoost (1st gen) — cam phasers, intercooler condensation. 3 recall campaigns to confirm with a dealer.
A 1–2 second rattle on cold start-up, a stumble under boost after highway cruising in humidity. Ask about phaser or timing work.
Known problems on the 2013 Ford F-150
3.5L EcoBoost (1st gen) — cam phasers, intercooler condensation $1,200–$3,500 to fix
If equipped with the 1st-gen 3.5 EcoBoost: a cold-start cam-phaser rattle (Ford revised the phasers and did a TSB), and a hard-throttle stumble/misfire in humid weather from condensation pooling in the intercooler. Timing chains and the water pump (internal on some) also wear.
Check for: A 1–2 second rattle on cold start-up, a stumble under boost after highway cruising in humidity. Ask about phaser or timing work.
Basis: Ford cam-phaser TSBs; NHTSA condensation complaints; class actions
Known patterns for this year and model, not findings about one car. A well-kept example may already have had the fix. Costs are rough US shop prices.
2013 Ford F-150 recalls
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2013 Ford F-150. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Transmission & drivetrain
Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Details 19V075000
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.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S07.
- Transmission & drivetrain
Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Details 19V433000
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.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 24, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S19.
- Brakes
Loss of brake fluid from the primary reservoir results in a complete loss of front brake function, increasing the risk of a crash.
Details 16V345000
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.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and, if necessary, the brake booster, free of charge. The recall began on October 28, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S24.
2013 Ford F-150 safety investigations and free repairs
No open safety investigations.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Transmission: Certain 2011 - 2013 Model Year F-150 and 2012- 2013 Model Year Expedition/Navigator Vehicles Equipped with A 6R80 Transmission Transmission Molded…
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2013 Ford F-150 safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
Other Ford F-150 years
2010 2011 2012 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
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