2017 Ford F53 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2017 Ford F53 has a complaint index of 31, ranking 12th among 17 model years, and earns a Good verdict. It had 6 complaints, 1 recall (brake HECU), and no crashes, fires, or deaths reported.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 31/100
- #12 of 17 F53 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 6
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Brakes
Top 2017 Ford F53 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes1 (17%)
- Engine1 (17%)
- Structure & Body1 (17%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (17%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (17%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (17%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the vehicle swaying uncontrollably across the road at various speeds, traced to incorrectly sized wheels and tires under an equipment recall.
- Some owners waited over two months for brake recall parts after being notified of the HECU recall campaign.
- Motorized windshield shades reportedly failed to rise or lower, sometimes dropping while driving and blocking the view forward.
- The chassis gear shift cable reportedly separated, causing the engine to fail to start when the dealer tried to move the vehicle.
- Owners described acceleration issues that dealers were unable to duplicate during inspection.
2017 Ford F53 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 17V768000Nov 29, 2017Brakes390 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 F-53 stripped motorhome chassis and F-59 stripped commercial chassis, equipped with Antilock Brake Systems (ABS). The brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) on these vehicles may be missing valve block ball plugs, potentially causing a brake fluid leak or air ingestion during electronic brake distribution and/or ABS activation.
Risk: A brake fluid leak or air ingestion can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for missing valve block ball plugs, replacing the unit as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 22, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S41.
2017 compared with other F53 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2017 Ford F53 reliable?
- NHTSA data shows the 2017 F53 has a complaint index of 31, the 12th-worst out of 17 model years, earning a Good verdict based on owner complaints and recalls.
- Does the 2017 Ford F53 have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 17V768000) covers a brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit that may have missing valve block ball plugs.
- What is the top problem area for the 2017 Ford F53?
- Brakes is listed as the top problem area, with 6 total complaints spread evenly across brakes, engine, structure, suspension, transmission, and visibility systems.
- How does the 2017 F53 compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 31, the 2017 F53 ranks better than years like 2020 (index 100), 2014 (index 94), and 2021 (index 88), which are rated Avoid.