2018 Ford F-53

Recalls

1 recall names the 2018 Ford F-53. Newest first.

• Wheels

  Jul 16, 2018NHTSA 18V470000162 vehicles

  Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford F53 stripped chassis vehicles equipped with 22.5 inch front wheels. The front wheel hub assembly may have wheel studs that were not properly heat treated.

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  If a sufficient quantity of wheel studs break on one hub, vehicle handling could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy

  Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace any suspect front wheel hub studs, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customers service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S21.

  Full recall details →

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Structure5
2. Electrical system2
3. Power train1
4. Seat belts1
5. Steering1
6. Suspension1
7. Back over prevention1
8. Wheels1
9. Parking brake1

Latest complaints

• Oct 31, 2022HI9,000 mi
  Structure
  The contact owns a 2019 Thor Motor coach Windsport built on a 2018 Ford F-53 Chassis. The contact stated that while she was cleaning the RV, she noticed that the metal screws that maintained the overhead unit of the driving compartment attached to the ceiling were pulling out. However, the brackets…

  The contact owns a 2019 Thor Motor coach Windsport built on a 2018 Ford F-53 Chassis. The contact stated that while she was cleaning the RV, she noticed that the metal screws that maintained the overhead unit of the driving compartment attached to the ceiling were pulling out. However, the brackets installed on each side of the overhead unit prevented it from falling. An independent RV mechanic diagnosed that the failure was due to metal screws being installed on the wooden surface. The independent mechanic informed the contact that brackets needed to be installed to maintain the overhead unit into position. The RV was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000.

• Jul 19, 2021TN7,376 mi
  Structure › Body
  The contact owns a 2019 Jayco Alante manufactured on a 2015 Ford F53 chassis. The contact stated while driving 28 mph, the front grill detached from the RV inadvertently. The contact took the RV to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the grill to be replaced however, the dealer…

  The contact owns a 2019 Jayco Alante manufactured on a 2015 Ford F53 chassis. The contact stated while driving 28 mph, the front grill detached from the RV inadvertently. The contact took the RV to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the grill to be replaced however, the dealer did not provide the service at their location. The dealer referred the contact to a body shop for the repair. The RV was not yet repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,376.

• May 11, 2021NC75,000 miFire1 injury
  Electrical system · Structure › Body
  TL* the contact owns a 2018 ford F53. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, the roof started to leak causing water to get inside of the vehicle. The contact also stated that the inverter unit shorted out and caught on fire. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with a fire…

  TL* the contact owns a 2018 ford F53. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, the roof started to leak causing water to get inside of the vehicle. The contact also stated that the inverter unit shorted out and caught on fire. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher. The fire or police department was not notified. The contact stated that the floor heating units and would occasionally overheat burning the contacts feet. The contact sustained a sore foot but no medical attention was required. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or an independent mechanic to have it diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that they would not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

• Nov 17, 2020VA
  Power train · Suspension

  Transmission failed at 54000 miles due to internal defective part. The vehicle started to jump on shifting from 1 st gear to 2 nd .

• Jul 27, 2020WI3,000 mi
  Back over prevention · Electrical system
  TL* the contact owns a 2018 ford F-53 rv. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the back-up camera detached and became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to appleton camping center (2100 n mccarthy rd, appleton, wi 54913, (920) 757-6112)…

  TL* the contact owns a 2018 ford F-53 rv. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the back-up camera detached and became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to appleton camping center (2100 n mccarthy rd, appleton, wi 54913, (920) 757-6112) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed of a loosened electrical wire. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 3,000.*dt*jb

• Jun 3, 2020NY12,424 mi
  Structure › Body

  Main door hatch plunger broke on trimark 72130 door hatch /dead bolt , locking us out. if we had been inside we would have been trapped inside. the vehicle was parked at the time. Had to find a ladder a climb thru window and after a couple hours were able to take apart to get unlatch and found broken plunger/hatch. *tr

• Jun 24, 2019FL17 mi
  Seat belts

  The front passenger shoulder harness in my rv IS mounted so high that the belt goes across my wife's throat instead of her chest. why IS there no safety standard which requires a shoulder harness mount to be adjustable vertically to keep short people safe?*dt

• Apr 2, 2019CA3,100 mi
  Wheels
  Vehicle sold as new to me by giant rv with a 15 year old tire installed on the front driver side. This was a mismatch, off brand "expired" tire that caused a blow out requiring repairs and creating an opportunity of risk. This was not disclosed and the dealer refuses to take ownership of the issue…

  Vehicle sold as new to me by giant rv with a 15 year old tire installed on the front driver side. This was a mismatch, off brand "expired" tire that caused a blow out requiring repairs and creating an opportunity of risk. This was not disclosed and the dealer refuses to take ownership of the issue or provider necessary background as to the cause of why this tire was improperly replaced. Concern being that there may have been a non disclosed vehicle event (accident etc.) that caused damages which were improperly and unsafely repaired without proper disclosure. Concern being that there may be other hidden issues which may continue to put my family at risk. when asked the dealer and manufacturer (thor) place blame with ford as the chassis manufacturer. I do not believe ford motor company stores and installs 15 year old tires on brand new chassis. I believe there was an event when the vehicle was being transported by giant rv from thor's manufacturing center to their dealership in california. I believe they replaced the tire for the lowest cost as possible with inferior and unsafe material - putting me and my family as well as my vehicle at risk. I feel it IS reasonable and and I feel a responsible dealer would do all they could to determine where and how this happened. If this IS their business practice there are other vehicles and consumers at risk. the tire blew out while in a typical travel situation, after recently being serviced by the dealer (giant rv) for unrelated warranty issues. Tire blew out on 2/24/19 during regular travel. (Fewer than 4,000 original miles on the coach). the failure was due to a front driver side mismatched tire that had a dot date of 2005 and failed due to age. The unsafe tire was identified as being a 2005 dated dot tire by both highway patrol and a tire agency which did the roadside repair for me. The tire was provided to giant rv service department where they too agreed that this was an unsafe ("expired") tire. Ultimately thor agreed to reimburse me for the tire. *dt *jb

• Jul 16, 2018NY781 mi
  Steering
  TL* the contact owns a 2018 jayco 31Z. While driving 65 mph, the steering was unstable and uncontrollable. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer (albany rv, 48 rensselaer ave, latham, ny 12110, (518) 459-4695), but was not diagnosed or repaired.…

  TL* the contact owns a 2018 jayco 31Z. While driving 65 mph, the steering was unstable and uncontrollable. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer (albany rv, 48 rensselaer ave, latham, ny 12110, (518) 459-4695), but was not diagnosed or repaired. Albany rv referred the contact to another unknown local dealer. The manufacturer was notified and referred the contact to the dealer. The failure mileage was 781.

• Jun 7, 2018CA3,500 mi
  Structure › Body
  While driving on the fwy the bunk doors on my motorhome failed where the door screws into the hinge braket causing the 45lbs door to fall off. On a seperate occasion on the other door, the weld in the bracket failed and the other door fell off. These doors are in a strait line with the driver and…

  While driving on the fwy the bunk doors on my motorhome failed where the door screws into the hinge braket causing the 45lbs door to fall off. On a seperate occasion on the other door, the weld in the bracket failed and the other door fell off. These doors are in a strait line with the driver and passenger seats and in the event of a panic stop or traffic collision could cause great bodily harm or death. The manufacure of the vehicle did not engineer the brackets and mounting devices properly and have created a potential hazard in all similarly equiped vehicles.

• Apr 10, 2018TX3,000 mi
  Parking brake
  TL* the contact owns a 2018 ford F-53. When the emergency brake was released, the emergency brake chime continued to be audible and could not be deactivated. The emergency brake warning indicator also illuminated. The contact mentioned that the brake assembly was replaced twice prior to this…

  TL* the contact owns a 2018 ford F-53. When the emergency brake was released, the emergency brake chime continued to be audible and could not be deactivated. The emergency brake warning indicator also illuminated. The contact mentioned that the brake assembly was replaced twice prior to this failure. The dealer was not contacted for the emergency brake chime failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and recommended that the contact call the dealer that serviced the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000. *Tt *tr

Defect investigations

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.

• Trimark 060-1650 Door Latch Failures

  PE20021Opened Nov 23, 2020Closed Dec 13, 2024
  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…

  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 open the recreational vehicle door equipped with the latch.If the motorhome does not have any other doors such as some Class A models, occupants could be trapped inside, needing to climb out using the emergency exits. If locked out, owners would be unable to easily get in and retrieve children and pets. ODI analyzed the data provided by Trimark in response to its January 27, 2021 information request letter.Although an elevated failure rate was evident on a specific combination of plunger bolt, door lock/latch assembly and door, the data showed that most failures occurred within the first two years of service on the affected 2015-2017 vehicles.This data suggests that component failures generally would have already occurred.Further, ODI data reflects a downward trend in complaints after calendar year 2018 and for post- MY 2016 vehicles.This downward trend may be attributed Trimark's actions in 2016 such as changes in the manufacturing process of its zinc plunger component for the relevant population and its 2016 decision to switch to a steel plunger. In view of the nature of early-life failure, and failure rate trending downward for model years 2017 and newer, this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is closed.  The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 11008948While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions.
• 10254138All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com > Parts and Service > Parts Product Line Information > Keys/Entry Devices > Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad.
• 10241626Various 2013-2019 vehicles may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P264F after powertrain control module (PCM) replacement. This DTC indicates that the engine serial number (ESN) must be programmed into the PCM. The ESN is located on PTS > Diagnostics tab > HVBoM > Features > Engine Serial Number. Once the ESN is obtained from the historical vehicle bill of materials (HvBOM), it can be programmed into the PCM using the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. Navigate to the toolbox tab> powertrain menu> Service Functions> ESN.
• 10241547Various 2013-2019 vehicles may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P264F after powertrain control module (PCM) replacement. This DTC indicates that the engine serial number (ESN) must be programmed into the PCM. The ESN is located on PTS> OASIS> Features> Engine Serial Number. Once the ESN is obtained from the historical vehicle bill of materials (HvBOM), it can be programmed into the PCM using the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. Navigate to the toolbox tab> powertrain menu> Service Functions> ESN.
• 10240743The Service Awareness Newsletter is an informal communication that contains information that may not be presently available in a TSB, SSM, GSB, or other electronic communication. This article includes information on warranty, technical service tips and other service information.
• 10235153For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are followed when diagnosing the condition prior to all module replacements and only order modules using the correct VIN.
• 10228849Some 2014-2021 F53 Motorhome/F-59 Commercial Stripped Chassis may exhibit a pinion seal leak. A new part number is available to to resolve this concern, MU9Z-4676-A. For claiming, use causal part number 4676 and applicable labor times in Section 04 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
• 10217028Some 2017-2022 Ford/Lincoln customers may experience a notification in the FordPass/LincolnWay app indicating Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode. This occurs when the vehicle has not been started for 14 consecutive days, battery voltage is at/below 9.5 volts or the body control module (BCM) 12 volt battery state of charge (SOC) drops below 50%. A warning may also set if the telematic control unit (TCU) has received an over the air update. The TCU powers down all communication when in this mode and app features are disabled. Manually start the vehicle to wake if from mode. More information is located in the app under: Account > Help > search 'Deep Sleep' in the entry box. If the condition remains, check the BCM 12v SOC. If the SOC does not change after charging the battery or after BMS reset is performed, continue with normal battery and/or BMS sensor diagnostics.
• 10164497For Ford and Lincoln vehicles that require positive or negative battery terminal replacement, it is not necessary to replace the complete battery cable harness (14300 and 14301) for this concern. Positive battery cable clamp BT4Z-14450-AA and negative battery cable clamp BT4Z-14450-BA are available for this type of repair. Do not cut or shorten the battery cable, instead carefully remove the affected battery cable clamp and clean the cable end as necessary to preserve wire length. Some rework may be necessary for some vehicle environments. Bend the new positive battery cable clamp as needed and crimp it to the existing battery cable. Make sure to use heat shrink tubing over the battery cable to battery cable clamp connection. Obtain the heat shrink tube locally.
• 10160931On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be greased with Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Grease Spray XL-5-A even if grease was not applied from the factory. Also verify that the engine/transmission alignment dowel pins are present as well as the engine crankshaft dowel pin, if equipped, when installing the transmission. Failure to adequately lubricate the converter hub greatly increases the likelihood of the flexplate cracking in the future. Missing dowels may cause a misalignment issue also resulting in a premature failure. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01.
• 10155574Various 2013-2019 vehicles may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P264F after powertrain control module (PCM) replacement. This DTC indicates that the engine serial number (ESN) must be programmed into the PCM. The ESN is located on PTS> OASIS> Features> Engine Serial Number. Once the ESN is obtained from the historical vehicle bill of materials (HvBOM), it can be programmed into the PCM using the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. Navigate to the toolbox tab> powertrain menu> Service Functions> ESN.
• 10153920Some 2018-2019 F-150 vehicles built at Kansas City Assembly Plant on or after 4-Apr-2018 and Dearborn Truck Plant on or after 13-Apr-2018 and some F-Super Duty vehicles built at Kentucky Truck Plant on or after 22-Apr-2018 and Ohio Assembly Plant on or after 18-Apr-2018 may exhibit doors that are difficult to unlatch or latch in temperatures at or below freezing. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
• 10140323The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDealer - Parts and Service - Parts Product Line Information - Keys/Entry Devices - Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Access to this site is granted through Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES) and Dealer Principal, General Manager or Parts and Service Director can authorize users. Once authorized the retrieval process for master code can be obtained. The master code for the Accessory Keyless Entry Keypad cannot be retrieved from the body control module(BCM) with a diagnostic tool.
• 10138524The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDealer - Parts and Service - Parts Product Line Information - Keys/Entry Devices - Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Access to this site is granted through Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES) and Dealer Principal, General Manager or Parts and Service Director can authorize users. Once authorized the retrieval process for master code can be obtained. The master code for the Accessory Keyless Entry Keypad cannot be retrieved from the body control module(BCM) with a diagnostic tool.
• 10137113Replacing the original equipment SYNC/Navigation system with either an aftermarket SYNC/Navigation kit or modifying original SYNC/Navigation parts to provide additional features is not recommended nor supported on any Ford, Mercury or Lincoln vehicle. Only approved Genuine Ford accessories or originally installed systems are supported and certified to function correctly with other vehicle systems. If you suspect a system has been modified, the following resources can be used to verify original equipment: Monroney Label (Window Sticker), Professional Technician Society (PTS) OASIS tab  select SYNC or HVBOM. For Genuine Ford accessories use: PTS Workshop Tab  select Dealer Installed Accessory or Accessory Installation.
• 10137101Some vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. Before attempting any component diagnosis or replacement of the VCT solenoid, refer to Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) pinpoint test HK11 to cycle the affected VCT solenoid 10 times to attempt to clear the debris. For claiming, use causal part 6M280 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
• 10127405Some vehicles may exhibit a no start condition with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and a DTC P161A after PCM replacement. This may be due to the parameter reset procedure not being properly completed. To clear this DTC, use the Ford Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) service tool or Ford J2534 Diagnostic Software, select - Toolbox - Body - Security - PATS Functions - Parameter Reset. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the procedure. This procedure will transfer the existing Key ID information between the modules without the need of having 2 programmed PATS keys present. There is no need to program keys when the PCM is going to be replaced. Additional information can be found in the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-01. Missing or lost keys are not warrantable.

Every Ford F-53 model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.