2020 Ford F-53 recalls
Reported Mar 24, 2021 · 16,128 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company
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.
Risk: 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.
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.
2020 Ford F-53 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Suspension | 7 | |
| Power Train | 6 | |
| Service Brakes | 5 | |
| Structure | 4 | |
| Electrical System | 2 | |
| Equipment | 2 | |
| Wheels | 1 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | |
| Unknown or Other | 1 | |
| Tires | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1
- Equipment › Recreational Vehicle/Trailer — 1
- Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit — 1
- Structure › Frame and Members — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 23,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2020 Ford F-53 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Tires · at 23,000 miles · reported Oct 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-53. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the rear tires blowout and caught on fire. The contact extinguished the fire. The contact stated that the bed of the vehicle was swaying back and forth while driving the vehicle. The contact stated that the slide-outs unexpectedly extend while driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a service center, where it was determined that the slide-outs had failed and that rear tires needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was…
Structure · at 11,055 miles · reported Apr 24, 2025
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…
Structure · reported Feb 3, 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.
Electrical System · reported May 7, 2024
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…
Suspension · reported May 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Tiffan Open Raod. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22v731000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2020 Ford F-53 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2020 Ford F-53: 21V-202 (power train, suspension). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2020 Ford F-53?
Owners report suspension problems most often (7 reports), followed by power train (6). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 23,000 miles.
Are Ford recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.