2018 Ford F53 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Structure:body (2) · Wheels (1) · Suspension (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Ford F53 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (1)
Wheels 2018-07-16 · campaign 18V470000 · 162 vehicles
Defect: 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: If a sufficient quantity of wheel studs break on one hub, vehicle handling could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Service bulletins (17)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Unknown Or Other 2026-02-24 · SSM 54601 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
ford and lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the
Unknown Or Other 2024-10-10 · SSM 53040 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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.
Equipment 2024-04-24 · SSM 52476 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
all 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 vehicle s owner during initial delivery. unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad,
Power Train:manual Transmission:control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) 2023-08-10 · SSM 51854 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
various 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 > diagn
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) 2023-08-08 · SSM 51849 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
various 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>
Equipment:other:owners/Service/Other Manual 2023-06-08 · SAN-Vol1 I1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the 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.
Showing the 6 most recent of 17 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2021-07-19 · Structure:body · 7,376 mi“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 de…”
2021-05-11 · Structure:body · 75,000 mi · 🔥 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 not…”
2020-11-17 · 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 .…”
2019-04-02 · Wheels · 3,100 mi“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…”
2018-07-16 · Steering · 781 mi“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 …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.