2013 Ford F-450 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2013 Ford F-450 has a Complaint Index of 20 with 8 complaints and 9 recall campaigns, earning a Caution verdict capped by those recalls despite a relatively low complaint count. It ranks 17th out of 21 model years for reported problems.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 20/100
- #17 of 21 F-450 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 8
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 9
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
Top 2013 Ford F-450 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine2 (25%)
- Structure & Body2 (25%)
- Brakes1 (13%)
- Fuel System1 (13%)
- Other1 (13%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (13%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine trouble codes like P2201 triggered limp mode and reduced power, with one truck needing 12 dealer visits without a lasting fix.
- Radiator leaks developed at the joint between the plastic end cap and aluminum core near the front bumper.
- Rear window panels came loose or blew out around the gasket while the truck was parked.
- Frame cracking allowed a fuel tank to fall from the frame during use on ambulance conversions, with some units leaking diesel.
- Integrated trailer brake controllers failed without warning, forcing drivers to switch to manual trailer brake operation.
- CP4 high-pressure fuel injection pumps failed, with owners reporting warranty claims denied over water contamination.
2013 Ford F-450 recalls
9 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 15V175000Mar 25, 2015Transmission & Powertrain6,322 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 trucks manufactured February 22, 2010, to January 30, 2015, and equipped with ambulance or fire engine preparation packages. The affected vehicles may detect an incorrect Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor (EGT) fault indicating that the vehicle is too hot, causing the engine management system to shut down the engine and prevent its immediate restart.
Risk: Engine shut down and a subsequent cool down period may delay medical treatment or assistance to those needing it, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S09.
- NHTSA 14V498000Aug 13, 2014Other3 vehicles
Equipment
PJ's Truck Bodies & Equipment Co., (PJ's) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty chassis modified by PJ's and equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.
Risk: The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.
Remedy: PJ's has notified owners and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2014. Owners may contact PJ's customer service at 1-866-475-8782.
- NHTSA 14V411000Jul 8, 2014Engine2 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline
J.C. Madigan, Inc. (J.C. Madigan) is recalling one model year 2011 Ford F-550, and one model year 2013 Ford F-450 chassis with a 6.8L gasoline engine dump trucks equipped with certain PTO Assembly Pressure Switches, part number 30T37594, manufactured June 2009 through June 2013, used in power take off (PTO) assemblies. The switch may begin leaking oil.
Risk: The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.
Remedy: J.C. Madigan will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact J.C. Madigan customer service at 1-978-847-2900.
2013 compared with other F-450 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Ford F-450 reliable?
- NHTSA data shows 8 complaints and a Complaint Index of 20 for the 2013 F-450, which is lower than many other years, but 9 recall campaigns pushed its verdict to Caution.
- Why is the 2013 Ford F-450 rated Caution instead of Good?
- Its complaint index of 20 would normally support a better verdict, but the verdict is capped to Caution because of 9 recall campaigns requiring a dealer visit.
- What are the most common problems on the 2013 Ford F-450?
- Engine and Structure & Body issues each account for 25% of complaints, followed by brakes, fuel system, suspension, and transmission issues at smaller shares.
- Does the 2013 Ford F-450 have a transmission recall?
- Yes, recall 15V175000 covers 2011-2015 F-350, F-450, and F-550 trucks with ambulance or fire engine preparation packages, involving a Powertrain Control Module software update.
- How does the 2013 F-450 compare to other years?
- It ranks 17th worst out of 21 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 20 versus a high of 100 in 2008 and a low of 0 in 2010.