RoadVitals

2014 Ford F-53

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
17
Latest Jun 26, 2019
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Jul 2, 2014
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 17 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2014 Ford F-53, most frequently naming the body & structure, interior & seats and suspension categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 26 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Body & structure728.0%
  • Interior & seats312.0%
  • Suspension312.0%
  • Other / unspecified312.0%
  • Visibility28.0%
  • Exterior lighting28.0%
  • Airbags14.0%
  • Engine14.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

Jul 2, 2014
635 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 F-53 motorhome chassis and F-59 commercial chassis manufactured February 14, 2014, to March 7, 2014. The affected chassis may have incorrectly machined brake calipers that may leak brake fluid.
The risk: Brake caliper leaks will cause longer brake pedal travel and lengthened stopping distances, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Ford has notified owners. Dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the affected brake calipers, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S14.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 14S14View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE20021ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

Trimark 060-1650 Door Latch Failures

Opened Nov 23, 2020
Closed 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 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.

EQUIPMENT

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

AirbagsVisibility
Filed Jun 26, 2019
Crash reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 FORD F53 THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE INCREASED TO HIGH SPEED BUT, SEIZED IN THE UPWARD POSITION AND THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO A UNKNOWN OBJECT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES OR FIRE DUE TO THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LAZYDAYS RV OF TAMPA 6130 LAZY DAYS BLVD, SEFFNER, FL 33584 (800) 306-4002 BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED .THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 29,000.

NHTSA ID
11222740
Incident
Jul 24, 2018
Mileage
29,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Mar 11, 2019

WIPERS TRAVEL TOO FAR AND CATCH ON DRIVERS MIRROR (DRIVERS SIDE) AND ON PASSENGERS SIDE, OFF OF THE WINDSHIELD BELOW THE RUBBER GASKET AND HANGS ON GASKET. WHILE IN USE, I MUST EITHER STOP, OR TURN THE WIPERS OFF AFTER ONE SWEEP. I CALLED THOR OWNERS HELPLINE SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO HELP. I CALLED AGAIN TODAY (3/11/2019) AND TALKED TO KIRK. AGAIN NO HELP. *DT *DT *DT*JB *BF... CONSUMER TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER (4/17/19)*JB *DT CONSUMER STATED WIPER ISSUE IS COMPLETELT RESOLVED.*JB

NHTSA ID
11185781
Incident
Mar 10, 2019
Mileage
15,500 mi
Body & structureInterior & seats
Filed Aug 6, 2018

THE ENTRY DOOR DOES NOT LOCK AND MULTIPLE TIMES HAS OPENED WHILE DRIVING. THERE IS A RECALL ON LATER MODEL YEARS, BUT THIS MODEL YEAR WAS NOT INCLUDED. WHY?? THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND CERTAINLY ONE THAT EXISTS IN PRIOR YEARS. *TT *TR

NHTSA ID
11118053
Incident
Aug 5, 2018
Mileage
10,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed May 2, 2018

ENTRY DOOR POPS OPEN IN MOTION *TT *TR

NHTSA ID
11091451
Incident
Jul 5, 2016
Mileage
16,000 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Apr 12, 2018

2014 FORD F-53. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE FRONT WHEEL BEARING REPAIR PROBLEMS. *SMD *CN

NHTSA ID
10838239
Incident
Dec 16, 2015
Body & structureInterior & seats
Filed Mar 28, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD F-53. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEADBOLT LOCK ON THE ENTRY DOOR WOULD LOCK INDEPENDENTLY. THE OCCUPANTS WERE UNABLE TO ENTER OR EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ELECTRIC STEPS OPENED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CAMPING WORLD OF SACRAMENTO (1039 ORLANDO AVE, ROSEVILLE, CA 95661, (916) 772-1155), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V510000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES) AND 15V866000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000.

NHTSA ID
11081911
Incident
Aug 9, 2017
Mileage
17,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Mar 21, 2018

INADEQUATE LIGHT FROM HEADLIGHT VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT ! BARELY SEE 5 FT IN FRONT AT NIGHT

NHTSA ID
11080643
Incident
Mar 1, 2018
Mileage
8,000 mi
Exterior lightingSuspension
Filed Aug 22, 2016

HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO LIGHT UP THE ROAD. HAVE TO USE HIGH BEAM AT NIGHT. LEG LIGHTS LIKE THESE JUST DISAPPEAR OUT IN THE DARK, IS NOT BEAMED AT ALL. CANNOT SEE THE ROAD, PERIOD. CONTACTED FR BUT THEY DON'T RECOGNIZE THIS PROBLEM OR TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY. LIGHT FIXTURE ARE ALSO LOOSE AND HARD TO TIGHTEN BACK UP. THE FORD F53 CHASSIS IS A 2014 MAKE. SUSPENSION IS REALLY BAD IN THE FRONT. 3 TIMES REPLACED BEARINGS AND SPINDLE. ON WARRANTY BUT THERE IS REALLY NOT ENOUGH SUSPENSION AND IT MAKES THE FRONT VIBRATE. SO MUCH SO THAT THE OVERHEAD BED HAS FALLEN DOWN SEVERAL TIMES AND HAS TO BE SUPPORTED BY A WOODEN BRACE. DASHBOARD VIBRATE AS WELL. THIS IS ALL HAPPENING WHILE DRIVING. BAD ROADS MAKES IT WORSE.

NHTSA ID
10897622
Incident
Jun 9, 2016
Mileage
6,400 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SSM 54601

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY

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 vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k

SSM 53040

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. 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.

SSM 52476

EQUIPMENT

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 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.

SSM 51854

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

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 > 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.

SSM 51849

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

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> 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.

SSM 51536

STRUCTURE

For 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.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford F-53 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026020
2025130
2024410
2023410
2022320
2021132037.3
2020322042.4
2019600
2018111143.0
2017610
2016151037.9
2015700
2014Viewing171145.8
2013810
2012110
2011710
2010100
2009000
2008100
2007000
2006000
2004000
2003200
2002010
2001510
2000210
1999152143.2
1998110
1997320
1996220
1995620
1994010
1993010
1992310
1991210
1990310
1989010

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.