2013 Ford F-550 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2013 Ford F-550 has a complaint index of 20, ranking 17th out of 21 model years, but its verdict is capped at Caution because of 10 recall campaigns requiring a dealer visit. Owners reported 8 complaints, mostly engine-related.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 20/100
- #17 of 21 F-550 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 8
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 10
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
Top 2013 Ford F-550 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine3 (38%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (25%)
- Fuel System1 (13%)
- Other1 (13%)
- Steering1 (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 can suddenly enter fail-safe mode and drop to 5 mph without warning after the turbo over-boosts to 31 psi, sometimes repeatedly.
- A wheel became detached from the front passenger side at low speed due to improper wheel welding, at 8,000 miles.
- Diesel fuel odor and vehicle fire occurred while driving at highway speed after a loud pop and warning lights for reduced engine power and low fuel pressure.
- Front tire experienced complete tread separation at highway speed with under 20,000 miles on it.
- Vehicle began wandering out of its lane on its own at low speed, traced to a steering issue at only 1,100 miles.
- Fuel was found leaking from the secondary fuel filter, noticed after the operator smelled fuel while driving.
2013 Ford F-550 recalls
10 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 14V360000Jun 23, 2014Other10 vehicles
Equipment
Palfleet Truck Equipment Company, LLC (Palfleet) is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 super duty vehicles modified by Palfleet 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: Palfleet 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 on July 29, 2014. Owners may contact Palfleet customer service at 1- 502-376-2458.
2013 compared with other F-550 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Ford F-550 reliable?
- NHTSA lists 8 complaints and a complaint index of 20 for the 2013 F-550, which ranks 17th worst of 21 model years. Despite the relatively low complaint count, the verdict is Caution because the year carries 10 recall campaigns requiring a dealer visit.
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ford F-550?
- Engine problems are the top complaint area, making up 38% of complaints, including turbo over-boost causing a fail-safe power reduction. Suspension, wheels and tires issues follow at 25%, including a wheel detachment and a tire tread separation.
- Does the 2013 Ford F-550 have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 2013 F-550, mostly tied to PTO pressure switch issues on modified chassis from various body manufacturers, plus a powertrain control module software update.
- How does the 2013 F-550 compare to other years?
- The 2013 model's complaint index of 20 is lower than years like 2019 (90), 2020 (85), 2021 (95) and 2022 (100), all rated Avoid. Still, 2013 is capped at Caution rather than Good because of its 10 recall campaigns.
- Was there a fire risk with the 2013 Ford F-550?
- NHTSA recorded 1 fire report among the 8 complaints for this year, tied to a diesel fuel smell and engine warning lights before the vehicle caught fire.