CSR

Ford · NHTSA safety record

2013 Ford F-350

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

76

Complaints

1

Crashes

4

Fires

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2013 Ford F-350 have filed 76 safety complaints with NHTSA between July 2013 and March 2026. The most complained-about system is the steering, named in 30 of them (39%). The typical failure was reported at 79,000 miles, the median across the 43 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 1 recall covering this vehicle.

Recalls (1)

EQUIPMENT

14V498000 · August 13, 2014

The defect
PJ's Truck Bodies & Equipment Co., (PJ's) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty chassis modified by PJ's and equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.
The risk
The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.
The remedy
PJ's has notified owners and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2014. Owners may contact PJ's customer service at 1-866-475-8782.

PJ's Truck Bodies & Equipment Co. · up to 3 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations (1)

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Vehicle Commanded Engine Shutdown

RQ14005

Closed recall query · opened January 13, 2015 · closed March 15, 2016 · led to recall 15V175000

the electrical system, the engine, the engine and its cooling

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 76.

STEERING 30 39%
SUSPENSION 30 39%
ENGINE 15 20%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 6 8%
POWER TRAIN 5 7%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 5 7%
WHEELS 5 7%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 3 4%
STRUCTURE 3 4%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2 3%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 2 3%
BACK OVER PREVENTION 1 1%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2022 at 11.

2013 2022 2026
2013 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

STEERING

1 injured · crash · 120,000 miles

I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 56 MILES PER HOUR ON A HIGHWAY WHEN I EXPERIENCED A HORRIBLE WOBBLE OF THE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AND TOOK IT TO THE NEAREST DEALER WHO TOLD ME THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THIS. THEY REPLACED ALMOST ALL COMPONENTS IN THE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK INCLUDING THE TRACK BAR, STABILIZER, BEARINGS, AND ALL ASSOCIATED BUSHINGS. SEVERAL DAYS LATER I WAS DRIVING ON A DIFFERENT ROAD AROUND 60 MILES PER HOUR AND EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE.

NHTSA complaint 11277335. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

fire · 79,000 miles

ENGINE FIRE - WHILE TRAVELING AT 55MPH AND TOWING A FIFTH WHEEL TRAILER ON THE INTERSTATE, THE VEHICLE INDICATED "LOW FUEL PRESSURE" ON THE DASH PANEL. A FIRE ERUPTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT SENDING SMOKE INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. AFTER STOPPING, THE FIRE SPREAD TO THE REMAINDER OF THE TRUCK AND THEN CAUGHT THE FIFTH WHEEL TRAILER ON FIRE. BOTH THE TRUCK AND THE FIFTH WHEEL TRAILER WERE DESTROYED IN THE FIRE. I BELIEVE THAT A DIESEL FUEL LEAK CAUSED THE FIRE AND RESULTING DAMAGE. BECAUSE THIS FIRE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, IT LED TO A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED.

NHTSA complaint 10903231. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

fire · 40,000 miles

WHILE DRIVING AT 55MPH, RECEIVED A "LOW FUEL PRESSURE" WARNING. SECONDS LATER, A FIRE BROKE OUT IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHICH COULD NOT BE CONTROLLED. RESULT WAS A TOTAL LOSS OF THE TRUCK AND THE FIFTH WHEEL TRAILER THAT WAS BEING TOWED. A FUEL FILTER HAD BEEN CHANGED TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE FIRE AND SUSPICION IS THAT THE FUEL LINE WAS NOT PROPERLY REATTACHED. THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE WAS IN THE AREA OF THE UPPER FUEL FILTER WHICH HELPS CONFIRM THIS SUSPICION. PROPER REMOVAL AND REINSTALLATION OF THE FUEL LINES IN THIS VEHICLE ARE KEY SAFETY ITEMS. FORD SHOULD RECONSIDER THE METHOD BY WHICH FUEL FILTERS ARE CHANGED IN ORDER TO ELIMINATE THE NEED TO REMOVE AND REINSTALL FUEL LINES.

NHTSA complaint 11005473. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

fire · 85,500 miles

WHILE TOWING OUR FIFTH-WHEEL TRAILER WITH OUR FORD F350 DRW TRUCK, THE DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) CAUGHT FIRE. WHILE TOWING OUR FIFTH-WHEEL, WE TURNED FROM THE HIGHWAY ONTO A CITY STREET IN MESA, AZ. WE HEARD A LOUD "POP" AND THOUGHT WE BLEW A TIRE. AFTER PULLING OVER AND CHECKING THAT ALL TIRES WERE FINE, WE CONTINUED ON. WE NOTICED REDUCED POWER TO THE TRUCK AND THE TURBO BOOST WAS ZERO. WE PULLED OVER AGAIN TO LOOK FOR SIGNS OF A PROBLEM. WE LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND DID NOT SEE ANY OBVIOUS HOSES BLOWN OR ISSUES. THE TRUCK WAS STILL RUNNING, SO WE CONTINUED ON SLOWLY AS WE WERE ALMOST HOME. NEAR ELLSWORTH/THOMAS ROAD IN MESA, I GOT A NOTICE, "REDUCED ENGINE POWER," AS MY 14YO SON

NHTSA complaint 11128357, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STEERING
Driving along at 70 mph and just crossed a bridge and met the asphalt when all of a sudden the steering wheel shook violently & almost caused a fatal accident. Tractor trailer & cars swung to avoid me. Went to pull out onto expressway & at 15 mph & the rumble strips along the right shoulder caused it to shake again tremendously. This vehicle has had at least 8 episodes with the death wobble.This vehicle was taken in to a Ford dealership on December 3, 2025 and was supposed to be fixed entirely. Someone is going to be killed until Ford realizes the problem.Please act on this issue. I have reported these incidents three-times to you folks with out hearing back.

NHTSA complaint 11721290. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STEERING
Was driving at 55mph and suddenly truck went into a terrible death wobble & almost caused a serious crash. On 11/25/2025 I had taken it in to the ford dealership to correct this problem since it had happened four times in August & September of this year. Which also almost caused four serious accidents. The ford dealer replaced L & R dragline ends & adjuster sleeve.Replaced right outer tie rod end & replaced track bar ball joint. Performed 3D wheel alignment & road tested on highway..This is the second time I’m writing you to get this recalled.

NHTSA complaint 11706276. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STEERING
STEERING BECAME ERRATIC & UNCONTROLABLE WHILE DRIVING AT 55MPH. STEERING WHEEL SHOOK . IT WAS A DEATH WOBBLE AND ALMOST CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THIS HAS HAPPENED FOUR TIMES IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS. THIS IS A 2013 FORD F-350 WITH 102,000 MILES. EACH TIME TRUCK HAD IT HAPPEN, IT WAS AFTER A EXPANSION JOINT IN ROAD WAS GONE OVER. TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO FORD DEALER & WE ARE WAITING FOR THEIR ASSEMENT OF THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint 11701500. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

BACK OVER PREVENTION

115,000 miles

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera was intermittently inoperable. The message "Camera Unavailable - See Dealer" was displayed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA complaint 11694994. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2013 F-350 Super Duty 6.7 Diesel truck has a problem with the DEF system and power loss. I had a check engine light come on, and an AutoZone scan shows a P20BA Power Train System and a few other codes were noted (see attached documents). I took it to my selling dealer, and they confirmed the Reductant Heater needs to be replaced. I found out there is a recall for this defective part on just about every Ford F-Series 6.7 Diesel "except" my specific year and model. The recall on all of the other F-Series trucks have the same defective part as my truck has. Why is Ford getting away with this. If the part installed in my truck is the same defective part that is being replaced on all of the

NHTSA complaint 11682365, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

TIRES:TREAD/BELT
1. The tread seperated from the tire at 60mph on highway. small vibration prior to incident. 2. Extremely dangerous to all. Vehicle was towing loaded horse trailer, middle lane. 3. Tried to bring up to Michelin corporate with little help available. 4. I will be taking tire to vender/dealer for inspection. have photos available. 5. only warning was small vibration that became present at 50-60 mph and went away at lower speeds. Vehicle did not vibrate on prior day. thought is was out of balance wheel.

NHTSA complaint 11650326. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Ford F-350

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2014 91 0
2012 149 4
2011 136 4

Other 2013 Ford models

Every Ford on this site — 348 vehicles, 1210 recall campaigns and 10 open investigation s.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst