FaultScore

FaultScore report

2020 Ford F53 problems

Owners have filed 30 complaints about the 2020 Ford F53 with NHTSA between 2020 and 2023. The largest single group is the suspension.

Not graded

Too few complaints, or too short a model run, to compare fairly.

How this is worked out

The numbers

30

Complaints

0

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries reported

1,400 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

100%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

How 2020 compares with every other Ford F53

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2020 Ford F53

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Suspension 11 36.7%

Median failure at 10,000 miles

Transmission & Drivetrain 7 23.3%

Median failure at 1,125 miles

Brakes 2 6.7%

Median failure at 748 miles

Steering 2 6.7%
Electrical System 2 6.7%

Median failure at 950 miles

Other & Unspecified 1 3.3%
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance 1 3.3%
Seat Belts 1 3.3%

Median failure at 1,500 miles

Wheels 1 3.3%

Median failure at 14,045 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 1 3.3%
Engine & Cooling 1 3.3%

Median failure at 14,045 miles

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 4 40.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 2 20.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 4 40.0%

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 2020 peak 5 Aug 2023

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Walnut Creek, CA

STEERING

Loud thumping while turning was the symptom. The front chassis frame crossmember rivets were loose (Other marked above = chassis). The same area that the front leaf springs and steering were connected to the frame. This also cause the sector shaft in the steering box to get loose and have excessive play (over 1/4 inch). If this were to fail completely, the steering would no longer be functional causing a catastrophic failure and accident. The dealer did not diagnose the problem properly and tried to say it was the motorhome manufacturer who caused the problem. Please note that none of the parts involved in the fix for the problem had anything to do with the motorhome. When escalated to Ford customer service, they chose not to have the vehicle inspected by their corporate staff instead entirely relying on the mechanics initial assessment (Denial letter from Ford available as an additional file). When taken to another repair shop, they found the specific problem with the frame and steering box and fixed the problem. The owner of the shop noted he has had multiple identical issues with the F53 frame.

NHTSA complaint #11537479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Walnut Creek, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Loud thumping while turning was the symptom. The front chassis frame crossmember rivets were loose (Other marked above = chassis). The same area that the front leaf springs and steering were connected to the frame. This also cause the sector shaft in the steering box to get loose and have excessive play (over 1/4 inch). If this were to fail completely, the steering would no longer be functional causing a catastrophic failure and accident. The dealer did not diagnose the problem properly and tried to say it was the motorhome manufacturer who caused the problem. Please note that none of the parts involved in the fix for the problem had anything to do with the motorhome. When escalated to Ford customer service, they chose not to have the vehicle inspected by their corporate staff instead entirely relying on the mechanics initial assessment (Denial letter from Ford available as an additional file). When taken to another repair shop, they found the specific problem with the frame and steering box and fixed the problem. The owner of the shop noted he has had multiple identical issues with the F53 frame.

NHTSA complaint #11537479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Walnut Creek, CA

SUSPENSION

Loud thumping while turning was the symptom. The front chassis frame crossmember rivets were loose (Other marked above = chassis). The same area that the front leaf springs and steering were connected to the frame. This also cause the sector shaft in the steering box to get loose and have excessive play (over 1/4 inch). If this were to fail completely, the steering would no longer be functional causing a catastrophic failure and accident. The dealer did not diagnose the problem properly and tried to say it was the motorhome manufacturer who caused the problem. Please note that none of the parts involved in the fix for the problem had anything to do with the motorhome. When escalated to Ford customer service, they chose not to have the vehicle inspected by their corporate staff instead entirely relying on the mechanics initial assessment (Denial letter from Ford available as an additional file). When taken to another repair shop, they found the specific problem with the frame and steering box and fixed the problem. The owner of the shop noted he has had multiple identical issues with the F53 frame.

NHTSA complaint #11537479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hayden, ID

SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-53. The contact received recall notification of NHTSA Campaign Number:  22V731000 (Suspension), however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11514009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Delphos, OH

STEERING

coach battery wiring drain repaired at lazy days 50 miles . Adapter on power steering\power breaks leaking at 300 miles. ford could not get hose and adapter parts. auto zone got parts fixed myself. Left rear sway bar attachment bracket missing one bolt and bushing at7000 miles knippen truck rv repair replaced bolts, cap, bushing . Right rear sway bar attachment bracket bushing worn out at 13000 miles knippen truck rv repair replaced bolts, cap, bushing . 13500 miles had to replace all 4 standard ford shocks to fix steering and ride ,tail swing .

NHTSA complaint #11492113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Delphos, OH

SUSPENSION

coach battery wiring drain repaired at lazy days 50 miles . Adapter on power steering\power breaks leaking at 300 miles. ford could not get hose and adapter parts. auto zone got parts fixed myself. Left rear sway bar attachment bracket missing one bolt and bushing at7000 miles knippen truck rv repair replaced bolts, cap, bushing . Right rear sway bar attachment bracket bushing worn out at 13000 miles knippen truck rv repair replaced bolts, cap, bushing . 13500 miles had to replace all 4 standard ford shocks to fix steering and ride ,tail swing .

NHTSA complaint #11492113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Delphos, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

coach battery wiring drain repaired at lazy days 50 miles . Adapter on power steering\power breaks leaking at 300 miles. ford could not get hose and adapter parts. auto zone got parts fixed myself. Left rear sway bar attachment bracket missing one bolt and bushing at7000 miles knippen truck rv repair replaced bolts, cap, bushing . Right rear sway bar attachment bracket bushing worn out at 13000 miles knippen truck rv repair replaced bolts, cap, bushing . 13500 miles had to replace all 4 standard ford shocks to fix steering and ride ,tail swing .

NHTSA complaint #11492113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 10,000 miles Dover, TN

SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F53. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V731000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the rear stabilizer bar had detached. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The contact was told that the remedy would not be available until the 4th quarter of 2023.The approximate failure mileage was 10,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11491887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Delphos, OH

SUSPENSION

had to replace left rear sway bar bushing broken bolt 7000miles. replaced right rear bushing and bolts 13000 miles parts discarded. had to replace all 4 shocks 13500 miles causing bad handling stock ford shocks lost rebound repairs found at oil change at kinnpin dogde in town as it is hard to find a ford dealer that will work on rv's or even oil changes

NHTSA complaint #11491941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Coupeville, WA

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F53. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V202000 (Suspension, Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11463196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Coupeville, WA

SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F53. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V202000 (Suspension, Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11463196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mansfield, TX

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The abs light, and the traction control light stays on. When illuminated there is no hill start assist available, no abs braking, no traction control, nor cruise control.

NHTSA complaint #11461869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mansfield, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

The abs light, and the traction control light stays on. When illuminated there is no hill start assist available, no abs braking, no traction control, nor cruise control.

NHTSA complaint #11461869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mansfield, TX

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

The abs light, and the traction control light stays on. When illuminated there is no hill start assist available, no abs braking, no traction control, nor cruise control.

NHTSA complaint #11461869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Belmont, CA

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F53. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign number: 21V202000 (Suspension, Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11440946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Belmont, CA

SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F53. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign number: 21V202000 (Suspension, Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11440946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Silver Spring, MD

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

2020 FORD F53. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REAR AXLE SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WERE NO DEALERS WITHIN A REASONABLE DISTANCE WILLING TO PERFORM THE SAFETY RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE.

NHTSA complaint #11436427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Federal way, WA

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F53. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V202000 (Suspension, Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer and the manufacturer were made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11424856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Federal way, WA

SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F53. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V202000 (Suspension, Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer and the manufacturer were made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11424856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 950 miles Stratham, NH

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

The contact owns a 2020 FORD MOTORHOME CHASSIS(F53). The contact stated that upon purchase of the vehicle, the battery warning light had illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact was informed by the dealer that the warning light would correct itself within 10-15 miles; the warning light remained illuminated. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the manufacturer had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The contact was informed that his alternator was defective and needed to be replaced; however, each alternator that had been sent to repair the vehicle was defective. The contact also discovered that his vehicle was included NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V202000(SUSPENSION, POWER TRAIN) and that the parts for the repair were unavailable. The vehicle had remained in the possession of the dealer and had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 950.

NHTSA complaint #11422108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 950 miles Stratham, NH

SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2020 FORD MOTORHOME CHASSIS(F53). The contact stated that upon purchase of the vehicle, the battery warning light had illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact was informed by the dealer that the warning light would correct itself within 10-15 miles; the warning light remained illuminated. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the manufacturer had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The contact was informed that his alternator was defective and needed to be replaced; however, each alternator that had been sent to repair the vehicle was defective. The contact also discovered that his vehicle was included NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V202000(SUSPENSION, POWER TRAIN) and that the parts for the repair were unavailable. The vehicle had remained in the possession of the dealer and had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 950.

NHTSA complaint #11422108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 950 miles Stratham, NH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

The contact owns a 2020 FORD MOTORHOME CHASSIS(F53). The contact stated that upon purchase of the vehicle, the battery warning light had illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact was informed by the dealer that the warning light would correct itself within 10-15 miles; the warning light remained illuminated. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the manufacturer had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The contact was informed that his alternator was defective and needed to be replaced; however, each alternator that had been sent to repair the vehicle was defective. The contact also discovered that his vehicle was included NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V202000(SUSPENSION, POWER TRAIN) and that the parts for the repair were unavailable. The vehicle had remained in the possession of the dealer and had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 950.

NHTSA complaint #11422108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 748 miles Bowie, MD

PARKING BRAKE

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F53. The contact stated that upon release of the parking brake, an alarm was sounded indicating that the parking brake was not fully released. The contact initially took the vehicle to the independent mechanic where the vehicle was purchased and remained in their possession for nine days. Upon return of the vehicle, the failure was not repaired and the contact was informed that the vehicle should be taken to an authorized dealer for service. The contact also discovered that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V202000 (Suspension, Power Train). The contact called the dealer and scheduled an appointment. The contact was not informed whether the recall repair would fix the parking brake failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 748.

NHTSA complaint #11418582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 1,300 miles Sugar Land, TX

POWER TRAIN

FORD STATES THERE IS A RECALL FOR INCORRECT FLUID FILL IN REAR AXLE WHICH COULD RESULT IN CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE AXLE BEARINGS WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURY. YET FORD WON’T FIX IT UNTIL THEY SEND OUT LETTERS SCHEDULED FOR THIRD QUARTER OF 2021. WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO TILL THEN? IF IT’S KNOWN NOW, WHY CAN’T THEY FIX IT NOW?

NHTSA complaint #11416781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Orlando, FL

POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 FORD F53. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V202000 (SUSPENSION, POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED LA MESA RV CENTER (9650 KELLY TRACTOR DR, FORT MYERS, FL 33905) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA complaint #11408136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.