Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2013 Ford E-150
The 2013 Ford E-150 has notable issues with adaptive equipment, especially concerning wheelchair lift attachments and fuel system modifications. Checks for these issues are necessary. The vehicle’s general reliability remains reasonable, but attention to adaptive equipment recalls is critical if applicable for its modifications. Owner complaints are relatively minimal, focusing on unspecified issues.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2013 Ford E-150 has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 19 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #15V729000 Wheel Chair Lift Link Arm Pivot Holes NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V706000 Wheelchair Lift - Platform Cracking NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V641000 Wheelchair Lift - Platform Cracking NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V584000 Wheelchair Lift - Platform Cracking NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V232000 Wheelchair Lift Armored Pendant Cable Shortcircuit NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V097000 Side Arm Bracket Failure On CNG Cylinder NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 7 complaints
- Engine 6 complaints
- Unknown or Other 4 complaints
- Electrical System 2 complaints
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 2 complaints
- Structure 2 complaints
Of the 19 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash; across all 19 complaints, owners report 2 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Wheelchair lift pivot issues
How to check: Inspect wheelchair lift arms and pivot holes for unusual play.
Wheelchair lift side plate cracks
How to check: Check lift side plates for visible cracks.
Armored cable clearance issues
How to check: Ensure armored cables clear the wheel chocks.
Fuel cylinder bracket failure
How to check: Verify CNG cylinder brackets are secure.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or reluctance to start.
Red flag: Unusual noises or slow start-up.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard for warning lights.
Red flag: Presence of any warning lights.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Ensure smooth shifting between gears.
Red flag: Harsh or delayed gear shifts.
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Car should accelerate smoothly without hesitation.
Red flag: Hesitation or rough performance.
- 05
Braking
What to check: Brakes should feel firm and responsive.
Red flag: Soft brakes or noises during braking.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has it ever had adaptive equipment installed?
- Were any fuel system modifications performed?
- Have recall repairs been addressed?
- Any persistent warning lights?
- Service history available?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle recall repair records
- Full service history
- Adaptive equipment installation details
- CNG system modification records
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2013 Ford E-150 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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