2018 Ford F53 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2018 Ford F53 has a complaint index of 81, ranking 4th worst out of 17 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. Structure & body issues make up 45% of complaints, with one fire reported and one recall for wheel hub studs.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 81/100
- #4 of 17 F53 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 11
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Structure & Body
Top 2018 Ford F53 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Structure & Body5 (45%)
- Electrical System2 (18%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (18%)
- Brakes1 (9%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (9%)
- Seat Belts1 (9%)
- Steering1 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (9%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Roof leaks allowed water inside the vehicle and an inverter unit shorted out and caught fire while parked.
- RV bunk doors detached in transit after hinge screws or welds failed, with the door positioned near the driver and passenger seats.
- Steering became unstable and uncontrollable at highway speed with no warning indicators illuminated.
- The main door hatch plunger broke, locking occupants out of the vehicle while parked.
- The back-up camera detached and went inoperable while driving due to a loosened electrical wire.
- The emergency brake chime stayed on and could not be deactivated even after the brake assembly was replaced twice.
2018 Ford F53 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 18V470000Jul 16, 2018Suspension, Wheels & Tires162 vehicles
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.
Risk: If a sufficient quantity of wheel studs break on one hub, vehicle handling could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Ford's number for this recall is 18S21.
2018 compared with other F53 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Ford F53 reliable?
- NHTSA data shows a complaint index of 81 for the 2018 Ford F53, ranking 4th worst among 17 model years covered, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other F53 years.
- What problems does the 2018 Ford F53 have?
- Structure & Body complaints make up 45% of reports, including roof leaks, an inverter fire, and detaching bunk doors. Electrical, suspension, brake, and steering issues were also reported, with a median failure mileage of 3,300 miles.
- Does the 2018 Ford F53 have a recall?
- Yes, one recall (18V470000) covers front wheel hub assemblies with wheel studs that were not properly heat treated on units with 22.5 inch front wheels. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
- Which Ford F53 years are worse than 2018?
- The 2020 model year has the highest complaint index at 100, followed by 2014 at 94 and 2021 at 88, all also rated Avoid. The 2018 model ranks 4th worst with an index of 81.
- Did the 2018 Ford F53 have any fires reported?
- NHTSA lists one fire out of 11 complaints for the 2018 Ford F53, tied to an inverter unit shorting out after a roof leak, with one injury reported.