2013 Ford F-250 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 3%of 95 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 11,400miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2013 Ford F-250, 3% of the 95 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 11,400 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The dash lights are auto turn on/off, there is no manual control. This works great in total darkness, since the lights are on and you can see the numbers. In the daytime, when driving through trees and canyons the dash lights are off, you can not turn them on with the headlight switch or any other manual means. The reason I believe this is a safety issue is that you can not see how fast you are going, or any of your gauges. Monitoring your speed is a main feature when you drive, and I doubt that my sheriff will excuse me for speeding because I cannot see how fast I am driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #10735261, filed 2015-07, 23 miles“The Ford f250 has no provision for illuminating the dashboard instruments in daylight. All of the controls for headlight, parking light, etc. Require the sensor on the dashboard to be reporting dark conditions similar to night time. This observation was confirmed by Ford service personnel who added that they have had many complaints about this condition. Even on bright days, the shadows on the instrument panel can be deep enough to prevent their being read. These instruments include the speedometer, temperature and fuel gages, and on-board warning/display. …”
NHTSA complaint #10568472, filed 2014-03, 11,400 miles“The contact owns 2013 Ford F-250 platinum. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the headlights failed without warning and the contact had to utilize the high beam switch to activate the headlight. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where it was stated that the dash senor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 12,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10523082, filed 2013-07, 12,000 milesExterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 3 | 3% |
| 2012 | 3 | 1% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 3 | 1% |
| 1999 | 7 | 1% |
| 1998 | 2 | 4% |
| 1997 | 3 | 1% |
| 1996 | 2 | 1% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 4 | 3% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1991 | 3 | 3% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
| 1988 | 3 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2013 Ford F-250
48 complaintsSteering
37 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsWheels
8 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Ford F-250
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology