general problems of the 2013 Ford F-150 - part 1

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted from sixth gear to third gear. The check engine and powertrain malfunction warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that dealer was contacted to schedule a diagnostic test. The contact stated that VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 19v075000 (power train). The contact associated the failure with the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

My 2013 Ford F-150 (VIN: [xxx]) suffered a catastrophic rear-wheel lockup while traveling at highway speeds, mimicking a sudden, unprompted hard braking event. The vehicle's speedometer dropped to zero and the dashboard went blank. A certified Ford dealership has just scanned the vehicle and pulled diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0722, confirming an output shaft speed sensor/molded leadframe failure under Ford TSB 16-0008. Federal records confirm there are 0 unrepaired recalls on this VIN because safety recall 19s07 (NHTSA campaign 19v-075) was completed two months ago. The software-only recall remedy completely failed to prevent this life-threatening transmission lockup. Ford corporate (case #[xxx]) and the dealership are refusing to replace the defective hardware due to mileage, despite the fact that a federally mandated safety recall remedy failed to secure the vehicle. "safety recall 19s07 was completed by an authorized Ford dealer two months ago, but following today's highway lockup incident, a different, separate Ford dealership officially scanned the vehicle and retrieved diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0722, confirming a complete recall remedy failure. " information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The speedometer on my vehicle recently indicated a speed 10-15 mph lower than the actual highway speed. Approximately one week later, while operating the vehicle with cruise control set at 58 mph and descending a decline, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted from sixth to first gear. This abrupt shift resulted in a violent jolt to the rear of the vehicle, nearly causing a loss of control. Upon contacting Ford regarding this issue, I was informed that they are aware of the problem and that an extended warranty campaign is in place for the transmission lead wire frame and vehicle speed sensor. Ford offered to repair this free of charge, with the caveat that the campaign covers vehicles up to 150,000 miles, originating from 36,000 miles. According to various owner groups and online forums, this issue is prevalent in 2013 F-150 pickups equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission, often manifesting well after the 150,000-mile mark, as was the case with my vehicle. While Ford acknowledges this known problem and its potential consequences, the warranty repair cutoff at 150,000 miles could lead to catastrophic outcomes, as demonstrated by my near-loss of control incident. It is important to note that the same transmission and speed sensors have already been recalled in 2014 models, which share an essentially identical powertrain, yet the 2013 models are not included in this recall. This presents a significant safety concern, as the manufacturer is aware of the issue, but their current campaign does not adequately cover the mileage at which many of these problems are emerging.

While I was driving down the road and while I was driving through a parking lot, my transmission downshifted without me touching the gearshift. I almost hit a car in the parking lot when it happened and I had to slam my brakes when I was on a main road. Had I been going at a faster speed or in a more busy location I could have easily lost control and hit something or been hit. I never saw any warning lights come on, and there were no indicators that this was about to happen. After my truck did that, it wouldn't start the following morning, and it still hasn't started. My truck was towed to an independent service center and they diagnosed it as the molded leadframe needed replaced. I looked it up and Ford currently has this repair listed under their customer satisfaction program campaign 19n01, but my truck is out of that vehicle mileage and time range. From doing basic research, I've seen that this is a very common problem with these f150s. The vehicle has been inspected by myself and the independent service center, but is available for inspection upon request.

Truck is experiencing sudden downshifting with loss of acceleration, and the speed odometer & mpg will both drop to zero. Recall #19s07 was issued in 2019 for Ford motor CO. For this reason, but NHTSA site is showing that my truck is not covered under the recall (based on vehicle VIN), even though it is now experiencing the issue described. This is a major safety issue. Issue began occurring approx. Six months ago, and happens about once weekly.

While driving approximately 45 mph on a multi-lane road in moderate-to-heavy traffic, the truck shuddered as if caught between gears, then the engine revved past 4500 rpm on its own. Lifting off the accelerator had no effect on rpm, and pressing it produced no change in engine or vehicle speed. Moments later the drivetrain engaged violently: the rear tires chirped, the rear of the truck stepped sideways, and the vehicle decelerated abruptly from about 45 mph to under 10 mph with no brake input from me. Because there was no braking, I do not believe my brake lights illuminated during this sudden deceleration, creating a serious rear-end collision risk for any following vehicle. At onset, the speedometer dropped to zero (drifting down as if the engine had shut off), the odometer displayed only dashes, and the wrench/powertrain warning light illuminated. After the downshift, the wrench light cleared and the airbag warning light came on. The tachometer stayed elevated and the gear selector would only indicate gears 1, 2, and 3. I pulled over, shut off and restarted the vehicle, and drove home slowly under 15 mph. This same failure recurred on 06/24/2026 while driving to the dealer. A Ford dealer technician inspected the vehicle and confirmed the transmission molded leadframe had broken, producing diagnostic trouble code p0722 (output shaft speed sensor circuit, no signal). The failed component is available for inspection. The sudden, unintended loss of power and severe deceleration in live traffic, with no driver input and likely no brake-light warning to following traffic, is a significant safety hazard.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the vehicle went into limp mode and the vehicle unintendedly decelerated. The orange wrench symbol was displayed. The contact pulled over for five minutes, and the computer was reset. After the vehicle was restarted, the vehicle operated normally. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was not under recall or warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired; however, the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the failure was associated with the wheel speed sensor. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.

I was driving into town where the speed limit dropped from 60 to 30 so I tapped my brakes and the transmission slammed into low gear and the rpm's went up. Almost sounds like recall 19v075 for other Ford vehicles.

Internal speed sensor failure for 2013 Ford f150 6r80 transmission. Vehicle stopped in traffic would not move forward in drive. Could be expansion of recent recall of this transmission from Ford with similar issues. Vehicle shows code for output speed sensor circuit p0720.

While slowing down at normal speeds, my 2013 Ford f?150 will suddenly and violently downshift into a much lower gear (appears to be 1st gear). When this happens, the rear wheels lock up briefly, causing the truck to skid and jerk forward. This creates a serious loss of control and a risk of collision. The issue is intermittent but recurring. It has happened multiple times under normal driving conditions. No warning lights remain on afterward, but traction control sometimes flashes during the event. I reported this to a Ford dealer, but they refused to repair it. This appears to match known issues with the 6r80 transmission and leadframe failures on similar f?150 models. This is a major safety hazard. If this occurs in traffic or on wet roads, it could easily cause a crash. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate and require Ford to address this defect.

Transmission is locking itself into either 3rd or 5th gear and will not shift. Sometimes it will lock itself in 1st gear and not shift.

While driving my 2013 F-150 the vehicle suddenly downshifts into 1st gear while driving in the city and remains there. At faster speeds the truck will downshift to 5th gear and remain there regardless of deceleration. This has been accompanied by a check engine light. The truck had the code p-0722. When this happens it is extremely unsafe and unpredictable. This causes an immediate and abrupt reduction in speed and a near-loss of vehicle control. This defect poses an unreasonable risk of a high-speed accident, especially when towing or on wet surfaces. A diagnostic scan at a Ford dealership confirmed the failure of the molded lead frame. The vehicle exhibited diagnostic trouble code p0722 which is the specific indicators for the output shaft speed (oss) sensor and lead frame failure. These are the exact symptoms and codes identified in NHTSA recall 26v237. Ford recently issued recall 26s28 (NHTSA 26v237) on April 14, 2026, for this exact safety defect in later-model F-150s with the same 6r80 transmission. My 2013 vehicle is suffering from the identical root cause—degradation of electrical connections in the lead frame—yet Ford is currently refusing to provide a safety remedy at no cost, citing the age of the vehicle. This is a recurring safety-critical defect that mirrors the current 1. 4-million-vehicle recall population. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6) Ford case number: xxx current location: price Ford (simi valley, CA) safety recall reference: 26s28 / 26v237.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear wheels seized, and the vehicle went into limp mode. The dealer was made aware of the failure, and a mobile technician performed the recall repair under NHTSA campaign number: 19v075000 (power train) at the residence; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rpms were high, and the rear wheels seized briefly. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The contact retrieved dtc: p0720 (output speed sensor circuit malfunction). The dealer was notified of the recurring failure but provided no further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,814.

Transmission down shifting when driving 50 mph or faster.

The vehicle shifts down, driving at 70k, and it throws into 1st gear. Very scary and dangerous, I was lucky no one was behind me. Left some nice tire marks on the road.

My 2013 Ford F-150 5. 0 pulled any evil on me. On 4-23-2026 driving home from work at approximately 3:55 pm with speed of approximately 40 to 45 mph a very hard hit of something as if I had been struck from the rear and immediately at the same time both of the rear wheels locked up and where skidding on the roadway. This lasted for maybe just under 30 seconds. Fortunately, no one was behind me. The truck did make that hard bump sound again but nothing else occurred. With less than 3 miles from home I was able to drive slowly and get home. I am afraid to drive it anywhere now!.

Truck unexpectedly downshifts into first gear and refuses to leave first. Wrench icon appears, speedometer and odometer stop working, truck enters "limp mode". Oem reading dtcs p0720, p0722.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted several times. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while at a stop, the vehicle failed to properly shift gears. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

2013 f 150 5. 0 transmission lead module loosing data to computer and trans goes to 3rd gear while driving at highway speed this happened multiple times in the last few days the 6r80 transmission and has code p0720 and is going in for repairs 4 21 2026 as im afraid to drive it . It seems to be a common problem when talking to the transmission shop and could cost $900 or more if the trans is no harmed by this sudden malfunction.

I have reported the same exact issue that Ford recalled April 14,2026 with my vehicle. I almost had an accident by it changing from automatic to the gears & it comes to a sudden stop when it do it. I guess someone or me gonna have to lose a life before some look at my issue. It showing a recall was on my truck in 2019 before I brought the truck. The recall has not been done on my truck. Please help b4 someone get hurt. Thank you.

We recently started having issues with the transmission locking into a gear and not changing or downshifting. We received the code: p0721 which refers to the transmission control module or output shaft sensor is having an issue.

Truck downshifted to first gear from about 35 mph with no warning, and would not shift back, until it was shut off. I was in middle of road. No warning lights came on prior to this happening. The dealer confirmed a recall for this problem but my truck is a 2013 and recall currently is for 2014 forward. I never received a recall notice on my truck and the estimate to have it fixed is about $1700. Dealer said recall on my truck expired, in 2023. I am not safe driving this vehicle. I have had this truck since October of 2018, and bought it at toothman Ford grafton, wv. I never received a recall.

I was driving along, truck was in about 5 gear and then suddenly dropped into 1st gear. And sometimes you start out and truck will not change from 1st gear to second. You have to stop and turn off motor to get it to drive correctly!.

The transmission software update only made it worse. The transmission is deciding to shift into 5th gear wrench comes on the no speedometer no information in the information center airbag light comes on radio gets quieter or I have experienced the first shift sudden downshift at 65 mph back tires are hopping on the tar and now everyday it's stuck in first gear for a while I have to shut off the truck and it might reset or I have to turn it off for more than 5 minutes and then it might reset or go in third to start with no speedometer no information and the information center airbag light on this is a safety hazard and it should be an open free recall to replace the bad components inside the transmission from 2013 on up before somebody dies because of a sudden downshift.

Vehicle downshifts when driving similar to current recall on 2015-2017 Ford F-150. Repaired at a cost of $1,650.

The issue involves a loss of signal between the transmission range sensor and the powertrain control module, which can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into second gear, potentially leading to a loss of vehicle control. I purchased this vehicle in Feb 2025 used 2013 Ford f 150 6 gear and this happened to me. I took it to the dealership, and they said the recall had expired and charged me over $1,300. 00 to repair. This vehicle was always dealer serviced with herb chambers of massachusetts and they failed to inform the previous owner of the recall. This Ford f150 2013 stx should be covered under this safety issue and they did not honor.

Vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly downshifts to first gear when driving at highway speed causing quick reduction in speed and control. No warning displays. Vehicle had also gone into limp mode about 3 months prior displaying wrench warning sign. In both cases vehicle ran fine after stopping and restarting.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the transmission abruptly downshifted from 6th gear to 1st gear, and the vehicle jerked and pulled to the right. No warning light was illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and offered to perform a diagnostic test, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 19v433000 (power train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.

When driving my 2013 F-150 it will downshift form 6 gear to 4th or 3rd gear unexpectedly. It will then be stuck in 3rd or 4th gear until I restart the vehicle. Please contact me for any other information @ [xxx] or [xxx] ask for [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was slipping and hesitated to shift into gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who repaired the vehicle under NHTSA campaign number: 19v075000 (power train); however, the failure persisted after the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at 30 mph, the vehicle experienced a loss of drive power. The speedometer went to zero without the vehicle decelerating. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted, and the transmission warning light had disappeared. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who determined that the molded lead frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 167,401.

Vehicle went from 70 mph to 1st gear without driver. Pulled over restarted vehicle ran fine. Did it again. I have been told it is the lead frame assem ly and transmission sensor. Ford did not recall my year but dud a customer satisfaction. My vehicle exceeds 10 years. If this had been a recall they would fix it. Very dangerous when this happens.

Transmission shifts down to 2nd while traveling without warning. It was taken to local dealership but nothing found wrong at that time. It is available for inspection. The down shift was immediate and severe without warning, which was startling. We were traveling at regular speed when this occurred. It has been reported and was told there was no recalls, however, I now see recalls for f150s beginning year 2014. My truck is a 2013 but the recall for the 2014s is exactly what occurred with my 2013 f150.

On two separate occasions, the vehicle downshifted. Once while driving on the interstate at 70 mph, the vehicle downshifted to 3rd gear and locked up the tires. The rpms went up to 6000. The driver was nearly rear ended. In another instance while driving at 45 mph, the vehicle downshifted to 1st gear. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The issue cannot necessarily be reproduced on demand as it does not happen every time you drive the vehicle but it has happened more than once. The vehicle has been inspected by by a repair shop and the resolution appears to be a system update. There were no warnings, messages, or other symptoms prior to the events. The first event was in approximately January 2026 and the most recent incident February 22, 2026. The vehicle has not been driven since the last incident as we feel it is unsafe.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted while driving at 15 mph. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed by the dealer that the vehicle had previously experienced a similar failure, and the transmission control module had been reprogrammed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,318.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact then became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 19v433000 (power train). The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the vehicle was repaired under the recall. The contact stated that recently, while driving 60 mph, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the failure returned soon after restarting the vehicle. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 199,000.