Owners have filed 153 complaints
about the 2013 Ford F-250 with NHTSA between 2013 and 2026.
The largest single group is the suspension.
Across this model's run it ranks 19 of 22 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 31
Against the median year of the Ford F-250. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 17
3.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 41
24% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
32.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
32.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
109.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1312.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2120.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1716.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2321.9%
150,000+ miles
1514.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2013peak 11Jan 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2013 Ford F-250
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
RQ14005Opened 13 Jan 2015Closed 15 Mar 2016ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
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. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equippe...
Recalls on the 2013 Ford F-250
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20194205,327 units in Canada
Other
Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Safety Risk: Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation “DOT 287” along with the lettering “VMR” (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Boerne, TXCrash
AIR BAGS
Component/System: Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) – frontal airbags and crash sensors. Vehicle is in insurance/salvage custody and available for inspection upon request. On or about December 17, 2025, at approximately 0600, the reporting party was operating a 2013 Ford Super Duty F-250 Lariat Crew Cab 4WD (VIN [XXX] ) at an estimated speed of approximately 35 mph. Due to fog and wet roadway conditions, the vehicle left the roadway and struck a fixed object (tree). The collision resulted in severe front-end damage, and the vehicle was declared a total loss. Despite the severity of the impact, no airbags deployed. The vehicle has been inspected by law enforcement and insurance representatives. The condition has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or manufacturer. No SRS or airbag warning lamps or messages were observed prior to the collision. UNKNOWN whether event data recorder or airbag module data has been reviewed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11708295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesBelen, NMFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesBelen, NMFire
ENGINE
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Augusta, GACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
VIOLENT FRONT COLLISION AT 40MPH AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10881765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Clovis, NM
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TRUCK HAS JUST TURNED 20,000 MILES. AFTER HAVING THE DEF SYSTEM SERVICED AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP TRUCK HAS TO GO THU THE PARTICULATE FILTER REGEN SOONER AND SOONER. NOW EVERY 75 MILES. WHICH CAUSES TRUCK TOO LOSE POWER AND PRODUCE EXCESIVE EXHAUST TEMPERATURES WHICH CAN POTENTULLY CAUSE A FIRE. FORD IS TELLING ME THE EXHAUST EMISSSION SYSTEM IS OUT OF WARANTY YET TRUCK JUST HAS 20,000 MILES. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND A DANGER TO MYSELF, MY FAMILY, AND ANYONE NEARBY
NHTSA complaint #11714095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boerne, TXCrash
AIR BAGS
Component/System: Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) – frontal airbags and crash sensors. Vehicle is in insurance/salvage custody and available for inspection upon request. On or about December 17, 2025, at approximately 0600, the reporting party was operating a 2013 Ford Super Duty F-250 Lariat Crew Cab 4WD (VIN [XXX] ) at an estimated speed of approximately 35 mph. Due to fog and wet roadway conditions, the vehicle left the roadway and struck a fixed object (tree). The collision resulted in severe front-end damage, and the vehicle was declared a total loss. Despite the severity of the impact, no airbags deployed. The vehicle has been inspected by law enforcement and insurance representatives. The condition has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or manufacturer. No SRS or airbag warning lamps or messages were observed prior to the collision. UNKNOWN whether event data recorder or airbag module data has been reviewed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11708295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poughkeepsie, NY
ENGINE
Terrible exhaust fumes in the truck cab when using the heat or ac probably due to the extremely common exhaust manifold issues with these trucks. It could kill me and my child
NHTSA complaint #11699570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ganado, AZ
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11699381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ganado, AZ
POWER TRAIN
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11699381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesAfton, OK
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11696827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 206,181 milesOklahoma City, OK
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
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.
NHTSA complaint #11633952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elizabeth City, NC
STEERING
What is the “death wobble” on Ford trucks? It’s as scary as the name sounds. The death wobble is a violent shaking that happens to the front end of many Ford F250 and F350 Super Duty trucks. It typically occurs at speeds over 50 miles per hour. It can also happen after going over bumps or grooves in the road. To stop the shaking, drivers must quickly slow way down or even stop completely.
NHTSA complaint #11588625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elizabeth City, NC
SUSPENSION
What is the “death wobble” on Ford trucks? It’s as scary as the name sounds. The death wobble is a violent shaking that happens to the front end of many Ford F250 and F350 Super Duty trucks. It typically occurs at speeds over 50 miles per hour. It can also happen after going over bumps or grooves in the road. To stop the shaking, drivers must quickly slow way down or even stop completely.
NHTSA complaint #11588625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gladewater, TX
STEERING
Truck has uncontrollable death wobble and is totally unsafe to drive, its a danger to be on the highway
NHTSA complaint #11584253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Knoxville, TN
STEERING
While driving my truck it will suddenly start shaking in the front end. Steering wheel is hard to hold on to because it's shaking so hard. I was going around 60mph when it started. Felt like I was losing control of the truck. This has happened 3 times in the last 2 months. I have contacted Lance Cunningham Ford here in Knoxville, TN on 2/5/24 and made an appt with them on [XXX] to look at my truck. In a disabled veteran and this really caused some major anxiety with me and Ford needs to make it right. Death wobble as it's known as isn't safe. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11570088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Knoxville, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving my truck it will suddenly start shaking in the front end. Steering wheel is hard to hold on to because it's shaking so hard. I was going around 60mph when it started. Felt like I was losing control of the truck. This has happened 3 times in the last 2 months. I have contacted Lance Cunningham Ford here in Knoxville, TN on 2/5/24 and made an appt with them on [XXX] to look at my truck. In a disabled veteran and this really caused some major anxiety with me and Ford needs to make it right. Death wobble as it's known as isn't safe. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11570088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,000 milesPanacea, FL
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
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.
NHTSA complaint #11557593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,000 milesPanacea, FL
VISIBILITY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11557593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Piedras Negras, TX
STEERING
DRIVING MORE THAN 70 MPH THE TRUCK STARTED TO MOVE SUDDENLY AND I COULD NOT CONTROL IT UNTIL I GOT OFF THE ROAD, UNTIL I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE TRUCK BY REDUCING THE SPEED TO 20 MPH
NHTSA complaint #11552120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Piedras Negras, TX
SUSPENSION
DRIVING MORE THAN 70 MPH THE TRUCK STARTED TO MOVE SUDDENLY AND I COULD NOT CONTROL IT UNTIL I GOT OFF THE ROAD, UNTIL I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE TRUCK BY REDUCING THE SPEED TO 20 MPH
NHTSA complaint #11552120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aurora, CO
STEERING
The steering wheel shakes violently at speeds of 50-55 mph. The vehicle drives without any issues then without any warning or warning lights the vehicle starts shaking to the point you lose steering control and must immediately slow down until the shaking stops. This vehicle is available for inspection if needed. The safety of myself as well as others is due to the loss of steering at higher speeds and the need to immediately slow down. When this occurs it is often in highway traffic. This vehicle has been inspected and new shocks and steering damper as well as new tires were installed. The problem still exist.
NHTSA complaint #11550707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aurora, CO
SUSPENSION
The steering wheel shakes violently at speeds of 50-55 mph. The vehicle drives without any issues then without any warning or warning lights the vehicle starts shaking to the point you lose steering control and must immediately slow down until the shaking stops. This vehicle is available for inspection if needed. The safety of myself as well as others is due to the loss of steering at higher speeds and the need to immediately slow down. When this occurs it is often in highway traffic. This vehicle has been inspected and new shocks and steering damper as well as new tires were installed. The problem still exist.
NHTSA complaint #11550707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 158,000 milesHorn Lake, MS
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11550126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CA
WHEELS
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. 65mph to 30 in just seconds and crossing into another lane.This could have killed someone, including myself and my family. No, not inspected yet. No messages.
NHTSA complaint #11532144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CA
STEERING
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. 65mph to 30 in just seconds and crossing into another lane.This could have killed someone, including myself and my family. No, not inspected yet. No messages.
NHTSA complaint #11532144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CA
SUSPENSION
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. 65mph to 30 in just seconds and crossing into another lane.This could have killed someone, including myself and my family. No, not inspected yet. No messages.
NHTSA complaint #11532144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tarpon Springs, FL
STEERING
My wife and I were traveling on interstate and hit a rough section of road outside Nashville when the truck started to shake uncontrollably, and we nearly hit the center concrete barrier. We had to completely stop before the violent shaking stopped. The next day the same thing happened on another rough section on the interstate. We had cars on both sides of us so could not immediately move to the road shoulder and had to slow down in middle of interstate to stop the violent shaking and nearly hit a car. I am surprise we did not get hit by someone rear ending us due to having to stop in middle of interstate with traffic traveling 70 MPH. I have been reading up on what happened, and people are calling this abnormal sustained wheel oscillation or death shake. I want to make sure this is incident is logged and reviewed as someone will end up getting killed due to this issue if happening on other F250 Trucks.
NHTSA complaint #11530660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tarpon Springs, FL
SUSPENSION
My wife and I were traveling on interstate and hit a rough section of road outside Nashville when the truck started to shake uncontrollably, and we nearly hit the center concrete barrier. We had to completely stop before the violent shaking stopped. The next day the same thing happened on another rough section on the interstate. We had cars on both sides of us so could not immediately move to the road shoulder and had to slow down in middle of interstate to stop the violent shaking and nearly hit a car. I am surprise we did not get hit by someone rear ending us due to having to stop in middle of interstate with traffic traveling 70 MPH. I have been reading up on what happened, and people are calling this abnormal sustained wheel oscillation or death shake. I want to make sure this is incident is logged and reviewed as someone will end up getting killed due to this issue if happening on other F250 Trucks.
NHTSA complaint #11530660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesWilliston, VT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
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.
NHTSA complaint #11504727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.