RoadVitals

2020 Ford F-53 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
32
Latest Mar 7, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
11
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.
0

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2020 Ford F-53, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Suspension1833.3%
  • Brakes713.0%
  • Other / unspecified47.4%
  • Electrical47.4%
  • Body & structure23.7%
  • Driver assistance23.7%
  • Engine23.7%
  • Steering23.7%
  • Seat belts11.9%
  • Transmission11.9%

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

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID 11616824 · filed Sep 27, 2024

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ID 11571027 · filed Feb 9, 2024
All 18 reports naming suspension

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Manufacturer Recall Number21S17 NHTSA Recall Number21V202 AN INADEQUATE AMOUNT OF REAR AXLE LUBRICANT. In February 2026 Ford Dealer stated that parts for this recall are on a nationwide backorder. The Ford Dealer was Ken Grody Ford Commercial Truck Center, located in Fullerton, CA. This recall was issued in 2021…How is it possible that parts are still not available?!?!?! This vehicle is a motorhome that we travel in for work and do not have an alternative. Please help with a remedy. Thank you

NHTSA ID 11722724 · filed Mar 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F53. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V202000 (Suspension, Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID 11463196 · filed May 3, 2022
All 11 reports naming powertrain (other)

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The Ford dealer performed the Recall 21/v202 and the ABS light stays on.

NHTSA ID 11715489 · filed Feb 4, 2026

While driving the cruise control shut off, all dash lights came on - ABS brakes, traction control, etc. We stopped at the next service center and called tech support. Tech support felt it was a bad sensor which would correct itself after engine shut off for a little while. The motorhome would be safe to get to a repair center. Shutting the engine off did not correct the issue - the lights continued to come on. The repair center "found the wiring harness was loose at L/F rear of engine and was resting on the exhaust manifold flange. Verified severe wiring damage from laying on the flange - lots of wires were burnt up." "The possiblity of causing a severe fire."

NHTSA ID 11587428 · filed May 7, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-53. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21E047000 (STRUCTURE, EQUIPMENT); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the windows of the RV detached. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact took the RV to JnK Automotive, and it was determined that the window was include in the recall. The contact was contacted by Newmar and requested pictures of the RV windows; however, Newmar asked for the pictures to be retaken. The RV remained at JnK Automotive awaiting the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 11,055.

NHTSA ID 11656577 · filed Apr 24, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Fleetwood Flair built on a 2020 Ford F-53 Chassis. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V607000 (Structure); and was informed by the dealer advised that the RV needed to be inspected to check for the affected cabinet and then to report to the manufacturer for approval before the recall repair could be completed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had created an unreasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced the failure. VIN tool showed no open recall.

NHTSA ID 11640330 · filed Feb 3, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While driving the cruise control shut off, all dash lights came on - ABS brakes, traction control, etc. We stopped at the next service center and called tech support. Tech support felt it was a bad sensor which would correct itself after engine shut off for a little while. The motorhome would be safe to get to a repair center. Shutting the engine off did not correct the issue - the lights continued to come on. The repair center "found the wiring harness was loose at L/F rear of engine and was resting on the exhaust manifold flange. Verified severe wiring damage from laying on the flange - lots of wires were burnt up." "The possiblity of causing a severe fire."

NHTSA ID 11587428 · filed May 7, 2024

coach battery wiring drain repaired at lazy days 50 miles . Adapter on power steering\power breaks leaking at 300 miles. ford could not get hose and adapter parts. auto zone got parts fixed myself. Left rear sway bar attachment bracket missing one bolt and bushing at7000 miles knippen truck rv repair replaced bolts, cap, bushing . Right rear sway bar attachment bracket bushing worn out at 13000 miles knippen truck rv repair replaced bolts, cap, bushing . 13500 miles had to replace all 4 standard ford shocks to fix steering and ride ,tail swing .

NHTSA ID 11492113 · filed Nov 3, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-53. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21E047000 (STRUCTURE, EQUIPMENT); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the windows of the RV detached. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact took the RV to JnK Automotive, and it was determined that the window was include in the recall. The contact was contacted by Newmar and requested pictures of the RV windows; however, Newmar asked for the pictures to be retaken. The RV remained at JnK Automotive awaiting the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 11,055.

NHTSA ID 11656577 · filed Apr 24, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Fleetwood Flair built on a 2020 Ford F-53 Chassis. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V607000 (Structure); and was informed by the dealer advised that the RV needed to be inspected to check for the affected cabinet and then to report to the manufacturer for approval before the recall repair could be completed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had created an unreasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced the failure. VIN tool showed no open recall.

NHTSA ID 11640330 · filed Feb 3, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The abs light, and the traction control light stays on. When illuminated there is no hill start assist available, no abs braking, no traction control, nor cruise control.

NHTSA ID 11461869 · filed Apr 23, 2022

The following warning messages appeared at once and the cruise control was canceled causing Motorhome to slow suddenly on Turnpike. Hill assist inactive ABS inactive Traction control inactive This happened 3 times in a 2 hour drive on 11/15/2021. It has happened before but eventually goes away. It now happens more frequently.

NHTSA ID 11440619 · filed Nov 16, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

A large hole melted in the front pass through storage compartment, caused by intense heat from the exhaust right below the melted spot. There is no heat shield, and the wiring for the entire coach was also at risk, some of the ceasing melted. This has been verified by a service center. There could have been catastrophic consequences had the wiring melted during travel. The problem was first discovered while traveling in August 2021, but the wiring issue was unknown until October 8, 2021 while at the service center. In addition, both rear wheels are leaking grease, the problem first noticed while traveling in New York. However, the leaking was unknown until October 8 while at the service center. These are serious issues, and have no place in a 2021 new motorhome made by Jayco.

NHTSA ID 11436128 · filed Oct 9, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 FORD F53. THE CONTACT STATED THE AWHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SWAYED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GRIECO FORD OF FORT LAUDERDALE (1333 N. FEDERAL HWY, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33304; (844) 648-2686) WHO ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED DUE TO DEFECTIVE CABLES HOWEVER, THE SPECIFICS OF WHAT WAS SUGGESTED THAT WAS NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED WAS NOT SPECIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ANOTHER DEALER, PALMETTO TRUCK CENTER (7245 NW 36TH ST, MIAMI, FL 33166; (305) 592-3682) WHO CONFIRMED THE FIRST DIAGNOSTIC RESULT FROM THE FIRST DEALER BUT, STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED DUE TO THE HOUSE BEING PLACED ON THE CHASSIS. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRACKING WAS NOT ADJUSTABLE. THE ALIGNMENT WAS NOT PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED A CASE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,045.## VIN PASSED ## 2020 FORD F53 ##

NHTSA ID 11373007 · filed Nov 4, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Loud thumping while turning was the symptom. The front chassis frame crossmember rivets were loose (Other marked above = chassis). The same area that the front leaf springs and steering were connected to the frame. This also cause the sector shaft in the steering box to get loose and have excessive play (over 1/4 inch). If this were to fail completely, the steering would no longer be functional causing a catastrophic failure and accident. The dealer did not diagnose the problem properly and tried to say it was the motorhome manufacturer who caused the problem. Please note that none of the parts involved in the fix for the problem had anything to do with the motorhome. When escalated to Ford customer service, they chose not to have the vehicle inspected by their corporate staff instead entirely relying on the mechanics initial assessment (Denial letter from Ford available as an additional file). When taken to another repair shop, they found the specific problem with the frame and steering box and fixed the problem. The owner of the shop noted he has had multiple identical issues with the F53 frame.

NHTSA ID 11537479 · filed Aug 9, 2023

coach battery wiring drain repaired at lazy days 50 miles . Adapter on power steering\power breaks leaking at 300 miles. ford could not get hose and adapter parts. auto zone got parts fixed myself. Left rear sway bar attachment bracket missing one bolt and bushing at7000 miles knippen truck rv repair replaced bolts, cap, bushing . Right rear sway bar attachment bracket bushing worn out at 13000 miles knippen truck rv repair replaced bolts, cap, bushing . 13500 miles had to replace all 4 standard ford shocks to fix steering and ride ,tail swing .

NHTSA ID 11492113 · filed Nov 3, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 FOREST RIVER GEORGETOWN BUILT ON A 2020 FORD F53 CHASSIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT LATCH WAS NOT INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED CAMPING WORLD OF HANOVER (2100 BALTIMORE PIKE, HANOVER, PA 17331, (888) 899-0663) WHO SUGGESTED THAT THE RV BE BROUGHT IN FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,500.

NHTSA ID 11406696 · filed Apr 6, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2020 FORD MOTORHOME CHASSIS(F53). The contact stated that upon purchase of the vehicle, the battery warning light had illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact was informed by the dealer that the warning light would correct itself within 10-15 miles; the warning light remained illuminated. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the manufacturer had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The contact was informed that his alternator was defective and needed to be replaced; however, each alternator that had been sent to repair the vehicle was defective. The contact also discovered that his vehicle was included NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V202000(SUSPENSION, POWER TRAIN) and that the parts for the repair were unavailable. The vehicle had remained in the possession of the dealer and had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 950.

NHTSA ID 11422108 · filed Jun 24, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .