Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5 | −30% | 1 | Brake | Average |
| 2020 | 16 | 2.6× | 1 | Suspension | Caution |
| 2018 | 5 | −36% | 1 | Body | Average |
| 2001 | 5 | — | 1 | Suspension | Few |
| 1999 | 15 | — | 2 | Engine | Limited data |
* Complaints compared with the median F53 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Ford F53 problems
Latest Ford F53 recalls
Suspension › Rear
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-53 recreational stripped chassis vehicles. The rear stabilizer bar attachment brackets may break and separate from the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the bolt tightness for both rear stabilizer attachment brackets and replace the weld nuts and bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 8, 2023.
Wheels
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford F53 stripped chassis vehicles equipped with 22.5 inch front wheels. The front wheel hub assembly may have wheel studs that were not properly heat treated.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace any suspect front wheel hub studs, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customers service at 1-866-436-7332.
Vehicle speed control
On certain pickup trucks, passenger vehicles, sport utility vehicles, and motor homes chassis, the speed control deactivation switch May, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
Remedy: Dealers will install a fused wiring harness. Owners of the passenger cars included in this campaign will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected…
Vehicle speed control
Vehicle description: certain 1997-1999 rhd explorer equipped with 4.0l ohv/sohc engines and cruise control built from May 29, 1996 through March 4, 1999; 1998-1999 explorer/mountaineers equipped with 4.0l ohv/sohc or 5.0l engines or 1998-1999 rangers equipped with 2.5l, 3.0l ffv/efi or 4.0l engines and cruise control built from…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the cruise control cables. At the present time, the replacement cables are not available. Customers are being advised not to use the cruise control system until a replacement can be made.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Ford F53 should you avoid?
2020 — this year has the most complaints relative to other F53 years at the same age, led by suspension problems in the 2020.
What is the best year for the Ford F53?
2018 has the fewest complaints compared with other F53 years at the same age, followed by 2021. 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 F53 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the suspension (19), transmission & drivetrain (11) and engine & cooling (7). Suspension complaints peak in the 2020 model year.
How many recalls has the Ford F53 had?
4 recalls across 1999–2021. The model year with the most is 1999. See all Ford F53 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.