2013 Ford F-53
Only 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 6 |
| 1996 | 2 |
| 1997 | 3 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 7 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 8 |
| 2014 | 17 |
| 2015 | 7 |
| 2016 | 15 |
| 2017 | 6 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2020 | 16 |
| 2021 | 8 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 8 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 8 total reports mention: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
HEADLIGHTS WILL ONLY ILLUMINATE THE HIGHWAY A SHORT DISTANCE AHEAD (50-60 FT) OF THE VEHICLE. CANNOT DRIVE AT NIGHT. ALSO, THE BRAKES TO NOT SEEM TO BE ADEQUATE. *DT CONSUMER SOLD THE VEHICLE.*JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20180612
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 WINNEBAGO ITASCA SUNSTAR RV EQUIPPED WITH A 2013 FORD F-53 SD CHASSIS. WHILE DRIVING DOWN AN INCLINE AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150527
2 of 8 total reports mention: suspension.
2 of 8 total reports mention: exterior lighting.
Show complaint excerpts
THE HEADLIGHTS ON THE MOTOR HOME ARE INADEQUATE FOR NIGHT DRIVING. THEY ARE DANGEROUS CAUSING THE NEED TO USE THE HIGH BEAMS WHICH IS NOT IDEAL. THE DAYTIME DRIVING LIGHTS ON MY CAR DO A BETTER JOB.
NHTSA ODI report, 20151110
1 of 8 total reports mentions: visibility.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-53. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD FIBER GLASS WAS SEPARATING FROM THE MOTOR HOME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180531
1 of 8 total reports mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-53. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD FIBER GLASS WAS SEPARATING FROM THE MOTOR HOME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180531
SAFETY TIMELINE
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 F-53 motorhome stripped chassis vehicles manufactured from July 10, 2012 through July 13, 2012. Theses vehicles were assembled with incorrect steering gear a
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear adapter plate retention fasteners, free of charge. The safety recall was completed on September 7, 2012. Owners may contact Ford
Campaign 12V422000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2013 Ford F-53 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 12V422000 (steering) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2013 Ford F-53 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ford F-53?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Ford F-53 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.