YearToAvoid

2025 Ford F53 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

No verdict

Complaint Index

13/100

#14 most-complained of 16 F53 years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2025 Ford F53 has a complaint index of 13, one of the lowest among the 16 model years tracked, ranking 14th worst out of the group. It has 3 recalls, none marked do-not-drive, and only 1 owner complaint filed so far.

Complaints
1
Recalls
3
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
—

Top 2025 Ford F53 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Brakes1 (100%)
  2. Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (100%)

What owners report

  • Owners report the front axle hub assembly can be missing the spindle nut and cotter pin, which may let the wheel loosen and contact brake components.
  • This condition may cause the wheel to detach from the vehicle or result in a loss of braking performance.

2025 Ford F53 recalls

3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 26V235000Apr 14, 2026Suspension, Wheels & Tires4,351 vehicles

    Wheels:hub

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 F-59 and F-53 vehicles. The front axle hub assembly may be missing the spindle nut and cotter pin.

    Risk: A missing spindle nut may lead to brake system damage or wheel detachment, resulting in a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front axle spindle nut and cotter pin as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 4, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S27. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 16, 2026.

  2. NHTSA 26V155000Mar 17, 2026Electrical System2,422 vehicles

    Exterior lighting:brake lights

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 F-59 and F-53 commercial stripped chassis vehicles. The exterior brake lights may remain illuminated when the driver is not applying the brakes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

    Risk: Brake lights that remain illuminated can fail to alert other vehicles of the driver's intention, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake pedal and repair the brake booster push rod as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C17. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 20, 2026.

  3. NHTSA 26V025000Jan 21, 2026Electrical System231 vehicles

    Exterior lighting:back up lights:switch

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 F-59 and F-53 vehicles. The exterior brake lights may illuminate unexpectedly or fail to illuminate when the brake pedal is activated, due to an incorrectly installed switch. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

    Risk: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly while driving increase the risk of a crash. In addition, the vehicle may be shifted out of park without the brake pedal applied, increasing the risk of a rollaway and crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the stop light switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 22, 2026.

2025 compared with other F53 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2023No verdict5341—
2024No verdict6741—
2025No verdict1313—

All Ford F53 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2025 Ford F53 reliable?
NHTSA data shows a complaint index of 13 for the 2025 F53, low compared to other years like 2020 (index 100) and 2014 (index 93). It ranks 14th worst out of 16 model years, meaning most other years have higher complaint rates.
Does the 2025 Ford F53 have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2025 F53, covering the front axle spindle nut and cotter pin, and two separate brake light issues. None of these recalls are do-not-drive.
What is the top reported problem area for the 2025 Ford F53?
Brakes is listed as the top problem area, based on the single complaint filed so far, which describes a missing front axle spindle nut and cotter pin.
How does the 2025 F53 compare to other F53 model years?
With a complaint index of 13, the 2025 F53 ranks better than years like 2020 (index 100, Avoid), 2014 (index 93, Avoid), and 2021 (index 87, Avoid).

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.