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  • Updated for 2026
Car Paperwork

Ford F-53 Recalls

NHTSA has issued 15 safety recalls for the Ford F-53, covering model years 2011 through 2026. Brake faults account for 3 of them, more than any other part of the vehicle. The 2025 model year has the most, with 3 separate campaigns against it. The largest single recall covered 16,128 vehicles. The most recent was reported to NHTSA on April 14, 2026.

Total recalls
15
Model years affected
14
Most recalled part
Brake
Latest recall
2026

Ford F-53 recalls by model year

How many campaigns were issued against each model year. One recall often covers several years at once, so these add up to more than the 15 total.

20262 recalls20253 recalls20241 recall20231 recall20222 recalls20212 recalls20202 recalls20181 recall20171 recall20161 recall20141 recall20131 recall20121 recall20111 recall

All Ford F-53 recalls

Each entry is an official NHTSA campaign, shown with the defect, consequence, and remedy exactly as the manufacturer reported them, newest first.

26V235000Reported April 14, 2026

WHEELS:HUB

Model years affected: 2025–2026

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 F-59 and F-53 vehicles. The front axle hub assembly may be missing the spindle nut and cotter pin.

What can happen

A missing spindle nut may lead to brake system damage or wheel detachment, resulting in a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Dealers will inspect and replace the front axle spindle nut and cotter pin as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 4, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S27. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 16, 2026.

Vehicles affected
4,351
Maker's recall no.
26S27
Owners notified
May 4, 2026
Read campaign 26V235000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
26V155000Exterior lightingReported March 17, 2026

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

Model years affected: 2025–2026

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 F-59 and F-53 commercial stripped chassis vehicles. The exterior brake lights may remain illuminated when the driver is not applying the brakes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

What can happen

Brake lights that remain illuminated can fail to alert other vehicles of the driver's intention, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Dealers will inspect the brake pedal and repair the brake booster push rod as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C17. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 20, 2026.

Vehicles affected
2,422
Maker's recall no.
26C17
Owners notified
March 27, 2026
Safety standard
FMVSS 108
Read campaign 26V155000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
26V025000Exterior lightingReported January 21, 2026

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS:SWITCH

Model years affected: 2025

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 F-59 and F-53 vehicles. The exterior brake lights may illuminate unexpectedly or fail to illuminate when the brake pedal is activated, due to an incorrectly installed switch. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

What can happen

Brake lights that do not illuminate properly while driving increase the risk of a crash. In addition, the vehicle may be shifted out of park without the brake pedal applied, increasing the risk of a rollaway and crash.

The fix

Dealers will replace the stop light switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 22, 2026.

Vehicles affected
231
Maker's recall no.
26C01
Owners notified
January 30, 2026
Safety standard
FMVSS 108
Read campaign 26V025000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
24V725000Electrical systemReported September 27, 2024

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Model years affected: 2024

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 F-53 Recreational Stripped Chassis and 2024 F-59 Commercial Stripped Chassis vehicles. The instrument panel cluster may not properly display the transmission gear position indicator. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 102, "Transmission Shift Position Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect."

What can happen

A transmission gear position indicator that fails to illuminate can make it difficult to identify the correct transmission shift position, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Dealers will update the instrument panel cluster (IPC) module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 12, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C32.

Vehicles affected
761
Maker's recall no.
24C32
Owners notified
February 12, 2025
Safety standard
FMVSS 102
Read campaign 24V725000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
23V510000Electrical systemReported July 21, 2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Model years affected: 2023

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-53 recreational stripped chassis and F-59 commercial stripped chassis vehicles. Corrosion in the Smart Data Link Connector (SDLC) may interfere with the Controller Area Network (CAN) communication, resulting in an inoperative instrument panel. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays" and 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems."

What can happen

An inoperative instrument panel cannot show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Dealers will install a wire harness connector, and inspect and replace the SDLC module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 26, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C24.

Vehicles affected
5,558
Maker's recall no.
23C24
Owners notified
October 26, 2023
Safety standard
FMVSS 101
Read campaign 23V510000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
23V164000BrakeReported March 10, 2023

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

Model years affected: 2022

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 F-53 and F-59 vehicles. The rear brake caliper attachment bolts may not be tightened correctly, which can allow the caliper to loosen and possibly damage the wheel or brake lines.

What can happen

A damaged wheel can result in a loss of tire pressure. A damaged brake line can cause a brake fluid leak and reduce brake performance. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

The fix

Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear caliper bolts, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, any damaged bolts will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S11.

Vehicles affected
644
Maker's recall no.
23S11
Owners notified
March 27, 2023
Read campaign 23V164000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
22V731000SuspensionReported September 30, 2022

SUSPENSION:REAR

Model years affected: 2020–2021

The problem

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.

What can happen

Brackets that separate from the vehicle can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

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.

Vehicles affected
13,455
Maker's recall no.
22S62
Owners notified
March 8, 2023
Read campaign 22V731000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
22V528000SteeringReported July 22, 2022

STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

Model years affected: 2022

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 F-53 Motorhome Stripped Chassis, and F-59 Commercial Stripped Chassis vehicles. The steering wheel attachment bolt may loosen and separate from the steering column, resulting in a loose or detached steering wheel.

What can happen

A loose or detached steering wheel can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Ford will work with the final stage vehicle manufacturers to replace and tighten the steering wheel attachment bolt, free of charge. As of August 10, 2022, all 692 vehicles included in this recall have been remedied. No owner notification letters will be mailed. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S50.

Vehicles affected
692
Maker's recall no.
22S50
Owners notified
September 19, 2022
Read campaign 22V528000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
21V202000SuspensionReported March 24, 2021

SUSPENSION:REAR

Model years affected: 2020–2021

The problem

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.

What can happen

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.

The fix

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.

Vehicles affected
16,128
Maker's recall no.
21S17
Owners notified
May 12, 2021
Read campaign 21V202000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
18V470000Reported July 16, 2018

WHEELS

Model years affected: 2018

The problem

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.

What can happen

If a sufficient quantity of wheel studs break on one hub, vehicle handling could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

The 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.

Vehicles affected
162
Maker's recall no.
18S21
Owners notified
August 20, 2018
Read campaign 18V470000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
17V768000BrakeReported November 29, 2017

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

Model years affected: 2017

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 F-53 stripped motorhome chassis and F-59 stripped commercial chassis, equipped with Antilock Brake Systems (ABS). The brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) on these vehicles may be missing valve block ball plugs, potentially causing a brake fluid leak or air ingestion during electronic brake distribution and/or ABS activation.

What can happen

A brake fluid leak or air ingestion can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for missing valve block ball plugs, replacing the unit as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 22, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S41.

Vehicles affected
390
Maker's recall no.
17S41
Owners notified
January 24, 2018
Read campaign 17V768000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
15V611000Power trainReported September 30, 2015

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Model years affected: 2016

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford F-53 and F-59 stripped chassis trucks manufactured June 1, 2015, to August 11, 2015. Due to an incorrect shift cable bracket and an improper shift cable adjustment, the affected vehicles can be shifted out of 'PARK' without applying the brakes.

What can happen

If the vehicle can be shifted into reverse without the brakes being applied, the vehicle may unintentionally move, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission shift control bracket and adjust the transmission shift cable, free of charge. The recall began on November 12, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S25.

Vehicles affected
1,477
Maker's recall no.
15S25
Owners notified
November 12, 2015
Read campaign 15V611000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
14V405000BrakeReported July 2, 2014

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

Model years affected: 2014

The problem

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.

What can happen

Brake caliper leaks will cause longer brake pedal travel and lengthened stopping distances, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

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.

Vehicles affected
635
Maker's recall no.
14S14
Owners notified
July 28, 2014
Read campaign 14V405000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
12V422000SteeringReported August 29, 2012

STEERING

Model years affected: 2013

The problem

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 adapter plate retention fasteners. Steering gear adapter plate fasteners could lead to torque loss in the steering gear attachment, potentionally leading to loosening and subsequent separation of the stearing gear over time.

What can happen

Separation of the steering gear may lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

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 at 1-866-436-7332.

Vehicles affected
31
Maker's recall no.
12S38
Owners notified
September 7, 2012
Read campaign 12V422000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
12V035000Power trainReported February 2, 2012

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

Model years affected: 2011–2012

The problem

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 F-53 AND F-59 STRIPPED CHASSIS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 1, 2010 THROUGH JULY 1, 2011 AND CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 F-53 AND F-59 STRIPPED CHASSIS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 10, 2011 THROUGH OCTOBER 25, 2011. THE ‘PRNDL’ CABLE MAY BREAK AT THE ATTACHMENT TO THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL SELECTOR ARM ASSEMBLY MOUNTED ON THE STEERING COLUMN. IF THE CABLE BREAKS, THE TRANSMISSION GEAR INDICATOR IN THE ‘PRNDL’ DISPLAY IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WILL REMAIN IN THE FIRST GEAR POSITION REGARDLESS OF THE GEAR SELECTED.

What can happen

AN INCORRECT GEAR INDICATION IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL MAY PREVENT THE DRIVER FROM KNOWING IF THEY ARE IN PARK OR REVERSE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

The fix

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR ARM ASSEMBLY AND THE ‘PRNDL’ CABLE ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 2, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

Vehicles affected
13,239
Maker's recall no.
12S27
Owners notified
March 2, 2012
Read campaign 12V035000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

What to do if your Ford F-53 is on this list

A recall listed here applies to a range of vehicles, not to every car of that model year. Manufacturers narrow it down by build date and VIN, so the only way to know whether yours is included is to check the VIN. You can do that free on NHTSA's recall lookup, or by calling any franchised dealer for that brand with your VIN in hand.

Recall repairs are free. Under federal law the manufacturer has to fix a safety defect at no charge, and there is no mileage limit and no expiry on that obligation for vehicles under 15 years old. A dealer cannot charge you for the parts, the labour, or the diagnosis on a recall repair, and you do not need to have bought the car there. If a dealer asks you to pay, that is worth escalating to the manufacturer's customer line, which is listed in the remedy text of each recall above.

Recalls do not block a title transfer or registration in any state. You can legally buy, sell, or register a car with an open recall, and sellers are generally not required to fix one first. That said, an open recall is worth raising before money changes hands, especially one with a do-not-drive advisory. If you are buying, run the VIN before you hand over the payment; if you are selling, telling the buyer about an open recall costs you nothing and avoids a dispute later.

Ford F-53 recall questions

How many recalls does the Ford F-53 have?

NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns for the Ford F-53 across model years 2011 to 2026. That count covers recalls filed from 2010 onward. Not every campaign applies to every car of that model year, because manufacturers limit recalls by build date and VIN.

Which Ford F-53 model year has the most recalls?

The 2025 Ford F-53 carries the most, with 3 recall campaigns. A high count does not automatically mean a worse car: a single supplier fault can trigger a recall across an entire production run, and manufacturers that report problems quickly tend to show more campaigns.

Are Ford F-53 recall repairs free?

Yes. Federal law requires the manufacturer to repair a safety recall at no cost, including parts and labour, on vehicles under 15 years old. There is no mileage limit, and you do not have to be the original owner or have bought the car from that dealer.

Can I sell or register a Ford F-53 with an open recall?

Yes. An open recall does not stop a title transfer or registration in any state, and private sellers are generally not required to repair one first. Dealers face stricter rules on some safety recalls. If you are buying, check the VIN before you pay; the repair is free, but you want to know what you are taking on.

Other Ford recalls

Ford F-150 recalls115Ford Explorer recalls96Ford Escape recalls83Ford F-350 Super Duty recalls75Ford F-450 Super Duty recalls66Ford Transit recalls64

Where this data comes from

Every recall on this page is published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the federal agency that oversees vehicle safety recalls in the United States. We pull the full recall file from NHTSA and reproduce the campaign number, defect description, consequence, and remedy exactly as the manufacturer reported them. NHTSA data is in the public domain.

Source:
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
NHTSA data as of:
July 18, 2026
Coverage:
Recalls from 2010 onward
Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov ↗

Buying or selling this car?

🔧All Ford recalls→🔑Paperwork for buying a used car→📝Paperwork for selling a car→📄Title transfer rules by state→📑Vehicle registration documents explained→🚗Recalls by make and model→

Last reviewed: 2026-07-18 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Independent resource · Not legal advice

⚠ Independent resource — check your VIN before actingCar Paperwork is not affiliated with NHTSA, any manufacturer, or any dealer. This page lists recalls issued for a model, which is not the same as a recall on your car: only a VIN check confirms that. Recall records are also updated by NHTSA continuously, so treat this as a starting point and confirm anything urgent with NHTSA or a franchised dealer. Nothing here is legal or repair advice.