Most common 2013 Ford F-250 problems
Share of the 95 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford F-250 complaints by model year
Best F-250 years: 2010, 2009, 2007. Years to avoid: 1999, 2000, 2012, 2011, 2006. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2013 Ford F-250:
Vehicle Commanded Engine Shutdown
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.
What 2013 Ford F-250 owners say
Suspension all 48 →
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the front end of the vehicle started shaking with no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with axle shafts needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated the failure recurred and the vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic who then replaced an unknown steering part however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 34,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced the death wobble. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.
Steering all 37 →
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving approximately 70-75 MPH and driving over a bump in the roadway, the vehicle experienced the death wobble. The contact stated that the steering wheel and the entire vehicle were shuddering violently, almost causing loss in control of the vehicle. The contact decelerated to 45 MPH and was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics, where the front end of the vehicle, the wheel alignment, and other unknown parts were inspected; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving on bumpy road surfaces. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.
Ford 2013 F250 Death Wobble, it is real! It is scary! It is unpredictable and extremely dangerous. Something in the design of the front end needs to be fixed ASAP. My latest experience with this happened on 7/13/23. The worst death wobble that I have ever experienced happened today on the freeway at full speed (65mph). The first time today, my truck started to violently shake, prompting me to immediately slow down from 65mph to about 30-40mph during my morning commute to work/in traffic. Then, again a minute later, but this time it was seven worst! The death wobble started again at full speed and the front end started shaking uncontrollably and drifted my vehicle from the number 2 lane into the number 1 lane with other cars doing same speed. This violent shaking caught the attention of the other drivers and everyone slowed down, so I could make it into side of the road. …
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle entering LIMP Mode message was displayed. The contact was able to stop on the side of the road and have the vehicle towed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that the EGR cooler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the dealer stated that the code was not a match for Customer Satisfaction Campaign Number: 21M04. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that code did not match the Customer Satisfaction Campaign Number: 21M04. The failure mileage was 99,000.
Travelling north on i25 in new Mexico. Going 60 MPH pulling a 5th wheel trailer. Low fuel pressure light came on and lost power steering. Smoke coming from under hood. Then all warning lights came on and coasted to side of the road. By the time I stopped, the engine compartment was fully engulfed in flames. Tried to release the hood but cable melted. Exited the vehicle and called 911. Passer by loaned me fire extinguishers but fire too hot. Fire department arrived within minutes and extinguished the flames. Truck towed to a holding yard.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Ford F-250 a good car?
Based on 95 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 F-250 rates better than average: 41% fewer complaints than a typical year of the F-250 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2013 Ford F-250?
The suspension — 48 complaints, 51% of all complaints for this model year, most often about front. Next are the steering (37) and engine & cooling (10).
How many recalls does the 2013 Ford F-250 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2013 Ford F-250. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford F-250?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010, 2009 and 2007. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1999, 2000, 2012, 2011 and 2006. See the full Ford F-250 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2013 Ford F-250 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 77,000 miles; 27% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.