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2013 Ford F-350 Super Duty

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By Research the Car 4 min read

Alright, here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2013 Ford F-350 Super Duty, organized by category and powertrain configuration, focusing on accuracy and detail.

The 2013 Ford F-350 Super Duty is a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its towing and hauling capabilities. Engine options include the 6.2L V8 gasoline engine producing 385 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque, and the 6.7L Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel engine rated at 400 horsepower and 800 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners appreciate the truck’s robust build, powerful engines, and workhorse capabilities. Common dislikes often revolve around ride quality, fuel economy (especially with the diesel), and repair costs, which can be significant given the heavy-duty nature of the vehicle.

Engine

6.2L V8 Gasoline Engine

  • Valve Train Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report issues with excessive valvetrain noise that sounds like a ticking. This is often more prevalent when the engine is cold and quiets down a bit once it is up to operating temperature.
    • Solution: Replacing the affected valvetrain components, such as roller rockers or lash adjusters.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found

6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel Engine

  • Turbocharger Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Whining noises from the turbocharger, loss of power, excessive black smoke, and potentially a check engine light. Failure can stem from oil contamination, over-boosting, or general wear and tear.
    • Solution: Turbocharger replacement or rebuild.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Glow Plug Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting, especially in cold weather, rough idling, white smoke upon startup.
    • Solution: Replacement of faulty glow plugs and potentially the glow plug control module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Fuel Injector Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough running engine, misfires, loss of power, excessive black or white smoke, and potentially fuel dilution of the engine oil.
    • Solution: Fuel injector replacement, either individually or as a set.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ (depending on how many injectors need to be replaced).
    • Recalls: None Found
  • EGR Cooler Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant loss, white smoke, engine overheating.
    • Solution: EGR cooler replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6R140 6-Speed Automatic Transmission (Both Engine Options)

  • Torque Converter Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, especially at lower speeds. Can also cause stalling or failure to shift properly.
    • Solution: Torque converter replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Body Problems
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, failure to shift at all.
    • Solution: Valve body replacement or rebuild.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Transmission Fluid Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Visible fluid leaks, difficulty shifting.
    • Solution: Locate and repair leaks, replace seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ (depending on location and severity of leak)
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Leaf Spring Sagging
    • Description/Symptoms: Reduced ride height, especially in the rear, poor ride quality, reduced load carrying capacity.
    • Solution: Leaf spring replacement, adding helper springs, or installing air bags.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Ball Joint Wear
    • Description/Symptoms: Steering wander, clunking noises from the front end, uneven tire wear.
    • Solution: Ball joint replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per side
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Alternator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, battery warning light, dead battery, starting problems.
    • Solution: Alternator replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Instrument Cluster Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Gauges not working, erratic readings, dim or flickering display.
    • Solution: Instrument cluster repair or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust (Frame and Body)
    • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust, especially in areas prone to road salt exposure.
    • Solution: Rust repair, frame coating, or panel replacement (depending on severity).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $5,000+ (highly variable)
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Heater Core Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Sweet smelling odor inside the cabin, fogging of windshield, coolant loss, wet carpets.
    • Solution: Heater core replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2013 Ford F-350 Super Duty, while a capable work truck, can suffer from a range of issues. Engine problems, particularly with the 6.7L Power Stroke, can be expensive to address, as can transmission issues. Suspension components are also subject to wear and tear. Electrical gremlins can also appear. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major repairs. Potential buyers should carefully inspect vehicles for signs of these problems and factor in potential repair costs.

Ford, F-350 Super Duty
Ford F-350 Super Duty 2013
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