2013 Ford F-250 Problems
Compared with other Ford F-250 years
Typical for this model
50/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.0× that of a typical Ford F-250 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 14 of its 95 complaints were filed by the end of 2015.
- Most reported problem: Violent front-end shake after bumps ("death wobble") (41 complaints, median 94,000 mi).
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2010
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 95filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 77,000miles, 67 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- —not in EPA data
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2013 Ford F-250 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints for this model year are dominated by a front-end shake that owners commonly call "death wobble" — a violent shaking of the steering wheel and whole truck after hitting a bump or road seam at highway speed, usually cured only by slowing down sharply. A second, smaller cluster involves diesel emissions and fuel-system faults: exhaust temperature and reductant sensors, DEF/EGR problems that put the truck into a reduced-power mode, and high-pressure fuel pump failures that contaminate the fuel system. Reports of the shake appear across a wide mileage range, from under 20,000 miles to well past 200,000.
- Suspension
Violent front-end shake after bumps ("death wobble")
- 41 complaints (43%)
- median 94,000 mi at 7.6 yrs old (28 state mileage)
- filed 2013–2024
Owners describe the front end and steering wheel shaking violently after hitting a bump, pothole, bridge joint, or uneven pavement, typically at highway speeds. Steering input makes it worse, and in most accounts it stops only after slowing to roughly 10-45 mph. Many say dealer visits — tire balancing, alignment, new front-end parts, tightened components — did not permanently stop it, and some report it returning after repairs. Reported from as little as about 1,200 miles up to more than 220,000 miles, most often at 45-75 mph over rough road or bridge seams.
What to check: Drive the truck at 60-70 mph over bridge joints and rough pavement before buying, and ask whether the steering stabilizer, track bar, tie rods and ball joints have been inspected or replaced. A service bulletin describes steering wheel oscillation (wobble) and its diagnosis, so ask whether that bulletin was addressed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Starts wobbling (shaking) uncontrollably sideways & up and down when I am driving above 65 miles an hours over uneven roads and I hit a mild bump in the road. Only stops wobbling when I am able to get the truck to slow down below 60 miles a hour. Started happening 3 months ago. Has been happening much more frequently recently.”
NHTSA complaint #11362626, filed 2020-10, 64,000 miles“Truck will start to violently shake while on interstate after going over ruff road or bridge joint. It seems like the wheels are going to break off. This happened to me numerous times. First time I got new tires and alignment. The last time this occurred was on the way home from school and we passed over a bridge joint. …”
NHTSA complaint #11283092, filed 2019-12, 145,000 miles - Engine
Emissions sensor and DEF/reductant faults, reduced power
- 15 complaints (16%)
- median 57,393 mi at 6.3 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- filed 2014–2026
Owners of the 6.7L diesel report exhaust gas temperature sensors and reductant (DEF) heater or tank temperature sensor faults that trigger check-engine lights and messages about reduced power, and in some cases a limp mode that limits speed. Several describe repeated sensor replacements, and some say the repairs were not covered by warranty or an emissions program for this model year. Mostly reported between about 12,000 and 105,000 miles, often within the first few years of ownership.
What to check: Ask for service records showing emissions-sensor and DEF heater work, and scan for stored emissions codes before purchase. Service bulletins describe ground-related glow plug control module codes and diagnosis of the throttle body, so ask the seller which campaigns or bulletin repairs were completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Exhaust gas temperature sensors continue to cause issues, beginning within a year of purchase of vehicle new in 11/2013 (july 28, 2014). My truck has been in the Ford shop at least seven times now (currently in the shop now--july 2017--for a sensor that showed problems and was replaced last month--june 2017). The vehicle was moving in each circumstance; the first time my dashboard lit up and said stop safely now --I barely made it off the highway before the truck shut down. Had to have it towed to dealership.”
NHTSA complaint #11005168, filed 2017-07, 12,572 miles“I was driving and my check engine light came on. I took it to the dealer and the code was p205c, which reductant tank temperature sensor circuit low. I was told by the Ford dealer that it needed to be replaced and that there was a recall for this part from trucks made from aug 2009 to oct 23 2012 and my truck was made on nov 5, 2012. My truck missed being a part of this recall by less than 2 weeks! I think that it is obvious that the recall should be expanded to include more VIN numbers corresponding to trucks manufactured later.”
NHTSA complaint #11118222, filed 2018-08, 52,000 miles - Fuel system
High-pressure fuel pump failure contaminating fuel system
- 5 complaints (5%)
- median 102,000 mi at 6.6 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2014–2025
Complaints describe the diesel high-pressure fuel pump failing while driving or after a restart, with reduced-power or check-engine messages, stalling, and a no-start condition. Owners report being told the pump and the entire fuel system needed replacement, with repair estimates in the thousands of dollars, and vehicles being towed to a dealer or independent shop. Reported from about 21,000 to more than 200,000 miles, with several cases in the 90,000-150,000 mile range.
What to check: Ask whether the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel system have been serviced or replaced, and have a diesel shop check for metal debris in the fuel system and for pending fuel-pressure codes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“High pressure pump went out causing the fuel system to fell.. Received an estimate to replace the pump and fuel system. Over 9,000 to fix.. My husband was driving at the time when the pump went out.. Causing it to shut down, we had it towed to the closest Ford dealership.”
NHTSA complaint #11210662, filed 2019-05, 140,000 miles“While driving the check engine and reduced power message showed up leaving the vehicle dead on the road. Within 30 seconds the truck had stalled and was not able to re-start. Truck was towed to the dealership where it was found that the cp4 hp pump had failed contaminating the entire fuel system. The repair bill was ~$8,200”
NHTSA complaint #11143865, filed 2018-10, 102,000 miles - Engine
Rough running or misfire during diesel regeneration
- 8 complaints (8%)
- median 56,750 mi at 4.8 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- filed 2014–2025
Some owners describe the 6.7L diesel running rough or misfiring during exhaust regeneration, and others report related check-engine conditions requiring dealer diagnosis. Complaints describe the truck feeling off during the regeneration cycle rather than failing outright. Reported in the 20,000-60,000 mile range in the sampled complaints.
What to check: Ask whether the PCM/emissions software updates were applied and whether regeneration-related symptoms have been diagnosed; a service bulletin covers rough running or misfire during exhaust regeneration on 2011-2014 6.7L trucks.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“This is the second time that this issue has happened. The first occasion was on 1-22-15 while driving 40 MPH, message center alert notified that a emissions fault had occurred and vehicle will be put into emergency mode and speed will be limited to 50 MPH within 50 miles. I immediately took the truck to the dealer and was notified that there was a problem with the def system. At the same time, I was informed that an update was needed (14e03 program update). This was a fuel system calibration. All work was completed with no explanation. …”
NHTSA complaint #10682169, filed 2015-02, 57,393 miles“This vehicle has a 6.7 diesel engine. 5 exhaust gas sensors have been replaced in the first 57,000 miles. The last new sensor lasted for one week and less than 250 miles of driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11015945, filed 2017-08, 56,500 miles - Wheels
Tire vibration, bulges and blowouts
Mentioned in 5 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report highway-speed vibration traced to tire problems, including bulges in the tread of the original equipment tires and, in one account, a blowout. Dealers in some cases balanced or replaced tires, and one owner describes replacing the same tire repeatedly within a few thousand miles. Reported from roughly 24,000 to 145,000 miles, typically at highway speeds while towing or on long trips.
What to check: Inspect all four tires for bulges, uneven wear and date codes, and ask whether the vibration persists after balancing and alignment; a road test at highway speed helps confirm.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving down I-75 I noticed my husbands front tires wobbling and shaking uncontrollably on 3 different occasions in less than 30 miles. This is not the first time this has happened. We have had the truck serviced many times trying to fix the issue but it still persists. This is something Ford should be held responsible for. It is putting our lives and others in danger.”
NHTSA complaint #11406383, filed 2021-04, 121,000 miles“Highway driving felt a vibration. Pulled over, found bulge in tread of stock Ford michelin lt275/65 r20 on the right rear. Mileage 24,091. Replaced with same tire. Now, pulling toyhauler, felt same vibration again. Pulled over, left rear has a bulge. Mileage, 24,494. 403 miles later. Reluctantly replaced with same tire. Now, driving down the highway, felt the vibration again. Just as I got in the right lane, front passenger side tire blows. Mileage, 26,210. 1716 miles later. …”
NHTSA complaint #10872724, filed 2016-06, 26,210 miles
Buying note. On a used example, prioritize a highway test drive over rough pavement to check for front-end shake, and ask for records of steering and suspension work since repeat repairs are common in the complaints. For diesel trucks, review emissions and fuel-system service history and scan for stored codes before committing.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 95 consumer complaints for the 2013 Ford F-250. 67 of the complaints include a mileage, and 27% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 77,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 15 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 6 Ford F-250 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 50 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Suspension48 51%
- Steering37 39%
- Engine9 9.5%
- Fuel system9 9.5%
- Other or unknown8 8.4%
- Wheels8 8.4%
- Body and structure5 5.3%
- Air bags3 3.2%
- Brakes3 3.2%
- Exterior lighting3 3.2%
Also reported: Seat belts (3), Vehicle speed control (3), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (2), Electrical system (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Electronic stability control (1), Engine cooling (1), Seats (1), Tires (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1).
Example complaints
Suspension: “Driving south on texas highway 71 from austin tx, just south of smithville texas my steering began to violently shake and cause me to lose control of my steering. I was able to bring the truck to a stop. This was a very freighting experience for me and my wife.”
NHTSA complaint #11353425, filed 2020-09, 116,000 milesSteering: “I recently bought this truck like 4 or 5 months ago. I was on a back road nm185 going 55 and all of a sudden the truck started shaking uncontrollably and I couldn't steer it. The truck went into the other lane. Thankfully I was able to get control back before a vehicle was in front of us in the other lane. It was a very close call and extremely scary. I had children in the truck that were especially scared. We went 40 the rest of the way home without more issues. …”
NHTSA complaint #11268270, filed 2019-10, 93,000 milesEngine: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #11102396, filed 2018-06, 62,000 milesFuel system: “I was driving on a local interstate when my 2013 Ford F-250 6.7 diesel shut off. I was in the fast lane, the truck lost all power and rapidly slowed down. Luckily I was able to get the truck over to the shoulder using strobe lights and hazard lights to warn other vehicles that I had a serious problem. The interior of the truck began to smell of diesel fuel and it became difficult to breathe. I called my dealer, and the local towing company came to get it. After approx. 1 week at the dealer and expecting this to be an instant warranty repair, Ford motor co. …”
NHTSA complaint #10629574, filed 2014-08, 21,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
27% of the 67 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 38,000 and 121,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2013 Ford F-250. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F-250 Super Crew · crew cab 4x2 | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 · 19.1% risk |
| F-250 Super Crew · crew cab 4x4 | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 3 | 3 · 23.7% risk |
| F-250 Regular Cab · regular cab 4x2 | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 19.1% risk |
| F-250 Regular Cab · regular cab 4x4 | not rated | — | — | — | 3 · 23.7% risk |
| F-250 Supercab · extended cab 4x2 | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 19.1% risk |
| F-250 Supercab · extended cab 4x4 | not rated | — | — | — | 3 · 23.7% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2012: same overall rating; 2014: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2013 Ford F-250 in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA investigations
- RQ14005Vehicle Commanded Engine ShutdownClosed · Jan 13, 2015
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 15 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11023852Sep 24, 2025Other or unknown, Engine. Certain 2011-2022 Model Year Super Duty Vehicles Equipped with 6.7L Engine - Emission Control Information Label Update for Qualified Vehicles
- 10109070Sep 21, 2016Engine cooling, Engine. The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB…
- 10205031Apr 20, 2016Equipment. Touchscreen navigation system - arabic language - blank screen
- 10183767Apr 20, 2016Electrical system. Some 2012-2016 vehicles equipped with a touchscreen navigation system and the language set to Arabic may exhibit a blank screen. This may be the result of the ribbon cables not being fully seated…
- 10179912Jan 12, 2016Steering. In monitoring our technical service inquiries and technical service bulletins from Ford, there is the potential for moderate to severe steering wheel oscillation (wobble) to occur. After extensive…
- 10058677Aug 10, 2015Engine. Ford: 2011-2014 f-super duty vehicles equipped with 6.7l diesel engine may experience a running rough or misfire during exhaust regeneration process
- 10057834Jul 1, 2015Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Ford: no service action is recommended for this condition. Please use at your discretion. Various 2010-2015 vehicles may experience a turbulence noise, similar to an helicopter noise, at highway…
- 10055357Mar 1, 2014Brakes. Ford: on some trucks, the binding/sticking of front/rear brake caliper and would need to be remove and replace, except brake pads on caliper bracket assembly, complete caliper assembly (caliper…
- 10055312Mar 1, 2014Equipment, Engine cooling. Ford: some model vehicles manual for powertrain control/emission diagnostic (pc/ed) has been updated regarding improved cooling fan circuit due to a lack of air conditioning, a malfunctioning…
- 10053482Jun 27, 2013Brakes. Ford: diagnostic trouble code (dtc) c101a:62 appears, n some vehicles, when red brake warning indicator illuminates and an error in anti-lock brake (abs) module for vacuum pressure sensor signal…
Other model years of the Ford F-250
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 142 | 81,000 | 0 | 4 | — | 43 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 95 | 77,000 | 0 | 4 | — | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 266 | 78,750 | 1 | 4 | — | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 248 | 70,000 | 2 | — | — | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 73 | 75,666 | 0 | — | — | 29 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 54 | 67,703 | 0 | — | — | 28 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 197 | 70,000 | 7 | — | — | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2007 | 60 | 42,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 221 | 60,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 144 | 65,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 154 | 39,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 116 | 75,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 156 | 89,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 220 | 65,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 326 | 75,768 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 581 | 99,000 | 14 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 56 | 115,738 | 6 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 304 | 115,604 | 10 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 176 | 125,940 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 184 | 129,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 123 | 103,000 | 8 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 130 | 160,000 | 6 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 119 | 91,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 107 | 102,000 | 5 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1990 | 111 | 119,052 | 6 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1989 | 112 | 98,000 | 6 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 62 | 144,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 38 | 135,000 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 38 | 377,089 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 21 | — | 2 | — | 13 | — | Stable |
| 1984 | 10 | 208,000 | 3 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
All Ford F-250 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ford F-250?
Complaints for this model year are dominated by a front-end shake that owners commonly call "death wobble" — a violent shaking of the steering wheel and whole truck after hitting a bump or road seam at highway speed, usually cured only by slowing down sharply. The issues reported most often: Violent front-end shake after bumps ("death wobble"); Emissions sensor and DEF/reductant faults, reduced power; High-pressure fuel pump failure contaminating fuel system.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013 Ford F-250 have?
NHTSA recorded 95 consumer complaints for the 2013 Ford F-250 as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2013 Ford F-250 is reported most often?
Suspension is named most often, in 48 complaints (51% of the total), followed by steering with 37.
Has the 2013 Ford F-250 been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2013 Ford F-250 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2013 Ford F-250 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
At what mileage are problems with the 2013 Ford F-250 reported?
Among the 67 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 77,000 miles and the middle half falls between 38,000 and 121,000 miles; 27% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.