Is the 2013 Ford F-550 reliable?

The 2013 Ford F-550 has 6 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.4x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Ford F-550?

Top problems: ENGINE (2 complaints, avg repair $500); STEERING (1 complaints, avg repair $500); WHEELS (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Ford F-550?

Yes, there are 1 recall(s): EQUIPMENT. 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-550?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Ford F-550 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-550

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2013 Ford F-550 has 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.4x the segment average of 17. The most common issue is engine problems (33% of all complaints), specifically: operator was driving the vehicle when they smelled fuel. operator immediately pulled over and found fuel leaking from the secondary fuel filter. i also have a video of the leaking filter but can not attach here.. There is 1 recall issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 5)

ENGINE

2 complaints

33%

• Operator was driving the vehicle when they smelled fuel. Operator immediately pulled over and found fuel leaking from the secondary fuel filter. I also have a video of the leaking filter but can not attach here.
• At 05:58 this morning the garage received a phone call from Roadside assistance regarding a vehicle fire on the unit. Spoke with the operator to verify his safety and inquire as to what happened. He stated he was driving down highway 99 at approx.70mph when he heard a loud pop, reduce engine power l

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports

“Operator was driving the vehicle when they smelled fuel. Operator immediately pulled over and found fuel leaking from the secondary fuel filter. I also have a video of the leaking filter but can not attach here.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (1)

EQUIPMENT13/08/2014

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.

Fix: 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.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Ford F-550

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-550 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-550, 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

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

WHEELS(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 6 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: Operator was driving the vehicle when they smelled fuel. Operator immediately pulled over and found fuel leaking from the secondary fuel filter. I also have a video of the leaking filter but can not attach here.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD THOR DAYBREAK RV EQUIPPED WITH A 2013 FORD MH STRIPPED CHASSIS (N/A). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO WANDER OUT OF THE TRAVELED LANE INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT DROVE WITH CAUTION AT A LOW SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
WHEELS: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F550 WITH RICKSON WHEELS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH, PART OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE WELDING OF THE WHEEL WAS IMPR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM:
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)