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2013 Ford F-250 Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 2026
Ryan Davis

Complaint Summary

The 2013 Ford F-250 has 151 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve suspension and steering.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

9.2/ 10

Based on 151 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

SUSPENSION

47 31.1%

STEERING

37 24.5%

ENGINE

9 6%

WHEELS

8 5.3%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

8 5.3%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is SUSPENSION, accounting for 31.1% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 30 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2013 Ford F-250

The 2013 Ford F-250 has 151 owner complaints in this dataset. SUSPENSION is the most common complaint category, representing about 31% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2013 Ford F-250 are SUSPENSION (47), STEERING (37), ENGINE (9).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 111 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2013 Ford F-250?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2012 F-250 complaints2011 F-250 complaints2017 F-250 complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 30 of 30 systems

SUSPENSION

47 Reports31% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 73 MPH OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE WHEN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT NO DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,750. UPDATED 1/7/14*CN

12/30/2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERE VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE IT WOULD DRIFT TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN THE LANE. THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1000. UPDATED 04/17/14*LJ

2/6/2014

45 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

37 Reports25% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A BENT FRAME, WHICH RESULTED IN A SHAKE IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE FAILURE WAS NOTICEABLE UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE AT SPEEDS APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE VEERED INDEPENDENTLY WHEN IT STRUCK A BUMP. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD A BENT FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BENT FRAME RESULTED IN FAILURE WITH THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE HAD ALIGNMENTS, THE TIRE WAS REPLACED, AND THE STEERING STABILIZED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BENT FRAME WAS ACCEPTABLE AND DID NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

10/22/2015

WHILE DRIVING ON ANY ROAD/HIGHWAY VEHICLE BEGAN WOBBLING AFTER HITTING A BUMP WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 45-55 MILES AN HOUR, CAUSING SHAKING/WOBBLING TO THE POINT OF LOSING CONTROL WITHOUT SLOWING DOWN BELOW 10-15 MILES AN HOUR. IT BEGAN WITH LESS THAN 38,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, REQUIRING TWO SERVICE VISITS TO DATE.

11/19/2017

35 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

9 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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. I LEFT AND THE TRUCK SEEMED FINE WITH NO MESSAGES. THE SECOND ISSUE HAPPENED ON 2-3-15 O.D. READING 57393. I WAS DRIVING 75 MPH ON IH10 WHEN THE MESSAGE CENTER NOTIFIED ME THAT A EMISSIONS SYSTEM ERROR HAD OCCURRED AND THE VEHICLE SPEED IS NOW LIMITED TO 50 MPH. AS A RESULT, THE TRUCK BEGAN TO IMMEDIATELY SLOW TO 50 MPH. I LOOKED IN MY REARVIEW MIRROR AND NOTICE A SEMI-TRUCK CLOSING FROM BEHIND AT 70-75 MPH. WE WERE BOTH IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE AND ANOTHER CAR WAS NEXT TO THE TRUCK IN THE PASSING LANE. THE TRUCK HAD NO WAY TO MOVE OVER AND AVOID ME. AS THEY APPROACHED ME, I HAD TO MOVE RIGHT TO THE SHOULDER TO TRY TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF THE PENDING DISASTER. THE SEMI-TRUCK STARTED TO JACKKNIFE AND BARELY MISSED ME. THE OTHER CAR HAD TO MOVE OVER INTO THE MEDIAN. THIS WAS HORRIBLE AND POTENTIALLY DEADLY. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER AND THEIR REPORT STATES THAT A NOX MODULE FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE... NOT AN EMISSIONS ISSUE. HOW STUPID CAN YOU POSSIBLY BE TO PUT A POSSIBLE EMISSIONS PROBLEM IN FRONT OF ALL OF THE HUMAN LIVES AT STAKE. IN ADDITION, THERE SEEMS TO BE SEVERAL EMISSIONS SENSORS THAT CAN FAIL THAT WILL SHUT THE TRUCK DOWN IMMEDIATELY. THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED. FORD ADMITTED THAT THEY OVERRIDE THIS LIMITATION FOR AMBULANCES. EITHER THE TRUCK IS SAFE OR IT'S NOT. *TR

2/9/2015

AT APPROXIMATELY 44,000 MILES THE RADIATOR DEVELOPED A LEAK. WARRANTY ON THIS ITEM I WAS TOLD EXPIRED AT 36,000 AND IT WILL NOT BE COVERED.

7/29/2016

7 more complaints are available in this category.

WHEELS

8 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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. SERIOUSLY HAVING DOUBTS ABOUT THESE MICHELIN TIRES FORD USES ON THEIR SUPER DUTY TRUCKS. EXTREMELY RELUCTANT TO REPLACE WITH MICHELINS AGAIN BUT NOW I HAVE NO CHOICE EXCEPT SPEND BIG BUCKS FOR A COMPLETE NEW SET OF TIRES. SO THIS TIME I REPLACE BOTH FRONT TIRES AT THE SAME TIME. WHY THERE IS NO ACTION ON THESE TIRES IS BEYOND ME. MICHELIN LTX275/65 R20 TIRES NEED TO BE RECALLED NOW.

6/6/2016

I PURCHASE A VEHICLE WHICH I KNEW THERE WAS AN ISSUE I THOUGHT WAS THE SUSPENSION . I ASKED WOODBRIDGE MOTORS IN WPB FL TO REPAIR BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE. THE DAY WE COME TO PICK IT UP, THEY ASSURE ME THAT THE PROBLEM WAS TAKING CARE OF, AND THEY ASKED ME TO SIGN OFF THE PAPER SAYING THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR, WHICH I TRUSTED THEM AND I DID. RIGHT AFTER I DROVE THE CAR OF THE LOT I NOTICE IT WAS NOTHING DONE, SO I BROUGHT CAR BACK TO THEM, THEY TOLD ME THE CAR WAS FIXED AT TIRE KINGDOM IN LAKE WORTH TO BRING THE CAR BACK TO TIRE KINGDOM WHICH I DID. TIRE KINGDOM KEEP THE CAR FOR HALF OF THE DAY AND ALSO TOLD ME THAT THE CAR WAS FIXED. WHEN I DROVE THE CAR BACK, THE CAR WAS DOING THE SAME THING AGAIN, THE STEERING NEED AN ALIGNMENT AND HAVE A HORRIBLE VIBRATION IN THE BACK. I DROVE THE CAR BACK TO TIRE KINGDOM AND THE RESPONSE WAS: WE JUST DON'T KNOW HOW TO FIXED IT, AT THAT MOMENT I BROUGHT IT TO MY OWN MECHANICS AND TURNS OUT IT HAS A BEND RIM AND A BAD TIRE, AND ALSO NEED IT ALIGNMENT IT WAS NEVER DONE.I ASKED THE DEALER TO PAY ME A PERCENTAGE OF THE COST SO I CAN GET IT DONE RIGHT AWAY. AT THIS MOMENT WE WERE NEGOTIATING ANOTHER VEHICLE SO THEY SAID: SURE LET ME TALK TO MY MANAGER, HE IS NOT HERE AND I GOT THE SAME RESPONSE UNTIL WE FINALIZE THE PAPER WORK IN THE OTHER VEHICLE. DAYS LATER THEY SAID IF I WOULD PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE OR BRING A NEW CUSTOMER THEY WOULD HELP ME WITH MY PROBLEM OTHER THAN THAT THEY ARE NOT DOING ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.

8/13/2016

6 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

8 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING ON AN EXPRESSWAY PART OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM FELL OFF AND BOUNCED AROUND IN TRAFFIC. SIX BOLTS HAD RUSTED AWAY AND FORD EXHAUST PART # 5A212 DROPPED OFF. I FELT IT HIT THE UNDERNEATH OF THE VEHICLE AND SAW IT BOUNCING ON THE ROAD AS I DROVE ON. I ORIGINALLY THOUGHT IT WAS ROAD DEBRIS I HAD DRIVEN OVER BUT I GOT OFF THE EXPRESSWAY AT THE NEXT EXIT TO CHECK THE TRUCK. AT THAT TIME I COULDN'T DETERMINE WHAT IT WAS SO AGAIN I ATTRIBUTED THE PART TO ROAD DEBRIS. THE VEHICLE DROVE, HANDLED AND SOUNDED THE SAME. IT WASN'T UNTIL LATER WHEN WASHING THE TRUCK THAT I NOTICED THE TAIL PIPE WAS LOOSE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION I DETERMINED THERE WAS PART OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS MISSING. THE VEHICLE IS NOW 4 YEARS OLD BUT SPENDS MOST OF THE WINTER IN THE SOUTH, NOT EXPOSED MUCH TO SALT TREATED ROADS. I DON'T BELIEVE 6 BOLTS SHOULD HAVE RUSTED AWAY TO CAUSE THE FAILURE. I HAVE NOTIFIED FORD OF THE SITUATION.

5/15/2017

EXHAUST FLANGE BOLTS SHEARED DURING NORMAL OPERATION. I.E. NOT DURING OFF ROAD ACTIVITY, NO EXCESSIVE BUMPS SUCH AS POT HOLES OR ROUGH TRACK CROSSINGS. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWO SEPARATE TIMES AT DIFFERENT FLANGES.

3/26/2018

6 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

6 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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. HAS DENIED ANY WARRANTY COVERAGE CLAIMING "FUEL CONTAMINATION." THE ESTIMATED REPAIR IS $11,500 AND THE TRUCK THAT I PURCHASED ON AUGUST 3, 2013 FOR $50K+ IS NOW ESTIMATED TO BE WORTH $12,000 UNLESS REPAIRED. I AM NOT COMFORTABLE IN THE TRUCK ANYMORE AND I READ ALL OVER THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND HOW FORD IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR A FLAW ON THEIR END. THERE ARE PEOPLE ALL OVER THE COUNTRY WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND EVEN STILL FORD WILL NOT OWN UP TO IT AND REPAIR THEM UNDER WARRANTY. THE NEW 2015 TRUCK HAS A COMPLETELY REDESIGNED FUEL SYSTEM WHICH IS A CLEAR INDICATION THAT THEY KNEW IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH THEIR OIL/WATER SEPARATORS AND THEIR FUEL SYSTEM. AS OF NOW, I LOST $40,000 IN 1 YEAR (OWNED TRUCK FOR 13 MONTHS PRIOR TO CATASTROPHIC FAILURE) AND COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED HAD I NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD. *TR

8/30/2014

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.

8/17/2017

4 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

4 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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. THIS IS A DELIBERATE DESIGN CHANGE FROM EARLIER MODELS. FORD SERVICE PERSONNEL SAID, " I CAN'T IMAGINE WHY THEY WOULD DO THIS". THE INSTRUMENT LIGHTS CAN BE MADE TO LIGHT DURING DAYLIGHT ONLY BY BLOCKING THE DASHBOARD LIGHT SENSOR. A CRUMPLED BLACK PLASTIC BAG IS EFFECTIVE. THERE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE A VALID REASON FOR KEEPING THE INSTRUMENT LIGHTS OFF WHENEVER ANY OF THE HEADLAMPS ARE ON. THE INABILITY TO READ THE INSTRUMENTS IS A CONSTANT DISTRACTION AND REDUCES THE DRIVER'S EFFECTIVE VIEW OF THE ROAD.

3/10/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A BENT FRAME, WHICH RESULTED IN A SHAKE IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE FAILURE WAS NOTICEABLE UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE AT SPEEDS APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE VEERED INDEPENDENTLY WHEN IT STRUCK A BUMP. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD A BENT FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BENT FRAME RESULTED IN FAILURE WITH THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE HAD ALIGNMENTS, THE TIRE WAS REPLACED, AND THE STEERING STABILIZED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BENT FRAME WAS ACCEPTABLE AND DID NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

10/22/2015

2 more complaints are available in this category.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* 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. *TR

7/3/2013

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. THIS IS A DELIBERATE DESIGN CHANGE FROM EARLIER MODELS. FORD SERVICE PERSONNEL SAID, " I CAN'T IMAGINE WHY THEY WOULD DO THIS". THE INSTRUMENT LIGHTS CAN BE MADE TO LIGHT DURING DAYLIGHT ONLY BY BLOCKING THE DASHBOARD LIGHT SENSOR. A CRUMPLED BLACK PLASTIC BAG IS EFFECTIVE. THERE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE A VALID REASON FOR KEEPING THE INSTRUMENT LIGHTS OFF WHENEVER ANY OF THE HEADLAMPS ARE ON. THE INABILITY TO READ THE INSTRUMENTS IS A CONSTANT DISTRACTION AND REDUCES THE DRIVER'S EFFECTIVE VIEW OF THE ROAD.

3/10/2014

1 more complaint is available in this category.

SEAT BELTS

3 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE DRIVERS SIDE FEMALE SEAT BELT BUCKLE SEPERATED INTO 3 PIECES WHEN ENGAGING WITH THE MALE SEAT BELT BUCKLE. DUCT TAPED THE BROKEN BUCKLE SO I CAN USE THE SEAT BELT WHILE I WAIT FOR A REPLACEMENT PART. HOPE THE BELT STAYS ENGAGED IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT.

8/25/2015

SEAT BELTS IN REAR SEATS HAVE FAILED (3X). THE SEAT BELT BUCKLES DO NOT LATCH OR THE BUCKLES RELEASE BUTTON FALLS OUT.

6/22/2017

1 more complaint is available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERE VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE IT WOULD DRIFT TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN THE LANE. THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1000. UPDATED 04/17/14*LJ

2/6/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-250. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ABS, REDUCED POWER MODE, AND CHECK ENGINE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT CALLED THREE DIFFERENT DEALERS, INCLUDING WENDLE FORD AT 509-484-4800 (LOCATED AT 9000 N DIVISION ST, SPOKANE, WA 99218) AND WAS INFORMED TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THEIR FACILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.

5/3/2019

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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. THIS IS A DELIBERATE DESIGN CHANGE FROM EARLIER MODELS. FORD SERVICE PERSONNEL SAID, " I CAN'T IMAGINE WHY THEY WOULD DO THIS". THE INSTRUMENT LIGHTS CAN BE MADE TO LIGHT DURING DAYLIGHT ONLY BY BLOCKING THE DASHBOARD LIGHT SENSOR. A CRUMPLED BLACK PLASTIC BAG IS EFFECTIVE. THERE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE A VALID REASON FOR KEEPING THE INSTRUMENT LIGHTS OFF WHENEVER ANY OF THE HEADLAMPS ARE ON. THE INABILITY TO READ THE INSTRUMENTS IS A CONSTANT DISTRACTION AND REDUCES THE DRIVER'S EFFECTIVE VIEW OF THE ROAD.

3/10/2014

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.

6/18/2018

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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. HAS DENIED ANY WARRANTY COVERAGE CLAIMING "FUEL CONTAMINATION." THE ESTIMATED REPAIR IS $11,500 AND THE TRUCK THAT I PURCHASED ON AUGUST 3, 2013 FOR $50K+ IS NOW ESTIMATED TO BE WORTH $12,000 UNLESS REPAIRED. I AM NOT COMFORTABLE IN THE TRUCK ANYMORE AND I READ ALL OVER THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND HOW FORD IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR A FLAW ON THEIR END. THERE ARE PEOPLE ALL OVER THE COUNTRY WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND EVEN STILL FORD WILL NOT OWN UP TO IT AND REPAIR THEM UNDER WARRANTY. THE NEW 2015 TRUCK HAS A COMPLETELY REDESIGNED FUEL SYSTEM WHICH IS A CLEAR INDICATION THAT THEY KNEW IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH THEIR OIL/WATER SEPARATORS AND THEIR FUEL SYSTEM. AS OF NOW, I LOST $40,000 IN 1 YEAR (OWNED TRUCK FOR 13 MONTHS PRIOR TO CATASTROPHIC FAILURE) AND COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED HAD I NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD. *TR

8/30/2014

The contact's son owns a 2013 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked while working and after returning to the vehicle and attempting to restart the vehicle, the message "Reduced Power" was displayed, and the vehicle was not able to be started. The contact's son had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the high-pressure fuel pump had failed, and the fuel system and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 206,181.

1/3/2025

AIR BAGS

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

VIOLENT FRONT COLLISION AT 40MPH AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.

6/30/2016

MY AIR BAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON, IT RESETS WHEN I TURN THE TRUCK OFF. IT THEN TURNS BACK AFTER IT HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR A FEW MINUTES. LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND IT STATES THAT THIS IS F250 PROBLEM.

9/18/2019

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

DEATH WOBBLE. WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE DRIVING APPROX. 65 MPH, I WENT OVER A BUMP (BRIDGE EXPANSION GAP) AND MY TRUCK BEGAN SHAKING VIOLENTLY. I HAD NO CONTROL OVER STEERING AND WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF THE 3 LANE INTERSTATE. I BEGAN DRIFTING TO THE PASSING LANE AS I WAS ON A CURVE AND COULD NOT STEER MY TRUCK. I HAD TO ABRUPTLY SLOW DOWN TO 35MPH BEFORE THE SHAKING SUBSIDED AND I WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OVER MY TRUCK. THIS IS A WELL-KNOWN AND WELL DOCUMENTED ISSUE WITH FORD AND THEIR SUPERDUTY LINE OF TRUCKS. ITS A SHAME PEOPLE WILL HAVE TO DIE BEFORE ACTION TAKES PLACE AS FORD WILL NOT OPENLY ADMIT TO A FAULT. THEIR FIX IS HALF HAZARD AND DOES NOT TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM.

4/15/2019

I WAS DRIVING AT 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND HIT A BUMP AND IT SUDDENLY WENT INTO A DEATH WOBBLE TO THE POINT WHERE I COULD BARELY HOLD ONTO THE STEERING WHEEL.

4/26/2021

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

CHROME AC/HEATING VENT BEZELS REFLECT SUNLIGHT TO DRIVER'S EYES AND IMPAIRS VISION. THIS LOSS OF VISION CAUSES A HAZARDOUS SITUATION ESPECIALLY WITH LIGHT SENSITIVE PEOPLE. *TR

1/25/2013

STRUCTURE

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

CHROME AC/HEATING VENT BEZELS REFLECT SUNLIGHT TO DRIVER'S EYES AND IMPAIRS VISION. THIS LOSS OF VISION CAUSES A HAZARDOUS SITUATION ESPECIALLY WITH LIGHT SENSITIVE PEOPLE. *TR

1/25/2013

TIRES

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

CONTINUAL VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IN VARIOUS LANES. DEALER HAS TRIED TWICE TO BALANCE TIRES. PROBLEM PERSISTS. CONTINUAL HIGH FREQUENCY HARMONIC. *TR

2/7/2014

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-250. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE FORWARD UNCONTROLLABLY CAUSING THE SEAT TO RECLINE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000.

6/5/2015

SEATS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-250. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE FORWARD UNCONTROLLABLY CAUSING THE SEAT TO RECLINE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000.

6/5/2015

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

HAVE HAD 2 SENSORS FAIL IN EGT ,THIS IS PART OF SMOG CONTROL, FORD DOESN'T WARRANTY. WORK WAS DONE BY GEWEKE FORD, YUBA CITY, CA 95991 ON 10/15/15 INVOICE 6117108/1.

10/15/2015

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-250. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S FRONT END WOBBLED UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONTACT STATED IT FELT AS IF HE WERE LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEELS AND ROTORS WERE THE CAUSE OF THE WOBBLE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE LOST COMPONENTS THAT NEEDED TO BE TIGHTENED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AGAIN, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. ... UPDATED 08/23/16 *BF

7/26/2016

SUSPENSION:FRONT

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-250. WHILE DRIVING ABOVE 40 MPH OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED BEFORE OR AFTER THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LANDMARK FORD (2401 PRAIRIE CROSSING DR., SPRINGFIELD, IL 62711) FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND REPAIRS. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RECALL WHAT WAS DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

4/18/2018

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull the vehicle off to the side of the road; however, the vehicle failed to restart after multiple attempts. He initially had the vehicle towed to a dealer where he was informed that his vehicle could not be inspected for two weeks. The contact then towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed him that the fuel pump was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and provided him with a case number. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

12/28/2021

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-250. The contact stated while reversing, the image on the rearview camera were reversed or mirrored. Occasionally, the screen would be blank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was determined to be a defective camera which needed to be replaced. The camera was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no assistance was offered. The contact stated that a Manufacturer’s Customer Service Representative stated that she could use the side mirrors and rearview mirror. The contact stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall for the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

3/16/2022

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

1/31/2023

VISIBILITY

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the front driver's side window was distorted due to the manufacturer's solar-tinted window. The contact was unable to view the driver's side mirror while the window was rolled up. The sticker label on the front driver's side window listed Ford Window Tint Carlite Solar Tint Tempered AS2. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.

11/30/2023

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the front driver's side window was distorted due to the manufacturer's solar-tinted window. The contact was unable to view the driver's side mirror while the window was rolled up. The sticker label on the front driver's side window listed Ford Window Tint Carlite Solar Tint Tempered AS2. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.

11/30/2023

BACK OVER PREVENTION

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rearview camera displayed a blank, distorted screen, or a triangle with the message "Camera Unavailable - Please Contact Dealer" displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the mechanic attempted to replace the camera with Ford-made parts; however, the repair failed to fix the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact attempted to notify the manufacturer but was unable to reach a live agent. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

10/31/2025

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

See attached document for complaint.

11/14/2025

POWER TRAIN

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

See attached document for complaint.

11/14/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2013 Ford F-250?

The most reported complaint category for the 2013 Ford F-250 is SUSPENSION, with 47 owner reports. That is about 31% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include SUSPENSION, STEERING, ENGINE.

Are complaints about the 2013 Ford F-250 a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 111 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2013 Ford F-250?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2013 Ford F-250 severe?

111 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Ford F-250: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
151
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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