2021 Ford F53 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2021 Ford F53 has a complaint index of 88, ranking 3rd worst out of 17 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. Owners reported 13 complaints, led by suspension/wheels/tires issues (38%), plus 2 recalls for rear stabilizer bar brackets and rear axle lubrication.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 88/100
- #3 of 17 F53 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 13
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires
Top 2021 Ford F53 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (38%)
- Brakes3 (23%)
- Electrical System3 (23%)
- Other3 (23%)
- Engine2 (15%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (15%)
- Steering1 (8%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- AdvanceTrac and traction control warning lights intermittently activate during normal driving, sometimes disabling cruise control.
- A gust of wind can trigger traction control shutdown, forcing drivers to stop, turn off, and restart the vehicle to reset systems.
- The vehicle occasionally lunges forward briefly then stops moving when accelerating from a stop, a transmission-related issue.
- Unknown warning lights illuminate at various speeds without an identifiable failure.
- Automatic headlight switches fail to activate, requiring drivers to cover the sensor manually or use wipers to trigger headlights.
- Front suspension bump stops fall off within the first few thousand miles and again shortly after replacement, described by multiple owners across different RV brands using the F53 chassis.
2021 Ford F53 recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V731000Sep 30, 2022Suspension, Wheels & Tires13,455 vehicles
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.
Risk: Brackets that separate from the vehicle can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Remedy parts are expected to become ready February 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S62.
- NHTSA 21V202000Mar 24, 2021Suspension, Wheels & Tires16,128 vehicles
Suspension:rear
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-53 Motorhome Stripped Chassis and F-59 Commercial Stripped Chassis vehicles. An inadequate amount of rear axle lubricant may cause rear wheel bearing damage and bearing seizure, and rear axle or driveshaft failure.
Risk: Failure of the rear axle or driveshaft may cause the loss of motive power, failure of the parking brake, and the inability to shift the transmission into "PARK," increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the rear wheel bearings, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 12, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S17.
2021 compared with other F53 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Ford F53 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2021 F53 a complaint index of 88, the third worst of 17 model years, resulting in an Avoid verdict relative to other F53 years.
- What are the main problems with the 2021 Ford F53?
- Suspension, wheels, and tires issues make up 38% of complaints, followed by brakes and electrical system problems each at 23%. Owners also reported engine, transmission, and steering complaints.
- Does the 2021 Ford F53 have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls: one for rear stabilizer bar attachment brackets that may break and separate, and one for insufficient rear axle lubricant that can damage rear wheel bearings.
- At what mileage do 2021 F53 problems typically appear?
- The median mileage at failure across all reported issues is 3,490.5 miles, with brake complaints at a median of 2,981 miles and electrical system complaints at a median of 2,000 miles.
- How does the 2021 F53 compare to other years?
- The 2021 F53 ranks 3rd worst of 17 years with a complaint index of 88, behind only 2020 (index 100) and 2014 (index 94), both also rated Avoid.