2023 Ford F53 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2023 Ford F53 has a complaint index of 50, ranking 9th out of 17 model years, with 4 complaints and 1 recall on record. Its top problem area is the Electrical System, tied to an SDLC connector recall.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #9 of 17 F53 years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 4
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
Top 2023 Ford F53 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System3 (75%)
- Engine1 (25%)
- Steering1 (25%)
- Structure & Body1 (25%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (25%)
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 instrument panel became inoperable while the vehicle was parked, linked to the electrical system recall.
- Some owners waited for recall repair parts related to the Smart Data Link Connector (SDLC) that were not yet available.
- One owner described the RV swerving and difficult to keep straight while driving, tied to a steering complaint at 1,204 miles.
- The same complaint noted a windshield leak causing a loud noise inside the cabin.
2023 Ford F53 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V510000Jul 21, 2023Electrical System5,558 vehicles
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-53 recreational stripped chassis and F-59 commercial stripped chassis vehicles. Corrosion in the Smart Data Link Connector (SDLC) may interfere with the Controller Area Network (CAN) communication, resulting in an inoperative instrument panel. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays" and 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems."
Risk: An inoperative instrument panel cannot show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a wire harness connector, and inspect and replace the SDLC module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 26, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C24.
2023 compared with other F53 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2023 Ford F53 reliable?
- NHTSA lists 4 complaints and 1 recall for the 2023 Ford F53, giving it a complaint index of 50, which ranks 9th out of 17 model years on record.
- What is the main problem area for the 2023 Ford F53?
- The Electrical System accounts for 75% of complaints, mainly tied to recall 23V510000 involving the Smart Data Link Connector.
- Does the 2023 Ford F53 have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall, campaign 23V510000, covers corrosion in the Smart Data Link Connector that can interfere with the Controller Area Network communication.
- How does the 2023 F53 compare to other F53 model years?
- Its complaint index of 50 is lower than 2020 (100) and 2014 (94), both rated Avoid, but higher than 2013 and 2017, both rated Good.