Is the 2013 6.7 Power Stroke reliable?
The 2013 Ford F-Series Super Duty with the 6.7-liter Power Stroke is generally considered a sturdy diesel, especially when it has been properly maintained. With routine service, many owners report long service lives and strong towing capability, though the engine comes with known maintenance-sensitive systems that can become costly if neglected.
To understand reliability for this specific year and engine, this article examines what the 2013 6.7 Power Stroke is, how it has performed in reliability history, common issues reported by owners, and practical steps to maximize long-term dependability. We also compare the model year against broader trends in the Power Stroke lineage and the heavy-duty diesel market.
What is the 2013 6.7 Power Stroke?
The 2013 6.7 Power Stroke is Ford’s second-generation diesel V8, used in the F-250 and F-350 Super Duty pickups. It features a heavy-duty design aimed at high torque output for towing and hauling, with roughly 400 horsepower and about 800 pound-feet of torque depending on configuration. The engine is paired with Ford’s 6R140 automatic transmission in most configurations and is designed for long-haul durability, with extensive cooling and lubrication systems to handle extended heavy-duty use. Like all modern diesels, it relies on a closed emissions system that includes a diesel particulate filter (DPF), exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and related components.
Reliability track record and known issues
Overall reliability for the 2013 6.7 Power Stroke has tended to be solid for a heavy-duty diesel, but the model year sits early enough in the generation that owners should be mindful of emissions-system wear, cooling-system maintenance, and fuel-injection components. Ford issued recalls and service updates across the early 2010s to address EGR cooling, oil cooler integrity, and related systems. With diligent maintenance, many trucks reach high mileages with limited major failures; lax maintenance, particularly on the cooling and exhaust-emissions side, tends to drive reliability concerns.
Before diving into the specifics, here are the broad reliability anchors for this engine family:
Strengths that bolster reliability and longevity
- Engine design built for heavy-duty use, with robust block and rotating assemblies intended to endure high torque.
- Strong aftermarket and dealer support for parts, service, and upgrades, which helps keep maintenance affordable and timely.
- Proven torque delivery and cooling strategies designed for frequent towing, which, when serviced, supports long life under load.
- Extensive documentation and owner communities provide guidance on preventive maintenance and common failure modes, aiding informed ownership decisions.
Concluding on this point, the 2013 6.7 Power Stroke tends to be reliable in the long run when it is kept up with scheduled maintenance and early repairs of wear-prone systems.
Common issues reported by owners and recommended maintenance actions
- EGR cooler and related cooling-system wear: Early units occasionally exhibit EGR cooler leaks or failures, which can lead to coolant loss or overheating if not addressed. Ford and aftermarket updates over the model run reduced some of these risks.
- Oil cooler and coolant-oil interface: Leaks or mixing can occur in older examples, particularly with high-mileage trucks. Routine coolant/oil checks and timely gasket/wear-part replacements help mitigate damage.
- Diesel particulate filter (DPF) and regeneration challenges: Short trips or idle-heavy use can disrupt optimal DPF regeneration, leading to more frequent or longer regenerations and potential soot-related issues. Regular longer drives or fixed regeneration strategies help maintain the system.
- Fuel-system concerns: The high-pressure fuel system (involves pumps and injectors) can show wear with age, potentially leading to starting or efficiency issues. Replacement and cleaning of affected components are costly but manageable with proactive maintenance.
- Transmission wear: The 6R140 transmission in these trucks is durable but benefits from regular fluid changes and careful towing usage to prevent premature wear, especially under high-torque loads.
In summary, reliability hinges on proactive maintenance of emissions and cooling systems, as well as timely service of fuel and transmission components. With routine care, many 2013 6.7 Power Stroke engines perform reliably well into high mileages.
Maintenance tips to maximize reliability
To maximize the reliability and longevity of the 2013 6.7 Power Stroke, owners should prioritize preventive maintenance and awareness of the model’s known weak points. The following recommendations reflect common-sense practices shared by diesel technicians and long-time owners:
- Follow Ford’s and your mechanic’s recommended service intervals for oil changes using high-quality synthetic diesel-approved oil, and replace filters on schedule.
- Monitor and maintain the cooling system: inspect the EGR cooler, oil cooler, hoses, and coolant levels regularly; address any signs of leaks promptly.
- Maintain the emissions system: ensure DPF regeneration operates correctly, and avoid excessive short trips that prevent complete clean cycles.
- Keep the fuel system clean: use good-quality fuel, replace fuel filters at recommended intervals, and pay attention to any hard-start or rough-running symptoms that could indicate injector or pump wear.
- Ensure proper transmission maintenance: schedule regular transmission fluid changes and inspect for shifting issues, especially under heavy loads.
- Document and address software updates: some reliability improvements come from dealer-calibrated engine and transmission software updates that address drivability and efficiency concerns.
These steps are particularly important for second-hand examples accumulated with high mileage, where wear on cooling, emissions, and fuel systems is more likely.
Summary
The 2013 6.7 Power Stroke is a capable, heavy-duty diesel whose reliability is highly dependent on diligent, ongoing maintenance. While the engine itself is built for long life and strong torque, the era’s known issues—especially around cooling/emissions components and fuel-system wear—mean that proactive care is essential. For buyers and owners, a well-documented maintenance history, a thorough inspection of the EGR/oil cooler, the cooling system, and the fuel system, plus adherence to service schedules, are the best predictors of continued reliability well into high-mileage territory.
