Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | typical | 2 | — | Few |
| 2025 | 1 | typical | 3 | Brake | Few |
| 2022 | 4 | −29% | 2 | Body | Average |
| 2021 | 8 | 1.3× | 1 | Suspension | Average |
| 2020 | 17 | 2.3× | 1 | Suspension | Caution |
| 2018 | 6 | typical | — | Body | Average |
| 2017 | 6 | typical | 1 | Wheel & Tire | Average |
| 2016 | 15 | 2.0× | 1 | Transmission | Caution |
| 2015 | 7 | typical | — | Window & Wiper | Average |
| 2014 | 17 | 2.4× | 1 | Body | Caution |
| 2013 | 8 | typical | 1 | Brake | Average |
| 2011 | 7 | typical | 1 | Wheel & Tire | Average |
| 1997 | 3 | −65% | 2 | Suspension | Average |
| 1996 | 2 | −65% | 2 | Fuel System | Average |
| 1995 | 6 | −53% | 2 | Acceleration | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median F-53 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Ford F-53 problems
Latest Ford F-53 recalls
Wheels › Hub
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 F-59 and F-53 vehicles. The front axle hub assembly may be missing the spindle nut and cotter pin.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front axle spindle nut and cotter pin as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 4, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Exterior lighting › Brake lights
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 F-59 and F-53 commercial stripped chassis vehicles. The exterior brake lights may remain illuminated when the driver is not applying the brakes.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake pedal and repair the brake booster push rod as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Exterior lighting › Back up lights › Switch
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 F-59 and F-53 vehicles. The exterior brake lights may illuminate unexpectedly or fail to illuminate when the brake pedal is activated, due to an incorrectly installed switch.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the stop light switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C01.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 F-53 and F-59 vehicles. The rear brake caliper attachment bolts may not be tightened correctly, which can allow the caliper to loosen and possibly damage the wheel or brake lines.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear caliper bolts, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, any damaged bolts will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 27, 2023.
Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 F-53 Motorhome Stripped Chassis, and F-59 Commercial Stripped Chassis vehicles. The steering wheel attachment bolt may loosen and separate from the steering column, resulting in a loose or detached steering wheel.
Remedy: Ford will work with the final stage vehicle manufacturers to replace and tighten the steering wheel attachment bolt, free of charge. As of August 10, 2022, all 692 vehicles included in this recall have been remedied.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Ford F-53 should you avoid?
2014, 2020 and 2016 — these years have the most complaints relative to other F-53 years at the same age, led by body & structure problems in the 2014.
What is the best year for the Ford F-53?
2022 has the fewest complaints compared with other F-53 years at the same age. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Ford F-53 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the body & structure (20), brakes (19) and suspension (19). Body complaints peak in the 2014 model year.
How many recalls has the Ford F-53 had?
13 recalls across 1995–2026. The model year with the most is 2025. See all Ford F-53 recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.