Owners have filed 26 complaints
about the 2014 Ford F-53 with NHTSA between 2014 and 2019.
The largest single group is the body & structure.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 5 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 67
Against the median year of the Ford F-53. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
42.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
100% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2014 Ford F-53
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Body & Structure
726.9%
1 crashes, 1 fires · median 4,000 mi
Wheels
311.5%
Median failure at 1,674 miles
Suspension
311.5%
Median failure at 6,400 miles
Doors, Latches & Locks
27.7%
Median failure at 13,500 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
27.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 22,250 mi
Lights
27.7%
Median failure at 7,200 miles
Other & Unspecified
13.8%
Median failure at 14,500 miles
Seats
13.8%
Median failure at 4,000 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
13.8%
1 crashes, 1 fires · median 2,900 mi
Steering
13.8%
Median failure at 1,800 miles
Airbags
13.8%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 29,000 mi
Electrical System
13.8%
Median failure at 4,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
13.8%
1 crashes, 1 fires · median 2,900 mi
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1560.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
832.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
28.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2014peak 6Jun 2019
NHTSA investigations into the 2014 Ford F-53
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE20021Opened 23 Nov 2020Closed 13 Dec 2024EQUIPMENT
Trimark 060-1650 Door Latch Failures
On November 23, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE20021 to investigate allegations of inoperative Trimark THP 060-1650 door lock/latches originally equipped on model years (MY) 2015-2017 Class A and Class C motorhomes.ODI received forty-six Vehicle Owner’s Questionnaires (VOQs) describing consumers being locked in or out of their vehicles.The door latch, containing a die-cast zinc plunger, was produced by Equality during calendar years 2014-2016. The die-cast may become porous and brittle over time and can break without warning, causing the vehicle owner to be unable to...
Recalls on the 2014 Ford F-53
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
14V405000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 F-53 motorhome chassis and F-59 commercial chassis manufactured February 14, 2014, to March 7, 2014. The affected chassis may have incorrectly machined brake calipers that may leak brake fluid.
Risk: Brake caliper leaks will cause longer brake pedal travel and lengthened stopping distances, increasing the risk of a crash.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 29,000 milesJupiter, FLCrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 FORD F53 THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE INCREASED TO HIGH SPEED BUT, SEIZED IN THE UPWARD POSITION AND THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO A UNKNOWN OBJECT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES OR FIRE DUE TO THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LAZYDAYS RV OF TAMPA 6130 LAZY DAYS BLVD, SEFFNER, FL 33584 (800) 306-4002 BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED .THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 29,000.
NHTSA complaint #11222740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,000 milesJupiter, FLCrash
VISIBILITY/WIPER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 FORD F53 THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE INCREASED TO HIGH SPEED BUT, SEIZED IN THE UPWARD POSITION AND THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO A UNKNOWN OBJECT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES OR FIRE DUE TO THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LAZYDAYS RV OF TAMPA 6130 LAZY DAYS BLVD, SEFFNER, FL 33584 (800) 306-4002 BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED .THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 29,000.
NHTSA complaint #11222740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,900 milesWinter Garden, FLCrashFire2 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
AN ALMOST NEW 2014 NEWMAR BAY STAR 3303 MOTORHOME WITH A FORD V10 GASOLINE ENGINE ON A FORD CHASSIS. MY FAMILY AND I WERE PREPARING TO LEAVE ON OUR FIRST BIG FAMILY OUTING IN OUR NEW RV. AT THE LAST MINUTE WHILE LOADING THE VEHICLE A GASOLINE ODOR WAS NOTICED. UPON VACATING THE VEHICLE, GASOLINE WAS SEEN DRIPPING FROM THE HOT EXHAUST PIPES UNDER THE RV. THE RV WAS SHUT OFF AND TOWED TO A FORD TRUCK GARAGE. FORD TECHS DISCOVERED GASOLINE UNDER PRESSURE WAS SQUIRTING ONTO THE ENGINE EXHAUST AND WITHIN MINUTES OF LEAVING ON OUR VACATION THE GAS FUMES WOULD HAVE IGNITED AND EXPLODED. THE FIRE WOULD NOW HAVE BE FUELED BY GAS FROM A MELTED HIGH PRESSURE PLASTIC GASOLINE LINE. THEN, AS A RV WITH THE ENGINE LOCATED BETWEEN THE FRONT SEATS, THE FIRE AND EXPLOSION WOULD HAVE PREVENTED ANYONE FROM EXITING THROUGH THE DOOR. THE GASOLINE FUELED FIRE AND EXPLOSION WOULD HAVE INJURED OR KILLED MY ENTIRE FAMILY. FORD HAS NO REPAIR FOR THE DESIGN/MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THEIR HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE FOR THIS VEHICLE. IT SEEMS FORD'S NYLON/PLASTIC FUEL LINE IS INSULATED WITH A SOY BASED FOAM AND/OR OTHER INGREDIENTS THAT ARE NATURALLY GOOD TASTING FOOD PRODUCTS FOR RODENTS/CRITTERS. AS A FOOD BASED PRODUCT, THE FOAM INSULATION AND PLASTIC LINES ATTRACT RODENTS/CRITTERS TO EAT THE FOAM AND FUEL LINE THUS DAMAGING THE PLASTIC LINE CREATING A DANGEROUS GASOLINE LEAK. ON DISCUSSIONS WITH FORD THEY HAVE NO CORRECTION FOR THE PROBLEM. FORD RECOMMENDS PLACING MOTHBALLS UNDER THE VEHICLE AND TO AVOID PARKING IN WOODED AREAS. THE DANGER IS THAT THE PLASTIC FUEL LINE COATED WITH A FOOD BASED FOAM INSULATION IS LOCATED NEAR THE ENGINE CAUSING THE GASOLINE TO LEAK DIRECTLY ONTO THE HOT ENGINE MANIFOLD AND EXHAUST. THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY IS AT RISK EVERY TIME WE USE THE RV DUE TO A DESIGN AND ENGINEERING DEFECT BY FORD AND THE LOCATION OF THE ENGINE AND EXIT DOOR ON THE NEWMAR.
NHTSA complaint #10884460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,900 milesWinter Garden, FLCrashFire2 injured
ENGINE
AN ALMOST NEW 2014 NEWMAR BAY STAR 3303 MOTORHOME WITH A FORD V10 GASOLINE ENGINE ON A FORD CHASSIS. MY FAMILY AND I WERE PREPARING TO LEAVE ON OUR FIRST BIG FAMILY OUTING IN OUR NEW RV. AT THE LAST MINUTE WHILE LOADING THE VEHICLE A GASOLINE ODOR WAS NOTICED. UPON VACATING THE VEHICLE, GASOLINE WAS SEEN DRIPPING FROM THE HOT EXHAUST PIPES UNDER THE RV. THE RV WAS SHUT OFF AND TOWED TO A FORD TRUCK GARAGE. FORD TECHS DISCOVERED GASOLINE UNDER PRESSURE WAS SQUIRTING ONTO THE ENGINE EXHAUST AND WITHIN MINUTES OF LEAVING ON OUR VACATION THE GAS FUMES WOULD HAVE IGNITED AND EXPLODED. THE FIRE WOULD NOW HAVE BE FUELED BY GAS FROM A MELTED HIGH PRESSURE PLASTIC GASOLINE LINE. THEN, AS A RV WITH THE ENGINE LOCATED BETWEEN THE FRONT SEATS, THE FIRE AND EXPLOSION WOULD HAVE PREVENTED ANYONE FROM EXITING THROUGH THE DOOR. THE GASOLINE FUELED FIRE AND EXPLOSION WOULD HAVE INJURED OR KILLED MY ENTIRE FAMILY. FORD HAS NO REPAIR FOR THE DESIGN/MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THEIR HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE FOR THIS VEHICLE. IT SEEMS FORD'S NYLON/PLASTIC FUEL LINE IS INSULATED WITH A SOY BASED FOAM AND/OR OTHER INGREDIENTS THAT ARE NATURALLY GOOD TASTING FOOD PRODUCTS FOR RODENTS/CRITTERS. AS A FOOD BASED PRODUCT, THE FOAM INSULATION AND PLASTIC LINES ATTRACT RODENTS/CRITTERS TO EAT THE FOAM AND FUEL LINE THUS DAMAGING THE PLASTIC LINE CREATING A DANGEROUS GASOLINE LEAK. ON DISCUSSIONS WITH FORD THEY HAVE NO CORRECTION FOR THE PROBLEM. FORD RECOMMENDS PLACING MOTHBALLS UNDER THE VEHICLE AND TO AVOID PARKING IN WOODED AREAS. THE DANGER IS THAT THE PLASTIC FUEL LINE COATED WITH A FOOD BASED FOAM INSULATION IS LOCATED NEAR THE ENGINE CAUSING THE GASOLINE TO LEAK DIRECTLY ONTO THE HOT ENGINE MANIFOLD AND EXHAUST. THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY IS AT RISK EVERY TIME WE USE THE RV DUE TO A DESIGN AND ENGINEERING DEFECT BY FORD AND THE LOCATION OF THE ENGINE AND EXIT DOOR ON THE NEWMAR.
NHTSA complaint #10884460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,900 milesWinter Garden, FLCrashFire2 injured
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
AN ALMOST NEW 2014 NEWMAR BAY STAR 3303 MOTORHOME WITH A FORD V10 GASOLINE ENGINE ON A FORD CHASSIS. MY FAMILY AND I WERE PREPARING TO LEAVE ON OUR FIRST BIG FAMILY OUTING IN OUR NEW RV. AT THE LAST MINUTE WHILE LOADING THE VEHICLE A GASOLINE ODOR WAS NOTICED. UPON VACATING THE VEHICLE, GASOLINE WAS SEEN DRIPPING FROM THE HOT EXHAUST PIPES UNDER THE RV. THE RV WAS SHUT OFF AND TOWED TO A FORD TRUCK GARAGE. FORD TECHS DISCOVERED GASOLINE UNDER PRESSURE WAS SQUIRTING ONTO THE ENGINE EXHAUST AND WITHIN MINUTES OF LEAVING ON OUR VACATION THE GAS FUMES WOULD HAVE IGNITED AND EXPLODED. THE FIRE WOULD NOW HAVE BE FUELED BY GAS FROM A MELTED HIGH PRESSURE PLASTIC GASOLINE LINE. THEN, AS A RV WITH THE ENGINE LOCATED BETWEEN THE FRONT SEATS, THE FIRE AND EXPLOSION WOULD HAVE PREVENTED ANYONE FROM EXITING THROUGH THE DOOR. THE GASOLINE FUELED FIRE AND EXPLOSION WOULD HAVE INJURED OR KILLED MY ENTIRE FAMILY. FORD HAS NO REPAIR FOR THE DESIGN/MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THEIR HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE FOR THIS VEHICLE. IT SEEMS FORD'S NYLON/PLASTIC FUEL LINE IS INSULATED WITH A SOY BASED FOAM AND/OR OTHER INGREDIENTS THAT ARE NATURALLY GOOD TASTING FOOD PRODUCTS FOR RODENTS/CRITTERS. AS A FOOD BASED PRODUCT, THE FOAM INSULATION AND PLASTIC LINES ATTRACT RODENTS/CRITTERS TO EAT THE FOAM AND FUEL LINE THUS DAMAGING THE PLASTIC LINE CREATING A DANGEROUS GASOLINE LEAK. ON DISCUSSIONS WITH FORD THEY HAVE NO CORRECTION FOR THE PROBLEM. FORD RECOMMENDS PLACING MOTHBALLS UNDER THE VEHICLE AND TO AVOID PARKING IN WOODED AREAS. THE DANGER IS THAT THE PLASTIC FUEL LINE COATED WITH A FOOD BASED FOAM INSULATION IS LOCATED NEAR THE ENGINE CAUSING THE GASOLINE TO LEAK DIRECTLY ONTO THE HOT ENGINE MANIFOLD AND EXHAUST. THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY IS AT RISK EVERY TIME WE USE THE RV DUE TO A DESIGN AND ENGINEERING DEFECT BY FORD AND THE LOCATION OF THE ENGINE AND EXIT DOOR ON THE NEWMAR.
NHTSA complaint #10884460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 29,000 milesJupiter, FLCrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 FORD F53 THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE INCREASED TO HIGH SPEED BUT, SEIZED IN THE UPWARD POSITION AND THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO A UNKNOWN OBJECT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES OR FIRE DUE TO THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LAZYDAYS RV OF TAMPA 6130 LAZY DAYS BLVD, SEFFNER, FL 33584 (800) 306-4002 BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED .THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 29,000.
NHTSA complaint #11222740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,000 milesJupiter, FLCrash
VISIBILITY/WIPER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 FORD F53 THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE INCREASED TO HIGH SPEED BUT, SEIZED IN THE UPWARD POSITION AND THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO A UNKNOWN OBJECT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES OR FIRE DUE TO THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LAZYDAYS RV OF TAMPA 6130 LAZY DAYS BLVD, SEFFNER, FL 33584 (800) 306-4002 BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED .THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 29,000.
NHTSA complaint #11222740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,500 milesHilliard, FL
VISIBILITY/WIPER
WIPERS TRAVEL TOO FAR AND CATCH ON DRIVERS MIRROR (DRIVERS SIDE) AND ON PASSENGERS SIDE, OFF OF THE WINDSHIELD BELOW THE RUBBER GASKET AND HANGS ON GASKET. WHILE IN USE, I MUST EITHER STOP, OR TURN THE WIPERS OFF AFTER ONE SWEEP. I CALLED THOR OWNERS HELPLINE SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO HELP. I CALLED AGAIN TODAY (3/11/2019) AND TALKED TO KIRK. AGAIN NO HELP. *DT *DT *DT*JB *BF... CONSUMER TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER (4/17/19)*JB *DT CONSUMER STATED WIPER ISSUE IS COMPLETELT RESOLVED.
NHTSA complaint #11185781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesUpland, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE ENTRY DOOR DOES NOT LOCK AND MULTIPLE TIMES HAS OPENED WHILE DRIVING. THERE IS A RECALL ON LATER MODEL YEARS, BUT THIS MODEL YEAR WAS NOT INCLUDED. WHY?? THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND CERTAINLY ONE THAT EXISTS IN PRIOR YEARS. *TT
NHTSA complaint #11118053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesUpland, CA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
THE ENTRY DOOR DOES NOT LOCK AND MULTIPLE TIMES HAS OPENED WHILE DRIVING. THERE IS A RECALL ON LATER MODEL YEARS, BUT THIS MODEL YEAR WAS NOT INCLUDED. WHY?? THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND CERTAINLY ONE THAT EXISTS IN PRIOR YEARS. *TT
NHTSA complaint #11118053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,000 milesTitusville, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY
ENTRY DOOR POPS OPEN IN MOTION *TT
NHTSA complaint #11091451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZ
WHEELS
2014 FORD F-53. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE FRONT WHEEL BEARING REPAIR PROBLEMS. *SMD
NHTSA complaint #10838239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,000 milesAuburn, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD F-53. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEADBOLT LOCK ON THE ENTRY DOOR WOULD LOCK INDEPENDENTLY. THE OCCUPANTS WERE UNABLE TO ENTER OR EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ELECTRIC STEPS OPENED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CAMPING WORLD OF SACRAMENTO (1039 ORLANDO AVE, ROSEVILLE, CA 95661, (916) 772-1155), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V510000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES) AND 15V866000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000.
NHTSA complaint #11081911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,000 milesAuburn, CA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD F-53. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEADBOLT LOCK ON THE ENTRY DOOR WOULD LOCK INDEPENDENTLY. THE OCCUPANTS WERE UNABLE TO ENTER OR EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ELECTRIC STEPS OPENED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CAMPING WORLD OF SACRAMENTO (1039 ORLANDO AVE, ROSEVILLE, CA 95661, (916) 772-1155), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V510000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES) AND 15V866000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000.
NHTSA complaint #11081911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,000 milesSaint Louis DE Gonzague, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
INADEQUATE LIGHT FROM HEADLIGHT VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT ! BARELY SEE 5 FT IN FRONT AT NIGHT
NHTSA complaint #11080643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,400 milesElma, WA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO LIGHT UP THE ROAD. HAVE TO USE HIGH BEAM AT NIGHT. LEG LIGHTS LIKE THESE JUST DISAPPEAR OUT IN THE DARK, IS NOT BEAMED AT ALL. CANNOT SEE THE ROAD, PERIOD. CONTACTED FR BUT THEY DON'T RECOGNIZE THIS PROBLEM OR TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY. LIGHT FIXTURE ARE ALSO LOOSE AND HARD TO TIGHTEN BACK UP. THE FORD F53 CHASSIS IS A 2014 MAKE. SUSPENSION IS REALLY BAD IN THE FRONT. 3 TIMES REPLACED BEARINGS AND SPINDLE. ON WARRANTY BUT THERE IS REALLY NOT ENOUGH SUSPENSION AND IT MAKES THE FRONT VIBRATE. SO MUCH SO THAT THE OVERHEAD BED HAS FALLEN DOWN SEVERAL TIMES AND HAS TO BE SUPPORTED BY A WOODEN BRACE. DASHBOARD VIBRATE AS WELL. THIS IS ALL HAPPENING WHILE DRIVING. BAD ROADS MAKES IT WORSE.
NHTSA complaint #10897622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,400 milesElma, WA
SUSPENSION
HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO LIGHT UP THE ROAD. HAVE TO USE HIGH BEAM AT NIGHT. LEG LIGHTS LIKE THESE JUST DISAPPEAR OUT IN THE DARK, IS NOT BEAMED AT ALL. CANNOT SEE THE ROAD, PERIOD. CONTACTED FR BUT THEY DON'T RECOGNIZE THIS PROBLEM OR TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY. LIGHT FIXTURE ARE ALSO LOOSE AND HARD TO TIGHTEN BACK UP. THE FORD F53 CHASSIS IS A 2014 MAKE. SUSPENSION IS REALLY BAD IN THE FRONT. 3 TIMES REPLACED BEARINGS AND SPINDLE. ON WARRANTY BUT THERE IS REALLY NOT ENOUGH SUSPENSION AND IT MAKES THE FRONT VIBRATE. SO MUCH SO THAT THE OVERHEAD BED HAS FALLEN DOWN SEVERAL TIMES AND HAS TO BE SUPPORTED BY A WOODEN BRACE. DASHBOARD VIBRATE AS WELL. THIS IS ALL HAPPENING WHILE DRIVING. BAD ROADS MAKES IT WORSE.
NHTSA complaint #10897622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,500 milesFort Davis, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THOR ACE MOTOR HOME IS EQUIPPED WITH AN ONAN GENERATOR AND GENERATOR OVERHEATS WHILE DRIVING. GENERATOR NECESSARY TO RUN AIR CONDITIONER TO COOL INTERIOR OF RV DURING IN WARMER MONTHS. GENERATOR WORKS FINE WHEN NOT TRAVELING DOWN HIGHWAY, BUT CUTS OFF DUE TO OVERHEATING WITHIN MINUTES OF DRIVING IN HOTTER WEATHER. WITHOUT COOLING INTERIOR OF MOTOR HOME BECOMES VERY HOT.
NHTSA complaint #10885661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,400 milesPahrump, NV
SUSPENSION
FOUND THE RIGHT REAR LOWER SWAY BAR MOUNT BOLT MISSING AND THE MOUNT BENT UPWARD, CAUSING THE SWAY BAR TO BECOME INEFFECTIVE AND THE BODY LEANING 3" LOWER ON THE RIGHT SIDE THAN THE LEFT SIDE. HANDLING WAS ALSO AFFECTED DRASTICALLY, ALMOST CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL SIMILAR TO A FLAT TIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10885152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,900 milesWinter Garden, FLCrashFire2 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
AN ALMOST NEW 2014 NEWMAR BAY STAR 3303 MOTORHOME WITH A FORD V10 GASOLINE ENGINE ON A FORD CHASSIS. MY FAMILY AND I WERE PREPARING TO LEAVE ON OUR FIRST BIG FAMILY OUTING IN OUR NEW RV. AT THE LAST MINUTE WHILE LOADING THE VEHICLE A GASOLINE ODOR WAS NOTICED. UPON VACATING THE VEHICLE, GASOLINE WAS SEEN DRIPPING FROM THE HOT EXHAUST PIPES UNDER THE RV. THE RV WAS SHUT OFF AND TOWED TO A FORD TRUCK GARAGE. FORD TECHS DISCOVERED GASOLINE UNDER PRESSURE WAS SQUIRTING ONTO THE ENGINE EXHAUST AND WITHIN MINUTES OF LEAVING ON OUR VACATION THE GAS FUMES WOULD HAVE IGNITED AND EXPLODED. THE FIRE WOULD NOW HAVE BE FUELED BY GAS FROM A MELTED HIGH PRESSURE PLASTIC GASOLINE LINE. THEN, AS A RV WITH THE ENGINE LOCATED BETWEEN THE FRONT SEATS, THE FIRE AND EXPLOSION WOULD HAVE PREVENTED ANYONE FROM EXITING THROUGH THE DOOR. THE GASOLINE FUELED FIRE AND EXPLOSION WOULD HAVE INJURED OR KILLED MY ENTIRE FAMILY. FORD HAS NO REPAIR FOR THE DESIGN/MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THEIR HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE FOR THIS VEHICLE. IT SEEMS FORD'S NYLON/PLASTIC FUEL LINE IS INSULATED WITH A SOY BASED FOAM AND/OR OTHER INGREDIENTS THAT ARE NATURALLY GOOD TASTING FOOD PRODUCTS FOR RODENTS/CRITTERS. AS A FOOD BASED PRODUCT, THE FOAM INSULATION AND PLASTIC LINES ATTRACT RODENTS/CRITTERS TO EAT THE FOAM AND FUEL LINE THUS DAMAGING THE PLASTIC LINE CREATING A DANGEROUS GASOLINE LEAK. ON DISCUSSIONS WITH FORD THEY HAVE NO CORRECTION FOR THE PROBLEM. FORD RECOMMENDS PLACING MOTHBALLS UNDER THE VEHICLE AND TO AVOID PARKING IN WOODED AREAS. THE DANGER IS THAT THE PLASTIC FUEL LINE COATED WITH A FOOD BASED FOAM INSULATION IS LOCATED NEAR THE ENGINE CAUSING THE GASOLINE TO LEAK DIRECTLY ONTO THE HOT ENGINE MANIFOLD AND EXHAUST. THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY IS AT RISK EVERY TIME WE USE THE RV DUE TO A DESIGN AND ENGINEERING DEFECT BY FORD AND THE LOCATION OF THE ENGINE AND EXIT DOOR ON THE NEWMAR.
NHTSA complaint #10884460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,900 milesWinter Garden, FLCrashFire2 injured
ENGINE
AN ALMOST NEW 2014 NEWMAR BAY STAR 3303 MOTORHOME WITH A FORD V10 GASOLINE ENGINE ON A FORD CHASSIS. MY FAMILY AND I WERE PREPARING TO LEAVE ON OUR FIRST BIG FAMILY OUTING IN OUR NEW RV. AT THE LAST MINUTE WHILE LOADING THE VEHICLE A GASOLINE ODOR WAS NOTICED. UPON VACATING THE VEHICLE, GASOLINE WAS SEEN DRIPPING FROM THE HOT EXHAUST PIPES UNDER THE RV. THE RV WAS SHUT OFF AND TOWED TO A FORD TRUCK GARAGE. FORD TECHS DISCOVERED GASOLINE UNDER PRESSURE WAS SQUIRTING ONTO THE ENGINE EXHAUST AND WITHIN MINUTES OF LEAVING ON OUR VACATION THE GAS FUMES WOULD HAVE IGNITED AND EXPLODED. THE FIRE WOULD NOW HAVE BE FUELED BY GAS FROM A MELTED HIGH PRESSURE PLASTIC GASOLINE LINE. THEN, AS A RV WITH THE ENGINE LOCATED BETWEEN THE FRONT SEATS, THE FIRE AND EXPLOSION WOULD HAVE PREVENTED ANYONE FROM EXITING THROUGH THE DOOR. THE GASOLINE FUELED FIRE AND EXPLOSION WOULD HAVE INJURED OR KILLED MY ENTIRE FAMILY. FORD HAS NO REPAIR FOR THE DESIGN/MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THEIR HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE FOR THIS VEHICLE. IT SEEMS FORD'S NYLON/PLASTIC FUEL LINE IS INSULATED WITH A SOY BASED FOAM AND/OR OTHER INGREDIENTS THAT ARE NATURALLY GOOD TASTING FOOD PRODUCTS FOR RODENTS/CRITTERS. AS A FOOD BASED PRODUCT, THE FOAM INSULATION AND PLASTIC LINES ATTRACT RODENTS/CRITTERS TO EAT THE FOAM AND FUEL LINE THUS DAMAGING THE PLASTIC LINE CREATING A DANGEROUS GASOLINE LEAK. ON DISCUSSIONS WITH FORD THEY HAVE NO CORRECTION FOR THE PROBLEM. FORD RECOMMENDS PLACING MOTHBALLS UNDER THE VEHICLE AND TO AVOID PARKING IN WOODED AREAS. THE DANGER IS THAT THE PLASTIC FUEL LINE COATED WITH A FOOD BASED FOAM INSULATION IS LOCATED NEAR THE ENGINE CAUSING THE GASOLINE TO LEAK DIRECTLY ONTO THE HOT ENGINE MANIFOLD AND EXHAUST. THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY IS AT RISK EVERY TIME WE USE THE RV DUE TO A DESIGN AND ENGINEERING DEFECT BY FORD AND THE LOCATION OF THE ENGINE AND EXIT DOOR ON THE NEWMAR.
NHTSA complaint #10884460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,900 milesWinter Garden, FLCrashFire2 injured
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
AN ALMOST NEW 2014 NEWMAR BAY STAR 3303 MOTORHOME WITH A FORD V10 GASOLINE ENGINE ON A FORD CHASSIS. MY FAMILY AND I WERE PREPARING TO LEAVE ON OUR FIRST BIG FAMILY OUTING IN OUR NEW RV. AT THE LAST MINUTE WHILE LOADING THE VEHICLE A GASOLINE ODOR WAS NOTICED. UPON VACATING THE VEHICLE, GASOLINE WAS SEEN DRIPPING FROM THE HOT EXHAUST PIPES UNDER THE RV. THE RV WAS SHUT OFF AND TOWED TO A FORD TRUCK GARAGE. FORD TECHS DISCOVERED GASOLINE UNDER PRESSURE WAS SQUIRTING ONTO THE ENGINE EXHAUST AND WITHIN MINUTES OF LEAVING ON OUR VACATION THE GAS FUMES WOULD HAVE IGNITED AND EXPLODED. THE FIRE WOULD NOW HAVE BE FUELED BY GAS FROM A MELTED HIGH PRESSURE PLASTIC GASOLINE LINE. THEN, AS A RV WITH THE ENGINE LOCATED BETWEEN THE FRONT SEATS, THE FIRE AND EXPLOSION WOULD HAVE PREVENTED ANYONE FROM EXITING THROUGH THE DOOR. THE GASOLINE FUELED FIRE AND EXPLOSION WOULD HAVE INJURED OR KILLED MY ENTIRE FAMILY. FORD HAS NO REPAIR FOR THE DESIGN/MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THEIR HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE FOR THIS VEHICLE. IT SEEMS FORD'S NYLON/PLASTIC FUEL LINE IS INSULATED WITH A SOY BASED FOAM AND/OR OTHER INGREDIENTS THAT ARE NATURALLY GOOD TASTING FOOD PRODUCTS FOR RODENTS/CRITTERS. AS A FOOD BASED PRODUCT, THE FOAM INSULATION AND PLASTIC LINES ATTRACT RODENTS/CRITTERS TO EAT THE FOAM AND FUEL LINE THUS DAMAGING THE PLASTIC LINE CREATING A DANGEROUS GASOLINE LEAK. ON DISCUSSIONS WITH FORD THEY HAVE NO CORRECTION FOR THE PROBLEM. FORD RECOMMENDS PLACING MOTHBALLS UNDER THE VEHICLE AND TO AVOID PARKING IN WOODED AREAS. THE DANGER IS THAT THE PLASTIC FUEL LINE COATED WITH A FOOD BASED FOAM INSULATION IS LOCATED NEAR THE ENGINE CAUSING THE GASOLINE TO LEAK DIRECTLY ONTO THE HOT ENGINE MANIFOLD AND EXHAUST. THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY IS AT RISK EVERY TIME WE USE THE RV DUE TO A DESIGN AND ENGINEERING DEFECT BY FORD AND THE LOCATION OF THE ENGINE AND EXIT DOOR ON THE NEWMAR.
NHTSA complaint #10884460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,000 milesClearwater, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY
THIS VEHICLE IS AN RV. THE LATCH TO THE ONLY REGULAR EXIT DOOR IS ATTACHED BY A VERY SMALL PIECE OF CAST METAL. THE SPRING IS QUITE STRONG AND WHILE OPENING THE EXIT DOOR, THE HANDLE BROKE OFF. THIS MADE EXIT FROM THE DOOR IMPOSSIBLE. THE ONLY EXIT WAS OUT THE REAR WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT THE TIME AND I AM FLEXIBLE ENOUGH TO CLIMB THROUGH THE WINDOW, SO THIS WAS NOT A HUGE ISSUE. HAD THERE BEEN AN ISSUE TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, A WINDOW WOULD HAVE HAD TO BE SMASHED TO EXIT.
NHTSA complaint #10883034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,549 milesZionsville, IN
WHEELS
DRIVER SIDE WHEEL BEARING FAILURE AT 1549 MILES WHILE DRIVING 60MPH IN A STRAIGHT LINE ON I65 NEAR THE TENNESSEE / ALABAMA BORDER. THIS OCCURRED ON 27MARCH2016. DAMAGED THE SPINDLE, HUB, BRAKE PADS, CAPS. TOWED TO MID-TENN FORD IN NASHVILLE WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #10871736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,800 milesZionsville, IN
WHEELS
PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL BEARING FAILURE AT 1800 MILES WHILE MERGING ONTO I65 AT 60MPH IN A STRAIGHT LINE ON I65 NEAR THE INDIANA / KENTUCKY BORDER. THIS OCCURRED ON 03APRIL2016. DAMAGE REQUIRED NEW WHEEL BEARING, SPINDLE, KING PIN, BRAKE PADS, HUB ASSEMBLY AND ROTOR. DELIVERED TO ANDY MOHR TRUCK CENTER IN INDIANAPOLIS WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #10871737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,000 milesBoiling Green, OH
SEATS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD F-53. WHILE THE MOTOR COACH WAS PARKED, TWO OF THE SLIDES, AWNINGS, STAIRS, AND THE DRIVER SIDE POWER SEATS FAILED TO ACTIVATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURES RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE AWNING AND STAIRS WERE REPLACED. THE DRIVER SIDE POWER SEAT AND SLIDES WERE REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURES RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURES WERE UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND ASKED THE CONTACT TO RUN A HOT WIRE FROM THE BATTERY TO THE SLIDE CONTROLLER. THE SLIDES BECAME OPERABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000. UPDATED 09/01/2015*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURES ARE INSTALLED BY THOR MOTOR COACH CO. NOT FORD. THE FAILURE WASS BROKEN HOT WIRING WITHIN THE COACH BODY. THOR MOTOR COACH COULD NOT DETERMINE WHERE THE HOT WIRES GO. THERE WERE NUMEROUS FAILURES OF 12 VOLTS LEAVING THE POWER SOURCE AND NOT GETTING TO THE INTENDED COMPONENT. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED A SHORT FIRE WOULD OCCUR. UPDATED 12/7/2015
NHTSA complaint #10731445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,000 milesBoiling Green, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD F-53. WHILE THE MOTOR COACH WAS PARKED, TWO OF THE SLIDES, AWNINGS, STAIRS, AND THE DRIVER SIDE POWER SEATS FAILED TO ACTIVATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURES RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE AWNING AND STAIRS WERE REPLACED. THE DRIVER SIDE POWER SEAT AND SLIDES WERE REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURES RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURES WERE UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND ASKED THE CONTACT TO RUN A HOT WIRE FROM THE BATTERY TO THE SLIDE CONTROLLER. THE SLIDES BECAME OPERABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000. UPDATED 09/01/2015*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURES ARE INSTALLED BY THOR MOTOR COACH CO. NOT FORD. THE FAILURE WASS BROKEN HOT WIRING WITHIN THE COACH BODY. THOR MOTOR COACH COULD NOT DETERMINE WHERE THE HOT WIRES GO. THERE WERE NUMEROUS FAILURES OF 12 VOLTS LEAVING THE POWER SOURCE AND NOT GETTING TO THE INTENDED COMPONENT. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED A SHORT FIRE WOULD OCCUR. UPDATED 12/7/2015
NHTSA complaint #10731445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,000 milesBoiling Green, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD F-53. WHILE THE MOTOR COACH WAS PARKED, TWO OF THE SLIDES, AWNINGS, STAIRS, AND THE DRIVER SIDE POWER SEATS FAILED TO ACTIVATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURES RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE AWNING AND STAIRS WERE REPLACED. THE DRIVER SIDE POWER SEAT AND SLIDES WERE REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURES RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURES WERE UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND ASKED THE CONTACT TO RUN A HOT WIRE FROM THE BATTERY TO THE SLIDE CONTROLLER. THE SLIDES BECAME OPERABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000. UPDATED 09/01/2015*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURES ARE INSTALLED BY THOR MOTOR COACH CO. NOT FORD. THE FAILURE WASS BROKEN HOT WIRING WITHIN THE COACH BODY. THOR MOTOR COACH COULD NOT DETERMINE WHERE THE HOT WIRES GO. THERE WERE NUMEROUS FAILURES OF 12 VOLTS LEAVING THE POWER SOURCE AND NOT GETTING TO THE INTENDED COMPONENT. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED A SHORT FIRE WOULD OCCUR. UPDATED 12/7/2015
NHTSA complaint #10731445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,800 milesDragoon, AZ
STEERING
TRAVELING ON I-10 WHEN TRUCKS PASSED ME, I WOULD A LOT OF TIMES BE PUSHED OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. ALSO ON CURVES STILL UNDER THE SPEED LIMIT IT WOULD SEEM LIKE THE FRONT END WAS FLOATING OR LOOSE STEERING. ALL THIS WAS TRAVELING ANY WHERE FROM 55 TO 65 MPH. GOING ON STRAIGHT AWAYS WITH NO TRUCKS PASSING IT DROVE FINE.
NHTSA complaint #10712949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesHollister, CA
SUSPENSION
UPPER MOUNTING BOLT ON FRONT LEFT (DRIVER SIDE) SHOCK ABSORBER WAS COMPLETELY LOOSE.
NHTSA complaint #10651911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.