2021 Ford F-53
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2021 Ford F-53. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2021 Ford F-53. Newest first.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-53 recreational stripped chassis vehicles. The rear stabilizer bar attachment brackets may break and separate from the vehicle.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Brackets that separate from the vehicle can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the bolt tightness for both rear stabilizer attachment brackets and replace the weld nuts and bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 8, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to become ready February 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S62.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-53 Motorhome Stripped Chassis and F-59 Commercial Stripped Chassis vehicles. An inadequate amount of rear axle lubricant may cause rear wheel bearing damage and bearing seizure, and rear axle or driveshaft failure.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Failure of the rear axle or driveshaft may cause the loss of motive power, failure of the parking brake, and the inability to shift the transmission into "PARK," increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the rear wheel bearings, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 12, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S17.
Owner complaints
13 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Equipment › Mechanical › Integrated jack/leveler/stabilizer › Hoses/cables/rods/gears/strut/cylinder
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-53. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the chassis was lowered down. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact looked underneath the trailer and noticed that the chassis had lowered down. The vehicle was taken to a…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-53. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the chassis was lowered down. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact looked underneath the trailer and noticed that the chassis had lowered down. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the dealer declined to diagnose the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired because the vehicle was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,166.
- Suspension
22S62 - Loose Rear Stabilizer Bar Bracket Bolts. The rear stabilizer bar attachment brackets may break and separate from the vehicle during usage. NOTE: This is a safety risk that I do not want to take. Ford Pro has not been able to locate a Ford Repair in the local area(within 100…
22S62 - Loose Rear Stabilizer Bar Bracket Bolts. The rear stabilizer bar attachment brackets may break and separate from the vehicle during usage. NOTE: This is a safety risk that I do not want to take. Ford Pro has not been able to locate a Ford Repair in the local area(within 100 miles) that can do this repair. NOTE2: The offical notice was issued in Jult 2024 from Ford, P,O, Box 1904, Dearborn, MI 48212-1904.
- Suspension
Front bump stops for suspension fell of in first 5k miles. I had them replaced and less than 1k miles later one of them is falling off again. This is a common issue with ford F53 RV owners, regardless of final RV maker (mine is Tiffin, but Thor and Fleetwood owners all are having this issue).…
Front bump stops for suspension fell of in first 5k miles. I had them replaced and less than 1k miles later one of them is falling off again. This is a common issue with ford F53 RV owners, regardless of final RV maker (mine is Tiffin, but Thor and Fleetwood owners all are having this issue). According to the service ticket this was a revised part. This is a real safety issue as the front springs are now steel on steel in a bump scenario and could cause an driver to loose control..
- Service brakes, hydraulic
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F53. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the electronic braking system independently engaged, causing all the rear tires to shake without warning. The contact pulled off to the shoulder of the highway with white-colored smoke coming from the rear end of the…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F53. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the electronic braking system independently engaged, causing all the rear tires to shake without warning. The contact pulled off to the shoulder of the highway with white-colored smoke coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact called for assistance, but the contact was instructed to drive the vehicle in 20-minute increments until he arrived at a service center. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer where it was determined that the electronic brake had overheated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle would not be covered under warranty. The vehicle was repaired out of pocket by the contact. The failure mileage was 2,981.
- Suspension
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F53. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V731000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Several local dealers were contacted, and the contact was informed that an appointment to repair the vehicle was not…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F53. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V731000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Several local dealers were contacted, and the contact was informed that an appointment to repair the vehicle was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed there was no appointment yet available to repair the vehicle under recall. 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. The VIN was not available.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F53. The contact stated that the automatic headlight switch failed to turn on. The contact was unable to view the instrument cluster. The contact had to utilize the windshield wipers for the automatic headlights to operate as needed. The contact covered the electric eye…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F53. The contact stated that the automatic headlight switch failed to turn on. The contact was unable to view the instrument cluster. The contact had to utilize the windshield wipers for the automatic headlights to operate as needed. The contact covered the electric eye while activating the headlights. The contact called and notified an unknown local dealer of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Electrical system
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F53. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that he had not experienced any failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 2,000.
- Electrical system · Power train · Service brakes
I have a 2021 Ford F-53 Mobile home. The "AdvanceTrac" and Traction Control Warning Lights intermittently come on during normal driving conditions. This has occurred on multiple trips. Online Blogs show this problem is occurring on other people's automobiles. Ford does not have a RV Service…
I have a 2021 Ford F-53 Mobile home. The "AdvanceTrac" and Traction Control Warning Lights intermittently come on during normal driving conditions. This has occurred on multiple trips. Online Blogs show this problem is occurring on other people's automobiles. Ford does not have a RV Service center available to even diagnose this problem until late July. It is currently May. My only option is to let the new RV sit or drive it under these conditions which could be dangerous.
- Power train
When trying to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle will occasionally lunge a couple feet, then stop moving. This makes the vehicle extremely hazardous when trying to pull into traffic or make a left hand turn with oncoming traffic. It is a transmission issue, as the engine runs fine. I have a…
When trying to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle will occasionally lunge a couple feet, then stop moving. This makes the vehicle extremely hazardous when trying to pull into traffic or make a left hand turn with oncoming traffic. It is a transmission issue, as the engine runs fine. I have a picture of the Driver Information Center when this failure occurs that indicates a major transmission problem. The vehicle is still under warranty but no Ford dealer will look at it in the year and a half I have been trying to get it fixed. I have a Ford Pro customer service person assigned to the case but he can't tell what dealer to take it to for repairs. When this condition happens, the vehicle can not move. So it can't be driven to the dealer when this condition. The only way I discovered to clear this problem is put the transmission in Park and shut off the engine. Then restart the engine and put the transmission back in Drive. This is very time consuming when in the middle of an intersection with a speeding semi truck bearing down on you. So I rarely drive this $150,000 motorhome. It's a death trap and according to Ford, it cannot be fixed.
- Suspension · Unknown or other · Vehicle speed control
The slightest gust of wind turns off the traction control which disables cruise control and other important features. If this happens, you have to pull off the road, turn the vehicle off and restart to reset all of the features. Ford is well aware of this and has yet to determine a fix.
- Equipment · Equipment › Mechanical › Slide-in camper · Equipment › Recreational vehicle/trailer
The contact owns a 2022 Tiffin 36 LA RV built on a 2021 Ford F-53 chassis. The contact stated while the RV was parked, the hydraulic slides opened independently to 4-6 inches. The contact closed the hydraulic slides; however, the failure reoccurred daily. The dealer was not notified of the failure.…
The contact owns a 2022 Tiffin 36 LA RV built on a 2021 Ford F-53 chassis. The contact stated while the RV was parked, the hydraulic slides opened independently to 4-6 inches. The contact closed the hydraulic slides; however, the failure reoccurred daily. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The RV was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Steering
Advance Trac Light comes on. Loosing CC/Sway/Hill Hold
- Suspension · Vehicle speed control
My Motorhome is on a f-53 chassis and i am getting the Advanctrac Warrning that Advance trac is disabled and the cruise control shuts down. The cruise control stopping and no advance trac is a big safety problem
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.
- 10252410Customer Satisfaction Program 22N15 Certain 2020-2023 Model Year Bronco Sport, Escape, Corsair, E-Series, F-650/F-750, F-53 Motorhome Chassis, F-59 Commercial Stripped Chassis Vehicles Equipped with Smart Data Link Connector (SDLC) Gateway Module Reprogramming for Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Testing Adding Not OTA Capable Owner letters. Other documents submitted 01/02/24 & Received OTA letters submitted on 02/01/24
- 10249489Certain 2020-2023 Model Year Bronco Sport, Escape, Corsair, E-Series, F-650/F-750, F-53 Motorhome Chassis, F-59 Commercial Stripped Chassis Vehicles Equipped with Smart Data Link Connector (SDLC) Gateway Module Reprogramming for Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Testing Addinf owner letters. First part submitted 01/02/24
- 10248066Certain 2020-2023 Model Year Bronco Sport, Escape, Corsair, E-Series, F-650/F-750, F-53 Motorhome Chassis, F-59 Commercial Stripped Chassis Vehicles Equipped with Smart Data Link Connector (SDLC) Gateway Module Reprogramming for Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Testing
- 10241949Certain 2021-2022 Model Year Econoline, Super Duty Chassis Cab, F53 Motor Home, F59 Step Van, and F650/F750 Medium Duty Chassis Cab Vehicles Equipped with a Premium Rated 7.3L Engine - Engine Horsepower Credit
- 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.
- 10235316Some 2020-2022 F-53 Motorhome chassis vehicles may require a jounce bumper replacement. A new part has been released for service. To service, use part # LU9Z-3020-B tightened to 47.5 +/-7.2Nm. For claiming, use causal part number 3020 and M-time.
- 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.
- 10234588Some customers with 2020-2023 F-53 Motorhome and F-59 Commercial Stripped Chassis vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) less than 20,500 lbs. may exhibit longer than expected brake pedal travel upon initial application with no other functional concerns. If normal Workshop Manual (WSM) diagnostics do not identify a concern, this condition should be considered a normal characteristic. These vehicles are equipped with brake calipers designed to reduce brake pad drag that may result in perceived excessive brake pedal travel. Comparison to F53 or F59 stripped chassis vehicles over 20,500 lbs. or prior model years should not be performed due to differences in brake system design and characteristics.
- 10233726Some 2020-2021 F53/F59 Stripped Chassis vehicles may experience an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0037 and/or C003A. If normal diagnostics lead to replacement of the tone ring, be advised that the tone ring has been superseded with improved parts for both the passive (MU9Z-2C026-D, open shutter design) and active (MU9Z-2C026-C, closed shutter design) systems. Follow Workshop Manual, Section 206-04 for tone ring replacement.
- 10228871Some 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair/F-53 Motorhome/F-59 Commercial Stripped Chassis, 2021-2023 F-650/F-750/E-Series, and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles may exhibit an intermittent no crank/no start condition and/or an intermittent blank instrument panel cluster (IPC)/SYNC touchscreen. This may be due to the software in the gateway module (GWM). To correct the condition, reprogram the GWM using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming use causal part 14F642 and the applicable labor operations of Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
- 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.
- 10226767Some 2020-2022 F53 Motorhome built on or before 06-Oct-2022 and 2021-2022 E-Series vehicles built on or before 09-Mar-2021 may exhibit a Service AdvanceTrac and Pre-Collision Assist Not Available message in the cluster with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0051 stored in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. Cruise control may also be inoperative. To correct the condition, reprogram the ABS module using the latest software level of the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS). For claiming, use causal part number 2C219 and applicable labor times in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
- 10226763Some 2020-2021 F53/F59 Stripped Chassis vehicles may experience an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0037. If normal diagnostics lead to replacement of the tone ring, be advised that the tone ring has been superseded with improved parts for both the passive (MU9Z-2C026-D) and active (MU9Z-2C026-C) systems. Follow Workshop Manual Section 206-04 for tone ring replacement.
- 10222255Some 2020-2022 F53 Motorhome built on or before 06-Oct-2022 and 2021-2022 E-Series vehicles built on or before 09-Mar-2021 may exhibit a Service AdvanceTrac and Pre-Collision Assist Not Available message in the cluster with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0051 stored in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. Cruise control may also be inoperative. To correct the condition, reprogram the ABS module using the latest software level of the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS). For claiming, use causal part number 2C219 and applicable labor times in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
- 10218904Some 2021-2022 F-650/750, 2020-2022 Motorhome/Commercial Stripped Chassis vehicles built on or before 10-Jun-2022 with very low miles may experience parking brake drag. This condition typically occurs in less than 3000 miles (4800 kilometers). This condition may be identified even with the hand or pedal actuator mechanism disengaged. Inspect the park brake system for damage and replace parts as required per Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 206-05. If no damage if found, adjust the park brake cables and the park brake shoe adjuster per WSM, Section 206-05. For claiming, use the applicable labor operations 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.
- 10216963Some 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair/F-53 Motorhome/F-59 Commercial Stripped Chassis, 2021-2023 F-650/F-750/E-Series, and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles may exhibit a communication fault with emissions inspection equipment. This may be due to the software in the gateway module (GWM). To correct this condition, reprogram the GWM to latest software level using the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. Use causal part 14F642 and applicable labor times from Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
- 10211902Some 2020-2022 F-53 Motorhome vehicles may exhibit a Service Advance Trac and Pre-Collision Assist Not Available message in the cluster with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0051 stored in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. Cruise control may also be inoperable. If this concern is still present after normal diagnosis, clear the DTC with the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. If the concern returns advise the customer a key cycle may clear the warning indicator. Inform the customer that engineering is currently working on a solution for this condition and that they can continue to drive the vehicle which is expected to be available in the third quarter of 2022. Monitor OASIS for additional information and schedule service appointments for customers once the repair becomes available.
- 10210816Some 2017-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a TCU may exhibit inoperative remote features via Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app, incomplete user authorization and/or no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed. To correct this condition prior to programming, remove the TCU fuse for 5 minutes then reinstall. Delete all previous session files for the vehicle. Verify that the electronic serial number (ESN) is now displayed. Start a new IDS/FDRS session. Program the TCU to the latest IDS/FDRS version level. Make sure you are connected to the internet before retesting. If the concern is still present, follow normal diagnostics in Workshop Manual(WSM), Section 415-00. Refer to PTS OASIS home page for TCU version identification. For claiming, use causal part 14G229 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
- 10208152Some 2020-2022 F-53 Motorhome Chassis/F-59 Commercial Stripped Chassis vehicles may exhibit an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0037 and/or C0038. This may be due to a damaged rear wheel speed sensor (WSS) ring. Minimal damage may cause DTCs and can be difficult to detect during visual inspection. If replacement is required, closely inspect the service part to ensure no damage is present and follow Workshop Manual, Section 206-09 to replace. Removal of the ABS sensor is required to avoid damage to a new ring when servicing. Use a suitable jack to aid with hub/rotor install on the axle to prevent ring damage during assembly. Some backorders may be experienced when ordering the ring. Submit a customer online parts inquiry system (COPIS) vehicle off road (VOR) ticket is recommended to prioritize orders.
- 10202647Some 2021-2022 F-650/750, 2020-2022 Motorhome/Commercial Stripped Chassis vehicles built on or before 20-Sep-2021 with very low miles may experience parking brake drag. This condition typically occurs in less than 3000 miles (4800 kilometers). This condition may be identified even with the hand or pedal actuator mechanism disengaged. Inspect the park brake system for damage and replace parts as required per Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 206-05. If no damage if found, adjust the park brake cables and the park brake shoe adjuster per WSM, Section 206-05. For claiming, use the applicable labor operations of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
- 10200985Some 2020-2021 F-53 Motorhome Chassis/F-59 Commercial Stripped Chassis vehicles may exhibit an anti-lock brake system (ABS) light on with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0037 and/or C0038. This may be due to a bent or damaged rear axle tone ring. Inspect the tone ring teeth on the affected rear wheel and replace the tone ring if damage is present. It is recommended to inspect the service tone ring before installation to make sure no damage has occurred in shipment. The tone ring is susceptible to damage during the ring to rotor installation as well as installing the hub and rotor assembly onto the axle housing. Use a suitable jack to aid in the installation of the assembly to prevent any contact with the tone ring during reassembly.
- 10199927Customer Service Advisory for Ford Recall (21S17) regarding Low Oil Volume Rear Axle
- 10198666Some 2020-2021 F-59 Commercial Stripped Chassis vehicles built on or before 15-Mar-2021 and equipped with adaptive cruise control may exhibit a Front Camera Fault message, Adaptive Cruise Control Fault message, and/or pre-collision warning indicator. This may be due to the front camera assembly becoming detached from the windshield. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reattach the front camera assembly to the windshield and align the camera.
- 10194650Some 2020-2021 F-53 Motorhome Chassis 16,000-22,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight (GVW) vehicles may exhibit an anti-lock brake system (ABS) light on with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0037 and/or C0038. This may be due to a bent or damaged rear axle tone ring. Inspect the tone ring teeth on the affected rear wheel and replace the tone ring if damage is present. It is recommended to inspect the service tone ring before installation to make sure no damage has occurred in shipment. The tone ring is susceptible to damage during the ring to rotor installation as well as installing the hub and rotor assembly onto the axle housing. Use a suitable jack to aid in the installation of the assembly to prevent any contact with the tone ring during reassembly.
- 10194412Some 2021 F-Super Duty and 2021-2022 E-Series vehicles equipped with a 6.2L or 7.3L gasoline engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0457 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to a loose fuel filler cap. The fuel filler cap design has changed, requiring multiple turns to seal properly. Advise the customer to turn the fuel filler cap clockwise until there is at least one audible click to seal properly. For further diagnostics, refer to the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual, pinpoint test HX.
- 10189585Some 2020-2021 F-53 Motorhome Chassis vehicles requiring service to the rear stabilizer bar may have a detached weld nut on the rear axle housing. Service this missing nut with part number W713546-S439.
Every Ford F-53 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.