2013 Ford F53 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2013 Ford F53 has a Good verdict, ranking 11th out of 17 model years with a complaint index of 38 and 8 total complaints. Brakes and electrical system issues each made up 38% of complaints, but no crashes, fires, or injuries were reported.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 38/100
- #11 of 17 F53 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 8
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Brakes
Top 2013 Ford F53 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes3 (38%)
- Electrical System3 (38%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (25%)
- Structure & Body1 (13%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (13%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some owners report the brake pedal engaging without the vehicle slowing down while descending an incline, requiring the tow/haul control to bring it to a stop.
- Owners describe headlights that only illuminate a short distance ahead, making nighttime driving difficult.
- Rear stabilizer bar (anti-sway bar) bracket bolts have been reported to loosen repeatedly, even after re-torquing, leading to increased sway and roll while driving.
- Owners report the front windshield fiberglass separating from the body due to glue failure between the fiberglass and metal.
- Some owners describe brake lines showing rust and worry about eventual brake line failure.
2013 Ford F53 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 12V422000Aug 29, 2012Steering31 vehicles
Steering
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 F-53 motorhome stripped chassis vehicles manufactured from July 10, 2012 through July 13, 2012. Theses vehicles were assembled with incorrect steering gear adapter plate retention fasteners. Steering gear adapter plate fasteners could lead to torque loss in the steering gear attachment, potentionally leading to loosening and subsequent separation of the stearing gear over time.
Risk: Separation of the steering gear may lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear adapter plate retention fasteners, free of charge. The safety recall was completed on September 7, 2012. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
2013 compared with other F53 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Ford F53 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2013 Ford F53 a Good verdict relative to other F53 model years, with a complaint index of 38 and 8 total complaints, ranking 11th out of 17 years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ford F53?
- Brakes and electrical system issues each account for 38% of complaints, followed by suspension, wheels & tires at 25%. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths were reported.
- Does the 2013 Ford F53 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists one recall for the 2013 F53, campaign 12V422000, involving incorrect steering gear adapter plate retention fasteners on certain chassis built in July 2012.
- How does the 2013 F53 compare to other years like 2014 or 2020?
- The 2013 F53 has a much lower complaint index (38) than the 2014 (94), 2016 (75), 2018 (81), 2020 (100), and 2021 (88) model years, all of which earned Avoid verdicts.
- At what mileage do 2013 F53 problems typically show up?
- Median mileage at failure across all reported complaints is 17,150 miles, though brake complaints appeared as early as a median of 575 miles.