Is the 2013 Ford F-350 SD reliable?

The 2013 Ford F-350 SD has 12 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Ford F-350 SD?

Top problems: ENGINE (2 complaints, avg repair $500); VISIBILITY (2 complaints, avg repair $500); STEERING (2 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Ford F-350 SD?

Yes, there are 10 recall(s): POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM), EQUIPMENT, EQUIPMENT, EQUIPMENT, EQUIPMENT, EQUIPMENT, EQUIPMENT, EQUIPMENT, EQUIPMENT, STEERING. Contact any Ford dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2013 Ford F-350 SD?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Ford F-350 SD is approximately $1,478/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2013 Ford F-350 SD

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2013 Ford F-350 SD has 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.5x the segment average of 26. The most common issue is engine problems (17% of all complaints), specifically: 1. severe engine rattle and then severe shaking of entire truck due to exhaust regenerative system. truck becomes hard to control on highway and presents danger in heavy traffic situations. first incident was taken in for repair; second incident occurred approximately seven months later and was t. There are 10 recalls issued for this model year.

1 injury

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

2 complaints

17%

• 1. SEVERE ENGINE RATTLE AND THEN SEVERE SHAKING OF ENTIRE TRUCK DUE TO EXHAUST REGENERATIVE SYSTEM. TRUCK BECOMES HARD TO CONTROL ON HIGHWAY AND PRESENTS DANGER IN HEAVY TRAFFIC SITUATIONS. FIRST INCIDENT WAS TAKEN IN FOR REPAIR; SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY SEVEN MONTHS LATER AND WAS T
• Cp4 pump failure resulting in stalled engine and loss of power brakes and power steering. Lifter failure resulting in loss of power and check engine light illuminating

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“1. SEVERE ENGINE RATTLE AND THEN SEVERE SHAKING OF ENTIRE TRUCK DUE TO EXHAUST REGENERATIVE SYSTEM. TRUCK BECOMES HARD TO CONTROL ON HIGHWAY AND PRESENTS DANGER IN HEAVY TRAFFIC SITUATIONS. FIRST INCIDENT WAS TAKEN IN FOR REPAIR; SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY SEVEN MONTHS LATER AND WAS T”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2013 Ford F-350 SD

Based on 10 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 27K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (10)

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)25/03/2015

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.

Fix: 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.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Ford F-350 SD

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,478

Full coverage / month

$123

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-12%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1478

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ford F-350 SD Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

IOLM (Intelligent Oil Life Monitor) may signal earlier. Older 5.4L Triton engines have specific service needs — check the manual.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Ford New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Ford. If you're buying a used 2013 F-350 SD, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ford dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

TIRES(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 12 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: 1. SEVERE ENGINE RATTLE AND THEN SEVERE SHAKING OF ENTIRE TRUCK DUE TO EXHAUST REGENERATIVE SYSTEM. TRUCK BECOMES HARD TO CONTROL ON HIGHWAY AND PRESENTS DANGER IN HEAVY TRAFFIC SITUATIONS. FIRST INCIDENT WAS TAKEN IN FOR REPAIR; SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY SEVEN MONTHS LATER AND WAS T
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
VISIBILITY: SUNROOF EXPLODED SITTING STILL SHOWERING EVERYONE WITH GLASS, SOME GLASS GOT IN OCCUPANT FACE AND EYES
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: STILL HAVING THE "DEATH WOBBLE" ISSUE AFTER SPENDING $1K AT THE DEALERSHIP TO FIX THIS ISSUE. NOT EVEN 3000 MILES LATER IT IS HAPPENING AGAIN WORSE AND MORE FREQUENT THAN BEFORE. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROX. 70 MPH AND AFTER HITTING A BRIDGE EXPANSION JOINT I NEARLY LOST CONTROL.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: NOTICED ODD SMELL AT APPROX 50K MILES. THOUGHT IT WAS BURNED OIL. SERVICED AT FORD DEALER - BRAKE FLUID LEAKING FROM REAR BRAKE CALIPER FAILURE. DEALER REPLACED BRAKE CALIPER AND PADS. AFTER SERVICING, BRAKE FLUID SMELL CONTINUED. SERVICED AGAIN AT APPROX 56K MILES - BRAKE LINE LEAKING.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 10 recalls have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)