Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Ford F-150 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted from 6th gear into a lower gear, and the check engine and transmission warning lights illuminated. As a result of the failure, the vehicle crashed into bushes. The contact also stated that the air bags did not deploy during the incident. The contact sustained a left foot injury; however, no medical attention was sought. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not towed, and the contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact further stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on another occasion, the vehicle unexpectedly entered limp mode and remained in 3rd gear. The contact also reported that the vehicle felt sluggish when attempting to accelerate from a stop, with the check engine and transmission warning lights illuminated. …
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to 1st gear, the vehicle shuddered, skidded, and the rear wheels locked up. The contact was able to coast over to the side of the road. The power train warning light was illuminated with the wrench symbol and the air bag warning light briefly before the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact detached the battery and waited for a while before reattaching the battery, restarting the vehicle, and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure occurred approximately every 5 miles. …
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH or faster, the vehicle would unintendedly decelerate. The contact stated that the speedometer dropped to 0 MPH. The contact stated that the "Wrench" symbol was displayed, indicating a failure with the power train or the electronic throttle control system. The air bag warning light was also illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact was able to continue driving the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously included in a recall regarding the transmission and the vehicle was repaired under the recall. The contact was unable to confirm whether the VIN was included in either NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V433000 (Power Train) or 19V075000 (Power Train). …
While towing a 5000lb camper to go camping, the vehicle spontaneously started fire. When I exited the vehicle I noticed smoke and flames coming from underneath the cab. I opened the hood and it appeared that the fire was coming from the transmission area. Attempts we're made to extinguish the fire while awaiting the arrival of the fire dept. Attempts by myself, and others were unsuccessful causing the fire to burn through the firewall and into the cab. I was in a rural area so it took approx. 15-20 minutes for the fire dept to arrive. The fire eventually burned through the dash and the front windshield. Fire dept arrived and were able to put out the fire. Needless to say the vehicle was totalled.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side air bag warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who recalibrated the air bag sensor; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who determined that the front passenger's seat rail needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 165,549.
sept 11 I was leaving a parking garage, I backed out of my parking space, drove toward the first turn when the sole came off my shoe blocked the gas pedal wide open sending my truck into a support column on the lower level. The damage was extensive but my airbags did not deploy, the seat belt left bruise and and some soreness but to date no other injuries. My insurance told me today they are gonna 'total' the vehicle. 2013 Ford F150 Supercrew Cab
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The power train and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,000.
Hello, I am writing a request to supplement 19N01 on Ford models as I had a near accident that almost happened. First, as I was driving, my mileage odometer was glitching showing dashes "------", also notice that my check engine light came on and as a result the airbag off warning was showing as well. As a result of all this, seems that the vehicle malfunction as my vehicle was in "limp mode" while all of this was happening and when pressing the gas no acceleration was happening (mind you that was all happening in heavy traffic). After moving steadily and avoiding heavy traffic, I parked my vehicle to the side and turn it on and off. This seems to restart the system however my check engine was still on. After further research on this issue, I see that this is a known issue that happens with the model of my vehicle. …
Driving 70 mph on highway. Transmission suddenly downshifted from 6th to 5th. Cruise control turned off. Speedometer went to 0 mph. Airbag warning light came on. Wrench indicator flashed. From this point on, transmission would only use gears 3,4,5. Speedometer continued to read 0. Cruise control remained inoperative and Airbag warning light remained on. Wrench indicator turned off after a few minutes. Was able to limp home, but truck had difficulty pulling out from stoplights and stop signs due to not being able to shift below 3rd gear. After shutting off ignition and restarting. Operation returned to normal.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven back to the residence. A dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Airbag complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2013 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the air bags of the 2013 Ford F-150, 1% of the model year's 2,990 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 Ford F-150 airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2013 Ford F-150, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Ford F-150 airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 13 crashes, 1 fire and 10 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.