2013 Ford F-150 brakes problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

137 owners have reported brakes problems with the 2013 Ford F-150, 11% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 106,667 mi.

Brakes complaints
137
Crashes
12
Fires
1
Injuries
11
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
106,667 mi

Specific components reported

Brakes covers: Service brakes (hydraulic, electric, air), ABS and parking brake.

ComponentComplaints
Service brakes97
Service brakes, hydraulic29
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:wheel speed sensor/tone ring5
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder5
Service brakes, air:antilock:abs warning light1
Service brakes, air:antilock:wheel speed sensor1
Service brakes, hydraulic:brake fluid low warning: lamp1
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1
Service brakes, air:disc:rotor1

Brakes complaints across Ford F-150 years

4200564200778200910342011341372013148852015141792017802020192276202141522023142020254
Brakes complaints by model year. The 2013 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

2Under 10k210k–30k530k–60k2360k–100k35100k–150k11150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 16V345000May 24, 2016225,012 vehicles
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 F-150 vehicles manufactured August 1, 2013, to August 31, 2014 equipped with 3.5L engines. The master cylinder rear cup seal may roll, resulting in brake fluid leakage from the primary reservoir into the brake booster.

    Risk: Loss of brake fluid from the primary reservoir results in a complete loss of front brake function, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and, if necessary, the brake booster, free of charge. The recall began on October 28, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S24.

What owners say

  1. Filed Oct 6, 2026TXCrashBrakes
    Vehicle Information: 2013 Ford F-150 SuperCrew 3.5L V6 EcoBoost (VIN: [XXX]) While operating the vehicle, experienced a severe and sudden degradation of brake hydraulic pressure. The brake pedal travels abnormally deep and requires the driver to "double-pump" (fully let off the brake pedal and re-press it a second time) to achieve enough line pressure to stop the vehicle. Additionally, while stopped at an intersection, the vehicle began violently jerking and resisting…
    NHTSA complaint #11769301 · source
  2. Filed Aug 18, 202632,145 miNCTowedBrakes
    The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the brake light warning light illuminated, and while depressing brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard. The transmission was shifted to a lower gear, and the hazard lights were activated, and the vehicle was slowly driven to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to a dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the brake booster was contaminated with brake…
    NHTSA complaint #11757696 · source
  3. Filed Aug 3, 2026TNBrakes
    Right front brake continuously freezes up making impossible to drive safely. ABS does not show any default or warnings. Truck shakes all over. Had rotors, calibers, and brake pads replied, but right side brake continues to freeze up. Brake lines checked and show no signs of collapse.
    NHTSA complaint #11754600 · source
  4. Filed Jul 14, 2026MIBrakes
    Brakes seem to be staying engaged when driving this has been for about 1 yr. Now all of a sudden, my truck wouldn't stop. Thankfully, I was pulling in to my own driveway, but now I'm not sure what to do about the situation. I jave seen a lot of complaints on 2013 F150 with ecoboost 3.5l and I don't think it's right that only certain vins are recalled when obviously A LOT of others should be included.
    NHTSA complaint #11750452 · source
  5. Filed Jul 11, 2026ALBrakes
    The brakes on my Ford f150 failed and I took it to a shop and found out that the master cylinder had failed and all the brake fluid was being pumped into the brake booster.I had the master cylinder and the booster replaced for $ 926.00 dollars. There was a recall for this problem but it ended with trucks that were made thru August 31,2013 my truck was made September 12 ,2013 only 12 days after the recall ended. My truck experienced the same failure as the trucks that were…
    NHTSA complaint #11749739 · source
  6. Filed Jun 24, 2026141,000 miWIBrakesEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    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,…
    NHTSA complaint #11746248 · source
  7. Filed Apr 28, 2026CABrakes
    The brakes aren’t working properly due to loss of vacuum. This happens anytime I’m stopping at a red light or parking which can result in me hitting someone or another vehicle. This has been confirmed by Firestone Compete Auto Care but they were unable to fix it. Ford says this TSB applies to the same year but not to the plant this car was manufactured. There were no warning messages.
    NHTSA complaint #11734417 · source
  8. Filed Feb 12, 2026TXBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
    while applying the brake i had complete brake failure. I learned the brake booter and master cylinder were leaking as describe in the recall.
    NHTSA complaint #11717492 · source
  9. Filed Feb 5, 2026OHBrakesElectrical SystemEngine
    Vacuumed pump replacement oil leakVacume Brake fluid leaked into power booster Complete brake failure . Complete Brake failure while pulling 6000 lb trailer Family in vehicle . Coolant leaks, water pump,heater hoses, exaust turbos ,and blow off valve.
    NHTSA complaint #11715825 · source
  10. Filed Oct 27, 2025MIBrakes
    Put the truck in reverse [from park] and when I braked the pedal went to the floor and took many seconds to stop the vehicle. Checked the brake fluid, very low, filled it, pumped the brakes until it was no longer to the floor, checked the fluid again and filled it again. Parked it then tested it 20 minutes later, brakes were to the floor. Took it to mechanic who added brake fluid and looked everywhere underneath for leaking, found no brake fluid leak anywhere. Checked online…
    NHTSA complaint #11695893 · source
  11. Filed Jul 16, 2025110,000 miOHBrakes
    The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while hauling a trailer, the brake pedal independently went to the floorboard. The ABS and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating with the accelerator pedal depressed. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a master cylinder leak into the brake booster. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not…
    NHTSA complaint #11673904 · source
  12. Filed Jul 9, 2025100,000 miMOCrash1 injuredTowedBrakes
    The contact owned a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the son was driving approximately 93 MPH, and while approaching a stop light, the vehicle continued to drive into an intersection and crashed into a commercial Semi truck. During the crash, the three front-seat occupants sustained fatal injuries. The rear driver-side passenger sustained head trauma and was rushed to the hospital. A police report was filed and indicated a possible brake malfunction had occurred…
    NHTSA complaint #11672185 · source

Other 2013 Ford F-150 problem areas

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology