The 2013 F-150 may have been built Ford tough, but that doesn’t mean all examples are problem-free. Some 2013 model year units were plagued with transmission issues, random loss of engine power, and brake loss due to a leaky master cylinder.
Key Points
- The 2013 Ford F-150 has three recalls, three investigations, and over 2,000 complaints registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- The pickup truck’s most common complaint is over sudden and unexpected downshifts to lower gears while driving, which led to two recalls.
- A recall was also issued for a series of leaky brake master cylinders. The leak could result in a loss of brake fluid and complete loss of front brake function.
- Another powertrain-related complaint is loss of power under hard acceleration. The NHTSA launched an investigation and determined the culprit was a misfire due to humid and rainy conditions. A technical service bulletin was issued by Ford to address the issue.
2013 Ford F-150’s Most Common Issue is Sudden and Rapid Downshifts from the Transmission, which may Cause Loss of Vehicle Control
Of the 2,027 complaints on the NHTSA website related to the 2013 Ford F-150, nearly 700 of them focus on a powertrain concern. One common complaint mentions the transmission rapidly downshifting through multiple gears while the vehicle was moving at speed upwards of 60 mph, and some even stated that the truck would be stuck in a single gear after this phenomenon occurred.
In some instances, the issue was so severe that the trucks’ rear wheels would lock up. The sudden deceleration sometimes resulted in the driver losing control and causing an accident.
An investigation was launched by the NHTSA, which discovered the problem stemmed from an intermittent loss of signal from the transmission speed sensor to the powertrain control module, resulting in unintended downshifts into first gear. Ford issued two recalls, offering to reprogram the powertrain control module in affected vehicles.
One of these recalls pertains to 1.3 million F-150s from 2011 to 2013, specifically those with the six-speed automatic. The other covers almost 108,000 F-150s from 2013, but only those with the 5.0L V8 or 6.2L V8.
Another Recall was Issued for the 2013 F-150 Related to Leakage from the Brake Master Cylinder into the Brake Booster
Another common complaint from owners, according to the NHTSA, is over poor braking performance or, in extreme cases, a total loss of brake performance. Drivers lodged over 250 complaints and described the pedal going all the way to the floor when trying to brake, and a loss of brake fluid with no visible leaks.
An NHTSA investigation determined the issue was related to a master cylinder defect that could result in loss of the front brake circuit in some 2013 and 2014 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5-liter GTDI engines.
Ford issued a recall on nearly a quarter of a million 2013 and 2014 F-150s which replaced the master cylinder and, if the master cylinder was found to be leaking, also replaced the brake booster.
Some 2013 F-150s with the 3.5L EcoBoost Engine Reportedly Experience Loss of Power Under Hard Acceleration
Another common powertrain complaint is unique to trucks equipped with the twin-turbo 3.5L EcoBoost engine. Drivers reported that when they wanted to utilize the “boost” to get the truck up to speed, they experienced weak acceleration. The problem led to an NHTSA investigation into complaints alleging incidents of reduced engine power during hard accelerations in model year 2011 through 2013 Ford F-150 trucks.
Ford confirmed that a problem could occur traveling at a steady speed under very humid and rainy conditions when condensation could accumulate on the inside of the charge air cooler tubes and then be ingested into the engine during particularly hard acceleration.
Ford’s testing showed that a vehicle experiencing such a condition would continue to maintain its speed as well as accelerate, albeit at a lower rate than expected. In 2014, Ford indicated that its technical service bulletins have been 100 percent effective in resolving the problem for model year 2013 vehicles.
2013 Ford F-150 is a Famously Capable Truck, but Make Sure All the Recalls have Been Performed
Ford sold over 750,000 F-150s in 2013 alone, making it one of the best-selling trucks of the decade. Though they are now out of warranty, a 2013 Ford F-150 pickup truck should still be a great buy for anyone looking for a heavy-duty hauler, a basic workhorse, or even just a daily driver. But it is important to make sure all the recalls have been performed. If the issues have been addressed and the truck has otherwise been well maintained, there’s no reason to shy away from a 2013 F-150.
Photos: Ford
