Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
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 while the vehicle was at the dealer for unrelated repairs, the contact was informed that the throttle body housing was failing. The contact was informed that the throttle body housing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V659000 (Structure); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 201,987.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound and became aware that the spare tire had almost struck another vehicle that was following behind. The vehicle was steered over to the side of the road and inspected. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle he observed that an unknown steel cable underneath the vehicle holding up the spare tire was corroded and had snapped. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after a visual inspection of the rear fender wells and bed post, she became aware of extensive frame rusting. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the bed liner was holding moisture, resulting in abnormal corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Moonroof guides/track. The plastic components fail on hundreds of thousands of these trucks F150/250/350+ Ford knows full well but sits on its hands. They refuse to sell a simple repair kit and charge $1200 for the entire moonroof assembly. Then 6 hours labor to take the headliner down and install. So over $2000 for something that really should only fail in a handful of vehicles. I've owned 5 different cars with these types of roof and never had an issue even after 10 years with a few of the ones I've owned. There are aftermarket repair kits that range from $25 for cheap off-shore kits to $119 for a US made kit. Ford is shirking their responsibility for a poorly engineered and manufactured part and basically fleecing these truck owners.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150 used to haul a 2022 Highland Ridge RV. The contact stated that when the RV was parked, the awning detached from the RV. The awning was not able to be re-installed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V573000 (Structure) 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
Seems to be a defect with the rear door saying it is ajar on the display screen also it wound lock or u lock with the key fob or PIN code. I have confirmed the door is completely shut. Defective wiring harness or something else may be the issue.
Total brake system failure as I was driving on residential streets. Without warning, within one block vehicle went from having fully functional brakes to total brake loss. Previous to failure, vehicle exhibited no handling issues, sounds, or symptoms to indicate that there was a problem. The vehicle was traveling approximately 25 MPH when I touched the brakes. Without warning a loud, high pitched sound started coming from the front drivers side of the vehicle. The sound lasted about 5 seconds. When the sound ended, the brakes did not function and when I pressed the brake pedal it went straight to the floor without resistance. All regularly scheduled and recommended maintenance had been preformed. As a result of brake failure, vehicle sustained damage to passenger side. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. Avis Ford dealership preformed the repairs. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Ford f-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle crashed into another vehicle from the front passenger side. During the crash, the hood opened and smashed through the windshield and into the front passenger seat. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained minor injuries to the neck and lacerations to the head and both hands that did not require medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 15,000. Djr
On January 13, 2015 I was involved in a head collision with a 18 wheeler. The scenario was a two lane highway (hwy 67, lakeside , ca), there is minimal room for error and upon impact. I remember my brakes depressing completely to the floor board , yet as though there was no air lines. It has been a long recovery, which is why certain things are returning slowly. Yet, I remember that my brakes felt off or un-responsive before impact.
03/31/17 VIN [redacted] was rear ended at 80 MPH. [redacted] was pushed into the concrete center divider upon impact the drivers airbag failed to deploy, resulting in injury to the driver. Drivers side curtains deployed. Vehicle is preserved in evidence. Detailed photos and police report are available of inspection.
Body complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2013 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 48 complaints about the body & structure of the 2013 Ford F-150, 2% of the model year's 2,990 complaints. The component named most often is body (38 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Ford F-150 body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure 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 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 24% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 5 injuries to body & structure 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.